Alice and Lee’s Bordesley Park wedding in Worcestershire, held on September 28th, 2019, is a true celebration of joy and happiness. This Australian couple not only planned their special day from afar but achieved the impossible by doing it all within just six months, defying any potential obstacles. Their love-filled ceremony featured a charity donation in lieu of favors, adding a touching personal touch to an already unforgettable experience. A humanist wedding ceremony, filled with color and flowers, was the perfect setting for their special vows. The couple’s stunning attire and beautifully decorated marquee only added to the magic of their big day. Lisa Carpenter Photography kindly shared these breathtaking images with us, allowing us to relive every moment of Alice and Lee’s unforgettable adventure.
Bordesley Park Wedding
The Proposal
Lee had been planning a surprise getaway for us at Tumbling Waters, a stunning hotel situated just south of our hometown in Sydney. I must admit that when he broke the news to me, my suspicions were immediately piqued – it seemed unlikely that we wouldn’t be involved in the planning process together. My mind began racing with possibilities, particularly given his history of thoughtful gestures and romantic surprises. We were treated to a luxurious room featuring an outdoor bathtub overlooking the lush forest and ocean views. The following morning, we started our day at the beach before indulging in rejuvenating spa treatments. As the afternoon sun began to set, we found ourselves sitting on the balcony, sipping champagne and taking in the breathtaking panorama of the sea. It was in this serene atmosphere that Lee popped the question – a moment that will forever be etched in my memory as nothing short of perfect.
The Vision
Lee and I, both hailing from the UK, met in Sydney and have since made it our home. When envisioning our special day, having our family and friends from back home join us was paramount. We count ourselves incredibly fortunate to have been able to share this experience with loved ones during these unpredictable COVID times. Our dream wedding was a grand celebration, filled with lively music, delectable cuisine, and most importantly, the people we cherish by our side. Given our life in Australia has instilled an even deeper appreciation for the picturesque British countryside, we knew exactly where to host our nuptials – amidst rolling hills, vibrant flora, and bountiful natural light. As for me, I had a profound vision of lush wildflowers and kaleidoscopic hues bringing our celebration to life.
The Planning Process
A mere 48 hours after Lee’s proposal, I found myself booking a registry office in Birmingham to inquire about registering our intent to marry. Having had firsthand experience with friends who’d struggled through this process, I knew the importance of getting it right. Although we ultimately decided against having a legal wedding in the UK, we were still able to have an intimate ceremony with our wonderful Humanist celebrant Hannah Bryant, which ended up being the perfect compromise.As I was back in the UK, I had the opportunity to purchase my dress and view our chosen venue, which I fell in love with. Fortunately, Lee trusted my judgment, even when he couldn’t be there in person to see it for himself.We got engaged at the end of March, and recently, we had friends who’d managed to plan their wedding in under six months. I’ve always assumed that a year or more was necessary to plan a wedding, but our experience proved otherwise. As our big day fell outside of peak wedding season in the UK, we found that every supplier we contacted was available, making the planning process surprisingly smooth.We were able to organize most aspects of our wedding online, with the occasional FaceTime chat with Hannah, Lisa, and Ben at the venue. The power of Pinterest and similar wedding blogs lies in their ability to facilitate the sharing of ideas and visions, which proved invaluable for decisions like bridesmaid dresses, flowers, cake, and decor.While the planning process was generally relaxed and easy, there were moments of stress – primarily in the week leading up to the wedding, as we ensured everything was in its rightful place. We received incredible support from all our suppliers, particularly Ben at Bordesley Park, who offered valuable advice based on his wealth of experience and listened attentively to what we wanted.
