Imagine being at Hayley and Matt’s enchanting Christmas marquee wedding, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights, lush gardens, and a majestic sailcloth tent in Hayley’s mother’s garden. As the 20th of December gave way to the 21st, the couple’s intimate ceremony was followed by an unforgettable celebration. With the help of their loved ones, they crafted a winter wedding that exuded warmth, romance, and whimsy. Greenery adorned every corner, mistletoe hung in bunches, candles flickered softly, and cinnamon sticks and orange slices added a pop of color to each setting. The pièce de résistance was the Christmas grotto and sleigh photo booth, a stroke of genius that left guests aglow. Hayley’s stunning lace gown with floral veil paired perfectly with Matt’s dashing navy suit and mustard waistcoat, while Entertainment Nation brought the house down with their live band performance in the evening. Thyme Lane Photography, another Supplier Love member, captured the magic of the day in breathtaking fashion, allowing us to relive the joy and wonder that Hayley and Matt shared with their loved ones.
The Proposal
As we attended a friend’s wedding in Tuscany, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that Matt might propose to me there. Little did I know, he had been secretly planning this moment for months! One of our closest friends was present at the wedding, and I had jokingly asked her to warn Matt not to do it then, as I thought he would want to make it a romantic gesture. However, she didn’t heed my advice, and instead chose to ignore me. Fast forward to our trip to Florence after the wedding, where we spent an unforgettable evening at ZaZas, a renowned restaurant. It was there that Matt finally popped the question, citing the moment when my favourite song came on as the perfect prompt. The ring had been cleverly hidden in dog waste bags within our luggage, and I didn’t suspect a thing until it was too late! Luckily for me, Matt exercised better judgment than I thought he would, delaying the proposal to ensure that it was special.
The Vision
We opted for an intimate and laid-back atmosphere at our wedding, deliberately excluding many conventional elements. With only three months’ preparation time, we decided to keep things simple by having just our parents and siblings present during the ceremony. To further streamline proceedings, we forewent traditional trappings like bridesmaids and groomsmen, opting instead for a family-run meal service and a relaxed, informal vibe that felt more like a celebration with loved ones than a formal wedding affair.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on the whirlwind task of planning Ange’s garden wedding, it was clear that time was of the essence. I had the privilege of having my mum, best friend Emma, and brother’s girlfriend Nancy by my side throughout the process. Together, we worked tirelessly to bring every detail to life. On the day itself, we received invaluable support from our friends and family, with our parents and brothers Jaden and Brett being instrumental in making it all happen. I spent countless hours researching suppliers that shared our unique vision and style, ensuring a seamless collaboration. Every single person we worked with was an absolute delight – their kindness and expertise were truly uplifting, allowing us to breathe easier as the big day approached. To stay organized, we relied on a trusty spreadsheet and various lists, which proved invaluable in keeping everything under control. While it’s tempting to rush into decisions when you see something you love, we wisely decided against certain props and decorations closer to the event. This allowed us to refine our vision and ultimately create a celebration that perfectly reflected our personalities.
Budget
The project ultimately cost £17,000 to complete. Initially, we estimated it would be more budget-friendly if we built the structure in my mother’s garden. However, as the process unfolded, we soon realized that wasn’t entirely accurate. Despite the higher cost, we still wanted to place it there because of its sentimental value and the opportunity to incorporate personal touches into the design.
The Venue
As I gaze upon the sailcloth tent nestled in my mother’s garden, it’s hard to believe that this serene oasis wasn’t always so tranquil. In fact, a lot of planning and preparation went into creating this haven before we could enjoy its beauty. With full creative control, we initially envisioned a majestic carousel, but unfortunately, the small bridge over the brook proved too fragile to support the weight of the lorry transporting it. Undeterred, we pivoted towards a festive Christmas theme, transforming the shed into a whimsical grotto, complete with a vintage sleigh and an abundance of twinkling fairy and festoon lights that illuminated the entire space.
Beauty
My experience at Graduate Hair, a local salon, left me thoroughly impressed with my hairstyle. The loose and romantic look belied its surprisingly secure hold. In an effort to complement this new ‘do, I recently purchased the flower slide from Amazon, initially skeptical about its performance. However, I was pleased to discover that it added a lovely touch, as people had warned me that real flowers would wilt or lose their vibrancy over time.
Your Outfits & Accessories
The first dress I tried on was a game-changer. Although it didn’t immediately strike me as my perfect match, I did appreciate its fit when I initially slipped it on. However, it wasn’t until one of the kind shop assistants started discussing customization options that my interest was piqued. I ended up asking for quite a few modifications to give the dress a more laid-back, romantic quality, which the ladies in the shop executed flawlessly. They demonstrated a remarkable ability to understand my vision and bring it to life, all while providing exceptional customer service.In contrast, Matt had a more leisurely shopping experience. He visited a couple of stores before stumbling upon the perfect combination. Unfazed by traditional norms, he opted for a suit that was deliberately mismatched – a deliberate choice that paid off in terms of visual interest. The unique color palette and textures harmonized beautifully, perfectly capturing the free-spirited essence we were aiming for. His decision to go against the grain and choose this unconventional suit ultimately worked in our favor, as it complemented the overall wedding aesthetic in a charming way – rustic, vintage, and delightfully mismatched.
