I’m thrilled to introduce you to Nadia and Richard, who are generously sharing their Compton Verney wedding, a stunning celebration held on September 15th, 2019, in Warwickshire. The couple exchanged vows in a picturesque church ceremony before transitioning to the art gallery for an understated yet elegant reception. The duo’s aesthetic was nothing short of breathtaking, with a harmonious blend of whites, greens, and blush tones complemented by striking perspex signs, divine cakes, opulent flowers, delicate calligraphy, and refined attire. What caught my attention were the show-stopping peacock chairs and neon sign backdrop, which proved to be perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. Nadia’s breathtaking lace gown with its majestic train was the epitome of elegance, while Richard and his groomsmen looked dashing in their tailored tuxedos. A huge thank you goes to Danielle Smith Photography for entrusting us with these ravishing images.
The Proposal
On July 13th, Richard proposed to me in Croatia, cleverly trying to throw me off guard. Our weekend getaway to Plitvice Lakes National Park was an unforgettable experience. The six-hour drive from Dubrovnik was well worth it, as the breathtaking views and waterfalls left me mesmerized. Even Google images couldn’t do justice to this serene paradise. As we were walking for about 30 minutes, I asked Richard to take a photo of me from behind, gazing out at the waterfalls. When I turned back to face him, he was down on one knee, ring in hand. The stunning single oval solitaire, set in a gold band, caught my breath. We celebrated with an enchanting evening together, cherishing every moment.
The Vision
I’ve been dreaming up my wedding Pinterest board for ages – long before Rich popped the question, in fact! Having a clear vision in mind helped me get excited about the planning process. As we settled on a church wedding, I knew our special day would be even more memorable. Rich’s family ties to the construction industry have instilled an appreciation for stunning architecture in him, and I share his love for traditional church weddings. Our chosen church was breathtaking, boasting a grand organ and its own talented choir. We felt truly fortunate to find both our ceremony and reception venues just a stone’s throw apart. To make our getaway even more romantic, Rich surprised me with a sleek 2-seater Morgan Convertible for the weekend. After the ceremony, we enjoyed some quality time together as he chauffeured us to Compton Verney – the perfect way to savor those early moments of married life before the celebrations got underway.
The Planning Process
For many, the trusty Excel spreadsheet serves as a reliable ally in managing finances. By meticulously logging quotes, deposits, and outgoings, individuals can maintain a clear picture of their financial situation, ensuring seamless tracking and informed decision-making.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I sought inspiration for my dream dress, I found myself surrounded by Australian designs. Initially, the thought of creating one from scratch seemed daunting, so I opted to visit local shops instead. It wasn’t until my third stop, ‘Tilly Trotters’ in Leamington, that I discovered the perfect fit – a stunning Martina Liana Gown with an impressive train. The moment it slipped on, I knew it was the one for me.
In contrast, Richard’s search for the ideal tuxedo was a breeze. He had already mentally visualized his desired look, making it simply a matter of trying on options to confirm his satisfaction.
Beauty
For the big day, the bride and her bridesmaids turned to Nicola Bunn Hair for stunning hairstyles that complemented their overall aesthetic. Meanwhile, the bride took it upon herself to create her own unique makeup look, having recently upgraded her makeup collection and spent hours studying YouTube tutorials to perfect her skills.
The Venue
The esteemed St Mary’s Church in Warwick serves as a picturesque backdrop for any event, while the nearby Compton Verney – an exquisite art gallery situated in Warwickshire – provides an equally impressive setting for a reception. The juxtaposition of these two iconic locations creates a unique and memorable experience for all involved.
The Readings & Music
As the ceremony unfolded, the soundtrack to our special day played out in perfect harmony. The aisle walk was serenaded by Des’Ree’s soulful rendition of ‘Kissing You’. In a nod to tradition, we opted for classic hymns – ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ – which beautifully complemented the picturesque setting. With pens at the ready, we signed our registers as The Choir’s haunting performance of ‘Ave Maria’ filled the air. As we exited the ceremony space, Sir William’s majestic ‘Wedding March’ accompanied us on our way out. But it was at the reception where the party truly got underway. Hot Natured’s infectious beats had everyone moving to the rhythm during our Benediction celebration. And what better way to kick off the dancing than with a romantic first dance to One Direction’s heartfelt ‘You & I’? We also had the pleasure of two readings, although unfortunately their names have slipped my mind – perhaps a reminder that some moments are best savored in the present.
The Cake
The pièce de résistance of our celebration was a stunning single-tier masterpiece courtesy of Claire at Madisons Cake Couture Coventry. This exquisite cake, priced affordably at £45, perfectly captured the essence of what we had envisioned for our special day – a true reflection of our impeccable taste.