The Venue
My introduction to Bordesley Park came through my sister’s friend Clair, an exceptional florist at Bella Lily Flowers. Having seen stunning photos of the venue on her social media, I was eager to visit and explore its charms. Upon enquiring about availability in September, I was struck by the beauty of the space and decided to make it our special day.Located just 20 minutes from my sister’s home in Cotteridge, South Birmingham, Bordesley Park is an oasis that feels like a world away from urban life. The orchard, with its lush greenery and endless skies, provides a breathtaking backdrop for any celebration. What’s more, the venue offers a comprehensive package, inclusive of everything you need, so you can focus on the finer details.Ben, the venue manager, was an indispensable support throughout our planning process. His calm demeanor and attention to detail ensured that we felt relaxed and in control as the big day approached. He remained by our side until the very end, ensuring a seamless transition from planning to execution.We selected Rustic Roast as our caterer, opting for a mezze-style menu that would showcase fresh, delicious sharing dishes. As a vegetarian myself, I appreciated the effort put into creating a diverse range of options. The catering team worked closely with us to refine the menu and even suggested a trio of desserts when we couldn’t decide on just one! Their professionalism and attention to detail made the planning process a breeze.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Alice’s wedding dress shopping experience began shortly after our engagement, when I was back home in the UK. A long lunch with my best friend led to a spontaneous decision to visit David’s Bridal and try on some dresses. Without a specific style in mind, I fell in love with a clean and simple ball gown that made me feel amazing. The dress was so special that I booked another appointment to share it with my sister. Since I only had a couple of weeks back home, I decided to make the purchase before we even finalized our venue plans. This way, I could be surrounded by loved ones during this important moment.My ‘something borrowed’ shoes were actually worn by my best friend on her own wedding day and passed down to me for my special day. They were the perfect choice as they were not only adorable but also surprisingly comfortable – a must-have for a night of dancing! I spent countless weeks searching for an embellished jacket to serve as an evening cover-up. After much deliberation, I finally found a stunning floral design on ASOS that had me second-guessing its suitability with the dress until our final fitting in Birmingham. The combination turned out to be absolute perfection.On the day of the wedding, torrential rain kept us indoors, making the embellished jacket unnecessary but still treasured nonetheless. My flower crown was lovingly crafted by our talented florist, Clair, and matched my delicate yet statement-making hairdo. I wanted something light and airy with a heavier side to complement my overall look, which Clair successfully achieved.Lee, on the other hand, had always dreamed of having a custom-made suit for his big day. As it was meant to be, our wedding provided the perfect opportunity to indulge in this desire. Institchu in Sydney created my bespoke, tailor-made navy blue three-piece suit, which I thoroughly enjoyed designing and measuring up with my best man while sipping on a beer. The surprise inside lining – flamingo pink, no less! – was a nod to our first meeting, where Alice carried an inflatable flamingo. For the occasion, I paired it with a tailored white shirt, white pocket square, and a floral tie from Laura Ashley’s collection at TM Lewin. My trusty brown leather shoes were courtesy of Florsheim.
Beauty
Having my makeup done on the morning of the wedding was a game-changer – it allowed me to truly relax and take in every moment of the special day. Jess, the talented stylist, brought her exceptional skills to the table (or rather, the bridesmaids’ room). Having worked with her previously on my best friend’s wedding, I knew I could count on her to deliver a flawless job. Not only did she create stunning hairdos for me and the other bridesmaids, but she also provided expert makeup services that left us all looking like radiant versions of ourselves. With soft curls framing my face and a subtle pink lip, I felt absolutely gorgeous. The best part? Each of the bridesmaids was able to express their unique style through their hair choices, which added to the overall sense of excitement and joy on this unforgettable day. We all looked incredible, if I do say so myself!
Groomsmen
The dapper grooms party was dressed to impress, with Brendan, the best man, standing out in his custom-made navy three-piece suit courtesy of Institchu. His fellow groomsmen complemented him nicely, their attire featuring elegant floral ties supplied by TM Lewin.
