As I reflect on Carly and Pete’s special day, I’m reminded of the beauty of an outdoor wedding. The entire celebration took place in a picturesque field, courtesy of a kind neighbor. September 8th, 2018, was the date, and what a perfect setting it was for their love story to unfold. A talented actress friend led the ceremony, which was followed by a lively reception in a beautifully adorned tipi.
The Proposal
My now husband had a clever plan to propose when I least expected it. During our holidays to New York and Jamaica, I found myself wondering if he’d pop the question as we shared romantic moments together, even writing ‘will you…’ in the sand at sunset – but instead of asking me, he jokingly asked someone else for a drink! Little did I know, he had been holding onto the ring for months. When my 30th birthday party rolled around, Pete was all set to propose, but his plans were derailed when my dad fell ill and was unable to attend due to hospital stays. Undeterred, Pete waited until after the party to ask me again. Unfortunately, that’s when disaster struck: while trying to help a young boy being beaten up by a group of people, they turned on Pete and left him with severe injuries. The rest of December was spent in hospital, fighting for his eyesight and rebuilding his face. Amidst all the chaos, my partner-in-crime and I grew even closer, realizing just how precious life is. So, on Christmas morning, when I least expected it, Loki, Pete’s trusty German Shepherd sidekick, appeared with a beautiful bandana around her neck, asking if I’d marry his daddy – with Pete standing over, holding the most stunning engagement ring.
The Vision
As we approached our special day, we were determined to create an unforgettable experience that truly reflected who we are as a couple. While we went all out to ensure our guests had an incredible time, it was ultimately a celebration of our own love story. For us, the perfect blend of romance and playfulness embodies our relationship – and we aimed to bring that same energy to every moment of our wedding day.
The Planning Process
We embarked on our wedding planning journey shortly after our Christmas Day 2017 engagement, and before we knew it, our special day was just nine months away. Having a clear vision of what I wanted made the process much easier, but finding the right suppliers to bring my ideas to life was another story. I hit the jackpot when I found a tipi company that took care of most of the major details – toilets, heating, fire pit, generator – leaving me more time to focus on other aspects.The decorator I hired was a dream to work with; she listened to my likes and dislikes and executed them flawlessly. However, the biggest challenge I faced was ensuring everything ran smoothly on the day of the event. With multiple suppliers arriving and departing at different times throughout the day, it required careful planning to keep everyone on track. To that end, each supplier received a detailed plan outlining their responsibilities, and our tipi company provided an on-site coordinator to ensure everything stayed on schedule. I also found an events company online that went above and beyond in providing waiting staff for the day – their efforts were instrumental in making our wedding day a seamless success.
The Cake
When it came to choosing the perfect 30th birthday cake, I decided to go with a local baker who had previously impressed me with their creativity. Their four-tier masterpiece featured a delightful combination of fruit cake, red velvet, Oreo fudge, and Victoria sponge – something for every taste bud. To make it even more special, I commissioned a custom cake topper featuring my husband, myself, and our beloved dog. Not only did it capture our likenesses, but it also cleverly matched our wedding attire.
Budget
I had the luxury of having my dad cover the entire cost of our wedding, which allowed me to envision and plan the celebration I truly wanted. After discussing my ideas with him, he worked tirelessly to fit everything into his budget. In the end, the total came out to approximately £26,000, a figure that also included an open bar for the majority of the day and evening.
The Venue
Our family’s field has become an integral part of our ‘Lake tradition,’ with both my brother and sister having held their receptions there as well. It’s conveniently located near our horses, but far enough away that they don’t get disturbed. The land actually belongs to our incredibly kind neighbors, making it easier for guests to access. We opted for a more intimate ceremony at the Bedford registry office due to current restrictions on licensed locations. This allowed just my closest family members to be present, without diminishing the importance of the day. Our wedding celebration centered around a massive tipi provided by Events Under Canvas, which served as the main structure for our special occasion.
Your Outfits & Accessories
When planning my wedding attire, I had a clear vision in mind: a stunning yet lightweight dress that would allow me to move freely around the field and enjoy the activities we had booked for the day. However, my plans took an unexpected turn just weeks before the big day when I discovered I was expecting. This meant that inflatables were no longer on the agenda.Fortunately, I had found a beautiful wedding dress at George James Bridal that fit my style perfectly. To add some extra flair to my look, I opted for a stunning hairpiece from Etsy and personalized Converse trainers made by my husband. Given the intricacy of my dress, I didn’t feel the need for any additional accessories, allowing me to focus on the beauty of the dress itself.
Beauty
Anika, an incredibly talented hairdresser, worked her magic on my locks. To ensure my bridesmaids felt empowered to style their hair however they liked, Anika skillfully catered to each of their unique preferences. Meanwhile, I sought a more polished appearance and was fortunate to be connected with Tia-Jade Moss, a gifted makeup artist, through a mutual acquaintance.
Bridesmaids
When it came to dressing the bridal party, we opted for a combination of elegance and practicality. For the bridesmaids, we chose Coast dresses, which were perfectly complemented by nude chunky heels. These versatile shoes not only added a touch of sophistication but also ensured that our feet remained steady and comfortable during the field walking portion of the day. Meanwhile, the flower girl’s outfits were sourced from Monsoon, with pink glitter Converse trainers adding a playful touch to her overall look.
