As a country girl at heart, I’ve always been drawn to the charm of village life. Growing up in a small community and now raising my own family there, I understand the special bond that forms between villagers. That’s why Ele and T’s decision to host their wedding at All Saints Church Wytham and Wytham Village Hall in Oxfordshire on May 25th, 2019, felt like the perfect fit for this loving couple. When planning a wedding, it’s essential to infuse your personality and relationship into every detail. For Ele and T, that meant embracing their DIY spirit and enlisting the help of loved ones to create a truly handmade celebration. Family and friends came together to set up the hall, bake scrumptious cakes, and craft signage, all in the name of honoring this special day. The coming together of two families is what creates such an electric atmosphere, full of love and laughter. From the stunning outfits worn by the bride, groom, and wedding party, to the beautiful flowers and twinkling fairy lights, every aspect of their wedding was a testament to their unique bond. And let’s not forget the incredible images captured by PhotoBart, which I’m thrilled to share with you today.
The Proposal
As fate would have it, our love story began during an audition for Great Expectations in a school play. A decade later, T decided to surprise me on my special day with an unforgettable birthday trip to Paris. The pièce de résistance was when he popped the question in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower, using my mother’s cherished engagement ring as a symbol of his love.
The Vision
We opted for a bespoke wedding that reflected our individuality, with every detail carefully curated to incorporate personal touches. Our seating plan, for instance, was designed using our favorite albums, while family and childhood photos were strategically placed throughout the hall to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. To further enhance the ambiance, we incorporated cozy fairy lights, reminiscent of a whimsical fairytale setting, drawing inspiration from our shared experience performing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The Planning Process
After two years of meticulous planning, our wedding preparation unfolded at a comfortable pace. We deliberately gave ourselves ample time to navigate life’s other events and professional commitments without the stress of rushing through the process. In hindsight, it was a harmonious balance between creative decision-making and administrative tasks. I took the reins on artistic aspects, while T handled booking and communication with suppliers. As the big day approached, we created a comprehensive to-do list, breaking down tasks by month to maintain focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed. This structured approach proved invaluable in managing our progress and keeping track of important details like deposits, quotes, and guest information. For couples without a wedding planner or coordinator, a shared spreadsheet can be a game-changer, providing a centralized hub for updates and allowing each partner to stay informed about the planning process.
The Venue
As we rooted ourselves in Oxford, where our school days and childhood memories lay, it felt only natural to tie the knot within its picturesque surroundings. Our choice of All Saints Church Wytham was largely influenced by its proximity to the reception venue – a quaint village hall mere minutes away. To ensure a seamless experience, we sought an all-inclusive catering company that could provide everything from food preparation to service and waste management. Greens Catering Oxford exceeded our expectations, offering delectable canapés followed by a family-style main course that encouraged social interaction among guests. The absence of a corkage fee for our chosen drinks from Majestic Wines in Cowley was also a welcome surprise. With 91 guests in attendance, we found ourselves relying on a horizontal table layout to accommodate the crowd. While it was manageable, I would caution against exceeding this number to maintain an enjoyable and intimate atmosphere.
Your Outfits & Accessories
After an exhausting search for the perfect dress, I finally decided to put my deposit down at Fairytale bridal in Fulham, only to wake up the next morning with lingering doubts. Despite being unable to secure a full refund, the team kindly allowed me to exchange the dress for three bridesmaid gowns instead. Feeling inspired by this experience, I took on a side project and created two of my own wedding dresses using a dress-making pattern. However, as my big day approached, I began to realize that I was sacrificing too much time and effort for the sake of uniqueness. With just a month to go, I decided to give shop-made wedding dresses another chance. Bridal Box in Summertown proved to be an excellent choice, offering me the sample dress and veil at a discounted rate and agreeing to complete all alterations within the tight deadline. After sleeping on it this time and involving my husband in the decision-making process, we both fell in love with a stunning strappy beaded dress. In terms of footwear, I was initially hesitant, given my size 9 feet, but stumbled upon a fantastic pair at Deichmann by pure coincidence – an absolute bargain at £20!
