The allure of a pole tent marquee wedding lies in its timeless, rustic charm. Jess and Ed’s celebration, held on September 8th, 2018, perfectly embodied this ethos. The couple chose a picturesque Airbnb property as the backdrop for their special day, which began with an intimate ceremony at the local village church. The transportation to and from the venue was a memorable aspect of the wedding, courtesy of a vintage bus, car, and three tractors used to ferry guests. How delightful is that?!
Jess and Ed’s enchanting garden-meets-rustic-elegance aesthetic featured a neutral color palette and wooden accents throughout. Fresh flowers played a significant role in the day’s decor, including a charming cart adorned with blooms and a wooden crate, which greeted guests at the marquee entrance. Additional delightful touches included whimsical signs scattered about, cute confetti cones, a thoughtful seating plan, and a playful nod to their initial meeting. The couple also incorporated a personal touch by offering sloe gin favors, made using berries they picked after Ed’s proposal – what a lovely gesture!
I could go on and on about this captivating wedding, but instead, I’ll leave you with the stunning images courtesy of Pickavance Weddings, which we’re thrilled to share with you today.
The Proposal
As Ed whisked me away on a surprise weekend getaway to the Isle of Wight, I assumed it would be just a relaxing mini-break from London’s hustle and bustle. Little did I know, he had planned an epic 10-mile coastal hike for our first day as a couple. As we strolled along the picturesque seafront, completely alone, Ed suggested we stop to enjoy our picnic at a stunning cliffside perch. It was there, surrounded by breathtaking views, that he dropped down onto one knee and popped the question! I was utterly caught off guard, but thrilled nonetheless – we promptly headed to the nearest pub to raise a glass (or several!) in celebration! The rest of the day was spent foraging for wild sloe berries to incorporate into our own wedding favors, followed by a lovely dinner at a nearby eatery. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
The Vision
In designing our wedding, Ed and I were determined to infuse it with a sense of uniqueness and personal touches that reflected our relationship as a couple. We devoted considerable time to crafting bespoke elements for the day, thanks in part to some very special family members who lent their expertise. One standout piece was the custom animation designed by my brother-in-law for all of our wedding stationery. This whimsical touch held a special significance, as it served as a nod to how we first met on a blind date in Brockwell Park – Ed was waiting for me, frisbee in hand, and this chance encounter is now immortalized in the yellow hue that inspired his design. Our goal was to seamlessly integrate the natural beauty of the Cotswolds surroundings into our wedding aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the enchanted gardens that dotted the landscape. To achieve this look, we focused on a palette of soothing greys and whites, complemented by an abundance of natural woods that lent a sense of understated elegance to the overall atmosphere.
The Planning Process
As soon as we got engaged in October 2017, we knew we wanted to tie the knot the following September. With 11 months to plan, we were thrilled at the prospect of not having to wait too long. Given our organized nature, we created a comprehensive ‘wedmin’ spreadsheet with month-by-month to-do lists to keep ourselves on track. Despite my experience as an Events Manager, I found planning our own wedding more stressful than anticipated. The journey is filled with compromises and unexpected hiccups, but it’s also a unique time to learn more about each other and strengthen our partnership. We were fortunate to have the support of our loved ones and bridesmaids, which we’ll always appreciate.
The Venue
Raising eyebrows is nothing new when you share your unconventional wedding plans with friends and family. For us, hosting our special day in an Airbnb was a no-brainer. We craved a venue without restrictions, where we could truly make it our own for the weekend. And what better way to do that than take over an entire property? This approach allowed us to work with any supplier we chose, giving us complete control over the flow of events. The ceremony took place in a charming local church, while the reception unfolded under a traditional pole marquee in the beautifully manicured garden, boasting breathtaking views of the Cotswolds hills. Our ten-bed farmhouse, recently renovated to perfection, served as the ultimate backdrop for our celebration. And with a cozy cottage on site, accommodating 25 guests from our bridal party was a breeze, making for an unforgettable weekend experience.
