Zoe and Mike’s autumn wedding at Elsham Hall in North Lincolnshire was a breathtakingly beautiful celebration. On November 24th, 2018, the couple exchanged vows amidst a stunning autumn sunset that set the tone for their special day. The green-themed wedding, inspired by Zoe and Mike’s desire to incorporate foliage and greenery into the decor, featured dark green as the primary colour. This was reflected in the bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen’s pocket squares, and table settings, which included lush greenery trails and soft candlelight. The ceremony area was transformed into a romantic and airy space with white draping and the warm glow of autumn light pouring in through the windows. Hanging florals added an extra touch of elegance to the proceedings. Kazooieloki Photography did an excellent job capturing the magic of the day, including some truly lovely couple portraits taken during the golden hour. We’re grateful to Richard and Christine for sharing these wonderful images with us.
The Proposal
As we wrapped up our four-month Asian adventure in 2015, my lifelong dream of visiting the Taj Mahal finally came true. My travel companion and I decided to make the iconic monument our last stop before returning home, capping off an unforgettable journey with a visit to this eternal wonder.
The Vision
As I’ve always been enamored with the charm of autumn, it was only natural that my partner and I would choose this season for our special day. The golden light of the fall equinox would provide a picturesque backdrop for our wedding photos, and we knew that the warm, cozy atmosphere would be perfect for celebrating with loved ones. We sought out a venue that embodied the essence of autumn – think twinkling candles, lanterns, and lights scattered throughout the space. Moreover, we craved a setting with character, replete with stunning grounds or landscapes to serve as a breathtaking canvas for our big day. Our goal was to strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and elegant sophistication, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on the final stretch of wedding planning, we had already committed to tying the knot over two years prior. Without further ado, we decided to take the plunge and get married within the same calendar year. Our vision was crystal clear – we knew exactly which venue and photographer would bring our special day to life. The stars aligned in our favor as the venue’s only available November date coincided with a cancellation by our preferred photographer, allowing us to effortlessly slot into their schedule. With six months at our disposal, we felt an abundance of time to meticulously plan every detail, giving us a sense of calm and control.
Budget
Initially, we allocated a budget of £10,000, only to see the final cost come in at approximately £12,000.
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I searched for my dream dress, I found myself repeatedly drawn back to the second one I tried on – a stunning Wed2B ‘Sawyer’ design that perfectly captured the elegant, fitted look I desired. The subtle detailing gave it just the right amount of visual interest without overwhelming the overall simplicity of the gown. Meanwhile, my hunt for the perfect shoes was a longer and more arduous process. After months of searching, I finally stumbled upon Jenny Packham’s exquisite designs and fell head over heels in love with them – especially when I discovered they were on sale, a welcome bonus that sealed the deal! To my delight, these comfortable gems stayed firmly on my feet from morning until night. Lastly, my art deco hairpiece, sourced from Etsy, added a touch of vintage glamour to my overall look.
Groomsmen
Each gentleman’s ensemble featured a suit courtesy of the renowned Slaters, while their attire was elevated by unique touches from Etsy – the online marketplace for handmade and vintage items. The accessories that tied everything together, quite literally, were green ties and pocket squares also sourced from Etsy. Meanwhile, the tan brogues added a touch of elegance to each outfit, courtesy of Next’s stylish offerings.
Bridesmaids
With just one bridesmaid, Nicola, I gave her the freedom to select her own dress, as long as it was a dark green hue. She discovered a breathtaking gown from Scarlett & Jo that perfectly matched my colour preference. Her gold beaded shawl was an Etsy treasure find. Although I had some reservations about Light in the Box for her shoes, they exceeded my expectations with their stunning beauty and exceptional quality.
Beauty
The talented Rachel Helen Key was responsible for creating a stunning look with her makeup expertise. Meanwhile, Emily from Xandrias Hair crafted beautiful hairstyles for both myself and my bridesmaids.
Your Photographer
From the moment we started planning our wedding, we knew that hiring Kazooieloki was a must. And as it turned out, their exceptional skills in capturing the essence of our special day did not disappoint. As we received our photos and gazed upon the stunning images, we were left utterly speechless by the sheer brilliance of their work. It’s clear that these talented individuals are passionate about what they do, radiating an infectious energy that makes them a joy to be around. In fact, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience or outcome.
