I’m thrilled to share this enchanting beachside elopement, which holds a special place in my heart as it’s reminiscent of our own wedding experience in 2015. Lucy and Ollie, from WWW, tied the knot on September 18th, 2018, at The Beacon House in Whitstable, Kent, surrounded by their two young daughters and the gentle ocean breeze. The morning began with a romantic first look and intimate portraits on the beach, followed by an exchange of vows overlooking the serene coastline. Their whimsical celebration was perfectly captured through a pastel-hued colour palette featuring shades of pale pink, gold, and white. The resulting atmosphere was nothing short of magical, complete with a glittering cake, floral stationery, and lush blooms. Lucy stunned in her flowy floral appliqué gown, adorned with long sleeves and an exquisite flower crown, while Ollie looked debonair in his sandy linen suit and delicate pink rose buttonhole. Their little ones were equally charming in their matching pink dresses and whimsical floral headpieces. I’m grateful to Rebecca Carpenter Photography for sharing this treasure trove of photos with us today. I hope you enjoy every moment as much as I do!
The Proposal
As we settled into our new home, Ollie surprised me with an unexpected gift – a housewarming present that would change everything. As we sat on the sofa, he got down on one knee, his eyes shining with excitement, and presented me with the stunning ring I had admired 18 months prior. Later, I discovered that he had been holding onto this special piece of jewelry for an entire year, waiting patiently for the perfect moment to pop the question.
The Vision
My aim was to create a serene, cozy, and exclusive celebration that embodied the essence of an English bohemian beach wedding. From the outset, I was convinced that my color palette would revolve around soft pink, pure white, and radiant gold – a harmonious combination that evoked the gentle hues of a tranquil seaside setting.
The Planning Process
When planning our elopement, we chose to keep it under wraps – a deliberate decision designed to minimize stress and maximize excitement throughout the process. Initially, we had set our sights on Cornwall as the ideal location for our special day, but a serendipitous discovery during one of our visits to Whitstable changed everything. We stumbled upon Beacon House, and I knew instantly that it was meant to be. The property’s beachside location only solidified its appeal – we’re both huge fans of Whitstable, after all. Following the viewing, we booked Beacon House without hesitation, and the rest of the planning fell into place like a well-oiled machine. As the wedding approached, I spent months poring over Pinterest, visualizing the decor and aesthetic. With a long-standing color scheme in mind, I shared my vision with the florist, trusting them to bring it to life. Similarly, I discovered my photographer on Instagram, falling head over heels for her unique style. And although we had only six weeks to go before the big day, she somehow managed to squeeze me into her schedule – a blessing indeed.
Budget
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
I had always been meticulous when it came to envisioning my dream wedding dress, and that’s why I opted for a bespoke creation from Velvet Birdcage in Worthing. From a young age, I knew exactly what style I wanted, but I also knew that finding the perfect fit would be a challenge due to my high standards. After researching bespoke dresses, I visited Velvet Birdcage where we experimented with various styles and combined elements from different designs to create my final vision, which was sketched out for me on paper. The subsequent fittings were crucial in refining the dress, and by our third and final appointment, it had reached perfection. I opted for long lace sleeves and a deep V-neckline at both the front and back of the gown. The crowning glory was the 3D hand-stitched petals that covered the dress, with only subtle beading adding an extra touch of elegance. On the big day itself, I wore Asos sandals to ensure my feet stayed comfortable during our beachside photo shoot on Whitstable’s picturesque coast. To add a whimsical touch, I donned a stunning flower crown from our florist, Jane at Graham Greener – a surprise that wasn’t revealed until just an hour before the ceremony!
Beauty
With effortless elegance, I crafted my own hairstyle into loose, beachy waves before adorning myself with a beautiful flower crown. Meanwhile, makeup mastery was entrusted to Avril Jarrett, an expertly recommended artist whom I discovered through Instagram’s vast network. For the occasion, I opted for a natural glow look, pairing it with a soft pink lip hue that added a touch of whimsy to my overall aesthetic.
