On June 23rd, 2018, Caroline and Frankie’s wedding celebration took place amidst a picturesque backdrop at Brewerstreet Farmhouse. The couple opted for an outdoor ceremony and reception within the marquee, surrounded by lush greenery that was elevated by the vibrant blooms on display. A floral hoop, lovingly crafted by Caroline herself, added a personal touch to the decor. What’s more impressive is that Caroline took charge of creating nearly all the florals, showcasing her creative prowess.Caroline opted for a timeless dress that harmonized with the theme of the day, exuding elegance in her fishtail gown. Her hair was equally stunning, featuring effortless waves that added to her overall radiance.The couple’s choice of a mariachi band proved to be an excellent decision, keeping guests entertained and even being part of a heartfelt father-daughter dance. Caroline also extended praise to Danielle Smith Photography for capturing the special moments, and it’s easy to see why – the images are nothing short of breathtaking.
The Proposal
As Christmas morning dawned in 2016, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. Little did I know that amidst the festive chaos, my partner had carefully planned a surprise that would leave me breathless. As we gathered around the tree to sort through the presents, he casually handed me a bag of gifts and instructed me to arrange them under the twinkling lights. With a sense of routine, I began to unpack the surprises, but it wasn’t until I turned around with the ring box in my hand that reality hit – he was down on one knee, his eyes shining with emotion, as if time had stood still.
The Cake
Lizzie Cope, a talented baker, has gained recognition for crafting exquisite vegan cakes that leave a lasting impression. Her attention to detail is remarkable, as evidenced by the way she perfectly captured my envisioned cake design. The addition of the cherub pillars I had sourced from eBay was the final touch that brought the ‘enchanted’ theme to life, resulting in a visually stunning creation.
The Vision
My ideal wedding setting was a serene oasis, characterized by an abundance of flowers, lush blossom trees, and elegant greenery adorning every table and aisleway. The soft glow of chandeliers and delicate crystal votives added a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic, with a palette of predominantly white, cream, and pale pink hues dominating the scene. While I initially envisioned a lavish floral theme, I was mindful of my budgetary constraints and had to carefully curate each element to achieve a harmonious balance between beauty and practicality.
The Planning Process
As we envisioned a summer wedding extravaganza, securing a cost-effective venue was our top priority. After an exhaustive search, we discovered a stunning country house with breathtaking gardens that could accommodate both the ceremony and reception marquees. The package deal included catering and drinks, making it an ideal solution for us to have everything in one place. With our venue locked down, I turned my attention to transforming the bare marquee into an enchanting space. I stumbled upon a company offering ‘enchanted woodland’ decorations – the whimsical trees, delicate flowers, and sparkling crystal chandeliers resonated deeply with me. Inspired by this aesthetic, I sourced similar artificial blooms on eBay and created a floral hoop for the altar. To add a personal touch, we tied small bouquets of flowers to every other chair using organza ribbon.
Budget
Our goal was to set aside a significant amount, roughly £20,000, which would have required us to save £8-10,000 each. However, we struggled to keep track of our expenses because I had a tendency to pick up little extras here and there, leading to an accumulation of unplanned purchases.
Your Outfits & Accessories
The Enzoani Jodie dress was the perfect choice for the special day. It was purchased at Helena Fortley Bridal Boutique in Caterham, where I also found the veil that completed my look. For footwear, I opted for Dune shoes, which held a sentimental value as they were borrowed from a dear friend. The tiara was a bargain find on Amazon, while the earrings came from a costume jewellery shop in Finsbury Park. Perhaps the most meaningful piece of jewellery, however, was the Tiffany bracelet that my groom gave me as a gift on the morning of our wedding – it was truly a thoughtful and unforgettable gesture.
The Venue
Beauty
The makeup look featured stunning locks courtesy of stylist Alka, who is part of the esteemed Ambreen Makeup team. Behind this flawless face was the expert handiwork of talented makeup artist Duha.
The Details & Décor
I fell in love with Essential Couture for its exquisite selection of chandeliers, centre floral hoops, and breathtaking centrepieces that added an air of sophistication to our tables. They generously included acrylic plinths for the ceremony marquee, where we beautifully displayed six trees and my handcrafted floral hoop at the forefront. To further enhance the ambiance, I scattered ivory petals along the aisle runner and ensured the marquee exuded a lush, floral atmosphere. The reception marquee featured lovely touches such as name places on each table, accompanied by a small vase filled with flowers, baby’s breath, or foliage (courtesy of Ginger Ray), and hand-cut cards bearing each guest’s name. As a thoughtful gesture to our loved ones, we presented gift favours in the form of pearlised boxes containing two packs of love hearts, personalized with our names and featuring sweet sentiments saying ‘just married’. Our stunning cake stand from Etsy’s Crystal Wedding UK was a mirrored masterpiece filled with ivory foam roses, perfectly complementing my wedding cake and adding the desired height. To capture the essence of our international union, we charmed our guests with a white taxi photobooth (Megabooth) adorned with ‘just married’ number plates, paying homage to his British roots and my Colombian heritage. The evening’s entertainment featured mariachis from Mariachi el Mexicano, a traditional Latin American celebration band that added an authentic touch to our special day.
