As soon as we became engaged, our primary goal for the wedding shifted from planning the perfect ceremony to bringing together our closest loved ones and throwing an unforgettable party! Our ultimate objective was to create a joyful atmosphere where everyone could let loose, share in each other’s company, and make memories that would last a lifetime. And, of course, we made sure no one went thirsty throughout the celebration!
Dove Grey Wedding
I’m thrilled to introduce you to Joe and Helen, who celebrated their special day on May 3rd, 2019, at the picturesque Gaynes Park in Essex. Their wedding was a masterclass in understated elegance, with a serene colour scheme featuring dove grey, white, and dusky blue hues. You’re in for a treat as you peruse their stunning images captured by Danielle Smith Photography – many thanks to them for sharing these treasures! A detailed account of their big day follows below.
What’s more, I’m delighted to highlight the talented professionals involved in their celebration. The electric atmosphere was brought to life by Electric Soul Club, courtesy of Bands For Hire, while Shropshire Petals contributed to the whimsical confetti moment – kudos all around! I must also praise the enchanting floral arrangements that adorned the venue and the sharp fashion sense on display.
Be sure to take a closer look at Helen’s show-stopping hairstyle, the charming welcome sign, and the twinkling fairy lights that added to the evening’s magic. It was truly a lovely affair.
The Proposal
It was the day before Joe’s 30th birthday, a serene February morning filled with crisp sunshine. We decided to take a leisurely walk around Ashridge, our local national estate, on a quiet Friday morning. As we strolled along with coffee in hand, Joe suddenly wrapped his arms around me, and I felt his heart beating rapidly – an unexpected move that made me momentarily worry about the state of our relationship! Little did I know, this wasn’t a breakup conversation at all; instead, it was the precursor to something extraordinary. In fact, he had planned a surprise of monumental proportions. As we stood there, Joe got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife, taking my breath away with his romantic gesture. I was still in shock, but relieved nonetheless (and a bit amused at the absurdity of it all!). Still clutching my coffee and flapjack, I hesitated for a moment before putting them down – not wanting to risk a spill or compromise the surprise. It wasn’t long before we headed out to meet Joe’s family for lunch under the guise of his birthday celebration, where we got to share the fantastic news with them – including my stunning new brilliant cut diamond ring!
The Vision
I’ve never been one for elaborate wedding planning or scrapbooking my ideal big day. As someone with a keen eye for detail and a preference for simplicity, I knew exactly what I wanted – and just as importantly, what I didn’t want – from my special day. My partner Joe shares my affinity for understated elegance, favoring classic, clean lines and a palette of whites, greys, and blacks that reflects our modern aesthetic. For us, the perfect wedding would be a sophisticated yet romantic celebration, devoid of unnecessary frills or gimmicks, but still infused with personal touches. To bring this vision to life, we chose a color scheme featuring crisp whites, dove grey, and dusky blue, accompanied by elegant silk ties and rustic bouquets showcasing simple, understated blooms.
The Planning Process
Joe affectionately refers to me as Mrs Filofax due to my affinity for planning and organization. Little did he know that this trait would prove invaluable when it came time to plan our special day! Initially, we considered a destination wedding, jetting off to Tuscany where we met with a talented wedding planner who showcased us four stunning properties. One property in particular stole our hearts, and we knew instantly it was the perfect spot for our ceremony. However, reality set in once we returned to the UK, and we began crunching numbers. As it turned out, our dream wedding, complete with a guest list of [insert number], was going to be cost-prohibitive.Undeterred, we refocused on finding a venue and date stateside. Once those details were settled, we prioritized booking key suppliers who would quickly snap up dates like the photographer, videographer, and band. With these essentials secured, we turned our attention to securing a hairdresser, makeup artist, and – of course – the dress! As each piece fell into place, our vision for the big day began to take shape.
Budget
Groomsmen
After deciding on a unique look for his wedding day, Joe opted for a stylish black tuxedo with matching waistcoat from Suit Supply. The textured material of the suit caught his eye, and its impeccable fit left a lasting impression. Not only was the craftsmanship exceptional, but it also set Joe apart as the groom, making him stand out in a crowd. In contrast, his groomsmen wore sleek black tuxedos with a smooth texture from Charles Tyrwhitt, creating a cohesive yet distinct look for the wedding party.
