It was an absolute delight to feature Lily and Josh’s special day on the blog! The couple tied the knot on May 25th, 2019, at Deer Park Hall in Worcestershire, which turned out to be a stunning spring day perfect for their outdoor ceremony. They exchanged vows beneath the wooden pavilion, surrounded by lush greenery, before heading to the modern barn for a relaxed and rustic reception that seamlessly blended charm with sophistication. One of the standout elements of their celebration was the impeccable styling – Lily’s bridal separates from Charlie Brear were effortlessly chic, while Josh’s navy suit, paired with a floral bow tie and braces, added a dashing touch. Their bouquets, featuring gorgeous pink peonies, were truly breathtaking. We’re thrilled to share the beautiful captures taken by Curious Rose Photography, which perfectly capture the joy, love, and vibrancy of their special day.
The Proposal
Greece holds a special place in our hearts, as it’s where we shared some of our most memorable moments together. Our first holiday as a couple was spent exploring the picturesque islands of Skiathos, and it’s where Josh surprised me with an unforgettable proposal in Kefalonia. Little did I know at the time, Josh had been nervously clutching the ring in his hand luggage throughout the journey, anxiously watching as our bags were thoroughly scanned by the security trainee. Our arrival was delayed, and we finally made it to our hotel just as night was falling. As Josh freshened up, I decided to venture out in search of a place to grab some dinner. The first restaurant I stumbled upon would have to suffice for that evening, but Josh had other plans. He insisted we take a leisurely stroll along the seafront, much to my surprise given his growing hunger. It wasn’t until he steered us towards the water’s edge that I caught on – and then he dropped to one knee, the ring sparkling in the sand as he asked me to be his forever. The proposal was utterly surprising, and I couldn’t help but feel overjoyed by the stunning ring he chose for me.
The Vision
For Josh and me, a wedding without the feeling of freedom and being surrounded by loved ones just wouldn’t be the same. Growing up in the countryside instilled a deep appreciation for the great outdoors, so an outdoor celebration was always at the top of our list when searching for the perfect venue. With big families and close-knit friend circles, finding a space that could accommodate everyone’s presence was crucial. To achieve the laid-back, rustic atmosphere we envisioned, we were more than happy to get creative with DIY projects that not only saved us some cash but also added a personal touch.
The Planning Process
Our engagement spanned an impressive 20 months, affording us the luxury of taking our time when making crucial decisions. We swiftly settled on key elements like venue, date, caterer, and photographer, but then proceeded to deliberate at a leisurely pace for the next year before fine-tuning the final details in the weeks leading up to the big day. Throughout the planning process, Josh was an integral partner, contributing significantly to our choices while I focused on researching options.
Bridesmaids
I gave my daughters the freedom to select their own dresses for the occasion. The only stipulation I had was that they be floor-length maxi dresses. They discovered some stunning Issa designs in a pewter hue from Debenhams, which complemented each other beautifully. Surprisingly, despite not having a specific colour scheme in mind, the bridesmaids’ and ushers’ attire, as well as the overall décor of the wedding, seemed to harmonize nicely.
Budget
What’s remarkable is that our initial budget of £18,000 was eventually revised to £20,000, only for us to end up overspending by a further £3,000. While it may be tempting to chalk this up to the inevitable nature of budgeting, the reality is that it’s not uncommon for projects to experience scope creep and subsequent cost overruns.
The Venue
As we approached Deer Park Hall in Eckington, it was clear that this was the perfect setting for our special day. The venue’s combination of outdoor facilities, capacity, and laid-back atmosphere instantly stood out from the rest. What truly impressed us, however, was the exceptional staff, who seemed to be one step ahead at all times. Their meticulous planning and reassurance that they would handle every detail ensured a stress-free experience for us on our wedding day. In reality, their promises exceeded expectations, allowing us to simply enjoy the moment as everything unfolded effortlessly.
The Readings & Music
As I reminisce about my formative years, a cherished childhood friend brought to our gathering the iconic ‘Oh the places you’ll go’ by Dr. Seuss. The presentation was expertly complemented by Josh’s sister, who read a captivating piece called ‘the one.’ Her choice proved to be an astute selection, perfectly capturing the essence of romance without veering into saccharine territory.
Groomsmen
Josh conceptualized his wedding attire, focusing on a navy blue tweed-inspired suit from Wedding Suits Direct. The online retailer’s unique blend of burgundy and orange accents across the pockets and buttonholes caught his eye. He opted for a bow tie and braces combination, which initially wasn’t my cup of tea. However, the entire ensemble harmonized beautifully with the relaxed rustic theme of the wedding. I must admit that I didn’t have to intervene much in the suit selection process, as it all came together seamlessly.