The Flowers
I was thoroughly impressed with the stunning arrangement of flowers, courtesy of a talented local florist. In fact, I’ve grown so fond of my bouquet that I’ve taken the extra step to preserve it, reluctant to part with its beauty even after it’s wilted.
The Cake
A sweet indulgence, the cake was an impressive M&S Gold shimmering hoop edition. Meanwhile, our bespoke wooden ‘Mr & Mrs Johnson’ cake topper was a unique find from a talented Etsy seller based in the United States.
The Details & Décor
Our goal was to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, so we chose dark green as the primary color scheme for the décor. To add some visual interest, we incorporated champagne gold accents, such as tea lights, which added a touch of elegance. We also included rustic elements, like log slices, to take advantage of the barn’s natural charm.
To make the space feel cozy and intimate, we requested plenty of lanterns, candles, and string lights. The result was nothing short of magical – the lighting on the day was perfect, transforming the barn into a whimsical wonderland. We were thrilled with how our vision came together, thanks to the exceptional work of the Bride Beautiful team.
Our stationery was designed by Mike, a talented graphic designer who did an outstanding job.
The Readings & Music
The celebration really got underway with a heartfelt reading by Mike’s mother, ‘Blessing of the hands’, which beautifully captured the essence of marriage. Following that, my dear friend Katie delivered a poignant rendition of Pocahontas’ iconic song, ‘If I never knew you’. As a die-hard Disney fan, this was a truly special moment for me.As we exchanged vows, my dad and I made our way down the aisle to the enchanting sounds of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’, a song that holds immense sentimental value for us. This intimate moment was only amplified by Mike and I’s return down the aisle to Ray Lamontagne’s soulful tune, ‘You are the best thing’, which has become a shared favorite between us.Our first dance as a married couple was accompanied by the smooth sounds of Incubus’ ‘Dig’, whose lyrics resonated deeply with both of us. We’re huge fans of the band, and this song choice felt like a perfect reflection of our relationship.Throughout the meal, we were treated to an incredible piano performance by a talented friend who effortlessly wove together Disney classics and even took requests from our guests. The evening was capped off by the phenomenal live band, Tailor & Co., a three-piece outfit from Chester that left us all in awe.
The Honeymoon
Memorable Moments
The entire day was etched in my memory like a masterpiece. It’s challenging to pinpoint a single moment as every instant was precious, but the sunset was the crowning glory of an already unforgettable day. The unpredictable weather leading up to the wedding had been tumultuous – torrential rain and gale force winds – making our luck with clear skies on the actual day nothing short of serendipitous. November’s reputation for being a drizzly month was completely turned on its head, leaving us feeling truly blessed.
Advice For Other Couples
As we often hear, but truly experience, the day can fly by at an incredible pace. To make the most of this fleeting moment, take a step back and absorb it all. Make a conscious effort to carve out small moments with your partner – even just five minutes – as you’ll likely find yourselves apart for much of the day. Reflecting on the day’s events later, you may be surprised by how much you cherish those brief moments of connection.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
We’re delighted to share the stunning details of Zoe and Mike’s breathtakingly beautiful green-themed wedding at Elsham Hall, a picturesque venue that provided the perfect backdrop for their special day. The bride looked radiant in her exquisite Wed2b gown, perfectly complemented by her bridesmaid’s Scarlett & Jo dresses. The gentlemen were dashing in their tailored Slaters suits, while the ladies’ hairstyles were styled to perfection by Xandia’s Hair. Flowers played a vital role in the celebration, with bouquets and arrangements courtesy of The Flower Bar in Brigg, North Lincolnshire. Sweet treats were provided by Marks & Spencer, and make-up magic was created by Rachel Helen Key. As the night unfolded, Tailor & Co kept the dance floor filled with lively tunes. We’re grateful to Zoe and Mike for entrusting us with their wonderful story, which is simply ‘gorgeously green’ from start to finish.