The Music
We had an exceptional experience with Elevate, a talented group we discovered through Entertainment Nation. What impressed us was their competitive pricing and impressive musical repertoire. As fans of classic 80’s tunes, we were thrilled to see how well-received their setlist was by the crowd – they had everyone dancing and singing along.
The Flowers
When it came to selecting flowers for our special day, we turned to the talented Hayley at Starry Eyed Weddings. She crafted a beautiful mood board that showcased various bouquet and flower arrangements, which I had already been inspired by on Pinterest and shared with her. My vision was clear – a show-stopping bouquet featuring draping flowers, lush greenery, and an abundance of berries. Thankfully, Hayley brought my dream to life, exceeding my expectations in the process. The crossbar in our tented area was also transformed into a stunning focal point, thanks to Hayley’s collaboration with Kevin. To add a personal touch, we incorporated foliage from my mother’s garden and those of close friends, further elevating the overall aesthetic.
Your Photographer
We were introduced to Noemi by our friend Lucy, whose glowing recommendation was based on their shared experience working together in the past. Our initial impression of her work was formed after browsing through her Instagram feed, where we fell in love with her distinctive moody tones and photography style. To help us feel more at ease on our wedding day, we decided to schedule a pre-wedding shoot with Noemi, which proved to be an excellent decision. During the session, we were able to relax and have fun, forgetting that Pal was even there capturing our special moments. This relaxed atmosphere was exactly what Noemi thrives in, making her the perfect fit for us. With limited time slots throughout the day and night, we never felt like we were away from our guests for too long. The end result was a collection of photos that perfectly captured the essence of our wedding. We’re thrilled with how they turned out, as everyone who’s seen them has raved about how well Noemi captured the day.
Your Filmmaker
According to our band’s recommendation, we were introduced to David, who proved to be a relaxed and unobtrusive presence on set. He didn’t pressure us into doing anything too forced or artificial, and instead captured natural moments with ease. The only instance where he did ask us to move was during filming, when the rest of the footage was left to unfold candidly. His ability to blend in seamlessly and work harmoniously with our photographers made him a pleasure to work with.
The Details & Décor
To create an intimate and personalized atmosphere, we brought elements from our home into the tent. With the help of Starry Eyed Weddings and our loved ones, we transformed the space to resemble our living room. We carefully selected our furniture, ornaments, candlesticks, frames, and Christmas decorations to infuse a vintage charm that reflected our personalities. The grotto was added as a last-minute feature, filling the space with festive flair and our personal touches. A small tree and sleigh inside the tent provided a touch of Christmas magic without overwhelming the other details. The sleigh proved to be a hit with our guests, offering a fun photo opportunity that became an instant keepsake – even our dogs got in on the action!
The Honeymoon
As we settled into married life, we decided to kick off the new chapter by retreating to a picturesque 500-year-old barn in Suffolk for a tranquil getaway with our two furry companions. The serene atmosphere and idyllic surroundings were the perfect antidote to the whirlwind of wedding celebrations. And speaking of celebrations, we’re already counting down the days until our family vacation in Barbados next March, which will double as an extended honeymoon. With its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and endless adventures, it’s the ultimate retreat for us to relax, recharge, and make some unforgettable memories together.
Memorable Moments
It’s astonishing how quickly moments with loved ones can slip away. One of our most cherished recollections was when we paused mid-celebration to take in the surroundings together, lost in the joy of being present. We often seize these fleeting opportunities on holiday breaks and label them as memory-making experiences.The journey leading up to our wedding day was also filled with poignant moments; witnessing our loved ones come together to support us in making it a reality that perfectly reflected our vision is a treasured memory. I vividly recall my brothers and father working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring every detail fell into place, while our mother’s culinary skills shone through as she expertly prepared canapés in the morning. These personal touches infused the day with an air of warmth and intimacy.
Advice For Other Couples
When sending out invitations, take a proactive approach by gathering all the necessary information in one place before hitting send. Take photos of each invitation and record the addresses, making it easier to create personalized thank-you cards later on. This system also streamlines the RSVP process, allowing you to quickly check off received responses. Similarly, when opening gifts, maintain a clear record of who gave what, preventing any confusion that might arise from jumbled memories.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we celebrate the joyous union of Hayley and Matt, their special day comes alive with a symphony of talented professionals. Behind the lens, Thyme Lane Photography captured every cherished moment as Wedding Directory member. Meanwhile, Starry Eyed Weddings brought magic to the floristry and styling aspects, while Courtyard Bridal Boutique ensured Hayley looked resplendent in her dress. The wedding party’s hair was coiffed to perfection by Graduate Hair Salon, with nancyrockettmua adding a touch of makeup mastery. The celebrations wouldn’t have been complete without the musical talents of Elevate via Entertainment Nation, Wedding Directory member, and the delectable offerings from The Wedding Pizza Company and The Palmichael. First Line Event Hire provided elegant tableware, Events Under a Canvas delivered a stunning tent, and Prosecco Bar Stable & Two Birds Gin kept the festive atmosphere flowing with their signature beverages. Lou’s heartfelt words of gratitude sum it up best: ‘Woah! So enchanting and festive.’