Welcome Ben and Abi, newlyweds who brought a touch of enchantment to Butley Priory in Suffolk on July 27th, 2019. Their romantic woodland-inspired celebration was a masterpiece of color and intimacy. The rich, vibrant hues of reds, purples, and pinks permeated every aspect, from the lush blooms to the couple’s attire. Abi’s favorite part? The stunning flowers that added an extra layer of romance to their special day. Ben’s custom blue check suit was a stylish nod, while Abi’s Willowby by Watters Galatea gown left us breathless. And then there’s the pièce de résistance: a semi-naked cake that looks almost too good to eat. Almost. We’re also treated to a selection of emotional song choices that perfectly capture the couple’s love story. Huge thanks goes to Sally Rawlins Photography for sharing these breathtaking moments with us.
The Proposal
It was during a romantic getaway to Italy in February 2017 that the proposal took place. Our long weekend in Florence was filled with adventure and exploration, including visits to museums, climbs up the iconic Duomo, and leisurely strolls along the picturesque Ponte Vecchio. As the sun began to set, we made our way to Piazzale Michelangelo, a square renowned for its breathtaking views of the city. It was here that Ben got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever, and I couldn’t wait to say yes. Our emotions were in high gear as we laughed, cried, and celebrated this life-changing moment.
The Vision
As we began planning our special day, we knew we wanted to infuse it with our shared passion for Italy. Initially, we had considered exchanging vows in Tuscany, but the logistics proved too challenging and would have limited some family members’ ability to attend. Undeterred, we continued our search for a UK location that would evoke the essence of Italy. It was then that we stumbled upon Butley Priory, whose charming Tuscan villa ambiance perfectly complemented our nods to Italian culture – from the Limoncello favors to the carefully curated selection of Italian wines.
The Planning Process
After securing our venue, Butley Priory, in October, we focused on locking down our main suppliers, anticipating they’d become busy as the wedding date approached. However, it wasn’t until the New Year that we began planning the details in earnest. Perhaps due to our shared vision and lack of major disagreements, the planning process proved surprisingly stress-free for us both. As the big day drew closer, however, we did feel a surge of anxiety as we tackled the remaining tasks – a task list that seemed to grow exponentially, especially when it came time to create the table plan!
Budget
Despite the constraints, we were thrilled to have stuck to our budget of £23,000. By eschewing unnecessary extras like photobooths and ice cream vans, we were able to keep costs in check. Our approach was focused on allocating funds to a few key areas that mattered most to us. For me, that meant splurging on beautiful flowers, while Ben had his heart set on exceptional cuisine. Ultimately, we both agreed that investing in an outstanding photographer was essential to capturing the essence of our special day.
Beauty
I was fortunate to have my sister-in-law, Sophie, take charge of my bridal party hairdo – a decision I’m thoroughly grateful for! With her expertise, my bridesmaids looked stunning and I felt like the luckiest bride. Meanwhile, I had booked Sarah from Beauty Call to handle the makeup magic. We did a trial run with my sister (maid of honor) a few months prior, which was a great way to get comfortable with the process. On the big day, Sarah arrived early, all set up and ready to go, making sure everyone – including my mum, bridesmaids, and myself – looked picture-perfect. Her calming presence and attention to detail made me feel like a princess on my special day.
The Venue
While searching for an intimate getaway on Airbnb, I stumbled upon Butley Priory. The moment we saw the property, we fell head over heels in love with its stunning Italian villa-style ceilings and intricate details. It was as if we had been transported to a Tuscan villa – an unexpected surprise given its Augustinian origins dating back to 1171. We envisioned an intimate wedding celebration surrounded by our closest friends and family, with the flowers playing a starring role in tying together our woodland-inspired aesthetic. In fact, we were so enamored with Butley Priory’s natural beauty that we barely needed to add any decorations – its stunning architecture did all the talking.
The Readings & Music
Our mums played a significant role in making our special day even more memorable. They each chose and read a poem – Ben’s mum read ‘The Monkey and The Giraffe’, while mine read ‘The One’. It was incredibly meaningful to have them share such sentimental words with our friends and family. The readings added an extra layer of emotional depth to the ceremony.We also wanted to incorporate our favorite songs throughout the celebration. We had a mix of Ben Howard, Jessie Ware, and Hozier, including our first dance song ‘Lover Come Back To Me’ by City & Colour, which we’d picked over a year prior. I walked down the aisle to a cover version of ‘May I Have This Dance’ by Meadowlark, which still gets me emotional even now.As the evening unfolded, our DJ (The Wedding DJ) surprised us with fantastic confetti cannons – we kept them under wraps until our first dance, when they went off and created a magical atmosphere. White confetti fell from the sky, leaving everyone in awe.The music played a huge part in making the day truly unforgettable. Even now, whenever I’m walking to work and a song from our ceremony comes on, it instantly transports me back to that special day.
The Flowers
Our wedding flowers were truly breathtaking – a testament to the exceptional work of our talented florist, Helen Newman. She arrived early to ensure a seamless setup and returned later to finesse every detail. Her dedication and attention to detail made all the difference in bringing our vision to life. We’re forever grateful for her hard work and the stunning results she achieved.
