Step into the whimsical world of Danielle and Dan’s spring wedding at Crown Lodge in Kent, where love and magic converged in an intimate woodland ceremony. As we delve into this bohemian rustic masterpiece, get ready to be enchanted by twinkling lights, muted hues, and the sweet charm of pampas grass. And, because every celebration deserves a showstopper, a cookie cake stack takes center stage. But that’s not all – keep an eye out for stylish attire, a vintage Beetle car, and an adorable pup that stole the show. When it comes to tunes, Entertainment Nation brought the party to life with their lively beats. As we relive this glorious day filled with sentimental moments and emotions, Tasmin May Photography kindly shared these precious images of a truly unforgettable celebration.
Crown Lodge Wedding
The Proposal
As we embarked on our Welsh getaway with our new puppy, Betsy by our side, Dan and I felt like we were in for a treat. The trip took on an extra layer of magic when, on the final day, Dan suddenly decided to take us on a spontaneous adventure to Snowdon. We wrapped up lunch, grabbed some essential snacks from the bakery, and hit the road. The parking spot turned out to be a breathtaking viewpoint, but unfortunately, the bad weather and our poorly chosen footwear meant we couldn’t make it to the summit. Undeterred, we settled in for a snack-filled picnic, taking in the stunning views of Wales. Betsy snuggled up between us as Dan suddenly scooted down into the footwell, asked me to marry him, and waited anxiously for my answer – which, of course, was an overwhelming yes!
The Vision
As we envisioned our special day, we were adamant about defying convention. We yearned for an atmosphere that perfectly captured our unique bond and shared preferences. For us, the most crucial aspect was having our closest friends and family surround us, letting loose and enjoying every moment.Our culinary choices reflected this approach. Fish and chips, our go-to takeaway, became the centrepiece of our celebration. This unconventional choice embodied the relaxed, carefree vibe we aimed to create. As for the evening’s fare, a pizza van was the perfect fit – providing a comforting, indulgent treat that would satisfy our cravings throughout the night and even fuel us for the late-night revelry and morning-after brunch.Our vision was to craft an event that authentically represented us as a couple: laid-back, food-loving, music-enthusiasts surrounded by love. And despite the challenges posed by COVID’s ever-changing guidelines, we wouldn’t alter a single detail of our unforgettable day.
Budget
With a shared goal of keeping costs in check, my partner and I set out to plan our special day without breaking the bank. Although fortunate enough to receive assistance from both sets of parents, we were determined not to exceed our target of £10,000 – albeit, we did manage to stay just below this figure with some careful planning.
The Venue
Our special day took place at the picturesque Crown Lodge in Wye, which boasts a serene setting overlooking the rolling Wye Downs. The venue’s already-stunning décor meant we didn’t have to lift a finger to enhance its beauty – everything was perfectly in place. What’s more, the staff were warm and welcoming, making us feel instantly at ease. As soon as we stepped foot inside, we knew we had made the right decision in choosing this idyllic setting to tie the knot.
Your Outfits
As I deliberated over the perfect wedding dress, the phrase ‘when you know, you know’ echoed in my mind. But what if I didn’t feel that spark? The pressure was mounting, and I began to feel overwhelmed by the endless options. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon Victoria Grace Bridal in Canterbury, a charming boutique run by sisters Hayley and Emma, that I found a sense of calm. The relaxed atmosphere was exactly what I needed as I tried on several dresses, each one more beautiful than the last. Yet, none of them truly felt like me. That was until I discovered the perfect dress – comfortable, modestly covering all the right areas, and featuring the tulle skirt I’d always coveted (imagine twirling!). As soon as I slipped it on, I knew I had found ‘the one.’ It wasn’t just about the aesthetics; it felt like an extension of myself. Dan, on the other hand, took a more laid-back approach to his wedding attire. He opted for a suit from ASOS, only two weeks prior to our big day! Yes, I may have lost a few hairs over it, but in the end, we were fortunate that it fit perfectly and harmoniously complemented our color scheme.