The Flowers
When it came time to source my wedding flowers, I had the pleasure of working with a talented florist who just happened to be the cousin of one of my bridesmaids. Her competitive pricing and willingness to work within my budget allowed me to secure a stunning bouquet, bouquets for my bridesmaids, buttonholes, and two feature pieces at an unbeatable price. Without a specific color scheme in mind, I entrusted her with the task of creating something beautiful, and I’m thrilled that I did! To keep costs in check, she cleverly incorporated greenery into the arrangements, but still managed to incorporate some truly show-stopping blooms that really made them stand out.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As the big day approached, I found myself struggling with doubts about my original dress purchase – made nine months prior. In retrospect, I had been too hasty in making that decision. Fortunately, the wonderful team at Cicily Bridal in Ashby proved incredibly understanding and accommodating when I expressed a desire to exchange my initial choice. Their expert guidance not only helped me achieve my desired aesthetic but also introduced me to options I hadn’t previously considered. One such revelation was a Charlie Brear skirt and top combination that wasn’t on my radar initially. It perfectly captured the essence of a relaxed, effortless wedding look that still stood out from the norm. To complement this stylish choice, I kept accessories simple and understated, opting for a delicate floral hairpiece.
Beauty
With the help of two talented professionals, Amy Hickey and Claire Benson, I was able to achieve my desired look for the big day. Amy, a skilled makeup artist based near me, worked her magic to give me a natural appearance that I had been striving for. Her calming presence also helped to ease any pre-wedding jitters I may have had. Meanwhile, Claire, a local mobile hairdresser with a keen eye for detail, created a stunning tousled updo that perfectly captured the essence of my bridesmaids’ styles, making sure each one felt like a princess on their special day.
The Details & Décor
As I’ve watched my friends tie the knot, they’ve kindly passed down some cherished decorations, and I’ve been delighted to put them to good use. Among my favorites are the Polaroid pictures of our gatherings scattered throughout the dining room – a lovely personal touch that I first fell in love with at a friend’s wedding. The real pièce de résistance, however, was the seating plan. Each table featured a different gin, and guests received a shot of their assigned spirit as they took their seats. The icing on the cake? Josh’s stepfather, a talented artist, had lovingly oil-painted each gin label to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The Cake
The allure of Krispy Kreme doughnuts is undeniable, with their sweet, fluffy goodness making them a go-to treat for many. In my case, I deliberately opted for doughnuts over cake to avoid the guilt and temptation that can come with indulging in rich, sugary desserts too frequently following a special occasion like a wedding.
Your Photographer
Laura Rhodes of Curious Rose photography was a masterclass of professionalism and warmth, effortlessly making us feel at ease from the get-go. Her relaxed yet refined approach allowed her to seamlessly blend in with the guests, capturing genuine ‘in the moment’ moments that perfectly capture our special day.
Your Filmmaker
Despite the unfortunate demise of the videography company we entrusted to capture our special day, Mervyn, the talented individual responsible for filming our wedding, has demonstrated exceptional professionalism by agreeing to complete the project and deliver a video for us. We’re grateful for his commitment and look forward to receiving the final product upon our return from honeymoon.
The Honeymoon
As I sit down to write this, I’m currently residing in Japan – a country that marks the culmination of our six-month ‘maximoon’ adventure. Our journey has taken us on an incredible odyssey across Canada, New Zealand, Fiji, and Southeast Asia, before finally bringing us to the Land of the Rising Sun. In just a few months, we’ll be embarking on another exciting chapter – a safari expedition that will take us through Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes. While it’s not been the most frugal year, I can confidently say that every penny has been worth it for the unforgettable experiences and memories we’ve accumulated along the way.
Memorable Moments
As we gazed out at the sea of smiling faces, waving napkins and cheering loved ones, it was hard to contain our joy as newlyweds. The sheer elation of that moment was unforgettable. Beyond that, the ceremony itself was a highlight. The perfect weather allowed us to exchange vows amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Malvern hills. Each speech left us beaming with pride, testament to the thought and love that went into crafting them. And then, there was our first dance – a carefully choreographed routine to Michael Buble’s ‘Everything’ we’d rehearsed with Josh. Despite the amount of celebratory drinks that had flowed by this point, our practice paid off, making it a truly magical moment.
Advice For Other Couples
As the big day unfolds, remember to take it one step at a time. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the moment and appreciate the beauty of what’s happening around you. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activity, but by taking a brief pause to breathe and reflect, you’ll be better equipped to soak up every detail.In addition to making memories, don’t forget about sustenance! Having some snacks on hand can be a lifesaver, especially when it comes to indulging in those coveted Krispy Kremes. And let’s not underestimate the value of having a trusted wedding planner/organiser by your side. With their expertise and attention to detail, you’ll be free to relax and enjoy the celebration, knowing that every aspect is being taken care of.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Lou reflects on the picturesque Deer Park Hall venue, where she had the pleasure of capturing Lily and Josh’s charming countryside wedding. The lovely couple’s day began with Cicily Bridal Charlie Brear’s stunning dress, which perfectly complemented Rhiannonfloraldesign’s beautiful floral arrangements. As the night unfolded, Killerstream Covers kept the dance floor alive with their fantastic covers, while Amy Hickey worked her magic on Lily’s makeup and Claire Style added a finishing touch to her hair. Berry Blue Catering ensured that every guest left with a full belly and a smile. It was an absolute delight working with this lovely couple, and Lou wishes them all the best for their future together.