On a picturesque Tuesday, Daniel and Rhea exchanged vows at Cuffley Camp’s serene woodland setting on August 17th, 2016. The lovely couple is generously sharing their real wedding story with us today. Their special day was characterized by a natural and rustic charm, with the ceremony taking place beneath the trees’ canopy. Surrounded by loved ones, it was truly an unforgettable experience. Following the ceremony, they celebrated in the venue’s hall, where beautiful flowers and thoughtful calligraphy stationery added to the warm atmosphere. What’s more impressive is that their entire day came in under £6000, a testament to their resourcefulness and creativity. Daniel and Rhea, along with their wedding party, made stylish impressions in their chosen attire. I’m thrilled to feature Heather Winstanley Photography’s stunning woodland portraits, which capture the couple’s joyous moments. Special thanks go out to Heather for sharing these treasures with us.
Cuffley Camp Wedding
The Proposal
As we strolled through Hyde Park, Daniel led me to a secluded bench overlooking the Serpentine, a picturesque spot where our memories had been woven into the fabric of our relationship. He pulled out a beautifully calligraphed book, filled with milestones from our four-year journey together – a map of our first date, our first holiday, and even one of Hyde Park, which held sentimental value as it marked the midpoint between our universities. With a flourish, Daniel produced a quill and began to inscribe his proposal on the page. It wasn’t long before I realized what was unfolding, and he dropped to one knee, his voice trembling with emotion as he spoke words that would forever be etched in my memory. The question hung suspended in the air, until finally, it was mine: ‘Will you marry me?’ The answer, of course, was a resounding yes. With champagne bottles popping open, we toasted our love and the promise of a future yet to come.
The Vision
As nature lovers, we craved an intimate woodland setting for our special day. We envisioned a warm, understated atmosphere that felt relaxed and effortless. A formal affair wasn’t in the cards for us; instead, we sought to incorporate elements that would allow guests to mingle freely. This led us to plan a casual BBQ, a late afternoon start time, and a graze table to kick things off. By doing so, we created an environment where everyone could unwind and enjoy each other’s company.
The Planning Process
As newlyweds-to-be, we cherished every moment of being engaged, taking our time to enjoy each other’s company without rushing into wedding planning. It wasn’t until December that we began making arrangements for our big day, which was set to take place on the anniversary of our first date – August 17th.Pinterest played a crucial role in shaping our vision and identifying tasks that we could tackle ourselves. After exploring various options, Cuffley YHA emerged as the perfect venue. The woodland setting, reasonable pricing, and spacious hall with large windows offering an outdoor feel sealed the deal for us. Our initial visit in January presented some challenges, as the trees were bare, but our imagination helped us envision the ceremony, reception, and kitchen facilities.In hindsight, we might have delegated more effectively. We were hesitant to ask for too much help, so we took on many tasks ourselves. While our families were eager to assist, they also respected our desire not to overstep. Eventually, Rhea’s sister handled the music, a family friend crafted the cake, Daniel’s mother arranged the flowers, Rhea’s parents oversaw the props, and Daniel’s father managed the grazing table. On the day of the wedding, Daniel’s sister coordinated everything, with other family members and friends lending a hand to set up the day before.Looking back on our special day, we’re more grateful for the love and support our community showed than the décor or food. It was heartwarming to see our loved ones dusting away cobwebs, arranging flowers, and dressing tables – a true testament to their generosity.
Budget
Your Outfits & Accessories
Daniel opted for a sleek Navy three-piece suit from TM Lewin, complemented by a thoughtful 21st birthday gift – a pocket watch from Rhea – and polished black brogues from Clark’s. Meanwhile, Rhea exuded elegance in an Essense of Australia dress, paired with understated yet stylish shoes from H&M.
Beauty
The Flowers
Our experience with flower arrangements was made easier thanks to the assistance provided by Triangle Nurseries. The team’s guidance proved invaluable in selecting the right types and quantities of blooms, allowing us to take control of the process and create a stunning display.