The Flowers
To bring the enchanted garden theme to life, our focus was on incorporating rustic props and natural elements into the floral arrangements around the marquee and garden. Our talented florist, Abbie from ‘Your Cotswolds Florist’, expertly incorporated a mix of textures and interests to create an immersive atmosphere. A standout piece was the old farm cart, borrowed from the local farm shop, which served as a stunning centrepiece adorned with flowers cascading down for guests entering the marquee. I opted for a monochromatic palette, favouring white blooms and lush foliage to add depth and visual interest. The bridesmaids and my two Mums impressed by dressing the tables themselves using an assortment of jam jars, milk bottles, and other rustic containers. My bouquet featured loose, flowing arrangements of white flowers and greenery, conveying a sense of wild elegance. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were slightly smaller versions, while the groomsmen sported simple yet elegant white roses in their buttonholes, tying the entire bridal party together nicely.
The Details & Décor
As we envisioned our special day, we poured our hearts into every detail to create a whimsical yet rustic atmosphere that reflected our personalities. We wanted our wedding to feel like an enchanted garden, with each decision guided by this theme.Our arrival at the church was nothing short of dramatic – my dad and I pulled up in a vintage grey car we’d discovered at a local car show, while the groomsmen and bridesmaids rode in style on a 1950s coach we’d hired. After the ceremony, we needed a way to transport our 140 guests back to the reception. Fortunately, our friends from the local farm shop offered us three tractor-trailers decorated with pastel hues and bunting, perfectly capturing the charm of the surrounding countryside.The marquee and garden were filled with personal touches, including homemade signs and crafts created by my talented sister and brother-in-law. The table plan was a unique upcycled Ikea crate adorned with bamboo sticks, while an old wooden ladder draped in white flowers and foliage hung from the tented ceiling. At the entrance, we welcomed guests with vintage props, an old window, and a farm cart.Our tables were kept simple yet elegant, featuring pale grey linen runners, mismatched vases of flowers, copious candles, and our homemade sloe gin bottles as favors. As night fell, we lit up the marquee with festoon lights and enjoyed a roaring fire pit outside. We even had a ‘LOVE’ sign aglow near the house and lined the driveway with torches and a ‘Just Married’ sign.Of course, no wedding is complete without exceptional food! I was fortunate to have my friend Katie from Milkshed Catering Devon take charge of our culinary needs. Her expertise in rustic, sharing-style platters with creative presentation perfectly matched our vision. Not only did she provide top-notch cuisine, but Katie also proved a skilled Event Manager, seamlessly handling logistics, timing, and even the smallest details like lighting our fire pit and candles. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As a crucial part of my wedding preparations, I made sure to dedicate ample time to finding the perfect dress. Over two weekends, I scheduled appointments with my Mum and bridesmaids, where we indulged in prosecco and lunch while discussing our favorite dresses. The experience was not only enjoyable but also allowed me to try on various styles, even those that I knew wouldn’t be a good fit for me. It was all about having fun and exploring different options.My sister’s positive experience with Mirror Mirror, a bridal shop in north London, played a significant role in shaping my expectations. The team provided exceptional personal service, making me feel at ease as we explored their collection. After trying on several dresses, I fell in love with a fitted, lace off-the-shoulder design by Pronovias. The three-quarter length sleeves and striking neckline won me over, and everyone agreed that it was ‘the one!’.To add an extra layer of sentimental value to my special day, I chose to wear the veil my mother wore at her wedding – with a twist. I had it simplified and shortened to flow down the back of my neck, adding a touch of nostalgia to my overall look. I left feeling happy not only with the final result but also with the thought of carrying a piece of loved ones’ history with me on my big day.
Beauty
I embarked on a quest to find a stylist whose aesthetic aligned with my vision – effortless, bohemian-inspired hair and makeup. As soon as I met Lauren, I sensed an instant connection. Her portfolio of previous work put me at ease, and I knew she’d bring out the best in me. My hair was styled with luscious curls and elegant up-dos, while my makeup looked like a refined version of my everyday look. I encouraged my bridesmaids to express their individuality by choosing hairstyles that were more relaxed than traditional formal styles, and they each radiated confidence and beauty.
