As I sit down to write about this wedding, I’m struck by its emotional impact. For me, it all comes together because of the thoughtful touches that Mike and Frances brought to their special day. As a filmmaker, Mike is behind Michael Briggs Pictures, and his edited film of their wedding day to Frances still brings tears to my eyes. It’s a testament to the romance and love that fills their vows, which they wrote for each other. If you’re considering writing your own vows, I highly recommend it.The couple envisioned an enchanted forest wedding, taking place on September 1st, 2018 at Captains Wood Barn in Essex. The woodland clearing provided the perfect setting for their ceremony, while the rustic barns offered a cozy space to celebrate afterwards. With the help of their loved ones, they transformed the barn into their own unique space, complete with bunting, banners, and even pineapples. It was truly a celebration of love.I must say that I’m also impressed by the couple’s stylish choices. Frances looked stunning in her flowing princess gown, while Mike looked dashing in his tuxedo. The portraits taken by Megan Elle Photography, featuring them amidst smoke bombs in the forest, are simply breathtaking.
The Proposal
As I went about my daily routine, with the ring safely stowed away in our humble abode, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation building. The perfect proposal moment seemed elusive, so I decided to let life unfold naturally and wait for the right opportunity to present itself. Fast-forward to a crisp December Saturday afternoon in 2017, when a leisurely outing to town for warm mulled wine and sweet treats culminated in a cozy return home to adorn our Christmas tree. It was as if fate was nudging me, whispering that this was indeed ‘the moment’.
The Vision
As a wedding photographer and videographer myself, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting numerous venues in the South East region for work. This experience actually led me away from the idea of getting married at a familiar location. Instead, my partner and I were determined to have an international destination wedding. However, our search took an unexpected turn when we stumbled upon Captain’s Wood Barn. What initially drew us in was the genuine passion and enthusiasm displayed by the farmer who showed us around his grounds. Unlike other venues, there was no sales pitch or corporate vibe; just a down-to-earth, hands-on approach to sharing his property with us. The barn itself was full of tools and equipment, as it’s a working tree farm for six months of the year. This presented a unique DIY challenge, but we were excited by the prospect of transforming this rustic space into our own personal paradise.
The Planning Process
As our special day approached, we decided to forgo the traditional marriage license and instead planned a personalized blessing ceremony at Rayleigh Windmill the day prior. This allowed us to incorporate our own unique touches, including writing heartfelt vows and giving loved ones more meaningful roles throughout the celebration. Our all-vegetarian menu, crafted in collaboration with Linda Hamilton of Gather & Feast, was another key element that tied everything together. With our venue and catering secured, the rest of the planning process fell effortlessly into place.
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
I had the pleasure of working with Julie and her team at Blush Bridal in Leigh on Sea to find my dream dress. Their collection features an array of unique and stunning gowns for brides who want to stand out from the crowd. The embellishment on my dress was particularly impressive, adding a touch of glamour without being overbearing. The flowing design allowed me to move freely, making it perfect for dancing the night away. What really caught my eye was how the dress complemented our venue’s enchanted fairy woodland theme beautifully.As for the suit, we opted for navy tuxedos with black lapels from ASOS. I love how timeless a classic tuxedo is, and the modern skinny fit gave it a contemporary twist. Our search took us to various stores, but ultimately, ASOS offered the perfect combination of style and practicality.
Beauty
My morning started with a visit from my trusted hairdresser, who arrived promptly at 7am to get everyone’s locks in order. With five of us – including a tiny tot – it was clear she had her work cut out! Her professionalism shone through as she efficiently managed the queue, knowing exactly which style each person wanted and expertly prioritizing our requests. Meanwhile, makeup artist Grace Peploe (@gracepeploemakeup) worked her magic on all of us. As a perfectionist, I was thrilled to have her guidance in creating my desired look. And what’s more impressive? She remained calm under pressure, ensuring everyone left the house looking and feeling their best after last-minute tweaks.
The Readings & Music
Becky, our wonderful friend, took on the role of celebrant with great enthusiasm. Her expertise in planning the ceremony left guests impressed, as if we had hired a professional! The readings were beautifully delivered by Mike’s cousin Rosie and Frances’ niece Isla, who chose to share poems that held special meaning for us. Music played a significant part in our celebration, as I’ve worked extensively with musicians through my video projects. I asked some of my favorite artists to perform at our wedding, including Jordan Hemmingway (@jrhemmingwaymusic_). He not only played during the ceremony and after but also learned new songs on the spot to accommodate our requests! Megan Rose (@meganrosemusicuk) provided a stunning soundtrack for the wedding breakfast and our first dance to a slow version of Arctic Monkey’s ‘Mardy Bum’. Her talent was truly remarkable. To cap off an incredible day, we danced the night away with 5-piece band Covered In It (@covered_in_it), who kept the party going with their hit playlists, ensuring everyone had an unforgettable time.
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Mike’s groomsmen stood out in their coordinated attire, donning identical suits sourced from popular online retailer Asos. The perfect harmony was achieved through the thoughtful selection of matching pocket squares, bow ties, and dress shirts from Marks & Spencer.
