As we dive into a fresh new week at Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, we’re thrilled to share the enchanting wedding story of Nancy and Dan, whose special day unfolded on October 5th, 2018, at Houchins Farm in Essex. The couple’s whimsical celebration is a true treasure trove of autumnal charm, filled with warm, cozy moments that will leave you feeling all the feels. From the rustic pumpkins to the wooden signage and soft candlelight, every detail was carefully curated to evoke a sense of relaxed elegance. And then there’s the show-stopping hanging flower installation suspended from the barn ceiling – a true masterpiece that left us in awe. We’re also delighted to see that Jeccabox, a trusted Supplier Love member, crafted the lovely paper goods that added an extra layer of romance to the proceedings. As you flip through these gorgeous images captured by Ivory White Photography, keep your eyes peeled for some truly standout style moments, including a stunning bouquet, a dashing personalized leather jacket, and even a cameo appearance by a cute canine companion.
The Proposal
For as long as I can remember, my family has been fortunate enough to have a villa in northern Spain that’s been our go-to destination for years. As we planned Dan’s first visit, I had no idea he was thinking about taking our relationship to the next level. It wasn’t until our first night there, when we got all dressed up and headed down to town for paella and sangria, that things took an unexpected turn. As I stepped out onto the villa’s picturesque terrace, Dan dropped to one knee and popped the question. Still in shock, but with no hesitation, I said yes. The rest of our week was spent unwinding by the pool and indulging in delicious tapas – the perfect way to celebrate our new chapter.
The Vision
While many brides-to-be spend hours daydreaming about their dream wedding, I never really gave much thought to mine. Initially, the sheer number of options overwhelmed me. To clarify our priorities, Dan and I had a lengthy conversation about what we wanted from our special day. Our shared vision was having all our loved ones surrounding us, savoring great food and dancing to fantastic music. The dress, it seemed, would naturally follow these core elements.
The Planning Process
I meticulously planned ahead for about two and a half years, leveraging my organizational strengths to secure major components of my wedding well in advance – the venue, catering services, floral arrangements, and photography. This approach allowed me to tackle tasks in manageable chunks, avoiding the overwhelming feeling that can come with having too many responsibilities at once.
As the big day approached, I came to realize that while my initial ideas were solid, they still required execution by someone with more creative flair than myself. It was then that I discovered the talented team at Rock the Day Styling, who expertly guided me through any remaining logistical hurdles in the months leading up to the wedding.
The Venue
As we explored another wedding venue in Essex during an open day, we didn’t ultimately find our perfect match, but did receive a thoughtful goody bag containing a wedding magazine. During the drive home, I flipped through its pages and noticed that Houchins was hosting an open day at the same time. Intrigued, Dan and I decided to drop in for a visit and were instantly smitten. The experience echoed the thrill of finding my dream wedding dress – upon first laying eyes on Houchins, I couldn’t imagine exchanging vows anywhere else.What struck me most about Houchins was its masterful blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication, aligning perfectly with our vision. The venue’s open layout allowed us to envision countless scenarios, effortlessly adapting the space to suit our unique needs. Additionally, the on-site farm house offered a serene retreat for my family, traveling from Kent, where we could wake up together and enjoy a leisurely breakfast amidst loved ones – an ideal setting for relaxation and merriment.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I stumbled upon my dream dress at Bridal by Jodi in Maidstone, Kent, a quaint boutique that stole my heart. It was during a whirlwind engagement period when we had nothing but the season ahead of us. My Nana, an expert in all things stylish and my closest confidante, was undergoing chemotherapy, making this moment even more special.I had no idea what I wanted except for something unconventional, so I tried on various styles at the first shop we visited. While it wasn’t love at first sight, we decided to take a break and revisit Jodi’s later that day. My Nana has an uncanny knack for finding hidden gems, and indeed she spotted my dress in the corner, as if fate had brought us together.I was smitten instantly, but the ladies at Bridal by Jodi insisted I experience the full dressing-up ritual, trying on five or six more dresses before settling on Stella York. As soon as that dress was placed over my head, I knew it was meant to be – even before catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror.My mother asked how I’d feel if we returned in three months only to find Nana gone, and I replied, ‘I wouldn’t get married.’ It was then that Nana bought me the dress, her intuition as keen as ever. Tragically, Nana passed away just a year before our wedding day, but I believe we found that dress so she could be with me on my special day.To honor her memory, my mother transformed one of Nana’s diamond rings into a necklace for me to wear on our big day – a thoughtful blend of something old and new. To add an extra layer of sentimentality, I wore her vintage pink diamond earrings as my ‘something borrowed.’ Throughout the celebration, it felt like Nana was with me every step of the way.When it came to choosing shoes, comfort was key. Ted Baker’s elegant designs and exceptional comfort won me over, allowing me to wear them again in the future rather than limiting them to just one special day.