The Readings & Music
As I walked down the aisle, my brother by my side, I felt grateful for the thoughtful touches that made the ceremony so meaningful. The processional music, ‘The Wind’ by Cat Stevens, brought back memories of my dad, while my aunt’s reading from Song of Solomon 2.10-13; 8.6,7 added a theatrical flair reminiscent of our acting roots. During the signing of the register, T’s friend Dan Parr played his own acoustic guitar music, creating a beautiful atmosphere. To top it off, T’s grandfather read a poignant poem written by his grandmother, a lovely surprise for us both. As we exited the ceremony, the recessional music ‘All You Need is Love’ – yes, like the iconic film ‘Love Actually,’ but this time with a Canadian brass band twist – brought the celebration to life. In the evening, our first dance was a sentimental choice: ‘Moon River.’ This song holds a special place in my heart, perhaps because it echoes the emotional finale of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ and its tragic heroine, Audrey Hepburn. We entrusted this beloved tune to Between the Lines jazz band, who delightedly played it with a tempo matching our practiced version. Their impressive repertoire, spanning both timeless classics and modern hits, got our guests grooving.
Beauty
I hired Popham hairdressers in Jericho, where Sian styled my hair and the other stylists worked their magic on my bridesmaids. To make the experience even more enjoyable, we were treated to prosecco and croissants throughout our appointment. Each of us opted for a half-up hairstyle adorned with Gypsophila, but I left it up to the professionals to create unique looks for each bridesmaid, which complemented our overall aesthetic perfectly. In contrast, I took on the task of doing my own makeup on the big day, requiring some trial and error to find the right products that would deliver a flawless finish. With guidance from my trusty sidekicks, I discovered the importance of an illuminating primer in achieving that coveted bridal glow and ensuring my makeup remained intact throughout the celebration. As I sat with one of my bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding, she patiently walked me through the process, keeping me calm and composed as we got ready to take on the day.
The Flowers
We commissioned bouquets of blooms from Daises flower shop in Jericho, seeking a harmonious blend of pink, white, and blue hues complemented by pale green stems and an abundance of affordable gypsophila. As May arrived, we seized the opportunity to incorporate seasonal peonies, though their price tag was slightly steeper than usual. Nevertheless, their beauty made them well worth the investment. After amassing a collection of Lloyd Grossman pasta sauce jars throughout the year, we had ample containers on hand for displaying table flowers and adorning the church pews. Daises proved to be exceptional partners, providing an impressive quantity of blooms for both the village hall and the church’s grander displays. In addition, we harvested ivy from Wytham – a readily available resource – and utilized it to add a touch of elegance to our church decorations.
The Details & Décor
With the wedding day looming, we spent the previous evening preparing for the big celebration. A group of about 20 friends and family members joined me to decorate every inch of the venue. To add a playful touch, we set up a makeshift photo booth using an iPad app. We also hired ‘That Event Company’ to transform the main hall with their signature fairy lights. For more affordable options, I visited Poundland to pick up some essentials like favor boxes, which offered great value for money. In addition, we purchased bulk chair covers from Amazon and generously donated them to the village hall. Before the wedding, I spent weekends crafting with my bridesmaids, using my friends’ Cricut machines to create professional-looking signs, including a menu board. We also repurposed some wooden planks from B&Q and received many decorations as gifts from family and friends. One of our contributors even scored free fake flowers by asking the shop that had used them in their window display if they could have them when they were finished.
Bridesmaids
When it came time to coordinate my bridesmaids’ attire, I opted for a practical yet thoughtful approach. I purchased three dresses that perfectly complemented the fabric I had chosen to make two more myself, ensuring a cohesive look. To keep things simple and stress-free, I allowed each bridesmaid to wear her own shoes, as I believed it wouldn’t be a prominent feature of their overall appearance. Instead, I focused on adding some stylish touches with pearl necklaces and gold bangles from Debenhams and Accessorize – both excellent destinations for finding affordable and tasteful jewelry for your bridesmaids.