Groom’s Attire
At my husband’s request, he donned a stylish ensemble for the beachy wedding – a sand-hued linen three-piece tailored suit courtesy of Moss Bros. I opted for this light colour palette to complement the laid-back atmosphere, and it proved to be the perfect blend of sophistication and bohemian flair. To complete his look, he added Zara loafers and a tweed tie, striking just the right balance between refined and carefree.
The Flowers
A delightful experience with Graham Greener, a florist that truly went the extra mile to ensure my special occasion was remembered for all the right reasons. I had sent over some inspiration pictures of flower styles I loved, along with my preferred colour palette, and their team worked wonders, crafting a stunning bouquet that perfectly reflected my vision. But that wasn’t all – they also created a gorgeous flower crown for me and a charming buttonhole for Ollie, making the whole experience truly unforgettable.
Bridesmaids
The two ladies by my side on the special day were none other than my own daughters, Ruby and Libby. They brought their own unique flair to the occasion with pink Monsoon dresses that perfectly complemented their bubbly personalities. To add an extra touch of elegance, they donned gold Next shoes that sparkled in the light. And because no wedding would be complete without a dash of whimsy, I commissioned personalized wands from Etsy for them to use as they cast their magic on the day.
Your Photographer
We were incredibly fortunate to have Rebecca Carpenter Photography capture our special elopement day. Her unique style and expertise ensured that the photographs not only beautifully documented our intimate ceremony but also conveyed the emotions, laughter, and love that filled every moment. By doing so, she gave us the opportunity to share our story with our loved ones who couldn’t be there in person. The end result was a collection of stunning images that left everyone who saw them feeling grateful and inspired.
The Cake
Hailing from the esteemed Whitstable Cake Company, this delectable treat boasts a rich chocolate base that harmoniously pairs with a velvety salted caramel filling. The crowning glory is a vibrant pink icing adorned with golden glitters, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this already impressive dessert.
The Details & Décor
Our choice of decorations was a thoughtful one, opting for simplicity to allow the existing beauty of the house to shine through. To create an enchanting atmosphere, we strung up delicate lanterns and paper fans beneath the tree canopies in the gardens, delicately wrapping them in fairy lights that twinkled like fireflies on a summer evening.
The Music
As we celebrated our special day, we curated a unique wedding playlist featuring a blend of our most beloved tunes, which provided the perfect background ambiance throughout the event. Amongst these tracks, one stood out as particularly significant – Ed Sheeran’s soulful rendition of ‘Tenerife Sea’, which held a special place in our hearts.
The Honeymoon
We opted out of immediate celebration, instead choosing to treat ourselves to a luxurious retreat at Beacon House. The remaining days of our trip felt like a well-deserved break from reality, allowing us to recharge and relax together. In fact, we’ve already started making plans for another mini getaway next year – it’ll be the perfect opportunity to recreate the magic and make some more unforgettable memories.
Memorable Moments
As we ventured onto Whitstable beach, the gusty winds caught us off guard. The closer we got to the coastline, the more intense the gusts became, leading to a series of amusing and picturesque moments. Despite the challenges, the experience was ultimately worthwhile, yielding some captivating shots that captured the raw energy of the sea.
Advice For Other Couples
As I reflect on our elopement experience, I’m reminded of the initial apprehension we felt about choosing this unconventional route. We worried about hurting others’ feelings, but ultimately, our desire for a private, intimate celebration won out. Looking back, I’m thrilled that we took the leap and prioritized our own happiness. The outcome was overwhelmingly positive – we’re still basking in the joy and fulfillment that came from having our special day tailored to our unique needs. My takeaway is simple: prioritize what brings you joy, regardless of societal expectations or traditional norms. Marriage is a celebration of love between two people, and it’s essential to honor that bond in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to both partners.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Rebecca Carpenter Photography expertly captured the whimsical charm of Lucy and Ollie’s special day, featuring a stunning dress by Velvet Birdcage, flawless make-up by Avril Jarrett, and elegant decorations courtesy of Ginger Ray. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the decadent cake crafted by Whitstable Cake. Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Beacon House, the celebration exuded a sense of effortless sophistication. Lou’s heartfelt message to the newlyweds, ‘So so lovely,’ perfectly encapsulates the joy and love that filled the air as Lucy and Ollie exchanged their vows.’