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Craig and Eleni’s June 29th, 2019, wedding celebration was a heartfelt reflection of their love for travel, adventure, and each other. The couple exchanged vows in a church ceremony, followed by a lively reception at Eggington House in Bedfordshire, where friends and family gathered to celebrate the union. The day’s festivities were characterized as ‘wild and rustic’ with an emphasis on companionship, friendship, and family. Craig and Eleni took a DIY approach to planning their special day, allowing them to infuse their unique personalities into every detail. Vibrant décor, including signposts and confetti bags, brought the theme to life, while vintage suitcases and travel-inspired table names paid homage to their shared love of exploration. The stunning bouquets, which tied in perfectly with the sage green and dusky pink color palette, were a true masterpiece. Keep an eye out for the dramatic smoke bombs, stylish attire, and show-stopping semi-naked wedding cake that added an extra layer of glamour to the proceedings. And let’s not forget the adorable transportation – a sweet touch that rounded off the day beautifully. A huge thank you goes out to October James Photography and Harris Weddings for sharing their breathtaking photographs and film.
The Proposal
As we celebrated our 10-year anniversary together, Craig and I decided to embark on an adventure of a lifetime in Thailand with some close friends. Our love story began when we were just teenagers – I was 14, he was 16 – and has been filled with countless memories. Little did I know that this trip would be the perfect setting for Craig’s romantic proposal. After an exhilarating scuba diving session, we arrived at a secluded beach on Koh Phi Phi in time to witness a breathtaking sunset. The sky transformed into a kaleidoscope of pink hues as our friend asked to capture a photo of me taking in the stunning view. I couldn’t resist, and as I turned around, Craig was kneeling before me, holding a small box and asking for my hand in marriage. The moment was surreal, and of course, I said yes!
The Vision
Our vision was to seamlessly integrate our personalities into the wedding celebration, drawing inspiration from our love of the great outdoors. As country lovers at heart, we knew that a rural venue was essential to create an authentic atmosphere. This led us to incorporate travel elements into the day, reflecting on the adventures we’ve shared and the memories we’ve made together. To make it even more special, we aimed to incorporate DIY touches wherever possible.
The Planning Process
Planning a large-scale event like a wedding can be overwhelmingly demanding, especially when trying to balance it with full-time work and personal life. As someone who values organization, I found it challenging to juggle multiple responsibilities without feeling consumed by the task. However, it’s crucial to remember that effective planning is key to a smooth execution. To make the process less stressful, we employed an app called Bride Book, which proved to be a lifesaver. This tool allowed us to manage our budget, stay on top of tasks at each stage, and receive timely reminders. By using this resource, we were able to mitigate some of the stress associated with planning a big wedding.
The Venue
As fate would have it, my auntie played matchmaker for us when it came to selecting our dream venue. The moment we laid eyes on Eggington House in Leighton Buzzard, we were smitten. This picturesque country manor house, while home to its owners, is truly the grounds that stole the show. Nestled mere minutes from a charming farm and a beautiful church where we exchanged vows (St Michaels), the property boasts an undeniable charm. The gravel driveway leading up to the grand estate sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. We opted for the coach house adjacent to the manor as our haven for the night before the big day, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the magic of Eggington House. The grounds themselves are a veritable paradise, reminiscent of Jane Austen’s idyllic settings – rolling fields, a stunning rose garden with secret nooks and crannies, a grand entrance to an enchanting woodland, and a beautiful wooden pole marquee where we hosted our reception amidst the serenity. As we opted for a DIY wedding, the blank canvas presented us with endless possibilities, allowing us to pour our hearts and souls into every detail – from sourcing tables and chairs to crafting an unforgettable celebration.