Bridesmaids
As I wanted my bridesmaids to feel confident and like themselves on the big day, I gave them the freedom to choose their own dresses. To tie everything together, I selected a blue-grey colour scheme that would make the vibrant florals truly stand out. The WhatsApp group was abuzz with screenshots and links from ASOS, Monsoon, and eBay as the girls shared their dress picks. In the end, they all opted for stunning dresses that accentuated their unique styles. The bridesmaids’ shoes were a mix of ASOS and Debenhams, while our flower girl looked adorable in her Next dress and cardigan combo, paired with Debenhams shoes.
The Readings & Music
We decided on a Humanist wedding ceremony as it felt like a celebration and reflection of our relationship, rather than just the legal formalities. Our celebrant, Hannah Bryant, helped us plan a personal and beautiful ceremony through a questionnaire and regular online meetings. She got to know us well and was able to incorporate our story into the ceremony, making it feel truly special.We chose three readings that were meaningful to us: ‘Love is patient’ from Corinthians, read by my brother Dan; ‘I Love You’, an anonymous poem, read by my cousin Kate; and ‘Touched by an Angel’ by Maya Angelou, read by one of my closest friends, Caroline. We also included a sing-along to ‘All You Need is Love’ by The Beatles, which was special because music has always played a big role in how we celebrate milestones.The song holds extra significance as it’s the same one my dad used to play when he was alive – he sadly passed away a few years ago. But his legacy lived on through our wedding day, thanks to my oldest brother Mark, who not only agreed to play guitar for us but also taught my nephew Finn, just 8 at the time, how to play along! It was an incredible moment singing and celebrating love with all our loved ones.Music is a shared passion of ours, so we thought carefully about the songs that featured in our day. I walked down the aisle to a classical version of ‘Everywhere’ by Fleetwood Mac, which holds sentimental value for us due to the time we spent apart while my dad was ill and Lee was living in Australia. During the signing of the certificates, we had ‘Thinking of You’ by Lord Echo, and as we left the ceremony, we were treated to ‘Best of My Love’ by The Emotions. Our first dance was to ‘You Send Me’ by Aretha Franklin.For our evening celebration, we were lucky enough to have Sam Redmore, one of my favorite Birmingham-based DJs, get everyone dancing with his amazing re-edits. I’ve had the pleasure of dancing with friends at his nights in various bars and festivals over the years, while Lee first discovered him through Craig Charles’ BBC Radio 6 show. It was a fantastic mix of music that kept us and our guests on the dance floor all night – even Mariah Carey made an appearance for the first time ever! We had to be dragged off at the end of the night.
The Flowers
When envisioning our décor, I was immediately drawn to vibrant flowers that exuded an English country garden charm. A mix of blooms with a slightly wildflower essence was essential in creating the perfect whimsical atmosphere. And I knew I wanted a flower crown instead of a veil – something playful and carefree. Clair at Bella Lily Flowers perfectly captured our vision, crafting stunning bouquets for my bridesmaids and me, as well as arrangements for the venue and the crowning glory: my dream flower crown! Her attention to detail was impressive, incorporating sentimental touches like lavender plants on the tables, which held special significance for Lee’s Grandma and my Dad. We were able to share these little tokens with our guests as a keepsake. Clair also provided an array of decorative elements, including a vintage bicycle, table plan display, vases, gift collection box, vintage vases, and other signage – truly making the event her own.
The Cake
Perched atop the celebration was a stunning, three-tiered masterpiece – a ‘naked’ cake that allowed its natural beauty to shine through. The talented Clair, our in-house florist, had artfully arranged fresh blooms on each tier, adding an extra layer of elegance. To cater to diverse tastes, we opted for a trio of flavors: the warm, spicy essence of carrot cake, the classic British charm of Victoria sponge, and the rich, decadent allure of chocolate.
