Imagine stepping into a whimsical world of romance as you join James and Abby’s enchanting Abbey House Gardens wedding in Wiltshire, where warm summer sunshine infused every moment with relaxed elegance. Amidst the lush greenery, personal touches abounded, from the burnt orange silk bridesmaid dresses by Rewritten to the breathtakingly beautiful pressed flower cake that stole the show. The stylish reception only added to the day’s magic, a symphony of joy and love that resonated through every frame captured by Lyra and Moth’s skilled lens.
Abbey House Gardens Wedding
The Proposal
As the day drew to a close, James got down on one knee and popped the question at the iconic lockgates in Bude, Cornwall – a spot that held sentimental value for us as it was a place where we would often take in the breathtaking views of the sea together. It was only fitting that Abby’s hometown would be the backdrop to this special moment.
The Vision
Budget
When planning our special day on a budget, my partner Abby and I decided to take a creative approach to keep expenses in check. We entrusted the décor to friends and family, opting for locally sourced flowers that added a personal touch to the celebration. The main event was a delicious paella, accompanied by a sweet treat – cake for pudding! Our good fortune also played a role, as we were able to secure the venue at Abbey House Gardens and arrange everything else independently, thereby avoiding costly catering packages.
The Venue
The Ceremony & Music
As James’s brother-in-law Tom strummed acoustic guitar chords, Abby glided down the aisle to the iconic theme from The Local Hero. Meanwhile, the newlyweds had prepared their own heartfelt vows and promises to one another, which added a deeply personal touch to the ceremony. To further set the tone, we incorporated readings from Bob Marley’s inspiring lyrics and Winnie the Pooh’s whimsical wisdom. As the sun dipped below the horizon, a lively brass band took over, belting out pop covers that had everyone on their feet, dancing the night away with infectious enthusiasm.
Your Outfits
For Abby’s big day, she chose to wear her stunning Martina Liana dress, which she purchased from LJ Bridal – a boutique that specializes in offering sample dresses at a fraction of the cost. Not only did this option save her money, but it also ensured she could still rock the latest design, as it was currently in season and fit her like a custom-made garment. Meanwhile, James opted for a stylish suit from Slaters, which he had tailored to perfection by their expert team.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
The memory makers behind Lyra and Moth Photography, Sarah, did an exceptional job of capturing the raw emotion we were striving for. The end result left us in awe, as we now have a treasure trove of special moments to cherish forever. Similarly, CV Visual Films brought our love story to life on film, and every time we watch the video, it fills us with joy and happiness.
The Styling & Decor
Our wedding cake was a masterpiece, with Mrs. F’s expert hand pressing edible flowers to bring our vision to life. The flavors were just as impressive, featuring chocolate orange, lemon, raspberry, and marble cake. Meanwhile, YoungBlooms took care of the flowers and foliage, cultivating their own blooms to create stunning arrangements. We opted for simple yet elegant garlands on the tables, using soft ruscus and eucalyptus, while the bridesmaids’ bouquets featured dried grasses, flowers, and foliage for a rustic touch.Abby’s thoughtful planning extended to the decor, sourcing trestle tables, cross-back chairs, and tealights from Richardson’s Event Hire. She also purchased yards of white muslin fabric to use as table runners, preferring the natural look over something too polished. The wooden order of the day sign was crafted from an old gate in their garden, with local artist Danksy Murals adding a touch of elegance with hand-painted text.Charlotte Bergmann’s custom-designed table plan and signs were truly works of art, featuring personalized illustrations of places that held special meaning to us. Her creations were breathtakingly beautiful, perfectly capturing the essence of our special day.
The Honeymoon
During our travels, we had the pleasure of spending two nights in Bath, where we indulged in the therapeutic delights of Thermae Spa and savored afternoon tea at the esteemed Ivy restaurant. Our culinary adventure continued with a visit to Ole Tapas, whose flavorful offerings left us eager for more. Following this relaxing interlude, we embarked on a scenic drive to Conwy in North Wales, where we retreated to the breathtaking Hinterland cabin. This tranquil retreat boasted a hot tub nestled among the mountains, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Memorable Moments
Our wedding paella was a truly unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression on both us and our guests. Adrian from Pepperpot Catering worked his magic within our budget, delivering not only delectable cuisine but also an impressive visual display as he live-cooked the paella outside. As newlyweds, James and I took a moment to savor the atmosphere by stealing away for a brief interlude with a drink each. We found ourselves in the serene tranquillity garden, surrounded by the sounds of our guests having the time of their lives, and couldn’t help but exclaim at our good fortune. Unfortunately, James had to dash off to fetch my trainers as my heels were already protesting, making the walk back up a bit of a challenge.
Advice For Other Couples
When making decisions on your special day, remember they’re about the both of you, not just to meet others’ expectations. For instance, we opted for a delicious paella instead of a traditional three-course meal because it’s our favorite. We also made sure to savor every bite of our dessert, rather than letting it go uneaten. Abby even chose to preserve her bouquet instead of throwing it away, making the most of this meaningful symbol of their love.As you plan your wedding, don’t stress over the little things that might seem like a big deal in the moment. On the day itself, we found ourselves surprisingly unfazed by all the tiny details that would have normally kept us up at night. The candles didn’t blow out, the babies didn’t cry (or at least not too much!), and we just went with the flow.In the end, wasn’t it all just utterly lovely?