Beauty
When it came to my hair, I decided to let my dress be the focal point and opted for a simple yet elegant up-do. I chose a stylist from Essex, Clare Louise, who had an impressive portfolio online. At our initial consultation in Chelmsford, she was accommodating and flexible, willing to work with me even when my original vision didn’t quite translate to my hair type. She presented two alternative styles based on my brief and allowed me to sleep on it before making a final decision. Ultimately, I went with a classic chignon that added texture and framing to my face, while keeping the overall look understated and elegant. To complement my dress, Clare Louise even gifted me a blue diamante pin as ‘something blue’, a thoughtful touch.For my bridesmaids, I gave them the freedom to style their own hair, simply providing a few pins with diamantes for them to add some sparkle to their up-dos or down-styles.In terms of makeup, I wanted a natural yet special look that still felt like me. After finding Abbie Owen MUA on Instagram and booking a trial nine months in advance, I opted for a rose gold eyeshadow, coral blush, and pale peach/pink lip. To ensure my mascara-free day, I also got eyelash extensions.For my bridesmaids, I arranged for my makeup artist to bring along a colleague to help, giving the girls the freedom to choose their own tones and styles within a neutral palette.
Bridesmaids
I turned to ASOS and dress maker TFNC for the perfect bridesmaid dresses, recognizing the challenges of finding styles that flattered each of my six distinctively shaped attendants. I sought a solution that would make them all feel comfortable on the big day. After all, it’s not easy pleasing multiple palates! The floor-length empire-waist gowns in a soft grey-blue hue were a game-changer. Their delicate cross-over necklines and Grecian-inspired beaded straps added an extra touch of elegance, subtly nodding to my own partial Greek heritage.
The Venue
We pulled up to Gaynes Park on a drizzly April Sunday, our mood already dampened by the GPS’s inability to reroute us around diversions. The prospect of hastily viewing the venue and hitting the road again didn’t exactly fill us with enthusiasm. But as we stepped out into the chilly air, we were warmly greeted by the staff, who welcomed us with open arms despite our gruff demeanor. Their warmth was infectious, and before we knew it, we’d agreed to take a quick tour of the property. As we explored the Orangery, something about Gaynes Park resonated with us. The sheer amount of space on offer, coupled with its versatility, left us pleasantly surprised. By the time we left, we were sold – this was the one for us. Given its popularity, we only had three dates to choose from in the following summer. Without hesitation, we booked Friday May 3rd, 2019, right then and there.The venue is a true showstopper. Words can’t do it justice. The ‘Apple Loft’ proved an ideal spot for our bridal party to get ready, with its attention to detail in décor creating the perfect atmosphere for our big day. We chose the Orangery as the backdrop for our ceremony, where we exchanged vows surrounded by panoramic views of the walled garden. The combination of glass, wood beams, and lush greenery created an intimate yet airy ambiance that set the tone for our special day.Following the ‘I dos,’ we enjoyed a confetti-filled sendoff down the long walkway before transitioning to the reception drinks and canapés in the beautiful gardens. Thom Music’s acoustic melodies provided the perfect accompaniment as we mingled with loved ones. The wedding breakfast took place in the stunning Mill Barn, where its high ceilings and square shape added a unique touch to our celebration. We also made use of the mezzanine area for those seeking a quieter atmosphere.As the evening drew to a close, we relocated back to the Orangery to welcome our nighttime guests. With cocktail bars, music, and merriment in full swing, it was clear that Gaynes Park had truly earned its reputation as an unforgettable wedding destination.
The Readings & Music
Our wedding music was a carefully curated blend of personal and professional choices. Myriam, my sister-in-law, and Uncle George contributed their own unique readings to set the tone for our special day. The playlist played a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere throughout the event, with Joe taking ownership of the task. We had multiple playlists tailored to specific moments: pre-ceremony, ceremony, drinks reception, breakfast, cocktail hour, and even the final four songs of the night. Thom Music, an acoustic singer we discovered at our local pub, brought a fantastic energy to our reception drinks with his eclectic setlist that spanned genres from reggae to disco. We’d highly recommend him! To keep the party going, we hired Electric Soul Club, a band we’d seen at friends’ wedding the previous summer. They brought a modern and soulful vibe to their performance, even perfectly covering Craig David & TS5 tracks. The songs we chose for our signing-the-register moment were Someone That Loves You by Honne and Riptide by Vance Joy. Our first dance was a romantic affair with Beyond by Leon Bridges & Luke Combs. Finally, the last four songs of the night featured Mo Money, Mo Problems by Notorious BIG, Never Forget by Take That, Dakota by Stereophoncs, and Save Tonight by Eagle-Eye Cherry.
