Greg and Isobel’s whimsical wedding celebration unfolded like a fairytale in a picturesque West Midlands garden during the Spring season. The lovely couple’s DIY decor, an abundance of fresh flowers, and a lush greenery flower arch created a serene atmosphere, while a gingerbread house added a touch of playful magic. What truly caught my eye, however, were their stylish ensembles. Isobel radiated elegance in her tulle-sleeved gown paired with delicate shoes from Rainbow Club, a favorite brand of mine. Greg, on the other hand, looked dashing in his green check suit and tan accessories. I’m grateful to Beans On Toast For Two for sharing these captivating images, which I highly recommend exploring further.
Afternoon Tea Party Wedding
The Proposal
It’s a memory that will be etched in my mind forever – the day Greg got down on one knee and proposed to me at Arley Arboretum on November 21st, 2020. The autumn leaves were ablaze with color, creating a picturesque setting that perfectly captured his thoughtful gesture. Knowing how much I adore nature’s splendor during this time of year, he cleverly chose an spot that would make the moment even more unforgettable. With a mix of nerves and excitement, he employed his trusty shoelace-tying trick to get down on one knee and pop the question. The rush of emotions was palpable as I said yes! After exchanging vows, we took some time to bask in the joyous atmosphere by the Italian water fountain, savoring our special moment over a leisurely lunch.
The Vision
As the pandemic reshaped our wedding vision, we shifted from envisioning an elegant estate house with intricate architecture and expansive spaces to creating a whimsical romantic haven inspired by a garden-themed celebration. The colour palette of green and gold became our guiding force, as I was enamored with the lushness of greenery and the way it harmonized with the opulence of gold. Our desire for unique, handmade decorations aligned perfectly with my passion for DIY projects, allowing us to blend the glamour of a high-end affair with the carefree essence of a garden party.
The Venue
As we embarked on the next chapter of our lives, we marked the occasion with a two-day celebration that began with an intimate ceremony at Solihull Registry Office the day before. This was followed by a whimsical garden wedding the following day, where we exchanged vows beneath a picturesque white marquee. Following the ceremony, we treated ourselves to a delightful afternoon tea amidst the lush surroundings. The festivities concluded with a sumptuous meal served under the stars at The Fox Inn Stourton, surrounded by friends and loved ones.
Your Outfits
As a fashion connoisseur, I found it challenging to discover a dress that met my standards while staying within budget and differing from the typical options available. With the local wedding shops closed, I turned to Etsy and sought out my favorite shop’s bridal collection. Amidst the stunning gowns, I stumbled upon a design that perfectly captured the features I coveted: flowy sleeves with wrist cuffs, a fitted silhouette, and an understated overall aesthetic. Despite the risk, I fell so deeply in love with it that I decided to take the plunge and have it handmade from Russia-based bridal shop. The result was a dress that exceeded my expectations.For jewelry, I opted for sentimental pieces – my grandmother’s pearl necklace and mother’s pearl earrings – which added a touch of emotional significance to my special day. My sister, a professional in the beauty industry, styled my hair and makeup with a 1920s glamour vibe.Greg, on the other hand, looked dashing in his green suit from Skopes, complete with a dark green tie, tan leather belt, and brown shoes. He purchased these online during the lockdown, as local shops were closed. The outfit was a perfect match for our special day.As my wedding gift to Greg, I surprised him with personalized socks featuring my face – a playful way to ensure everyone knew his wife. To further make up for any embarrassment, I also gifted him a customized watch with our wedding date etched on it.
The Ceremony & Music
We marked the occasion of our registry office ceremony at Solihull, a poignant moment made even more special by the presence of both sets of grandparents. The restrictions in place meant that this was the maximum number of family members we were allowed to have with us. The following day, we held our religious ceremony in the comfort of our own garden, where I walked down the aisle to the sweet sounds of ‘Now We Are One’, a song that holds special meaning for us.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Our experience with Beansontoastfortwo was truly exceptional. Their professionalism, adaptability, and unique photography style, which exudes warmth and romance, allowed them to capture every moment of the day with meticulous attention to detail and emotional depth. We felt privileged to have such talented individuals document our special day. Their ability to put us at ease made it seem as though they were old friends catching up, rather than photographers capturing the essence of our celebration. Their presence was almost imperceptible, allowing us to relax and enjoy every moment.
The Styling & Decor
As we exchanged our vows, the whimsical decorations set the tone for a romantic celebration. A stunning handmade archway adorned with fresh marsh flowers and lush greenery provided a picturesque backdrop for our ceremony. The marquee itself was transformed into an enchanted space with verdant foliage, twinkling fairy lights, and delicate white ribbon that wrapped around it like a gentle embrace. Above us, a soft glow emanated from a small lampshade, adding to the warm ambiance. To commemorate our special day, we used a beautiful gold ornate mirror as our wedding sign, inscribed with white pen in elegant script. Our guests sat comfortably on cream-colored chairs, adorned with Mr and Mrs signs suspended from the back of each chair. To fuel the celebration, we had an afternoon tea table set with fine china and a cake table featuring a gorgeous vase of flowers. The pièce de résistance was our wedding cake – a delicious naked cake artfully decorated with dried fruit, macaroons, and a personalized sign bearing our names, ‘Greg and Belle’, created by my talented family relative, Jenny. Our color scheme of green and gold, accented with subtle hints of white and pink, added to the charm. My bouquet was designed with country romance in mind, featuring light pink and white avalanche roses, eucalyptus, white carnations, ammi, stocks, lilac statice, and eryngium – a true reflection of our love story. To add an extra layer of sentimental value, we borrowed my parents’ wedding ring box to store our own rings, making it an emotional yet meaningful keepsake.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on our romantic getaway with a two-night stay in Worcestershire, settling into a modern studio apartment that set the tone for a relaxing honeymoon. The next chapter unfolded in Truro, Cornwall, where we indulged in a week of luxury at a converted barn boasting a hot tub and log burner. This idyllic setting allowed us to unwind and savour each moment together. Our adventure continued with a week-long sojourn in a family caravan in Rock, Cornwall, which offered the perfect blend of outdoor activities and romantic escapades. We explored scenic lighthouse walks, basked on Polzeath’s sun-kissed beaches, took leisurely boat rides in Foye, and indulged in shopping excursions in Padstow. Each evening, we delighted in exquisite meals by the sea, even braving the chilly winds and embracing the crisp nights with equal enthusiasm. Despite the cold and windy conditions, every meal was a culinary highlight, leaving us with unforgettable memories of our best time together.
Memorable Moments
As I reflect on the morning of our special day, I’m reminded of the joy it brought to share moments with loved ones – including my furry family member Toby, who donned a dapper tuxedo collar for the occasion. Similarly, having our pets involved in the celebration added an extra layer of warmth and love. Meanwhile, walking down the aisle with my father by my side was a cherished experience. And, of course, adjusting to our new life as a married couple required some getting used to – especially when it came to sharing updates with loved ones via Zoom.
Advice For Other Couples
As you prepare to tie the knot, whether it’s a traditional wedding or an unconventional celebration, remember that this day is yours to make unforgettable. Feel free to wear as many outfits as you like – we’re talking two each here! The extra excitement only adds to the joy. Make every detail sentimental, as it’s a time for your family and loved ones to come together in a meaningful way. And don’t worry about accommodating any last-minute changes or date shifts; your vendors will be understanding of your needs. After all, this is your special day, and you deserve to make it everything you’ve always wanted. I must say, Greg and Isobel’s lovely afternoon tea party wedding left me feeling grateful for their willingness to share their unique celebration with us.