Groomsmen
The groom’s ensemble featured a sophisticated three-piece suit from French Connection, complemented by a crisp white shirt from Moss Bros. A touch of personal flair was added with the tie, sourced from eBay’s vast online marketplace. Meanwhile, the groomsmen were outfitted in matching three-piece suits rented from Moss Bros, their ties a stylish combination of eBay finds. To complete the look, all shoes were sourced from ASOS’s extensive range, ensuring a cohesive and stylish appearance for the wedding party.
Bridesmaids
Your Photographer
Working with Danielle Smith was an absolute pleasure. Her professionalism and attention to detail set her apart from other photographers. From initial consultation to the actual shoot, she demonstrated a dedication to capturing my vision perfectly. I’m thrilled with the final results and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or work with her again in the future.
The Readings & Music
The musical accompaniments for the special moments of the wedding day were carefully curated to reflect the couple’s personal taste and style. For the bridesmaid and groomsmen entrances, the iconic ‘All You Need is Love’ by the Beatles set the tone for a joyful celebration. The string quartet rendition of Wagner’s ‘Here Comes the Bride’, courtesy of Stringspace, added an air of elegance and sophistication. As the couple exchanged their vows, the sentimental ‘All You Need is Love’ by the Beatles provided a fitting soundtrack. Finally, the classic ‘Mendelssohn’s Wedding March’ by Stringspace accompanied the newlyweds as they made their grand exit, leaving behind a trail of love and happiness.
The Flowers
As the big day approached, I took a trip to Vauxhall Flower market to gather a diverse range of blooms that would be perfect for creating stunning bouquets, charming boutonnieres, and elegant table decorations. With my flowers in hand, I spent the evening preceding the wedding crafting each bouquet and boutonniere by myself, carefully incorporating some real flowers into my floral hoop design. Additionally, I crafted small flower arrangements to adorn each guest’s name place, adding a personal touch to their overall experience.
Your Filmmaker
The fond memories of my childhood were often captured on film by my parents, who lovingly took turns recording moments of everyday life with a home video camera. The lack of polished production didn’t diminish their sincerity and affection, as these warm, amateur films continue to bring joy to my heart.
The Honeymoon
After the whirlwind of our special day, we embarked on a memorable adventure in Bali! Our first stop was Seminyak, where we indulged in the luxurious amenities at Seminyak Beach & Resort, including a private plunge pool that was nothing short of heavenly. We savored the delectable cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and stunning beach. As our stay came to an end, we ventured to Ubud, settling into the picturesque Padma Resort amidst breathtaking surroundings and marveling at the resort’s incredible heated pool – it was as if we’d stepped into a real-life Jurassic park! We explored the island’s iconic rice terraces, took to the air on Bali swings, and conquered Mount Batur volcano at sunrise, which, while not quite the romantic experience I had envisioned, left me with lifelong memories. Frankie, however, threatened to kill me with laughter over my antics 😂. Following our Ubud escapade, we spent a night in Gili Trawangan, soaking up the laid-back island vibe and vowing to return for further exploration. Our final destination was Jimbaran, where we unwound at Ayana Resort, indulging in delectable eats and drinks, and eventually returning home to open our wedding cards and gifts with love ❤️.
Memorable Moments
As we took our first dance as husband and wife, Etta James’ soulful vocals blended with Prince Royce’s bachata beats in an impromptu medley that left us both grinning from ear to ear. Without prior rehearsals, it was a spontaneous performance that, while imperfect, still held a special charm.One of my most cherished moments came when I shared the dance floor with my dad, swaying to the lively mariachi tunes that brought back fond memories of my 15th birthday celebration – a rite of passage in Latin American culture. The experience served as a poignant reminder of how fortunate I am to have my dad by my side on such an unforgettable day.Meanwhile, the groom’s favorite moment came after the ceremony, when we finally got to behold our loved ones gathered together for the first time. The surprise confetti cannon and its dramatic release only added to the magic, capturing the joy of that instant so vividly that it remains a treasured memory.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning your special day, it’s essential to set a realistic budget. As a groom, I always stress the importance of prioritizing spending. By allocating funds effectively, you’ll be able to enjoy the celebration without financial stress. On the other hand, as a bride, I believe that marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Instead of worrying about minor details like chair or tablecloth choices, focus on cherishing the memories and effort you put into making your wedding day unforgettable. What will truly stand out in years to come isn’t the decor, but the love and joy shared by everyone involved.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding celebration was a true spectacle, made possible through the collaborative efforts of numerous talented professionals. At the helm was photographer Danielle Smith Photography, capturing every precious moment. The decorations were a stunning reflection of the couple’s personal style, courtesy of Essential Event Group and Marquee & Catering. Meanwhile, Super Event provided the perfect backdrop for the festivities to unfold. Cake aficionados will delight in knowing that Lizzie Cope from Heart Of Cake crafted the delectable confections on display. To set the tone, Mariachi El Mexicano brought their infectious energy with lively performances. The bridesmaids looked radiant in their attire, designed by Rene K Couture. The picturesque venue was none other than Brewerstreet Farmhouse, where guests could unwind and mingle. Adding an extra layer of fun were the photobooths courtesy of Wedding Directory member – Wedding Photo Booths (Taxi Photobooth and Megabooth). As the night wore on, the dance floor became a hotspot, thanks to Simon P’s energetic beats. DJ Daniel Molano kept the party going with his eclectic mix of tunes. Hair stylist Alka from the Ambreen Team worked her magic to create stunning coifs, while makeup artist Make Up by Duha brought out the best in each bride. It was an unforgettable day, and I’m thrilled to have been a part of it.