I couldn’t bear the thought of those beautiful blooms wilting away, so I decided to preserve them in silica gel and frame them. Now, we have a daily reminder of our special day, and it brings me immense joy. I’ve even taken it a step further by setting some pieces in resin and crafting jewellery from them – a way for me to relive the vibrant colours and emotions of that unforgettable day.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Abi discovered her dream dress at Heritage Brides in Hatfield House, where she fell head over heels for the store’s unique atmosphere and quirky dresses. The converted barn boutique, adorned with fairy lights, feathers, and glitter, became a treasure trove of stunning gowns that Sam had curated with love. Amidst the rows of beautiful dresses, Abi found her perfect match in the Willowby by Watters Galatea dress in ivory, which she paired with a chapel veil featuring small embellishments. The A-line dress boasted a plunge neckline, floral motifs, and two rows of velvet ribbon wrapped around the bodice, making her feel like royalty.Her shoe game was on point too, courtesy of Rachel Simpson, which featured shimmering Opal flowers on the toe straps that perfectly complemented her Opal engagement ring. The rest of her jewelry ensemble came from Kate Spade, with long drop floral earrings purchased by Ben as a wedding gift matching her bracelet and watch. These statement pieces added to the overall whimsy and charm of her wedding dress.Ben’s search for his perfect suit was a laborious one, but he eventually found it at Trotter & Deane in Cambridge. With Pippa and Josh’s patient guidance, he navigated through books of fabric until he discovered the right cloth and colours that matched his vision. The bespoke three-piece suit with waistcoat and tailor-made shirt turned out to be everything Ben had hoped for, thanks to the duo’s attention to detail from lapels to stitching to lining.
Your Photographer
Our wedding photography journey began with a pre-wedding shoot, expertly guided by Sally Rawlins. As our photographer, she was an integral part of capturing our special day, much like a fairy godmother bringing our memories to life. With her guidance and expertise, we felt at ease throughout the process, even allowing us to relive the joyous moments long after the celebration had ended. Sally’s professionalism and warm demeanor made her a true delight to work with, ensuring that every photo – whether individual or group shots – was nothing short of stunning. Her attention to detail and ability to capture our unique vision perfectly left us feeling grateful for her services.
Groomsmen
Ben’s groomsmen opted for a stylish yet harmonious approach by donning Ted Baker suits in a faded blue hue from the Lazy Lounge. The 3-piece ensemble was perfectly complemented by a blue knitted tie from Moss Bros., which cleverly concealed any potential check clashes with Ben’s own attire. The overall look was one of cohesive elegance, as if designed specifically to mirror Ben’s suit and create a unified visual narrative.
Bridesmaids
As we searched for the perfect bridesmaid dresses, I had a feeling that Phase Eight would be the winner from the moment we started looking. My bridesmaids had tried on numerous options, but none seemed to capture the essence we were going for until we stumbled upon these stunning midi-length gowns with capped sleeves in a vibrant magenta pink hue. The dresses not only complemented my blonde bridesmaids’ hair but also popped against the flowers we’d chosen. I knew instantly that they would be the perfect choice.
The Details & Décor
The historic Butley Priory was intentionally left unadorned, allowing its original charm to shine through untouched. We deliberately chose this approach so that our guests could experience the property just as we did when we first fell in love with it – a major factor in our decision to opt for an intimate house wedding rather than a traditional marquee setup on the lawn.
The Cake
The iconic Two Little Cats bakery took care of our cake, elevating it with Helen’s enchanting floral arrangements! The masterpiece featured a vibrant pink bottom tier, adorned with gold leaf on the top tier. Our taste buds were treated to a delightful medley of flavors: vanilla, strawberry, and champagne for one layer, black velvet for another, and white chocolate and passionfruit for the third.
The Honeymoon
Memorable Moments
The memories of reading each other’s heartfelt messages on our wedding morning remain etched in my mind. For me, it was Ben’s letter that brought a sense of calm wash over me as my nerves began to get the better of me. On the other hand, Ben cherished the moment he opened his gift from Abi and read her sweet note, despite feeling the jitters himself. Those quiet moments of intimacy before our special day allowed us to connect on an even deeper level.
Advice For Other Couples
Savor the journey of wedding planning by prioritizing the little moments that bring joy and don’t let perceived necessities overshadow the true essence of your special day. Make time for quiet moments with your partner amidst the chaos, as the day flies by all too quickly. These intimate moments will serve as a cherished reminder of the love you share.Meanwhile, Ben echoes the sentiment, emphasizing that this will be one of the best days of your life. Feel free to break tradition and do everything that brings you happiness, surrounded by the people who matter most. With memories frozen in time by a skilled photographer like Sally, you’ll relive those treasured moments for years to come.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With a talented team of professionals behind them, Ben and Abi’s special day was truly unforgettable. The photographer, Sally Rawlins Photography, captured every magical moment, while Helen Newman brought the couple’s floral vision to life. Beauty Call (Sarah Crick-Linton) worked their magic on the bride’s make-up, ensuring she looked absolutely stunning. Sophie Rowley styled her hair perfectly, and The Wedding DJ kept the party going with his infectious beats. As for the venue, Butley Priory provided a picturesque backdrop for the celebration. Two Little Cats Bakery crafted a decadent cake that was almost too beautiful to eat, while Heritage Brides – Willowby by Watters helped Abi find her dream dress. Rachel Simpson’s elegant shoes complemented her look perfectly, and Trotter & Deane made sure Ben looked dashing in his tailored suit. And let’s not forget the bridesmaid dresses from Phase Eight, which added a touch of glamour to the overall aesthetic. It was truly an oh-so-wonderful celebration that we’re honored to have been a part of.