Well, that's me all wedding-ed out for this year! I started my wedding planning business in 2021 and I had everything crossed that I'd manage to pick up a few bookings for the following year, but I can't believe how lucky I have been! I worked on over 20 weddings in total, each one so different from the last, and in the process I've met some brilliant couples, worked with incredible venues and connected with some unbelievable suppliers too. I've honestly left every single one of them feeling super motivated and so inspired having seen all the amazing ideas each couple has come up with. Sometimes I could just actually burst with joy! I thought I'd show you some of my favourite concepts from this year, and the little elements and details which have really stayed with me. So, here we go! Summer Festival Vibes!Remember the heatwave we had this summer? Well, I sure do. I hate the heat at the best of times but when you're in a bustling tipi or stood near a busy kitchen, WOW the struggle is real. When we say that we put blood, sweat and tears into your weddings this is often LITERALLY the case! But it's so so worth it to make your day as epic as physically possible. Outdoor venues like the ones I work with lend themselves perfectly to a festival style, so if you're regular Glasto-goers or you like the idea of a laidback afternoon with a few beers and some tunes, this might give you some ideas... Anna and Ian celebrated their wedding at Oakfield Gardens and it was the perfect place for them to create the musical marathon they were looking for. With relaxed dining and street food, and plenty of sunshine to boot, their day centred around family and friends with whom they enjoyed buskers, acoustic jams, spoken word artists and a pretty epic evening band, not to mention the afternoon singalong, campfire songs and the groom himself taking to the stage with his ukulele! Ellie and Tom went for a more traditional timeline with a church wedding, sit down meal and your typical evening reception. But the styling throughout the venue was full of fun, colour and party vibes with Jack Daniels & Grey Goose as the centrepieces on tables, a bouncy castle and activities outdoors for guests to enjoy and gorgeous colourful flowers at every turn which gave a fabulous festival feel! Properly PersonalisedAs much as I love Pinterest and all of that jazz, sometimes I feel there's too much pressure on people to follow certain trends and aspire to certain aesthetics. Sometimes you just want to rip up the rule book and make something that feels right for you. So whether that's a small gathering or a huge party, whether you book a big old venue or stay at home, the only thing that matters is that you have the day that makes you the absolute happiest. Faye and Steve were the most delightful couple to work with, and wanted to make the day all about their family and the beautiful life they have made together. With a marquee in their back garden, a load of Pimms and Prosecco, some fabulous foodie options and an intimate guestlist it was just the dreamiest day from start to finish. Harriet and Lawrence were looking for the tipi vibe that I know and love, but decided they'd be happier hosting it in their own home. With acres of space at their disposal and the perfect backdrop amongst the rolling Worcestershire countryside, they put together the most amazing tipi wedding that allowed them to really make it their own. They included a tree planting in their ceremony which will last for a lifetime and were able to have photos in the grounds of their family home meaning they had the epic party they wanted but in the most perfect place for them. Jess and Chris married at one of my usual venues, but I love how they added so many of their own touches to the day. There were homemade pieces everywhere you looked from photo backdrops and selfie stations to picnic tables and kids corners full of toys and tiny tipis for sleeping. And to think they pulled it all together in just a few short months! Incredible. A Splash of ColourPeople often ask me what my favourite wedding styling is, and the honest answer is... I just don't know! I've seen gorgeous neutral styling with beige and nude tones, I've seen pretty pastels and soft sage green and every single time I've thought "this is my new favourite". But there is something about a bold, colourful wedding that I just adore. So if that's more your style, this is how it's done... Rhian and Dan had chosen a few of my favourite suppliers so I had a feeling it was going to be a brilliant setup from the word go! With bright pink and orange as their main colours, everything just popped. The bridal bouquets, floral hoops, the bridesmaid dresses, the flower crowns, the groom's purpley suit and even the bride's sparkly dress - it was brilliant on every level. Leanne and Dave went to town with their styling, not only on the tables and in all the usual places but with beautifully colourful bunting across the bridge, lanterns hanging from the ceiling, balloons by the drinks buckets and even glow sticks for the party! It was subtle and summery - until we got to the smoke bombs and they were nothing short of epic! Jas and Paul chose some beautifully bold colours with the most stunning purple and orange floral installations and beautiful colourful touches in their candles, cake, and hanging origami decorations. The bridesmaids wore gorgeous pink and