The Flowers
To find the perfect florist, I was on the lookout for someone who shared my understated elegance aesthetic. I didn’t want anything too formal or over-the-top, but still wanted a bouquet that exuded a sense of romance and whimsy. Hannah Louise Flowers’ designs beautifully captured this balance between rustic charm and precise arrangement. For our special day, I had specific flower requirements – thistle and olive, which held sentimental value as nods to my Scottish and Greek heritage. Additionally, ranunculus roses, white anemone, cream astilbe, and seasonal blooms were a must-have, accompanied by green and grey foliage from eucalyptus and dusty miller. The finishing touch was the pure silk white ribbon tails that trailed elegantly from the bouquet. To further set the scene, we adorned the aisle with rose petals, placed small bud vases along the altar table, and flanked the space with hurricane lanterns featuring a ring of flowers at their base. This romantic ambiance carried over to the wedding breakfast tables, where a mix of lanterns and bud vases created a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I surprised my mom by taking her dress shopping, keeping it a secret from everyone else. The first shop we visited had a sales associate who encouraged me to try on all their different styles of dresses. I’m grateful for that advice, as I discovered some designs that I never would have considered otherwise.
We found two dresses that caught my eye – one was a beaded, low-back, figure-hugging gown with a small train, while the other was a fishtail gown with a beautiful ruffled train. However, I knew neither was ‘the one’ just yet.
Pronovias is a designer brand I’ve always admired, so we decided to visit their sample sale at the flagship store on Bond Street. With the caveat that if we found ‘the one’, we had to pay in full and take it away with us that day – no pressure!
We started upstairs in their Atelier boutique, where the gowns were truly stunning. There was exquisite detailing, beautiful embroidery, and beading to die for, yet some very eccentric designs. Not feeling particularly inspired by the design or the price point, we picked out one dress to try on ‘just because’. As soon as I slipped it on, it felt like a cliché – but true nonetheless; I knew it was ‘the one’. It was a perfect combination of delicate and detailed, with 3D lace and gemstone embroidery, a long tulle train, a sweetheart neckline, a scoop back, and a fit-and-flare cut.
The dress was Pronovias’ Atelier line, specifically the ‘Veranda’ design from 2016. We were lucky to snag it at a whopping 65% discount!
My shoes were simple yet elegant – Kurt Geiger’s Kross style, with a mid-heel pointy toe and jewel embellishments.
I chose a cathedral-length veil made of fine lace, crafted by my seamstress. For my rings, we opted for plain platinum bands from local goldsmith Lloyd Froud, inscribed with our special date and first dance on the inside.
My ‘something blue’ was a diamond and sapphire ring gifted to me by my late maternal grandmother.
Your Photographer
We knew that finding the right wedding photographer was crucial, so we took the time to thoroughly research and compare styles, packages, and overall vibes. What struck us initially was the vast array of photography styles out there – it was going to be a longer process than expected! After creating a shortlist of around 10 suppliers, we carefully evaluated each one, considering factors like their approach to capturing moments, the tone of their work, and the level of emotional connection they conveyed. Ultimately, we chose Danielle Smith Photography based on her website’s aesthetic and her ability to effortlessly capture the essence of every moment. Before our big day, we decided to have a ‘dry run’ – an informal meeting with Danielle at Ashridge, where we got engaged, to discuss our vision and get comfortable in front of the camera. From the start, we felt at ease knowing we were in capable hands. Danielle’s unobtrusive yet meticulous approach allowed her to capture not just the grand moments but also the intimate, often-overlooked details that make a wedding story truly unforgettable. We’re eternally grateful for her expertise and artistry – our visual storybook is now filled with breathtaking photographs that beautifully chronicle every aspect of our special day.
Your Filmmaker
When it comes to capturing the magic of your special day, Alex Thraves from Absorb Films is an excellent choice. Although he may not specialize in weddings, Joe’s sister knew him personally, and he generously offered to film our ceremony. We were blown away by his ability to seamlessly blend into the background and capture authentic moments without being intrusive. His relaxed and natural approach made it easy for us to work with him, and we’re forever grateful that he agreed to be a part of our wedding. As a result, we have beautiful footage to treasure for years to come.