The Styling & Decor
We wanted to add some vibrancy to our big, bright marquee space. After researching colourful paper lanterns, I considered hanging them myself, but logistically it wasn’t feasible. Thankfully, Ben from Bordesley Park recommended White Violet Events, who helped us source and hang the lanterns at short notice and a competitive price. This left us more time to focus on other details, like personalising our tables with photos of Lee’s amazing travels around Australia and beyond. Each table featured a picture he took during one of our shared adventures. To create an inclusive atmosphere, we opted for a round ‘top table’ in the centre of the room, which surrounded us with loved ones. Instead of traditional wedding favours, we chose to make a donation to Help Refugees, a charity that resonates deeply with us. Their powerful slogan is ‘Choose Love’, and after explaining our plan, they kindly granted us permission to use their logo. We had custom greeting cards printed for each table bearing the inspiring message.
Your Photographer
Lisa Carpenter’s photography skills were put to the test when I asked her to capture my brother Dan’s wedding in 2017. Her ability to convey a sense of fun and relaxation through her photographs really impressed us, and we felt grateful to have had her as our photographer. Not only did she produce stunning images, but her warm and friendly demeanor made us feel at ease throughout the day – which is crucial when you’re spending so much time having photos taken. We were thrilled when Lisa was available on short notice and quickly booked her. Our Facetime chat with her before the big day was just as enjoyable as our initial interactions, and we were reassured that she would do a great job. In the end, we loved the photos she took and the way she told the story of Dan’s special day through her lens. Even the rain couldn’t dampen her creativity, and one of our favorite memories is the beautiful image she captured under an umbrella.
Your Filmmaker
We had previously discussed finding a videographer with Lisa, who kindly recommended Dan Dolan. His website showcased stunning cinematic clips that truly captured the essence of his work, which resonated deeply with us. Despite being a significant added cost late in the planning process, we’re thrilled we decided to invest in booking Dan! He created two incredible films: a captivating 2-minute teaser and a comprehensive 40-minute feature. The final products are nothing short of breathtaking, transporting us right back to our special day whenever we watch them. Having these memories preserved for years to come is truly invaluable.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on an unforgettable honeymoon adventure to the stunning Perhentian Islands in Malaysia. For seven blissful days, we indulged in relaxation, exploring the crystal-clear waters alongside harmless sharks and turtles, sipped cocktails, and devoured books on the picture-perfect beach. This idyllic getaway proved the perfect antidote to the whirlwind of wedding planning, nuptial celebrations, and social catch-ups that preceded our special day, allowing us to temporarily suspend the onset of post-wedding blues for a week.
Memorable Moments
As I stood alongside my beloved on our special day, I was struck by the sheer joy and camaraderie that filled the air. From the lively morning preparations with my bridesmaids and sisters, to the heartfelt ceremony and impromptu sing-alongs, every moment seemed to be infused with love. The personal touches – like my brother’s surprise tequila shot delivery on the dance floor – only added to the sense of celebration. As we danced our last dance as newlyweds to the iconic ‘Like a Prayer’ by Madonna, I felt grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with the people I love most.
Advice For Other Couples
As you count down the days until your big day, remember that it’s okay to let go of some control and trust the process. Think back to why you’re getting married in the first place, and try to stay calm amidst any last-minute jitters.It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the planning details, but at the end of the day, what will truly matter are the memories you make with your loved ones – not whether every decoration is perfectly aligned. Don’t stress about little things like seating charts or paper lanterns; instead, focus on enjoying the experience and making it a celebration that reflects your personalities.Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and do something unique if it feels right for you both. We were thrilled to find a Humanist celebrant who created a personalized ceremony just for us, and we opted out of the traditional top table setup – and loved every minute of it.When in doubt, seek advice from professionals who have been there before. Our venue coordinator at Bordesley Park provided invaluable insights on what works and what doesn’t, helping us make the most of our special day.Lastly, remember that flexibility is key. Life (and weddings) don’t always go according to plan – but with a positive attitude and trust in the process, you can turn any unexpected twist into a beautiful opportunity.