Today, we’re thrilled to share the heartwarming story of Lyd and Josh, who tied the knot in a picturesque ceremony at Cambray Baptist Church on September 2nd, 2017. The celebration continued with an intimate back garden marquee reception at their home in the Cotswolds, surrounded by loved ones. This laid-back and charming wedding was truly a family affair, with personal touches and homemade elements that made it extra special. A pole tent marquee nestled in a serene field was adorned with lush silk flowers, fresh blooms, rustic signs, and sentimental trinkets. The stunning cake was crafted by Lyd’s father, while her mother, sister, and brother contributed to the beautiful flower arrangements and stationery design. There’s something truly magical about family members coming together to create meaningful pieces for the happy couple. Bride Lyd looked breathtakingly beautiful in her lace gown from Eddy K, following a fun-filled dress shopping adventure that we can’t wait to share with you. Groom Josh donned a dashing navy blue suit from House of Fraser, paired with a teal tie and custom-made shoes – a perfect blend of sophistication and charm. We’re honored to feature these captivating images by the talented Kate Waters Photography today, which truly capture the essence of this unforgettable day.
THE PROPOSAL
As we settled into our long weekend in Marseille, fresh from scoring tickets for Euro 2016, we decided to explore the surrounding area. Sunday morning found us strolling through a charming boulangerie, where we stocked up on essentials and whipped together a picnic feast. Next, we hopped on a bus that would take us on a leisurely hour-long ride followed by a two-hour hike through the scorching sun. Our destination was the breathtaking Parc National des Calanques, specifically the stunning Calanque de Sugiton. After a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean and a delightful picnic spread, we opted for another swim before donning our hiking gear to make the trek back down. Amidst the chaos of packing up, Lyd took charge as Josh struggled to cram his clothes into the backpack – that’s when she discovered a peculiar hard lump in the pocket. Confronting Josh, he revealed it was an engagement ring! We were left giggling uncontrollably at the mischievous proposal, which explained Josh’s odd behavior during our hike down. Composing ourselves, Josh dropped to one knee and Lyd said oui – sealing the deal. As we celebrated our whirlwind romance, we headed back to Marseille for a hearty dinner. But little did we know that Lyd would soon take an unexpected tumble on a bus due to sunstroke, only to be rescued by a kind French stranger and her trusty sachet of sugar! What an unforgettable day!
THE VISION
As we began planning our special day, we were determined to create an experience that truly reflected who we are as a couple. For us, the most significant aspect was making a heartfelt commitment in front of our closest loved ones, followed by an unforgettable celebration. After exploring various wedding venues, we came to the realisation that we didn’t want a formulaic, cookie-cutter affair – instead, we craved something personal and intimate. Our goal was to create an atmosphere where everyone felt at ease, like they were among old friends, without the pressure of putting on a show. Ultimately, we wanted our guests to feel free to let their guard down and have a blast.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
As the excitement of the proposal began to settle, the daunting task of planning the big day dawned on us. Just a week later, the wheels were already in motion. What was truly remarkable, however, was the incredible support and assistance we received from our loved ones. With so many options to consider, we knew that our ideal celebration required venues with deep personal significance. And while we may not have been the most meticulous planners, our determination and hard work more than made up for any organizational shortcomings.
BUDGET
We approached our wedding planning with a practical mindset, determined to avoid extravagance. As a couple who values financial prudence (Josh affectionately dubs me the ‘frugal one’), we were keen to strike a balance between celebrating this special occasion and being mindful of our budget. To achieve our goal, we threw ourselves wholeheartedly into DIY projects, leveraging the impressive skills of our friends and family in the process. By cleverly leveraging favours and prioritizing only the most essential elements – such as securing a fantastic band, renting a stunning marquee, and ensuring exceptional catering – we were able to keep our spending in check while still achieving the perfect blend of formality and informality. In some cases, this meant making compromises, like opting for Lyd and her sister’s charming red and blue VW Lupo instead of the dreamy Austin Healey we had initially envisioned.
THE VENUE
Lyd’s connection to Cambray Baptist Church in Cheltenham, where she has been a devoted member since childhood, played a significant role in her decision to host the reception at her family home in the Cotswolds. The picturesque setting, which included a traditional wooden pole marquee situated by the pond, was made even more meaningful as Lyd’s grandfather, who had passed away just prior to the wedding, had worked diligently to prepare the land for the celebration. His efforts resulted in an atmosphere that was truly stunning and deeply personal.
THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES
The Eddy K Bali dress was a showstopper, boasting a cathedral train and delicate Chantilly lace details that exuded timeless elegance. It was no easy feat choosing this stunning gown, but Vicki and her team were consummate professionals, patiently guiding us through the process with infectious enthusiasm. In fact, their dedication to finding the perfect dress was so impressive that they even joined us for the big day! To complete our wedding look, we opted for affordable high-street accessories, cleverly sourced at discounted prices.
FINDING THE DRESS
Lyd’s search for the perfect wedding dress took her to various shops, with mixed results. While some offered exceptional service, others fell short. It was Trousseaux Bridal in Swindon that ultimately won Lyd over. From the moment she stepped inside, she felt like part of the family and knew she had found the right place. The team, led by Vicki, were warm and welcoming, making her experience truly enjoyable. In fact, they were so accommodating that appointments often ran a bit long on Saturdays to ensure a happy ending to each day.
THE READINGS & MUSIC
As we searched for the perfect organist, we stumbled upon Des George through Last Minute Musicians. Despite Lyd’s tardiness, Des kindly agreed to play until her arrival. The Wedding Processional from the beloved film, Sound of Music, filled the church as Lyd walked down the aisle. This sentimental choice held great significance, as it was also a favourite of her late Granny, who played a vital role in Lyd’s life. As everyone in the church smiled with happiness, they understood the deeply personal reasons behind this selection. In contrast, Josh got to choose his own exit music and, after browsing through unique organ tracks, he settled on the lively Infernal Gallop by Offenbach, also known as the Can-Can. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed it, with everyone clapping and dancing along.The hymns chosen throughout the ceremony held special meaning for Josh and Lyd. One particular hymn, Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah, took on a poignant tone, as it was sung just a month prior at Lyd’s Granddad’s funeral. The church echoed with the same gusto and fervour that had been displayed earlier. Our Fijian friends also joined in, showcasing their beautiful vocal talents while we signed the register.The readings were carefully selected to reflect our love for each other, the faith-based principles of marriage, and guidance for our future. In the evening, the talented Tru Groove band took centre stage. Their incredible music left everyone in awe, with two memorable first dances – My Baby Just Cares For Me by Nina Simone and Oh, What a Night by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Tru Groove’s warm-hearted nature was infectious, having the entire dance floor filled with joy and energy. These amazing individuals provided the perfect ending to an unforgettable wedding day.
GROOM’S ATTIRE
We had initially ruled out morning suits as not fitting our wedding style, but we did consider tweed and Austrian-inspired options before settling on navy three-piece suits paired with white shirts, brown shoes, ties, and pocket squares that harmonized with the bridesmaid dress. The suits were sourced from a House of Fraser discount store, where Rose’s expertise helped us secure an even better deal. Meanwhile, Josh had his wedding shoes custom crafted by a Portuguese cobbler. Our search for matching ties to complement the kingfisher blue bridesmaids dress proved elusive until Lyd discovered the perfect ones at Debenhams just two months before our special day. As for the pocket squares, we cleverly repurposed fabric scraps from an off-cuts section in a material shop – a testament to our resourceful approach to wedding planning.
BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAID
Lyd’s little sister, Bithia, stood by her side as maid of honor on the big day. With a large family and extensive social circle, Lyd had an abundance of options for bridesmaids. However, it was Bithia who played a significant role in our relationship, encouraging Lyd to take the leap when getting back together with Josh. Her influence didn’t stop there – she also proved to be a fantastic bridesmaid, much like my two unofficial bridesmaids (my older sisters). The dress search was an adventure in itself. Lyd and Bithia found their perfect match just after the engagement, but decided it was too early to make a purchase. Despite exploring other options, they kept returning to their original choice until they discovered it had sold out. Fortunately, our wedding planner at Hobbs was able to track down the last available dress, which just so happened to be in storage and came in Bithia’s size – talk about serendipity! And to make things even sweeter, we found out that the dress had been heavily discounted to £24, an absolute steal!
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
From a young age, Lyd’s friendship with Kate was deeply rooted in their shared experiences through church. Over time, Kate became like family – someone you’d want by your side on life’s most significant occasions. Her photographic talent was undeniable, and we knew that her unique approach would beautifully capture the essence of our wedding day. As it turned out, our instincts were spot on, and Kate’s stunning shots exceeded all our expectations.