The Details & Décor
The wedding celebration unfolded in a picturesque setting, with Mediterranean Occasions bringing their expertise to transform the orangery and gardens into a stunning backdrop for our special day. As I made my way to the ceremony, I was preceded by the sweet sounds of a traditional Scottish bagpiper, adding to the festive atmosphere. To facilitate guest arrival, we had arranged for a charming red double-decker bus to transport them to the venue, eliminating the need for early morning carpooling.Inside the Mill Barn, whimsical fairy lights danced across the pillars and mezzanine balcony, creating an enchanting ambiance. The bar area was cleverly disguised by sheer drapes with twinkling fairy lights, while dove grey tablecloths added a touch of sophistication to the top table arrangements. In place of traditional favors, we made a donation to two cherished charities, and guests were encouraged to wear Prostate Cancer and Alzheimer’s awareness pin badges.The wedding breakfast was a lively affair, with a sharing board featuring tender beef ribs that proved to be a challenge for many tables to finish! As the evening unfolded, poseur tables in the orangery and Mill Barn were adorned with grey floor-length tablecloths, cinched at the waist with faux eucalyptus and topped with candles. To minimize bar wait times, large barrels filled with mini bottles of prosecco and beer were strategically placed throughout the venue.The dancefloor in the center of the barn was always abuzz, thanks to our incredible band. I had thoughtfully provided flipflops for all the ladies to keep dancing all night long, and the bathrooms were stocked with essentials like deodorant, hair bands, nail files, lip balm, mints, ensuring that our guests remained refreshed throughout the celebration.Outside, the Mill Barn’s grounds were transformed into a cozy oasis, complete with white festoon lighting, comfortable outdoor sofas, and plush blankets to keep chill-seeking guests warm. To satisfy late-night cravings, we had set up an outdoor clay oven serving piping hot pizzas.
The Cake
While our main focus wasn’t on the cake, we decided to order a show-stopping 3-tiered chocolate masterpiece with a solid white chocolate exterior and a touch of elegance added through the silver ‘shimmering hoop’. To complement this beautiful design, we chose a custom cake topper that read ‘and so the adventure begins’, which I carefully hand-painted in a metallic silver hue. This stunning creation didn’t break the bank at £250 – quite the bargain!
The Honeymoon
Our post-wedding bliss took us to the picturesque Greek island of Santorini, where we spent a serene and rejuvenating honeymoon at the Rocabella. This tranquil retreat proved to be the perfect haven for a week-long reprieve from the whirlwind wedding celebrations. Amidst breathtaking scenery, we savored delectable local cuisine, indulged in fine wine, and were mesmerized by the island’s iconic sunsets – a truly unforgettable experience that left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Memorable Moments
As I stood at the threshold of this unforgettable day, a mix of emotions swirled within me. The excitement of finally sharing my dress with Joe, coupled with the nervous energy of preparing to take that first step down the aisle with my dad by my side, was palpable. The joy and anticipation etched on everyone’s faces as we exchanged our vows was truly magical. And who could forget the euphoria of being hoisted onto the shoulders of our friends during those final celebratory songs, surrounded by love, laughter, and a sense of pure elation? It’s a moment that remains seared in my memory forever.
Advice For Other Couples
As you prepare to embark on this unforgettable day, remember that opinions are irrelevant. Everyone will have theirs, but don’t let it consume you. Instead, focus on creating the celebration that reflects your love and style. With regards to expenses, be mindful of your budget as it’s easy for costs to get out of control. Prioritize enjoying every moment with your partner.When the day finally arrives, immerse yourself in the experience. Cherish each second as they slip away quickly. And when it’s all over, take a well-deserved break – you’ll need it!It’s only fitting that we acknowledge the incredible professionals who helped make this day possible. A huge thank you to Danielle Smith Photography for capturing the magic, Clare Louise Hair for styling the hair, Hannah Louise Flowers for creating stunning floral arrangements, and @AbbieOwenMUA for keeping everyone looking their best.We also extend our gratitude to Ivan Brooks on bagpipes, Routemaster Hire for transporting guests, Galleon Travel for evening coaches, Gaynes Park for providing a beautiful venue, Galloping Gourmet for exceptional catering, Absorb Films for capturing the action, and Mediterranean Occasions for expertly styling the space.Special thanks also go out to THOM Music for providing the soundtrack, Electric Soul Club via Bands For Hire for getting everyone on their feet, Shropshire Petals for supplying confetti, M&G for crafting an unforgettable cake, Pronovias for creating Helen’s stunning dress, TFNC at ASOS for dressing up the bridesmaids, Suit Supply and Charles Tyrwhitt for ensuring the groomsmen looked dashing, Kurt Geiger for providing stylish footwear, Lloyd Froud for designing beautiful rings, and Wedding Flip Flops for keeping everyone’s feet comfortable.As Joe and Helen begin their new life together, we’re honored to have played a part in their special day. Thank you both for sharing your love story with us – Lou