The Ceremony & Music
Our intimate ceremony was a deliberate choice, capped at 30 guests including ourselves. This allowed us to connect deeply with each attendee, engaging in meaningful conversations rather than being swept from person to person like a whirlwind of well-wishers. The serene atmosphere at the Crown Lodge’s picturesque setting enabled this unique experience. We created a bohemian-inspired aisle using vintage rugs and exchanged our vows beneath a stunning pergola adorned with whimsical fairy lights and lush eucalyptus and pampas grass garlands. To make the moment even more special, we curated a playlist of our favorite songs for the ceremony. As I made my way down the aisle to an acoustic guitar rendition of my father’s beloved tune, What A Wonderful World, we also featured our favorite bands – Scouting For Girls, The Kooks, and McFly – while signing the registry.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
We were fortunate to find Tasmin, a photographer who perfectly captured the essence of our special day. Initially, we were apprehensive about having cameras around, but Tasmin’s warm demeanor and clear explanation of her approach quickly put us at ease. We sought a photographer who would focus on capturing genuine emotions, rather than forcing smiles or dictating guest movements. Tasmin exceeded our expectations in every way. She has an uncanny ability to be present yet unobtrusive, resulting in stunning images that tell the story of our day with perfect candor. Each photograph brings back vivid memories and we treasure them immensely. Our couple shoot was just as relaxed and intimate, yielding some of my favorite photos – walking hand-in-hand on the Wye Downs, lost in conversation and laughter. Tasmin has a remarkable talent for capturing the true essence of her subjects, and our wedding day was no exception. Her photographs are a heartfelt reflection of who we are as a couple and the joyous celebration that surrounded us.
The Styling & Decor
As I gazed at the 30-person gathering, my initial concern about the venue’s emptiness began to creep in. But, with LocateToCreate on board, our worries were swiftly replaced by an atmosphere of warm elegance. They transformed our chosen layout – a single long table down the middle of the room – into a stunning display of eucalyptus and vases filled with pampas grass. The addition of peacock chairs and rugs in the corner created a cozy nook perfect for those seeking respite from the dance floor or a picturesque spot for photos. It exceeded my wildest expectations! To complement this intimate setting, we incorporated rustic LOVE lights from TippledPink Bars, which served as both a space filler and an additional photo opportunity. The theme harmonized seamlessly with the venue and our special day.Dan, being a skilled graphic designer, took charge of our menus and signs. Meanwhile, we entrusted a talented small business with creating our name labels, which turned out to be absolutely perfect! Our colour palette consisted of neutral tones, golds, lattes, and taupes, punctuated by the dramatic dark green accents worn by our two young page boys.The crowning glory of our wedding day was undoubtedly our cookie stack masterpiece created by Chef Dave. We’re not typically fond of flashy cake designs, but we have a sweet tooth for cookies! The milk chocolate chip cookie structure held together with white chocolate-orange ganache was nothing short of extraordinary – it drove our guests wild! Its uniqueness and heavenly taste made it an unforgettable experience.
The Honeymoon
Initially, we had our hearts set on Santorini for our dreamy honeymoon getaway. However, the unforeseen circumstances of COVID-19 forced us to reevaluate and cancelled our reservation. With a touch of serendipity, we decided to opt for a more low-key, intimate celebration in the picturesque Cotswolds instead. We booked an Airbnb retreat and spent five idyllic days meandering through quaint villages, taking advantage of the pubs’ reopening, and indulging in people-watching over a refreshing gin and tonic. The weather gods smiled upon us, granting us sunny skies that allowed me to even acquire a hint of sun-kissed radiance.
Memorable Moments
The wedding remains etched in my memory as a beacon of joy, with an infectious atmosphere that permeated every aspect. For many, including guests and suppliers, it marked their first wedding back after COVID’s restrictive era. The collective sense of relief and gratitude was palpable, as people reveled in the simple pleasures of human connection – shared laughter, warm smiles, and gentle hugs. It was a moment when everyone felt truly grateful to be present, savoring the freedom to let go and simply enjoy each other’s company. This sentiment of appreciation remains one of the most cherished aspects of our special day.