The Readings & Music
The celebration was infused with personal touches and meaningful connections. Su, a talented actress and close friend, kindly agreed to officiate our ceremony, bringing a sense of familiarity and warmth to the proceedings. Naomi, another cherished friend, delivered a heartfelt reading that added an extra layer of intimacy to the day. The soundtrack for our special moments came courtesy of local musician Matt Roberts, who not only performed his own rendition of ‘Run to You’ by Lea Michele as we walked down the aisle but also provided the tunes during our welcome drinks reception. As the evening wore on, The Courts took over with their impressive three-set performance, which unexpectedly extended into the night due to the packed dance floor and the infectious energy of the guests.
Groomsmen
As fate would have it, our suits were an unexpected discovery. My husband casually mentioned he wanted to wear a blue vintage suit, so I searched for ‘blue vintage suit’ on Google Images and he quickly pointed out the one he liked. To our surprise, the image was from a shop just 15 minutes away – Vintage Suit Company! We even managed to find matching waistcoats and accessories at the same store. The pageboys were dressed in coordinating blue vintage Converse trainers.
The Flowers
We entrusted the task of crafting our wedding bouquets to a talented local florist from April Flowers. The details of our arrangements were carefully documented, providing valuable insight into our design choices. Key elements included a loose trailing shower bouquet featuring ivory calla lilies and roses as the main blooms, accompanied by an assortment of wildflowers such as daisies, astrantia, astilbe, sweet peas, campanula, and lisianthus – even incorporating buds for added texture. The palette was characterized by soft hues of ivory, pale pink, and lilac. Meanwhile, our decorator worked closely with the florist to ensure that the table arrangements harmonized seamlessly, creating a visually stunning atmosphere.
Your Photographer
One of the most serendipitous moments in my wedding planning journey occurred when my best friends’ cousin, Natalie, agreed to capture our special day on camera. As an incredibly talented wedding photographer, she brought a level of expertise and professionalism that truly enhanced the overall experience. What I particularly appreciated about Natalie was her ability to strike the perfect balance between creating beautiful, natural moments and making us feel at ease in front of the lens. She never forced us into awkward poses or staged shots, yet still managed to capture some absolutely breathtaking images of just my husband and me. The end result is a stunning visual record of our wedding day that we both treasure and love reliving.
The Details & Décor
The incredible venue decorator truly delivered on the wow factor, transforming the tipi into a breathtakingly beautiful space that left everyone in awe. As I look back at the photos, I’m still impressed by the meticulous attention to detail she brought to the design. It’s clear that it was those little touches that made all the difference – like the faux fur rugs on the benches, which added warmth and comfort while also elevating the aesthetic of the tables. The blankets provided for the evening seating around the fire pit were another thoughtful touch, ensuring guests’ comfort as they socialized. The semi-open seating plan allowed for flexibility and freedom, making it easy for families with babies to find a cozy spot, while still maintaining a sense of community among the gathering.
The Honeymoon
While our honeymoon may not have been conventional by any stretch, it was an unforgettable experience nonetheless. Our journey took us from the vibrant cityscape of Las Vegas to the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii and finally, to the Pacific Northwest charm of Seattle. Of all the places we visited, Hawaii left a particularly lasting impression on me. The stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and idyllic atmosphere all combined to create a trip that I will cherish forever.
Memorable Moments
It’s difficult to pinpoint specific moments, but the experience took on a deeper meaning when my dad and I rode alongside each other – literally – with our own horse, Lady Laura, as a symbol of our bond. As we glided along, my nervous energy was palpable, but Dad’s reassuring grip and words of pride made me feel seen and loved.
nPete’s speech was another unforgettable moment. Though he’s not one to take the stage by storm, I witnessed his vulnerability and nervousness as he prepared to speak. Yet, once he began, his words flowed like poetry, weaving a narrative that left me even more enamored with him.
Advice For Other Couples
It’s essential to carve out a moment in the day to reconnect with your partner, as my friend so astutely advised. With days often rushing by at breakneck speed, it’s all too easy for the time we spend together to be sacrificed on the altar of busyness. Take my partner and I’s experience as a prime example – we returned to our family home and took a mere 15 minutes to recalibrate and rekindle our bond, finding solace in each other’s company.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
It’s not every day that we get to witness such a breathtakingly lovely union, as was the case when Carly and Pete exchanged their vows. The picturesque setting, courtesy of Tipi – Events Under Canvas, provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable celebration. The groom, dashing in his tailored suit from Vintage Suit Hire, beamed with pride alongside his radiant bride, resplendent in her stunning wedding dress from George James Bridal. As the couple shared their special day with loved ones and friends, they were treated to an array of delightful offerings, including a mouthwatering menu courtesy of Ruffwood Pizza and The Fish & Chip Company. A skilled team from LVE ensured that the waiting staff was always well-stocked and attentive, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere. Meanwhile, the talented musicians from The Courts kept the mood light and lively with their infectious beats. As a nod to the couple’s special day, April Flowers Bedford crafted beautiful blooms, while Princess Occasions brought an extra touch of magic to the proceedings as a skilled decorator. Tiny Love even got in on the action, providing an adorable cake topper that perfectly captured the couple’s love story. And let’s not forget the delectable dessert, courtesy of The Cake Lab UK! Throughout it all, Tia- Jade Moss ensured that every guest looked their absolute best with her exceptional makeup skills. It was truly a day to remember for Carly and Pete, and we’re honored to have been a part of it.