purple dresses and the bride herself wore the most beautiful golden gown. Katie and Mark went for a relaxed afternoon full of incredible Mexican-style food, and not even the rain could darken the mood. The tipis were glowing with colourful lanterns, floral decorations and beautiful, bold touches that made the whole room come alive! Pets at Weddings!Please don't be disappointed if I seem more excited to meet your four-legged friends than I do when I see you! I just love it when you bring them along to be involved. Whether you just want them to mooch about and be in your photos or you want to give them a role in your ceremony, I am totally here for it. And you don't just have to do it by halves, as some of my couples have shown... Rachel & Chris had a gorgeous wedding full of beautiful flowers, brilliant music and absolutely epic street food. I even got some incredible photos of our bride tribe on the bouncy castle! But possibly my favourite thing was how their two pet pooches followed them around all day, getting in on all the action! Emma & Adam went all in. Not only did they bring Ringo the dog along, but it was a dream of Emma's to have her horse in her wedding photos too. So after the ceremony, out he came. Looking splendid with pretty flowers in his mane, he wandered in the grounds for an hour for guests to say hello to and for the bride to get her perfect pictures. It was such a magical part of the day! Rustic & RomanticSometimes less really is more, and that shows when you go for simple styling and soft tones. There's a class and an elegance in keeping things minimal and the photos you get at the end will feel timeless. Barns, tipis and marquees can look stunning with just a few simple touches, as these guys have shown... Laura and Frank helped kick off my wedding season with a beautifully simple and elegant wedding in April. Sweet pink flowers, pretty candles and confetti and an abundance of amazing cakes and treats made for the most perfect day. Paddy & Mary Beth had not one, not two but THREE weddings both here and in the United States! For the English event it was always going to be a classic country-style affair. They chose a marquee, put up some bunting and explored the beautiful grounds and scenery. And the British weather even played ball to give them a gorgeous golden hour too. It was divine! Frankie and Rob's wedding was pretty as a picture with flowers at every turn and beautiful rustic styling with wooden signs and decorations. This day it did rain, but when you're in a venue this lovely it's still super cute and cosy. Autumn DaysDon't be too strict about getting married in the summer months! Some of the best weddings I've seen have been in late September or October when there's a crispness in the air and a cosy atmosphere all around. Really lean into those deep colours if you can too, you won't regret it! Megan and Ryan had little splashes of colour throughout the venue, from the little love hearts that lined the pathways to the gorgeous centrepieces on tables. They were brave and went for deep reds and greens, and with little fairly lights amongst it the place looked magical! Louise and Paul had the most perfect September wedding - the rusty orange colours, the beautiful flowers and accessories, and all topped off with a stunning golden hour which meant their whole day had a magical glow. Unbeatable! Jess and Sam chose an October date and really went with the whole Halloween-y theme. There were pumpkins, there were fairy lights, there was awesome neon lighting. But it still looked elegant and charming with lots of yellow and green touches to add a little sunshine. Beautiful! Laura and Nathan also embraced the oranges of October, which made their marquee feel so warm on a beautiful autumn day. They focused on flowers and a few touches on the tables which transformed both the ceremony and the sit-down meal. It was stunning! Sparklers and Fairy LightsYou may know I've spent most of my summer down at Elmbridge Farm and at night this place transforms into a magical little wonderland! The walkways light up, the firepit is lit and the tipis totally come to life. Ask your photographer to make sure you get a few snaps at night - you won't be disappointed! Beth and Kris had a fabulous day from start to finish, but I'll honestly never forget the incredible evening vibes they had. There is something so special about the simplicity of sparklers that brings out so much joy amongst friends and family! Jzuee & Dushyant's wedding was on another level - the colours, the outfits, the flowers! But again it was the sparklers and fairy lights around the venue which really topped it off. I mean, just look at the photos... Perfection! I really feel so lucky to get to witness all of this and call it a job. Thanks so much to all of the couples who let me be a little part of their day. Although I promise you I do work hard (I'm run ragged most of the day!), it's those quiet moments where I can step back and take in all the loveliness that make what I do extra special. Keep your eyes peeled for more blogs coming soon with details on all of the weddings I've been a part of!
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Hope you enjoy reading my blog. This is where I share all the gorgeous weddings I've been doing, as well as a few other tips and bits too! Previously...
May 2024
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