It’s a delight to share the charming countryside wedding of Jessica and Kyle, as captured by Steph Kiely Photography, on this blog post. The couple exchanged vows at Milling Barn in Hertfordshire during autumn, resulting in an intimate celebration with a modern twist throughout. What’s impressive is that they planned their UK wedding from Texas, USA, showcasing their meticulous attention to detail.
Contemporary Countryside Wedding
The Proposal
It’s been over four years since our proposal took shape in 2019. What began as a quiet, intimate affair at home was the culmination of a long-distance relationship that spanned several thousand miles between the UK and the USA. The distance between these two nations had indeed taken its toll, but ultimately, their partnership prevailed, paving the way for this significant milestone.
The Vision
We had a rollercoaster of emotions when the pandemic forced us to cancel not one, but two weddings originally planned for Miami, Florida. As the situation remained uncertain, we decided to pivot and opt for an intimate celebration in Hertfordshire, where my family has roots. The shift was partly driven by travel restrictions, but also a desire for control and familiarity amidst chaos.
Our vision for the big day was simple: 50 close friends and family, a setting that echoed our personal style, and an atmosphere that felt relaxed yet beautiful. We yearned for a venue that would transport us to a serene, idyllic world, surrounded by lush greenery and rustic charm.
Given the importance we placed on venue and cuisine, we began our planning process with these essentials in mind. My father, ever the keen observer, took the lead in finding the perfect setting, while my parents, who reside in Hertfordshire, became our trusted eyes, ears, and taste buds throughout the journey.
The Venue
When planning our wedding, we prioritized finding a venue that could seamlessly transition between the ceremony and reception. Milling Barn’s unique combination of natural surroundings and historic charm checked all our boxes. The serene atmosphere and rustic old barn where we exchanged vows felt intimate and authentic – the perfect setting for capturing stunning photos and a heartfelt wedding video. Meanwhile, the expansive yet cozy reception space ensured that even with just 50 guests, everyone felt connected and part of one big family.
The Ceremony & Music
The ceremony, the culmination of our special day, was a heartfelt celebration of our love story. Although we had exchanged vows during the pandemic, we wanted to share this moment with our closest friends and family. Our celebrant, Louise, took the time to get to know us and crafted a unique ceremony that felt like a personal reflection of our relationship. It wasn’t just another wedding; it was a genuine expression of our love.Working with our DJ, Mike, was an absolute delight. He went above and beyond, not only on the day but also in the lead-up, even moving massive urns from the ceremony to the reception room for the wedding breakfast. His attention to detail was impressive, considering our diverse musical tastes and accommodating the international guests attending the wedding.As I walked down the aisle to ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love’ by Elvis Presley, I felt like the luckiest person alive. Our recessional song, ‘Everlasting Love’ by Natalie Cole, left us beaming with joy. The music was a true reflection of our eclectic tastes, featuring everything from the Lumineers and Garth Brooks to Earth, Wind & Fire and the Spice Girls. Our first dance was to ‘Old Love Song’ by Zac Brown Band – it was pure perfection.
Your Outfits
In prioritizing our wedding budget, we aimed to allocate resources towards elements that would have the greatest impact on the day’s overall experience. Our attire wasn’t necessarily at the forefront of our spending plans, as we focused instead on curating a memorable and enjoyable atmosphere for ourselves and our guests.
Kyle’s suit, sourced from Marks and Spencer, features an Italian linen blend design originally intended for our beach wedding but ultimately adapted to fit our revised vision. The classic simplicity of my dress, acquired from BHLDN, was elevated by the addition of a belted waist and understated yet modern jewelry pieces, including Hardware Tiffany earrings and Loeffler Randall shoes.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Our photography team, consisting of Steph and her videography counterpart Dean, were the perfect fit for capturing our special day. We sought a natural and bright approach without sacrificing authenticity, as we’re not exactly camera-friendly. Our initial meeting with Steph on Zoom put us at ease, and we knew she’d be an excellent choice. Her relaxed demeanor allowed us to feel comfortable throughout the entire process. She struck a great balance between guiding us through the day’s events and respecting our personal space. Similarly, Dean, our videographer, was an absolute delight. With a similar easy-going personality to Steph, he made us feel at ease, often going unnoticed as he captured our special moments. Before the wedding, he aptly pointed out that a good videographer should be invisible, which he certainly proved himself to be. He expertly prompted us to do certain things that would enhance our wedding video, and we appreciated his guidance on the day.
The Styling & Decor
Kate, our talented florist, truly brought my wedding vision to life. She took the time to understand my personal style, preferences, and ideas, incorporating them seamlessly into her design. Her attention to detail was impressive, from using reusable vessels and keeping everything in water to minimize waste, to carefully selecting flowers that were in season and sourced from her own cutting garden. I gave her full creative control, trusting her entirely, and she regularly checked in with me throughout the process. The result was a stunning wildflower arrangement that perfectly captured the English country cottage vibe I had envisioned. Lucy March Studios designed our table stationery, which added a touch of elegance to our decor. We also took on the task of creating DIY signs around the venue, opting for a more budget-friendly approach. Unlike many couples today, we chose to include wedding favors – personalized luggage tags with our new hometown’s name, encouraging friends and family to visit us in Austin, Texas. It was a thoughtful and creative gesture that our guests truly appreciated. Our cake, crafted by Emily Jane Cakes, was a masterpiece. The two-tiered delight featured pressed edible flowers, coconut and raspberry flavors, and lemon – it was absolutely divine. I’ve had the misfortune of attending weddings with disappointing cakes in the past, but this one exceeded all expectations. It was so delicious that our guests kept going back for seconds, leaving minimal leftovers.
The Honeymoon
As we gear up for a two-week Italian adventure in May 2023, my partner and I are excited to take a well-deserved break from the chaos of the past year. We’ve had our fair share of work-related stress, moving mayhem, and wedding planning frenzy – so, it’s time to hit the reset button and reconnect with each other in one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Our itinerary is still taking shape, but we’re keen on exploring Rome, Tuscany, and some of Italy’s stunning coastal towns if time allows.
Memorable Moments
The pinnacle of our special day was undoubtedly the ceremony, where we reveled in the joy of sharing moments with our loved ones. The opportunity to mingle and converse with our guests, thanks to the smaller, more intimate gathering, was truly a highlight.