We’re delighted to share the enchanting woodland wedding of Kai and Beth, which took place on June 3rd, 2019 at Arnos Vale in Bristol. The couple exchanged vows beneath a picturesque wooden arbour amidst the trees, surrounded by family and friends. Their celebration was all about embracing a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, with good food, great music, and personalized touches that reflected their love story. With a budget of £7000, Kai and Beth demonstrated that planning a wedding can be a seamless process when prioritizing what truly matters. Beth shimmered in her lace and tulle gown, while Kai’s smart casual attire – complete with jeans, waistcoat, and tie – perfectly captured his charming personality. The stunning images featured here are courtesy of Chloe Mary Photo, which we’re thrilled to share with you. Prepare to be mesmerized by this idyllic celebration!
The Proposal
I’ll never forget the day Kai proposed to me on September 20th, 2016 – my birthday plus one. He had planned a surprise getaway to Sorrento, Italy, one of my favorite destinations, and it was there that he popped the question. As we strolled along the evening promenade, taking in the breathtaking views of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, Kai got down on one knee and asked for my hand in marriage. It was a complete surprise, making it one of the best birthday gifts I’ve ever received.For his part, Kai admits that planning the proposal was no easy feat. He had to navigate the challenge of keeping the surprise under wraps, but it paid off in the end. When the moment arrived, both of us were caught off guard – Kai was surprisingly nervous, and we didn’t know what to say at first! Thankfully, after dating for seven or eight years, there was never any doubt about my answer. It was a relief to have that one thing settled, allowing us to focus on our next adventure together.
The Vision
The essence of our ideal day was evoked by a desire for a laid-back atmosphere infused with elements of nature, coupled with an emphasis on bespoke, handmade elements that reflected our personal style. We sought to surround ourselves with the simple pleasures in life – a delicious meal and a harmonious soundtrack.
The Readings and Music
As we crafted the playlist with our trusted DJ, we opted for a dynamic mix of classic rock and Motown tracks that perfectly captured the essence of our special day. The result was nothing short of magical, leaving us beaming with delight. Meanwhile, both mothers-to-be were given the freedom to choose their own personalized readings, allowing them to feel included in the celebration without the added pressure of a formal speech.
The Planning Process
Originally, we had set our sights on June 1st, 2020 as the ideal wedding date, coinciding with our 10-and-a-half-year anniversary milestone. However, after a year of planning, we came to realize just how far away that date was, prompting us to reconsider and bring the celebration forward by a year. As we navigated the planning process, we found ourselves surprisingly relaxed, thanks in large part to our clear vision for what we wanted and an unspoken agreement to let the little things slide.
Budget
Initially, we had allocated a budget of $5,000 for our project, but with the support and contributions from our loved ones, we were able to increase the funds to approximately $7,000, making it possible to bring our vision to life.
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
Our wedding day was an authentic reflection of who we are as a couple, free from traditional expectations. This approach influenced our fashion choices, with Kai and his groomsmen/groomswoman opting for a stylish yet laid-back look consisting of jeans, shirts, and black waistcoats that added a touch of formality. To make the occasion even more special, Kai wanted to give Beth a unique gift. In collaboration with Sammy from Sammy Lea’s Retro Emporium, he commissioned a bespoke leather jacket incorporating elements significant to their relationship, including an animal skull paying homage to the woodland theme, bee charms (Beth wore matching bee earrings), some of her favorite flowers, and ‘Till Death’ surrounded by lightning bolts, a nod to Kai’s affection for AC/DC. The attire was sourced from John Lewis and Elizabeth Jane.
Hair & Makeup
The hair styling for the photoshoot was courtesy of Toni and Guy Bristol, a renowned salon. Meanwhile, Beth took on the role of makeup artist, personally handling the makeup duties to ensure a flawless finish.
Your Photographer
When selecting a photographer, we sought someone who embodied qualities such as friendliness, professionalism, and expertise. Chloe’s warm demeanor and impressive portfolio immediately stood out, offering a unique blend of relaxed and fun documentary-style photography that aligned perfectly with our vision. After meeting her, we were confident in her ability to capture our special day and produce the type of photographs we desired for our own wedding album. In fact, her photography is so distinctive that it sets itself apart from the typical traditional wedding photography we’ve seen elsewhere. Her website and portfolio showcased a storytelling approach that left us feeling uplifted and entertained, making us realize that this was exactly what we wanted to see in our own photos – a visual representation of our day’s joy and laughter.
The Cake
The Flowers
The Honeymoon
Our unforgettable honeymoon adventure took us to the picturesque county of Cornwall, where we explored unique attractions like the renowned Eden Project. Despite going over budget, we opted for a stress-free experience, skipping the hassle of booking flights and travel arrangements. Instead, we savored every moment in this breathtaking natural setting, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquility. The pièce de résistance? A romantic hot tub soak, accompanied by chilled prosecco – the ultimate relaxation haven.
Advice For Other Couples
We believe that couples should approach wedding planning with a more relaxed attitude, rather than stressing about what others will think or whether they’ll have a good time. Our experience is that when you prioritize your own happiness and don’t worry too much about the details, everything tends to fall into place. We didn’t break the bank, but we still got exactly what we wanted. In fact, our advice would be to focus on negotiating with the suppliers who matter most to you, rather than trying to find cheaper alternatives that might not deliver. For instance, we worked closely with our photographer Chloe to create a custom package that fit within our budget. By being open about our needs and priorities, we were able to strike a great deal that allowed us to have her capture our special day without breaking the bank.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With the help of talented professionals, Kai and Beth’s woodland wedding was a true masterpiece. Photographer Chloe Mary Photo captured every special moment, while The Spotless Leopard brought their catering expertise to ensure a delightful dining experience for guests. The couple’s unique style shone through in their attire, with Kai donning a stylish leather jacket from Sammy Lea’s Retro Emporium. Arnos Vale served as the picturesque venue for the celebration, where Neville from Musiczon kept the party going with his exceptional DJ skills. The beauty of the occasion was further enhanced by the lovely flowers provided by Les Fleurs.