Groomsmen
T’s groomsmen party of eight, including himself, embarked on a shopping spree for suits. However, they soon discovered that the ushers’ varying sizes required tailored fits to get them looking sharp. T, who struggles to find well-fitted suits, had his own trusty Next suit that he liked, which ended up being the go-to choice. In the end, they settled on navy blue as the colour of choice, paired with black shoes. By coincidence, it turned out that all the ushers already owned a navy suit that fit them perfectly. To add a pop of colour, they opted for light blue ties and handkerchiefs, which also served as a visual identifier. The end result was a cohesive look that seemed to boost everyone’s morale. T, meanwhile, donned his favourite Next suit, fresh from the dry cleaners just the week before, and paired it with a silk white tie from Marks and Spencer’s.
The Cake
I enlisted the baking skills of three family members, requesting they prepare their signature cakes to maintain a sense of authenticity and cohesion with the village hall’s rustic atmosphere. The result was a trio of visually striking and distinct confections that perfectly captured the essence of homemade charm.
Your Photographer
Bart, the photographer, excelled in capturing the essence of the day with his understated approach. He effortlessly blended into the atmosphere, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the celebration while still capturing authentic moments and timeless group portraits.
The Honeymoon
After two years of intense preparation, our trip to Dubrovnik was all about relaxation. We chose Hotel Excelsior as our base camp, opting for a four-night stay that allowed us to recharge and explore the historic old town at a leisurely pace. The hotel itself was a tranquil oasis, with generous breakfast spreads that set us up for each day’s adventures.
Memorable Moments
As I walked down the aisle with my brother by my side, a sense of joy and gratitude washed over me. The sight of T waiting for me at the end of the aisle was truly special. What made the moment even more memorable was the heartfelt poem recited by T’s grandparents, which left us both in stitches and touched our hearts. We were also spoiled with an abundance of cake samples, each one a lovingly crafted creation that added to the day’s festivities. The home-made cakes not only delighted our taste buds but also brought people together, filling the air with warmth and love. Our first dance, carefully rehearsed through YouTube tutorials, was a bit rough around the edges on the day itself, yet it felt perfect in every way. Seeing all the loved ones gathered in one place, surrounded by laughter and tears of joy, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning a wedding, it’s essential to recognize that sharing the load is crucial. Allow time to figure out the best way to collaborate and don’t rush into decisions. It’s also vital to take a step back and sleep on any significant purchases, like a wedding dress. While seemingly insignificant details such as matching shoes and ushers’ suits may seem trivial, they can surprisingly come together seamlessly when given attention. Be open-minded about embracing DIY elements and decorating ideas from others, as this can not only make the planning process more enjoyable but also create a relaxed atmosphere for everyone involved. Furthermore, don’t forget to carve out moments with your partner amidst the chaos – it’s easy for the day to pass by before you know it.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding celebration was a masterclass in coordination, with an impressive array of vendors working together seamlessly to create a truly unforgettable experience. Behind the scenes, Photography by PhotoBart captured every special moment, while Greens Catering provided delectable cuisine that delighted guests’ taste buds. The ambiance was expertly set by That Event Company’s lighting design, which perfectly complemented the ceremony and reception spaces. Live music added to the excitement, courtesy of Between the Lines Jazz, whose smooth sounds had everyone swaying along. As for the decorations, Daisies Flower Shop brought its A-game with stunning floral arrangements that added a touch of elegance to every corner of the venue. Meanwhile, Dan Parr Music provided the perfect background beats, ensuring the mood remained upbeat and joyful throughout the celebration. And as the special day drew to a close, Lou couldn’t help but express heartfelt gratitude to Ele and T for sharing their love-filled day with friends and family.