The Details & Décor
As a minimalist, I opted for a neutral color palette in our art gallery setting, featuring whites, greenery, natural elements, and a touch of blush. The groomsmen wore sleek black tuxedos that complemented the space nicely, while the bridesmaids donned champagne-hued dresses. To add a personal touch, I created my own stationery, featuring hand-written calligraphy on clear acrylic stands with painted details. We named our tables after Rich’s favorite racehorses, which added an element of fun and whimsy.I also designed the place cards, using handmade rag paper and gold-rimmed animals to hold them in place. To give guests a unique experience, we set up a ‘photo opportunity’ area featuring a metal arch adorned with flowers, two peacock chairs, and neon signs reading ‘You & I’. This little touch held a special meaning – it was the name of our first dance. The venue staff were incredibly accommodating, allowing us to move the grid from outside to behind the top table during breakfast and again on the dance floor. It was there that guests finally caught on to the significance of the setup.
The Flowers
The arrangement of our flowers was truly exceptional, thanks to Joules’ incredible team at ‘Willow & Thyme’. As someone who appreciates the beauty of art and sculpture, I was particularly impressed by their innovative approach to bouquet design. The asymmetric DE structured bouquets they created were not only visually stunning but also a testament to their creativity.
Groomsmen
The wedding party at Richard’s special day with Peter Posh Warwick was comprised of two distinguished best men and three well-dressed ushers, each donning a sleek tuxedo for the occasion.
Bridesmaids
I’m grateful to have had four loyal bridesmaids by my side on my special day. Their stunning dresses from ASOS, which were initially priced at £65 but reduced to an incredible £22 during a sale, turned out to be an unbeatable value. As I’m fortunate enough to own a sewing machine, I was able to take in some of the larger sizes that remained available, making it a worthwhile endeavor for the discounted price.
The Honeymoon
We were utterly fortunate to have experienced our dream honeymoon in the Maldives, a trip that will forever be etched in our memories. The extravagance of weddings can be overwhelming, making it all the more special to have spent 3 idyllic days exploring Dubai before indulging in a week-long paradise at Constance Moofushi. This incredible resort truly deserves its stellar reputation for exceptional service, stunning surroundings, and unparalleled diving opportunities within the picturesque South Ari Atoll.
Memorable Moments
As I made my way down the aisle, a mix of emotions flooded Rich’s face, leaving not a single dry eye in the church. The moment I appeared before him, his raw feelings were palpable. In contrast, I chose to walk down to ‘Kissing You’ by Des’ree, our all-time favorite song, which perfectly captured the sentimental atmosphere. Later that evening, Andy Sax’s soulful saxophone melodies added an unforgettable layer of depth and intimacy, making it a truly unforgettable experience for me.
Your Photographer
As I reflect on our wedding planning journey, one decision that still resonates with me is selecting Danielle as our photographer. Despite having taken place six months prior, our connection remains strong, and I often find myself reminiscing about her incredible work ethic and genuine passion for capturing life’s precious moments. For us, finding the perfect photographer was an exhaustive process that consumed weeks of research on Instagram and Google. We narrowed down our search to around 10 talented photographers whose styles resonated with us. After thorough evaluations of each candidate’s website, Danielle consistently emerged as a top contender. Her ability to evoke timeless elegance through her photographs, coupled with an innate talent for capturing raw emotion, truly sets her apart from the rest. I’m particularly drawn to fine art photography, and Danielle’s expertise in this domain is unparalleled. While some photographers may rely on trendy presets, Danielle’s unique style transcends fleeting fads, ensuring that her work remains impactful years down the line. We were honored to have her by our side throughout the entire process, including handling our smoke bomb request with aplomb – resulting in a truly epic photo.
Advice For Other Couples
Savor the moments, not just the champagne. As you stand at the altar, surrounded by loved ones, take a moment to truly absorb the experience. Remembering your special day with clarity is priceless, and a sober bride is always a happy one.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding celebration was truly unforgettable, thanks to the incredible team of professionals who brought it all together. Danielle Smith Photography captured the special moments, while Willow & Thyme added a touch of elegance as the florist. The sweet treats were provided by Madisons Cake Couture, and Tilly Trotter Brides ensured Nadia looked stunning in her dress. For the gentlemen, Peter Posh offered tailored suits that fit perfectly. Morgan Motor’s classic car was even on hand to transport the happy couple. Nichola Bunn worked her magic as the hair stylist, while Picture Blast provided a fun-filled photo booth experience. Darren Jones Acoustic brought the music to life with his soulful tunes, and Green Claws kept everyone dancing with their DJ skills. Andy Sax added a touch of sophistication with his saxophone playing. For the drinks reception, edible flowers were the perfect addition, thanks to Fine Food Specialist. Compton Verney was the stunning venue for the day’s events, and St Marys Warwick provided the picturesque church setting. The choir’s beautiful harmonies only added to the overall ambiance. It truly was a wedding for the ages.