As the sun shone brightly on the 22nd of June, 2019, Laura and David’s special day unfolded in a picturesque setting – the Clock Barn in Hampshire. The couple’s vision was to create a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere, replete with bohemian charm. And what better way to embody this spirit than through Laura’s stunning lace overlay gown by Charlie Brear, adorned with flowers in her hair? David, meanwhile, donned a tweed suit and floral tie, exuding a country gentleman air. The bridesmaids’ mint green skirts and flower crowns added an extra layer of whimsy to the proceedings.The décor reflected two personal themes – llamas and travel – which infused the celebration with a sense of adventure and joy. A highlight was the breathtaking coral peonies that featured prominently in the floral arrangements, adding a pop of colour to the scene. These delightful images, courtesy of Angela Ward Brown, perfectly capture the essence of the day’s magic.
The Proposal
As we explored Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, Dave finally found the perfect moment to propose to his loved one. The picturesque backdrop of Reykjavik Cathedral proved to be the ideal setting for his romantic gesture. It turns out that the ring had been patiently waiting in his pocket the entire trip, and he was eager to present it to its intended owner. The wait was well worth it, as the proposal turned out to be a memorable moment in their journey together.
The Vision
As we envisioned our special day, we yearned for a laid-back atmosphere infused with vibrant colors and unique touches. Although we appreciate tradition, we didn’t want it to be stiff or formal – instead, we aimed to blend the charm of a countryside wedding with the carefree spirit of a bohemian festival. Think twinkling glitter, radiant glow sticks, and an overall ambiance that’s equal parts whimsical and joyful.
The Planning Process
After experimenting with various checklist applications and relying on a physical book for organization, I found that these tools didn’t quite meet my needs. As an alternative, I leveraged my professional experience to design custom spreadsheets tailored to the specific tasks I needed to track. This hands-on approach allowed me to create a system that was uniquely suited to my requirements.
The Venue
From the moment we set eyes on The Clock Barn in Whitchurch, Hampshire, we knew we had found the perfect venue. In fact, we liked it so much that we booked it straight away, skipping the stress of visiting other options. While the barn can accommodate ceremonies, we had always dreamed of exchanging vows in a charming church. Our parents’ village church fit our vision to a tee – a picturesque, rustic setting with plenty of character and just the right size for an intimate gathering of 100 people. Plus, its proximity to The Clock Barn (just 20 minutes away) made it an ideal choice, regardless of the weather.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I stepped into the dress shop, my eyes landed on the stunning Charlie Brear plain satin dress adorned with intricate lace overlay and a beaded belt. I had high hopes for an enjoyable shopping experience, but as the minutes ticked by, I found myself feeling increasingly anxious. It wasn’t that the dress didn’t captivate me – its unique features allowing you to customize the design to your liking, unlike other dresses I tried, where I wished to make changes from scratch.
Beauty
I felt fortunate to have my maid of honor, a skilled makeup artist, offer her services for the bridesmaids’ makeup. With her expertise, our beauty was taken to the next level! Meanwhile, Torri, a talented hairstylist from Riothairdressing, worked her magic on our locks. The girls looked stunning with their up-dos adorned by gorgeous flower crowns courtesy of Eden Blooms. As for me, I opted for a fresh and elegant look with flowers expertly pinned into my hair.
Groomsmen
When planning our country wedding, Dave had a specific style in mind: a blue tweed suit that would blend seamlessly with the rustic atmosphere. Our first stop was Moss Bros, where we were thrilled to find a lightweight tweed option showcased in the window – perfect for a summer celebration. However, just as we thought we’d found the ideal outfit, Dave spotted a brown waistcoat on display that he couldn’t resist. Since the suit only came in blue, we made a quick trip to Amazon to source the desired accessory, and managed to get it delivered just in time for the big day.