The Readings & Music
As I made my way down the aisle, the soothing instrumental version of ‘Tale as Old as Time’ from Beauty and the Beast played in the background, a nod to our playful joke about being like Belle and the Beast – a comparison Dan lovingly reiterated after the ceremony. In fact, he confessed that he was too caught up in the moment to even notice the music. The rest of the day saw us embracing our eclectic taste in music, with a mix of Stevie Wonder and Greatest Showman tracks accompanying the signing of the register. As we took our final walk together, ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ filled the air, leaving us beaming with joy. A heartfelt reading from R. Queen’s ‘If You Love Something’, beautifully delivered by my Maid of Honour Belinda, was a poignant highlight of the ceremony. For the evening’s entertainment, we had The City Folk on board, whose lead singer treated us to an impressive acoustic set during the drinks reception. In the end, it was our non-traditional first dance song – ‘Hard to Concentrate’ by Red Hot Chilli Peppers – that stole the show. The band’s infectious energy kept the dance floor packed all night long with a lively selection of tracks.
The Flowers
Sapphire Bates from The Flower Arranger was a mastermind behind our wedding flowers, effortlessly bringing my vision to life. She somehow managed to extract the essence of my Pinterest boards and vague descriptions, and create something truly magical. Despite the daunting scale and timing challenges, she delivered an installation that exceeded all expectations. I had asked for a show-stopping bouquet with an unconventional shape and seasonal colors, and Sapphire more than delivered. Her use of lush greenery, quicksand roses, dahlias, and autumnal hues resulted in a masterpiece that made me beam with pride. She even crafted my statement floral crown to complement my dress and blonde locks. For the bridesmaids, I opted for unique greenery bouquets, while individual buttonholes and corsages added a touch of whimsy. The girls’ arrangements were distinct yet harmonious, creating a visual feast. The décor, however, was where Sapphire truly outdid herself. Initially, I had grand ideas, but she somehow surpassed them all. In memory of my Nana, who adored flowers and left me a bequest, I wanted to ‘level-up’ the floral arrangements. Together, we conceived an awe-inspiring installation, photobooth doors, and it was nothing short of breathtaking – like stepping into an autumnal grotto. The end result was truly unforgettable.
Bridesmaids
Assembling my dream team of bridesmaids was a thrilling experience, bringing together my oldest friends and two sisters. The collective diversity was astounding – a kaleidoscope of styles, coloring, heights, body types, and personalities that I cherished. While this eclecticism presented some challenges when it came to selecting matching dresses, I loved the idea of showcasing each individual’s unique flair. Initially, I explored various options, imagining my girls in distinct ensembles; however, this plan was swiftly abandoned as four of them coveted one dress while one had her heart set on another entirely. The search continued, driven by a desire for harmonious cohesion. Ultimately, I discovered the perfect solution at Little Mistress on ASOS – a single design that, although initially not what I envisioned, proved to be a stroke of genius. The identical dresses showcased each bridesmaid’s beauty while bringing out the vibrant pink hue in my own dress. This aesthetic alignment also ensured a stunning complementarity with their greenery bouquets. Meanwhile, my flower girl Holly stole the show with her adorable velvet dress from Primark, accompanied by embellished shoes from Next and a suede bomber jacket – an edgy, unforgettable appearance that left everyone in awe.
Groomsmen
To create a relaxed atmosphere, I focused on making sure the groomsmen felt at ease. Dan, being the fiery personality that he is, wasn’t keen on wearing a jacket – it just didn’t fit his style. He opted for a waistcoat instead, which surprisingly complemented the overall aesthetic of the wedding perfectly.
I sourced the tweed waistcoats from an eBay manufacturer and paired them with high-street shoes, trousers, shirts, and ties. The result was a cohesive look that didn’t give away the affordability of the outfits. In fact, they looked so sharp together that Dan’s waistcoat stood out beautifully against the color of my dress.
The 26-degree October weather also played to our advantage, as it kept everyone cool and comfortable throughout the celebration.
The Details & Décor
The Rock the Day Styling team brought everything together in a beautifully curated package. The event space was transformed with an abundance of pumpkins in various shapes, sizes, and colors, accompanied by warm fairy lights. A special memory table was dedicated to both our grandmothers, featuring their wedding photos – a poignant touch that meant the world to us. To add to the festivities, I set up an instant photo booth using my camera, with props placed in front of reclaimed doors from Brown Birds, adorned with flowers and styled by Rock the Day. The table plan was cleverly designed on vintage wooden shutters from Brown Birds, surrounded by pumpkins, glass vases with individual flowers, and other decorative elements. Each table boasted a pumpkin centerpiece and elegant little glass bottles filled with fresh flowers. Sweet Delight Hire Services also contributed to our special day, providing unique rustic love letters that perfectly captured the essence of our celebration, as well as an organized order of events plan that was displayed prominently outdoors.