THE FLOWERS
Lyd’s wedding flowers were a masterpiece that perfectly captured the essence of a country wedding. Despite their limited budget, Lyd and her partner decided to take a DIY approach, enlisting the help of Lyd’s mum and sister, Bith, who possess a natural talent for floristry. With no formal training, they still managed to create breathtaking arrangements that rivaled those of professional florists. The duo worked tirelessly to craft exquisite bouquets, delicate buttonholes, and lush flower installations that filled the marquee and church with an abundance of freshness. Their handiwork was met with widespread acclaim, with everyone praising their exceptional skill and attention to detail. In fact, Lyd’s mum had already gained a reputation for her impressive floral creations at previous weddings, which made it easy for her to bring Lyd’s vision to life. As a result, the wedding flowers were not only beautiful but also deeply personal and meaningful to the couple.
THE FOOD
What a truly unforgettable culinary experience Nyama Catering provided! Their South African-inspired Braai was a game-changer, with George and his team being incredibly accommodating and allowing us to work closely together to create a menu that would delight our guests. The menu included dishes that held special meaning for us, which added an extra layer of significance to the event. But what truly stole the show were the stunning visuals – the food was cooked in massive charcoal pits right under the marquee, making it a feast not just for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Our guests raved about the spread, with most people enjoying at least three plates and still going back for more despite being full! The pièce de résistance were the decadent puddings crafted by Lyd’s parents, which included show-stopping treats like mango and coconut panna cotta and an enormous egg custard tart. Despite overestimating the crowd’s appetite (we massively overcatered!), not a single pudding was left behind.
THE CAKE
Lyd’s connection to her wedding cake was deeply rooted, thanks to her father’s impressive baking heritage. As a master baker, he had been entrusted with crafting cakes for both of Lyd’s older sisters on their special days. While classically trained, he was more than happy to adapt his skills to suit the couple’s preferences, ultimately creating a stunning and scrumptious cake that harmoniously complemented the overall atmosphere of the wedding. Its visual appeal was matched only by its delectable flavor.
THE DETAILS & DÉCOR
To infuse our country-themed wedding with a personal touch, Lyd’s brother Josh leveraged his marketing background to design custom stationery that perfectly captured our unique style. This attention to detail set the tone for an unforgettable celebration. As we looked to decorate our spacious venue, we sought to achieve a look that was both authentic to our theme and budget-friendly. A serendipitous discovery led us to Hobbs, where Josh negotiated the acquisition of ex-display silk flowers. These stunning blooms formed the centerpiece of our marquee display, complemented by Lyd’s clever sourcing of flower pom-poms from Allum & Sidaway in Salisbury, secured as a generous loan. To further embellish the atmosphere, we commissioned bunting made from our chosen material, arranged hay bales, borrowed fire pits from neighbors, and enlisted Josh’s parents to build the bar. As all these elements came together, we were thrilled by the resulting beauty.
THE HONEYMOON
After exchanging vows, we treated ourselves to a mini-moon in Cornwall, where we indulged in luxury at a secluded Shepherds Hut. Josh seized the opportunity to try out his thoughtful wedding gift from Lyd – a wetsuit – allowing him to fully immerse himself in the coastal surroundings. Our brief getaway provided a serene atmosphere for us to reflect on the joyous occasion and recharge before diving into the next chapter of our lives. Fast-forward to December, we embarked on our actual honeymoon adventure, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Nicaragua. This extraordinary country treated us to an array of unforgettable experiences – hurtling down the sides of volcanoes, galloping along sun-kissed beaches, basking in the warm glow of a cathedral rooftop, riding the Pacific waves, and even swimming in the tranquil depths of a volcanic crater. Our time there was nothing short of phenomenal, with every moment filled to the brim with stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, warm hospitality, and cherished memories that will forever be etched in our minds.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
Our wedding day was an unforgettable celebration that exceeded all our expectations. Every moment, from the poignant ceremony to the energetic party atmosphere, felt like a dream come true. We were grateful to share this special day with our loved ones, who made it truly unforgettable.
ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES
Allow ample time between engagement and wedding day to reflect on what matters most to each of you as a couple. Take the time to discuss and decide on the type of wedding that truly represents your personalities and style. Don’t feel pressured to conform to societal norms or break the bank; instead, focus on creating an authentic celebration that honors your love and commitment to one another. Ultimately, cherish this special day for what it is – a unique opportunity to start your new life together.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding directory members that stood out to us were Kate Waters Photography, Nyama Catering, Tru Groove, Last Minute Musicians, Cotswolds Marquees, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Josh Hair and Trousseaux. Their exceptional services played a significant role in making the wedding an unforgettable experience for Lyd and Josh. We’re grateful to have them as part of our community.