The Readings & Music
Our wedding celebration was made even more special by the thoughtful contributions from loved ones. My cousin and friend shared their favorite readings with us, including ‘Blessing for a Marriage’ by James Dillet Freeman and ‘Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog’ by Taylor Mail. To complement these heartfelt moments, we hired a talented band to provide entertainment for our guests during the drinks reception and later that evening. The decision to opt for an acoustic set was a great one, as it allowed everyone to enjoy the music in the beautiful sunshine. As the night progressed and the dance floor came alive, we were thrilled to see our guests having an incredible time. In fact, the band received rave reviews from everyone, which made us extremely happy – it was definitely one of the highlights of the evening.
The Flowers
Eden Blooms, a truly remarkable florist, brought my floral vision to life. My encounter with their talented designer, Shelly, left me impressed. The meticulous attention to detail that went into crafting each element, from the elegant flower arch to the intricately designed buttonholes for the boys, perfectly captured the essence of my imagination.
The Cake
When considering tackling a multi-tiered cake, it’s essential to have the necessary experience and sufficient support – whether that be from someone physically assisting you or simply providing moral encouragement. Additionally, it’s crucial to allocate ample time to complete the task without feeling overwhelmed by stress. For those new to making tiered cakes, I highly recommend seeking guidance from a more experienced baker to ensure a successful outcome. In our case, we were fortunate to have an incredibly talented cake-making friend, @bakesbyjoanne, who generously provided us with the adorable llama cake toppers that added a personal touch to our masterpiece.
The Details & Décor
As we began planning our special day, it was only natural that our beloved pet llamas would make an appearance. With their endearing presence woven throughout every aspect of the wedding, from save the dates to thank you cards and even cake toppers, our love for these furry friends became a charming thread throughout the celebration. Meanwhile, our shared passion for travel served as the foundation for another theme that permeated the event. Having explored over 20 countries together in recent years, we drew inspiration from our favorite destinations, naming each table after one of those remarkable places and displaying a nostalgic string of polaroids, capturing the essence of each journey.
Your Photographer
Our talented photographers, Angela Ward Brown and assistant Bernie Palumbo, brought their exceptional skills to our photo shoot. I had a specific vision in mind for how I wanted to be portrayed on that day. As soon as I discovered Angela’s website, I knew she was the ideal choice – her unique style resonated with me.
Bridesmaids
The initial inspiration for the event’s aesthetic was driven by a desire to create a relaxed atmosphere where women felt at ease. To achieve this, I turned to a few trusted sources: Top Shop’s iconic White Cami and The Wedding Gallery by Jenny Chu’s stylish skirts, which I had discovered on Pinterest early on in the planning process. These pieces seemed tailor-made for the occasion, exuding a sense of comfort and sophistication that I knew would resonate with my guests.
The Honeymoon
Memorable Moments
As the evening drew to a close, we experienced a thrilling finale on the dance floor. The entire party formed a circle around us, and we found ourselves in the midst of a joyous gathering that was worlds away from the initial awkwardness of our first dance. Meanwhile, our supplier night at the venue had also inspired another unexpected delight – the mesmerizing magic of Stephen Karl. His hour-long performance at the drinks reception and subsequent table-hopping routine proved to be an incredible icebreaker, leaving everyone in awe of his skill and charisma.
Advice For Other Couples
While anticipation and preparation are natural parts of the journey, it’s essential to recognize that a significant portion of your stress is likely centered around the lead-up to the big day. However, once the moment arrives, you’ll find that there’s little more to do but simply appreciate the experience. Allow yourself to let go of any lingering anxieties and savor every aspect of this special occasion.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photographer behind the stunning images of Laura and David’s special day is Angela Ward Brown. The stationery used was designed by Emmy Designs, while the venue played host to all the celebrations at Clock Barn. Makeup artist Louise Goodson worked her magic on the happy couple, with cake toppers courtesy of bakesbyjoanne. Flowers were arranged by Eden Blooms, and the entertainment for the night came from the talented band Tailored Entertainment, who are also members of the Wedding Directory. A magician was even on hand to delight guests – Stephen Karl Magician brought a touch of magic to the proceedings. The dress worn by Laura was designed by Charlie Brear, while her hair was styled by riotohairdressing and David’s suit came from Moss Bros. It was an unforgettable day, and we’re thrilled to have been a part of it, as we thank Laura and David for sharing their happiness with us.