Beauty
When it comes to getting ready for a special occasion, there’s one person I trust with my makeup and hair – my dear friend Emma, who co-owns The Garden House Beauty Boutique in Ashford with her partner. Despite the early morning call at 5am during my 30th week of pregnancy, she was more than happy to help me feel my best. Over the years, Emma has developed a deep understanding of what works for me, and I have complete faith in her expertise. She uses Airbase makeup, which is renowned for its long-lasting, flawless finish that can easily be worn for three days without needing to be retouched. When I showed her my dress and explained what I was looking for, she worked her magic to create a stunning look that perfectly complemented my attire. With glowing skin, warm-toned eyes, and a beautiful lip color, I felt absolutely radiant. To complete the overall aesthetic, Emma crafted a gorgeous floral crown and styled an effortless, bohemian-inspired updo that was both messy and controlled. She also expertly handled the makeup for my many bridesmaids, as well as my mom, who wanted to look her absolute best. By taking into account each person’s individual preferences and skin tones, Emma created unique looks that perfectly suited their styles.
Your Photographer
Helen’s presence had an undeniable impact on us from the very beginning. Despite Dan’s initial reluctance, she managed to turn his frown upside down and leave him beaming by the end of our first meeting. Her remarkable ability to create a relaxed atmosphere is a testament to her exceptional talent as a photographer. Our experience with Helen was akin to having one of our closest friends behind the lens – we laughed, smiled, and cherished every moment. The resulting photos were nothing short of breathtaking, capturing each and every tiny detail of our special day with precision and finesse. Moreover, Helen demonstrated a genuine understanding and appreciation for our love for Celia, our beloved French Bulldog, incorporating her into the photo shoots in a way that felt authentic and natural.
Your Filmmaker
Despite our initial lack of connection with Dylan, he left an indelible mark on our special day. Unbeknownst to us, he was omnipresent throughout the celebration, his efforts only becoming apparent in retrospect. The video he crafted still has the power to reduce me to tears with its poignancy and beauty.
The Honeymoon
The morning after our chaotic wedding day, we surprised ourselves by booking a spontaneous getaway to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Tired and grumpy, we arrived at the Platinum Yucatan Princess resort, ready to unwind and leave the wedding fuss behind. The property did not disappoint, offering an array of delicious cuisine and an endless supply of refreshing cocktails. We spent our days lounging together, free from the constant chatter about weddings, and embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, where we were thrilled by the sight of dolphins and sea turtles swimming right up to us.
Memorable Moments
As I got ready for the big day, my girls were witness to a transformation like no other. They had never seen me dressed up in my finery before, and the anticipation was palpable. The moment the music started, I felt an overwhelming sense of readiness to commit to my soulmate forever. Dan’s reaction when he laid eyes on me will be etched in my memory forever – his face lit up with joy and adoration. Having all our loved ones gathered together in one place created a sense of unity and love that was truly special. The weather, too, played its part in making the day even more magical, with the sun shining down upon us. When Celia arrived for photos, her excitement was infectious – she was beaming from ear to ear! And as we danced the night away to the tunes of Chilli’s, it felt like nothing could bring us down. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
The Cake
We didn’t put too much thought into our wedding cake, initially planning to have a more unconventional dessert in the form of Krispy Kreme donuts. However, we wanted to ensure that both our families were happy, so we decided to go the traditional route and include a show-stopping cake-cutting moment. To make it even more special, we asked our amazing friends and family to bake a variety of sweet treats for us to enjoy. The result was an incredible spread featuring a large Lemon Drizzle cake for us to cut, as well as brownies, rocky roads, and cupcakes. To add a touch of whimsy, my Mum, Dan’s Mum, and godmother worked their magic by incorporating greenery and fairy lights into the design. And, of course, we still made sure to include our beloved Krispy Kreme donuts – this time on an impressive donut wall courtesy of Brown Birds.
Advice For Other Couples
Take control of your priorities and decide for yourself what matters most in your daily life. Be unapologetic about how you choose to allocate your resources, whether that’s time, money, or energy. And when it comes to your special day – like your wedding, for instance – don’t be afraid to think outside the box and include your beloved pet in the celebrations. Not only will this add a unique and personal touch to your photos, but they’ll also become treasured keepsakes for years to come. When it’s time to plan your wedding schedule, remember that your photographer is an expert in capturing memories – trust their guidance and don’t rush the process, as you want to make sure you have a chance to cherish every moment.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photography on Nancy and Dan’s big day was captured by Ivory White Photography, while Emma Haynes worked her magic as the make-up artist and hairdresser. The videography duties were handled by Dylan Drake. The wedding cake was a sweet treat provided by family friends. Jeccabox supplied the stationery, and the couple’s choice of wedding directory member was Wedding Stationery. For venue décor and styling, Rock the Day Styling, Brown Birds Wedding Hire, and Sweet Delight Hire Services all played their part. Sapphire – The Flower Arranger was responsible for the beautiful floristry. The ceremony took place at Houchins Farm Wedding Venue. Bridal preparations were courtesy of Bridal by Jodi, who provided Nancy with her stunning Stella York gown (designer number 6432). Her shoes were Ted Baker Peetch Court Shoes Mink. The bridesmaid dresses came from Little Mistress, while the groom and ushers suits were sourced from various retailers – Waistcoats: eBay, Trousers: Asos, Shirt: Next, Shoes: ASOS, and Ties: Next. With heartfelt thanks to all involved, Nancy and Dan’s love story will be remembered for years to come.