Imagine being transported to an idyllic beer garden setting, where the rustic charm of a Welsh barn provides the perfect backdrop for the unforgettable union of Marilyn and Roland. The couple’s whimsical wedding, inspired by the alternative vibe of a festival, took place at The Giraffe Shed in Wales, amidst a picturesque landscape that set the tone for their special day. As you step into their story, be prepared to be captivated by the romantic details, from the dreamy attire to the pops of rust and pink hues that added warmth to the overall atmosphere. A visual feast awaited, with flower pillars, candles, modern stationery, and a show-stopping cake taking center stage. And let’s not forget the delightful fish and chip supper that satisfied the senses. A big thank you goes out to Hash for sharing these incredible photos of Marilyn and Roland’s joyous celebration with us. Get ready to pin your favorite moments and relive the magic.
Beer Garden Wedding Vibes
The Proposal
In a moment that will forever be etched in our minds, Roland popped the question during the unprecedented circumstances of a global lockdown. As we cozied up together in bed, the surprise proposal was a quintessential representation of our low-key nature, a perfect reflection of who we are as a couple.
The Vision
With a focus on creating an atmosphere that was as laid-back as a wedding can be, we aimed to ensure that all of our guests and suppliers had an amazing time. To achieve this, we decided to set up a Beer Garden/Festival vibe, complete with an acoustic performance by our friend Tom. The setting was idyllic – everyone lounging on the grass in the sun, sipping their drinks and soaking up the atmosphere.
In terms of styling, we opted for a palette that featured rusts, pinks, and neutral tones. Given that it was an intimate micro wedding, we were able to allocate more of our budget to making the event look truly stunning. With the benefit of having worked with most of our suppliers on styled shoots before, we trusted them to bring our vision to life. We provided the overarching theme, but allowed them to add their own creative flair and attention to detail.
The Venue
The Giraffe Shed proved to be a game-changer for us, offering an unconventional yet charming alternative to traditional barn weddings. The expansive windows allowed for stunning natural light in the main room, while the modern pink accents injected a playful touch. This versatile venue can be transformed to fit any couple’s unique vision, and we fell head over heels with it from the get-go. Don’t overlook this hidden gem! The ‘Black Box’ bar was an absolute hit post-ceremony, featuring a pink bathtub stocked with libations for guests to enjoy. As the night wore on, Neilo expertly lit the firepit, allowing us to gather and socialize long into the evening. The proximity of the ‘Shepherd’s Hut’, where we spent the night, meant we didn’t have to venture far after a few too many drinks. The cozy atmosphere and intimate setting made for a peaceful morning, with the sounds of local wildlife providing a serene wake-up call. Throughout our special day, Han and Neilo demonstrated unparalleled understanding and dedication, making them invaluable contributors to our unforgettable celebration.
Your Outfits
As I prepared for my special day, I knew exactly what I wanted from each piece of my wedding attire. The Willowby by Watters bride dress I purchased at Anna Wood Bridal and tailored by Lavelle Bridal Couture was a perfect fit – its floral details complemented my botanical tattoos beautifully, and it was surprisingly comfortable too. My primary concern when selecting my dress was that it would allow me to move freely without sacrificing style.For shoes, I had always been drawn to Charlotte Mills’ designs, but when they introduced their vegan range, I knew I had to have a pair specifically from them. The Meg Pearl design I chose was the perfect match for my overall aesthetic.My veil, crafted by Rebecca Anne, was another important element – she took great care in selecting florals that harmonized with my dress and even incorporated quotes in Dutch, paying homage to my husband’s Netherlands heritage.A pearl headband from Garter & Veil caught my eye, and I fell in love with Gemma’s hand-sewn Swarovski pearl creations. For my garter, I chose Megan Theresa CouturePearl’s elegant design.To complete my look, I added Alice and Blair’s hairpins, ORA Pearls’ earrings, Lily & Roo’s necklace, Meshka Design’s clutch, and a touch of sparkle with Garter & Veil’s headband.My husband, on the other hand, opted for a timeless classic – a tweed suit from Dion, Marc Darcy. The perfect modern twist came from finding a teal colour that paired beautifully with brown shoes from Marc Darcy. After some searching, we finally found the ideal tie colour to match from Rael Brook – and it was definitely the most challenging part of the process.
The Ceremony & Music
We chose an understated yet meaningful approach for our special day, opting for an intimate micro wedding that allowed us to truly focus on the love and commitment we were making. The atmosphere was set with Marilyn’s walk down the aisle to the beautiful melody of ‘Jenny’s Song’ by We The Kings, a perfect blend of romance and alternative flair that reflected our unique personalities. As she reached Roland at the end, he stood tall between two stunning floral pillars, surrounded by the warmth and joy of our closest friends and family.
Our musical choices were just as thoughtfully curated, with Tom performing for us or our guests enjoying a specially crafted Spotify playlist that perfectly captured the mood and essence of our special day.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Hash’s photography portfolio is a treasure trove of contrasting styles, effortlessly oscillating between moody, oil-painting-esque captures and playful, laugh-out-loud moments. This versatility stems from his exceptional ability to form genuine connections with clients, leaving them feeling like they’ve found a lifelong friend by the end of the shoot. Similarly, David’s documentary-style wedding films are masterclasses in storytelling, expertly weaving together emotional depth and comedic relief to create an unforgettable viewing experience. His work had us tearfully invested one moment and giggling uncontrollably the next, perfectly capturing our personalities and leaving us with a wedding film that exceeded all expectations.
The Styling & Decor
As we envisioned our wedding, we strove for a harmonious balance between relaxation and Pinterest-perfect moments. The decision to entrust TaraKnott and Emma Cox with styling our special day was an easy one, given their track record of transforming vague ideas into breathtaking reality.
Our brief to them was to infuse the atmosphere with a romantic blend of pinks, neutrals, and rusts. They delivered in spades, crafting two resplendent pillars that served as the backdrop for our nuptials. The inclusion of my son’s birth flowers added an extra layer of sentimentality.
The bouquet was a true masterpiece – a work of art that seemed to come alive in our hands. Emma’s creations are always more than just beautiful arrangements; they’re kinetic sculptures that seem to dance for you. We were thrilled with the end result.
Tara brought her own brand of magic to the tables, adorning them with an abundance of candles and draping. Her attention to detail was impressive, as she worked tirelessly to create a stunning cake table in collaboration with Vic’s Vegan Bakes. Throughout the planning process, Tara was an invaluable resource, going above and beyond to ensure our vision became a reality.
In her capacity as co-collaborator, Tara also worked with Polly & Me to craft a gorgeous welcome sign and table plan that perfectly complemented the custom placenames created by Daisy May Designs. We’ve since proudly displayed our welcome sign in our living room, a tangible reminder of the joy and beauty we experienced on our special day.
Memorable Moments
As we exchanged our vows, Fabian’s trousers slipped down behind us, making for a hilarious and unforgettable moment. The excitement was palpable as we celebrated the union of two people in love. Meanwhile, Tom’s curated music playlist set the tone for a fun-filled day, with everyone gathering on the lush grass to soak up the atmosphere. As the sun began to set, we gathered around the firepit, snapping polaroid photos of each other and creating cherished memories. The vegan spread was nothing short of phenomenal, with even non-vegans raving about the incredible flavors. And let’s not forget the endless supply of Sambuca – we emptied the venue’s bar in no time! To top it all off, Han delivered a delicious chippy tea evening feast that brought everyone together. As for Tom, he stole the show with his impromptu rendition of ‘Bi Wife Energy’ after Marilyn made a special request. It was truly an unforgettable celebration.