The Flowers
Our wedding florist, Kate from Polly and Petal, was instrumental in bringing our rustic, greenery- and vintage-themed vision to life. She wove together a beautiful narrative with her arrangements, starting with the pew ends adorned with gypsophila and extending to the church archway’s lush foliage. This elegant design was then repurposed as the centerpiece for our top table after the ceremony, minimizing waste and adding an air of continuity. Kate’s attention to detail didn’t stop there – she also reused the gypsophila in our table decorations, infusing them with a touch of vintage charm through the addition of a few strategically placed roses. The marquee poles were similarly transformed into lush greenery-adorned sentinels, adding visual interest and breaking up the space. As for my bouquet, it was a wild and rustic masterpiece that defied description, striking a perfect balance between verdant foliage and vintage blooms in soft pastel hues. My bridesmaids’ arrangements, by contrast, were understated yet elegant, relying on an abundance of pink astilbe to create a cohesive look.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I opted for a wedding dress from Wed2B, with stores scattered across the UK. While it may not have been the conventional experience every bride dreams of, I was drawn to their affordable prices. Not wanting to break the bank, I decided on a sheath ivory dress with a lacy top half extending down to the hips and a plain ivory material on the bottom. Although I chose the most expensive dress in store, it suited my style perfectly. The ability to make alterations afterwards added a personal touch.For my shoes, I visited Debenhams during their sale and picked up a pair for £25. I was delighted with the purchase as they appeared unique, classy, and expensive. My earrings were a thoughtful ‘something borrowed,’ while my bracelet was crafted by a local jeweller featuring something blue. Additionally, I had a brooch gifted to me by a dear friend that I incorporated into my bouquet. This special piece featured a blue heart, an old penny, and served as both ‘something new’ and a meaningful keepsake.
Beauty
As the wedding date approached, I found myself torn between embracing my natural glow or faking it. Since the ceremony was in late June, my skin hadn’t had much time to tan up. Initially, I had booked an appointment with St Tropez for a manual spray tan, but on the day of the appointment, I chickened out and opted for a more au naturel approach instead. In retrospect, this decision turned out to be wise, as it allowed me to focus on other aspects of my wedding preparations. Speaking of which, I did indulge in some pampering sessions prior to the big day. These included waxing, gel manicures and pedicures, haircuts and highlights – a veritable spa day, if you will! When it came to selecting a stylist for my hair and makeup, I was lucky enough to have access to my own network of professionals at work. Aletha did an incredible job creating the half-up hairstyle with natural curls that I had always envisioned for my special day – it was almost as if she had woven a rose into my locks. As for my makeup, I wanted a look that would enhance my features without going overboard. Lara, who worked her magic on me, delivered just that, giving me a natural yet radiant finish that left me feeling confident and beautiful.
The Readings & Music
As we exchanged our vows in a traditional yet unconventional setting – a church – we aimed for a unique blend of classic and personal touches. To set the tone, my bridesmaid delivered a heartfelt reading from Corinthians 13:4-7, emphasizing the importance of patient and kind love. We also chose a Winnie-the-Pooh excerpt, ‘If you live to be a hundred,’ which resonated deeply with us as a couple. For our ceremony music, we opted for timeless hymns like ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Jerusalem.’ To create a lively atmosphere, we hired a talented singer to perform songs during the guests’ arrival and join us in singing the hymns, making the experience more engaging and memorable. We highly recommend this approach to add some flair to your special day.
The Details & Décor
We opted for a DIY wedding that was truly unforgettable, albeit requiring significant effort. As a result, we did end up hiring some items instead of buying them outright to make the process more manageable. One stroke of good fortune was having family connections with a prop hire business that covers the UK, which kindly supplied us with an array of essentials including wood log slices, vintage suitcases, card holders, glass water bottles, sign posts, and crates. This not only saved time but also alleviated the hassle of selling off these items after the wedding. Our travel-themed celebration featured a color palette dominated by sage green and dusky pink hues, which we attempted to incorporate throughout while adding a rustic touch.
The Cake
We opted for a unique approach by partnering with Sarah from ‘Sprinkle some magic events’, a talented cake maker who truly listened to our every request. Her masterpiece was a stunning rustic partially naked cake adorned with intricately crafted flowers made of icing sugar, perfectly complementing our sage green and dusty pink theme. The three-tiered masterpiece featured a vanilla bottom tier, a decadent chocolate middle tier, and a banana-flavored top tier – the perfect combination to satisfy our sweet tooth. We received countless compliments on the cake’s delectable taste, and it undoubtedly stole the show.