Your Filmmaker
Editing one’s own wedding footage may seem like a daunting task, but trust me, it’s a lot more challenging than anticipated. I decided to take on the project and have my trusted assistant capture our special day. As if that wasn’t enough, I also took on the role of editor, pouring my heart and soul into the final product. The experience was incredibly emotional, leaving an indelible mark on me even until today. And as a unique Christmas gift for my wife, presenting her with the final edit remains an unforgettable moment in our relationship.
Your Photographer
As someone who’s passionate about photography, I recognized the significance of selecting a photographer whose aesthetic aligns with your special day. I opted for an unfamiliar photographer, trusting them to bring their unique perspective to the table. After scouring Instagram, I stumbled upon Megan (@megan_elle_photography), and she exceeded our expectations in every way. Her genuine enthusiasm for her work shines through in her photography, which is evident in the stunning portraits she captured on our wedding day. The added touches – including polaroids, film photography, and smoke bombs – took our experience to the next level. In my opinion, Megan’s wedding portrait work is some of the most impressive I’ve had the pleasure of seeing. These memories will be cherished for generations to come, a testament to Megan’s dedication to her craft.
The Flowers
Daisy May’s Florist (@daisymayflorist) delivered and artfully arranged the flora for the event. We specifically requested an abundance of wildflowers, which they expertly provided. The loose blooms were used to fill a hundred empty gold-sprayed wine bottles that helped transform our bare Barn into a picturesque setting, complemented by the numerous pineapples.
The Cake
Our fascination with pineapples is quite the phenomenon, evident in the abundance of pineapple-themed decorations, prints, and even edible delights that fill our home. The love affair started without warning, but it’s a quirk we’ve grown accustomed to, so much so that even Mike has immortalized his affection by getting a pineapple tattoo on the inside of his arm! It was only fitting then that when celebrating this peculiar passion, we opted for a pineapple-shaped cake, masterfully created by Cassie’s Cupcakes at our request.
The Details & Décor
The picturesque Captain’s Wood Barn served as the perfect backdrop for our special day, but it was with the generous support of loved ones that it truly came to life. The day before the wedding, we arrived at the venue with a team of 20 friends and family members eager to lend a hand in transforming the space into our dream setting. With a plethora of decorations waiting to be arranged, including gold-sprayed pineapples, wine bottles filled with flowers, Mum’s meticulously crafted bunting, flower rings, and tables, we were grateful for the extra set of hands. The owner of the barn, Bob, was an absolute gem, offering guidance every step of the way – even providing his digger to help us suspend the hand-made bunting from the roof! Meanwhile, our brother-in-law Dan kindly provided a 6ft sheet of glass for the table plan I had designed to be stencilled onto, which was then proudly displayed in a custom-built wooden block crafted by my talented friend James Caldon (@jamscowood).
The Honeymoon
The memories of our dreamy California adventure still linger vividly, a perfect way to unwind after the whirlwind of our wedding. Just two days later, we embarked on an unforgettable fly-drive journey that took us to Santa Cruz, followed by Yosemite, three idyllic nights in Napa Valley where we indulged in some of North America’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon, and finally concluded in San Francisco. We even crafted a little film to commemorate our romantic getaway.
Memorable Moments
Our special ceremony was truly one-of-a-kind, with Becky, our celebrant, bringing an extra layer of magic to the proceedings. The personal vows we exchanged added an intimate touch, and despite the challenges we faced in articulating them, we’re thrilled they were a part of the celebration. Among the many cherished moments from that day, one memory stands out: Frances’ secret pregnancy at just 10 weeks along. As she sipped her champagne, only to discreetly spit it back into the glass, the tenderness and playfulness of the gesture will forever be etched in our hearts.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the romance and sincerity of crafting your own vows. These heartfelt declarations will not only serve as a testament to your love for one another, but also provide a treasured keepsake for years to come. As you exchange these personal promises, they’ll solidify the bond between husband and wife.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The talented team behind Frances and Mike’s magical wedding day consisted of photographer Megan Elle Photography, videographer Adam King for Michael Briggs Pictures, and caterers Gather & Feast Events. The musical entertainment was provided by Jordan Hemmingway and Megan Rose as part of the band Covered In It. Pizza Oven and Redwood Stonebaked contributed to the culinary delights, while makeup artist Grace Peploe and florist Daisy May Florist added a touch of elegance. Blush Bridal took care of Frances’ stunning dress, with Vino Vero Leigh on Sea serving table wine. The seating plan was designed by Jams & Co Wood using wooden block designs, with Andy Bourne creating the perfect layout. Cassies Cupcakes Leigh on Sea crafted the scrumptious cake, and Natalie Fletcher styled Frances’ hair. The beautiful venue was Captains Wood Barn, which set the tone for a truly unforgettable day. If you’re interested in writing your own wedding ceremony vows, I’ve shared my top tips in a previous blog feature. You can also catch a glimpse of their romantic honeymoon film linked above.