As we dive into the whimsical world of Rachael and Cai’s Caerhyn wedding in Wales, get ready to be charmed by an array of adorable alpacas and Maude, their lovable pet dog, as they pose for sweet portraits together. The celebration was a visual feast, with vibrant yellow and blue hues, lush florals, and a rustic marquee reception that exuded warmth and elegance. Every detail, from the outfits to the homemade touches, contributed to a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly captured the couple’s unique style. Entertainment Nation brought the party to life with their evening band, making it an unforgettable night. We’re grateful to Mary W-Thomas Photography for sharing these breathtaking photographs of this special day.
Caerhyn Wedding
The Proposal
As I was wrapping up my night shifts at the hospital, Cai suggested we take our dog Maude on a walk to Leigh Woods that afternoon (September 11th, 2020). Little did I know, it would be a day that changed everything. What struck me as unusual was that Cai worked from home and typically wouldn’t propose such an outing. But I agreed, seeing the value in getting some exercise and a good night’s sleep to follow.As we strolled along our usual route, I remained blissfully unaware of anything out of the ordinary. That is, until Cai suggested taking a detour that offered a stunning view of the Clifton suspension bridge. I grudgingly agreed, knowing it would mean getting Maude dirty in the process – and that I’d be the one to wash her afterwards.As we reached the vantage point, Cai implored me to take a photo with him and Maude, with our backs to him, capturing the view of the bridge. I initially declined, given my hesitation towards photos of myself. However, after a brief reprieve courtesy of a couple of passing runners, Cai’s persistence paid off. As he got down on one knee, ring in hand, I turned around to see what was taking so long – only to find him gazing up at me with an adoring expression and the most breathtaking ring I’d ever laid eyes on.In that fleeting moment, my focus shifted from Cai’s proposal to his sincerity. What he said next is a blur; even he can’t recall the exact words. But as I enthusiastically replied ‘YES,’ it was clear that our lives were about to take a profound turn.
The Vision
From the outset, our goal was to craft a wedding celebration that authentically reflected our personalities and relationship. Our aspiration was for a charmingly rustic and vibrantly colorful affair that would serve as a true representation of who we are as a couple.
Budget
In balancing our desire for an unforgettable celebration with the need to stay within budget, we opted for a thoughtful approach that prioritized creativity over cost. By taking on many decoration-related tasks ourselves, we not only slashed expenses but also infused the day with a unique personal touch. This hands-on approach allowed us to create a visually stunning atmosphere without breaking the bank, ensuring our special day remained as memorable as it was meaningful.
The Ceremony & Music
The intimate atmosphere of our small church provided the perfect setting for an emotional and memorable ceremony. The wildflowers scattered throughout the space added a touch of whimsy, creating a sense of warmth and closeness among our loved ones. As we exchanged vows, the sweet sounds of my childhood piano teacher’s organ playing filled the air, accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful Welsh song sung by my sister and expertly played on the guitar by my dear friend. The room was bathed in an atmosphere of joy and love, with not a dry eye to be found. In a heartfelt moment that resonated deeply with Cai’s German heritage, his mother read a poignant poem in its original language, allowing us to honor and celebrate this special connection.
The Venue
We chose to hold the wedding in Wales, where both of our families are based and where we grew up together. The picturesque setting and rural charm were a big draw for us, and after searching for the perfect venue, we stumbled upon Caerhyn. As soon as we viewed it, we knew it was the ideal spot for our special day. What really sold us on the venue was the fact that it had accommodation for around 10 people, which made it easy for Cai’s family to travel from Germany and stay on site. Plus, having its own bar was a major bonus – we loved the idea of being able to relax and enjoy the party with our guests.
Your Outfits
Cai had a clear vision for his wedding attire – a brown tweed suit. Our challenge lay in finding the perfect shop within our budget. After searching, we stumbled upon Haig and Harrison in Bristol, where we reside. The team’s expertise was impressive, as they successfully sourced a suit that fit Cai perfectly, including his groomsmen. In contrast, I embarked on a dress-hunting adventure with my mum and sister to Cardiff. We visited two bridal shops before finding Laura May, the perfect haven for me. After trying on numerous dresses, I felt overwhelmed by the plethora of options. Thankfully, my stylist and family were incredibly supportive, encouraging me to keep an open mind. They brought me a dress that initially didn’t resonate with me, but I made a commitment to try each one. This decision proved fruitful, as it led me to MY dress. The moment was emotional, with tears flowing from all of us. It was the complete opposite of what I had envisioned for myself.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Our experience with photographer Mary W-Thomas was truly exceptional from the outset. She grasped our vision effortlessly, taking into account our unique request for candid photos featuring all of our guests – including our beloved alpacas from my family’s farm and our loyal canine companion Maude. In a world where searching for the right fit can be overwhelming, we stumbled upon Mary’s work online and were immediately drawn to her captivating photography style, masterful use of light, and inviting atmosphere – it was as if she had tailored her art specifically to our tastes. Despite being camera-shy, Mary’s warm demeanor put us at ease, instilling a sense of confidence that allowed us to relax in front of the lens. To this day, we cherish those photos and continue to appreciate their beauty with each passing glance.
The Styling & Decor
We chose to infuse our wedding décor with personal touches, leveraging natural resources from my family farm. We repurposed fallen tree wood for decorative elements and encouraged friends to bring bottles with unique designs, which we then used as centrepieces, adorned with lights and candles. To add a whimsical touch, we assigned table numbers based on the names of our beloved alpacas, accompanied by photographs of each furry friend. This level of personalization was crucial to us, allowing our wedding to truly reflect our unique story. We also honored loved ones who couldn’t be present by displaying a photo board featuring family members who have passed away. One of my favorite creative ideas was the ‘Name Replacement’ station, where guests would swap their name tags for Polaroid pictures of themselves – now we have a treasured collection of each attendee’s likeness in polaroid form.
The Honeymoon
As a respite from the hustle and bustle, we opted for a compact getaway to Cornwall, where we enjoyed an idyllic week-long adventure with our faithful canine companion, Maude, exploring the region’s diverse charms.
Memorable Moments
Two moments that have stuck with me since the wedding are Cai’s emotional reaction as I walked down the aisle. We had joked about him crying beforehand, but I was pleasantly surprised when he actually welled up. Mary, our photographer, captured it beautifully on camera. The second moment that stands out is the speeches. Cai did an impressive job despite being nervous and not typically comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. His final sentence, ‘She lights up every room she’s in, and for the rest of my life I get to be in that room always,’ has stayed with me. My dad also deserves recognition for his speech, which he spent weeks crafting. He’s not a natural public speaker, but he was determined to get it right. On the day of the wedding, he was so nervous that he ended up having two Corona beers by 10 am just to calm down! Despite this, he managed to deliver a heartfelt speech that had everyone in tears. The speeches as a whole were a perfect balance of laughter and tears. One exception was our best man’s roasting – let’s just say I won’t be inviting him to roast me anytime soon!
Advice For Other Couples
Embracing a DIY ethos can elevate the emotional significance of creating something yourself, making it an even more treasured experience. By staying true to oneself and adhering to budget constraints, individuals may find that taking on tasks personally adds a unique layer of intimacy. This approach allows for a level of personal expression and fulfillment that might be lost in hiring external professionals. For Rachael and Cai, the decision to DIY their Caerhyn wedding was undoubtedly a special one, as evident from the stunning celebration they shared with us.