Bridesmaids
Discovering the perfect dress for your little ladies can be a daunting task. For me, it was a revelation when I stumbled upon ASOS’s own brand offering sage green, flowy chiffon dresses that effortlessly complemented every skin tone, hair color and body type. The result? A sea of smiling faces as each girl found her ideal match – a true testament to the power of inclusive fashion.
Groomsmen
Craig’s sartorial splendor at Bicester Village was a masterclass in understated elegance. He opted for a charcoal suit from Charles Tyrwhitt, complemented by a dashing waistcoat that added a touch of sophistication to his overall look. To ensure his groomsmen and best men stood out without overpowering the groom, Craig cleverly varied their ties – salmon pink for the Groom, hot pink for the best men, royal blue for the groomsmen, and turquoise for the father of the bride. This thoughtful touch tied in perfectly (pun intended), reflecting the couple’s unique personalities and style.
Your Photographer
Our photographer, October, was a fantastic choice. Her approach is centered around capturing life’s moments without taking up too much of your special day. As a result, she excels at snapping natural shots that seamlessly blend into the overall event narrative. Of course, she also offers posed photography to ensure you have beautiful, memorable images to cherish. One of her greatest strengths lies in striking the perfect balance between candid and staged moments, effortlessly capturing the essence of your wedding day as requested.
Your Filmmaker
The photographer, Ruth from Harris Weddings, went above and beyond to capture every pivotal moment of the day. Her unobtrusive presence allowed the couple to relax in her presence, resulting in candid and genuine shots that truly told their love story. With her keen eye for detail, Ruth managed to preserve even the most fleeting moments with precision, leaving no stone unturned in her pursuit of perfection.
The Honeymoon
As seasoned long-haul travelers, Craig and I initially considered sticking to what we knew best. However, after reflecting on our meticulous planning for our upcoming wedding, the idea of a luxurious short-haul European getaway became increasingly appealing. Crete was the perfect destination, not only because it’s my ancestral homeland, but also because Craig had never had the chance to experience Greece. Our 10-day escapade proved to be just what we needed – a much-needed respite from the stresses of wedding planning. The prospect of relaxing on a beach and lounging by the pool was incredibly alluring, providing us with the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge.
Memorable Moments
The ceremony holds a special place in my heart because it’s the moment when you officially commit to each other. I was completely absorbed in the experience, making every word feel genuine and heartfelt. The speeches that followed were equally unforgettable, as I was deeply moved by the words of my husband, family, and friends. In those moments, nothing else seemed to matter. Similarly, the dancing was a highlight for me, as we both love to dance and the band did an incredible job. It was a night filled with joy, laughter, and exactly what we had hoped for – pure magic.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the present moment by letting go of distractions and focusing on the here and now. As you immerse yourself in the day’s experiences, memories tend to become more vivid and meaningful. Rather than worrying about the intricacies of every situation, trust that the day will unfold as it should. By doing so, you’ll conserve your energy and cultivate a sense of calmness. Remember, you’re not the conductor of everyone else’s actions, so simply appreciate what is and let go of the need for perfection.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding party consisted of talented professionals who brought the couple’s vision to life. Behind the lens was October James Photography, capturing every precious moment. Harris Weddings took care of the videography, ensuring a beautiful and memorable visual record of the special day. The sweet treats were courtesy of Sarah at Sprinkle, while Aletha Robertson styled the hair and Lara Brewster worked her magic on makeup. Polly and Petal provided stunning floral arrangements that added to the overall aesthetic. Props were cleverly incorporated by The Prop Shop, setting the scene for an unforgettable experience. Retromum Catering took care of the culinary delights, satisfying the guests’ cravings. As the evening progressed, Blue Lion got everyone moving with their lively tunes. Eggington House served as the picturesque backdrop for the celebration. And finally, Wed2B helped Craig and Eleni look their absolute best on their big day, completing a truly remarkable wedding experience.