The Cake
The pièce de résistance was a stunning three-tiered lemon and elderflower cake, generously adorned with rich buttercream frosting. Its sheer decadence left a lasting impression on our taste buds, with the tangy sweetness of the lemon perfectly balanced by the subtle floral notes of the elderflower.
The Readings & Music
The exploration of love began with a thought-provoking reading from Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, which concluded that being in love is the catalyst that sets the journey in motion. The discussion was further enriched by a reading from 1 Corinthians 13, a timeless passage on the nature of love. As we harmonized our voices to ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing’, led by a friend with an exceptional gift for fostering group singing, the atmosphere became charged with joy and community. For couples planning their special day, our curated resources on wedding readings and music offer a treasure trove of inspiration to make your ceremony truly unforgettable.
Groomsmen
The attire for Darren consisted of a subtle yet effective combination, as his light grey suit from H&M cleverly provided a striking contrast to the navy blue worn by the Groom. To complete the look, he opted for brown brogues that added a touch of warmth and sophistication.
Bridesmaids
The outfit consisted of a flowy skirt crafted by the esteemed designer, Needle & Thread, paired with a versatile top from the affordable and stylish brand, H&M.
Your Photographer
Heather, someone we’ve had the pleasure of working with for a while, has an uncanny ability to put us at ease in front of the camera – a place where many people, including ourselves, typically feel uneasy. Her approach was masterful, striking the perfect balance between giving us the space to relax and allowing for more candid shots, while also providing expert guidance for more posed photos.
The Details & Décor
Daniel meticulously designed our bespoke name places and seating plan, combining his artistic flair with vintage charm. The foundation of this unique creation lies in a stunning old flora book, ‘The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady’, which we discovered in a quaint charity shop. The book’s beautiful illustrations of plants and flowers served as the perfect accompaniment to Daniel’s calligraphy skills, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind design that beautifully complements our special occasion.
The Honeymoon
The unexpected cancellation of our Caribbean getaway by the airline left us scrambling for an alternative. As fate would have it, our minds turned to the picturesque Cotswolds region in the UK, which became our new destination of choice.
Memorable Moments
As the month’s pleasant weather gave way to rain on that particular day, a breathtaking rainbow emerged, casting a magical spell over the scene. The night’s festivities culminated with everyone dancing to Candy, the final song of the night, as memories were made and treasured. Our friend who had brought us together stole the show with their heartfelt speech, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.
The moment Rhea walked down the aisle, surrounded by the gentle glow of sunlight filtering through the towering oak’s branches, was nothing short of enchanting. Just moments prior, it had been raining heavily, and Rhea had called to confirm the weather at the site, leaving us both feeling anxious. But fate smiled upon us as the rain ceased just in time for her arrival, allowing the sun to peek through the leaves and illuminate the ceremony. This serendipitous turn of events only added to the beauty of the occasion.
Our wonderful guests left a lasting impression by refusing to depart until they had contributed to the cleanup efforts, demonstrating their appreciation for the celebration and its organizers. In the quiet moments that followed, captured beautifully in photos, we savored precious time with each other, cherishing every second.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the unpredictability of your special day by not overplanning. Instead, focus on being present and enjoying the moment as it unfolds. It’s also crucial to delegate tasks early on in the process to avoid added stress. When it comes to making decisions, trust your instincts – it’ll often save you from costly last-minute changes. For instance, take a deep breath and choose that dress without overthinking it.Special thanks to Heather Winstanley Photography for capturing this whimsical woodland wedding so beautifully. The stunning venue was Cuffley Camp, with elegant touches courtesy of Jaspers Hire’s chairs, linens, and tableware. Triangle Nursery provided the gorgeous flowers, while TM Lewin delivered a stylish suit. Essense of Australia ensured Rhea looked radiant in her dress.We’re thrilled to have shared this enchanting celebration with you, courtesy of Daniel and Rhea – thank you for letting us be a part of your love story! With appreciation, Lou