Bridesmaids
One of the most challenging aspects of planning the bridesmaid dresses was ensuring each attendant felt confident and at ease in her chosen attire. After numerous shopping excursions, we settled on a mid-length pale grey lace dress from Coast that harmonized beautifully with my own wedding gown. Meanwhile, my lovely niece, who served as flower girl, donned a simple yet elegant white A-line lace dress from Monsoon. The collective result was a visually stunning and cohesive look that left all the girls thrilled with their outfits.
The Readings & Music
Your Photographer & Videographer
Our wedding film and photo duo, comprising Alice and Rich, exceeded our expectations from the very beginning. We had spent a considerable amount of time searching for a team that could capture our special day in a way that felt authentic and natural. Fortunately, we stumbled upon Alice, who had worked with one of our closest friends on their own wedding film. Her glowing recommendation led us to Rich, whom she regularly collaborates with. After reviewing his portfolio and meeting him over a casual beer, we were thrilled to have them on board. What impressed us most was the duo’s ability to seamlessly capture the essence of our day without compromising its natural flow or resorting to formalities. On the actual wedding day, they demonstrated great finesse in striking a perfect balance between directing shots and respecting our privacy needs, as we had explicitly requested.
The Honeymoon
After our 11-month wedding planning marathon, we craved a chance to unwind and recharge. To celebrate our new life together, we rented a sleek black Mercedes convertible and embarked on a week-long tour of the South of France’s sun-kissed landscape. The experience was nothing short of idyllic – think picturesque hotels, delectable cuisine, and vino-filled afternoons. As newlyweds, we savored each moment, reminiscing about our wedding weekend and simply enjoying life together.Our plan all along was to follow up this mini-moon with an adventure-packed honeymoon a few months later. This way, we could prolong our wedding bubble and look forward to an unforgettable experience. After exhaustive research, we narrowed down our options and chose Chile as the ultimate destination. We managed to snag almost a month off work, allowing us to truly indulge in the trip of a lifetime.What made this honeymoon so exceptional was the incredible diversity it offered – from bustling cities to pristine beaches, towering volcanoes to breathtaking glaciers. We opted for top-tier hotels and activities, which added to the luxurious feel and left an indelible mark on our hearts. To this day, it remains the most extraordinary trip I’ve ever had.
Memorable Moments
The memories of our wedding day are etched vividly in my mind. Among them stand out a few particularly poignant moments that I’ll treasure forever. There was the surprise love letter from Ed, waiting for me when I woke up on the big day. Then there was the moment we first locked eyes in the church as I made my way down the aisle – it was like time stood still. My dad’s heartfelt speech had me in tears, and later, Ed and his band performing a special song just for me was pure magic. We also stole away to take a romantic stroll around the garden, basking in the love and support of our friends and family. And after everyone had gone home, we sat by the fire pit with a glass of port, feeling like the luckiest couple on earth.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the freedom to create an unforgettable celebration that reflects your unique personalities. Don’t be afraid to break with tradition or seek guidance from loved ones, as this can lead to a more intimate and meaningful experience for you both. It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter obstacles along the way, but remember that every sacrifice is worth it when the day finally arrives. Take time to reconnect with each other, reaffirming your love and commitment on the most special of days.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
In our latest blog post, we’re thrilled to share the stunning details of Jess and Ed’s special day. From the captivating photography by Pickavance Weddings to the enchanting videography courtesy of Wonderland Wedding Films, every aspect of their celebration was a masterpiece in its own right. The soulful sounds of Dr Funtimes, a talented soul and funk band, set the tone for an unforgettable night. Meanwhile, Your Cotswold Florist crafted breathtaking blooms that added a touch of elegance to the proceedings. Abbas Marquees provided the perfect marquee and décor to bring everything together, while Milkshed Catering treated guests to a delectable spread of culinary delights. Lauren Wheeler was on hand to ensure Jess and her bridesmaids looked absolutely radiant in their stunning ensembles from Coast. The picturesque Airbnb venue served as the perfect backdrop for the couple’s love story to unfold. As Lou, we’re honored to have been a part of their journey and can’t thank them enough for sharing their joy with us.