Get ready for a treat as we dive into the enchanting wedding of Hannah and Ben, held at Enchanted Garden Events within the picturesque Letchworth Centre For Healthy Living in Hertfordshire on September 8th, 2018. This joyous celebration will feature several talented members from our beloved WWW wedding suppliers community, including Sharon Cooper Photography, Fleur de Lace, Country Tipis, and Irregular Choice shoes for the bride’s stylish attire. The result is a visually stunning and heartwarming tale of love, inclusivity, and shared passions. From their alternative first dance featuring acoustic guitars to their adventurous mountain climbing honeymoon and creative cake-making endeavors, this couple embodies inspiration and playfulness. Their humanist ceremony, vintage ice cream van, and whimsical decor – including unicorns – will transport you to a world of pure magic. Let’s embark on this delightful journey together and indulge in the beauty of Hannah and Ben’s special day.
The Proposal
Ben had meticulously planned a romantic getaway to propose under the breathtaking aurora borealis in Iceland. However, Mother Nature had other plans. The initially clear skies turned cloudy, forcing Ben to improvise. His second attempt at proposing at Gullfoss Waterfall was foiled when the tour was cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. As a last resort, he considered popping the question at the Blue Lagoon, but it didn’t feel quite right. Instead, he decided to take a 10-mile trek through a blizzard to reach a secluded lighthouse on Reykjavik’s western harbor entrance. With his fingers numb from exposure, Ben finally got down on one knee and shouted his proposal to me as I stood precariously perched on the harbour wall. My laughter was so uncontrollable that when he asked if I’d say yes, my response was a barely audible ‘What?!’ Eventually, I wrapped my arms around him and enthusiastically accepted.
The Vision
As a self-proclaimed tomboy, the idea of planning my ‘big day’ never really excited me. That was until I met Ben, my soulmate, and he swept me off my feet. When he proposed, we started brainstorming ideas for our special day and it became clear that we wanted an unconventional wedding that reflected our carefree spirits and shared passions. We craved a celebration that would allow us to express ourselves freely, with a relaxed vibe and plenty of laughter.
The Planning Process
As we prepared to tie the knot, I deliberately took my time to ensure our special day would truly reflect us. Without a clear vision of what or where, I felt it was essential to take a step back and explore various options before making any decisions. This approach allowed us to book the vendors we desired – once we had settled on a date – as we had ample notice to provide. The first supplier I secured was a vintage ice cream van – a top priority! My fiancé, Ben, being the organized individual he is, created a custom wedding planning spreadsheet that helped us start brainstorming ideas and guest lists. We decided that if we didn’t have a strong connection with someone or regularly interacted with them, they wouldn’t receive an invitation. This decision turned out to be one of the best we made! It enabled us to plan a small, intimate, and enjoyable wedding that aligned perfectly with our hopes.
Budget
As we finalized our wedding budget, we were thrilled to find that it was spot on. With meticulous planning, we managed to save for every aspect of the big day, leaving us with a mere £50 surplus in our joint account after making the last payment! To make the most of this generosity, my parents opted to cover the cost of our dream honeymoon as a thoughtful wedding gift. In lieu of traditional gifts, we requested that our loved ones consider making a donation to two charitable organizations, which we were eager to support.
The Venue
As nature-loving individuals, it wasn’t surprising that we yearned for an outdoor wedding. Our love for sports, adventure, travel, and the countryside led us to consider various venues before stumbling upon a gem literally just a stone’s throw away from our home. The charity-based venue had already hosted a few weddings in the past, which gave us confidence in its suitability. What truly resonated with us was the fact that it is a registered charity, aligning perfectly with my career in the sector. We felt an instant connection to this humble yet charming setting, which mirrored our down-to-earth personalities. The icing on the cake was meeting Rebecca from Enchanted Garden Events, who enthusiastically took our ideas and plans onboard. Her understanding of us led her to suggest a picturesque woodland ceremony and a Tipi nestled among the lush lawns – an offer we simply couldn’t resist.
Your Outfits & Accessories
After booking our venue, we were invited back for an alternative wedding fair. I stumbled upon the Vintage Suit Hire Co. stand and immediately spotted the perfect suit for Ben! He eventually booked it with his best man and ushers, and that was a wrap.Meanwhile, finding my dress was a daunting task. The thought of sifting through bridal shops filled me with dread, and the idea of spending an arm and a leg on a dress I’d only wear once was overwhelming. It took me a while to muster the courage to try some dresses, but every single one made me feel like a sausage in a casing – it was just too much! As a petite 4ft 11” bride, I struggled to find anything that fit comfortably. I ended up buying a simple sale dress from Phase Eight for £100, thinking it would suffice. However, the words of my blunt bridesmaid kept echoing in my mind: ‘Would you feel special in this?’ The answer was no.This sparked a renewed search for my dream dress. I wanted something that would make me stand out and suit my petite frame. After much deliberation, I decided on a short tea-length dress. It wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was also about practicality – I didn’t want to worry about getting dragged around in the grass or mud during our outdoor ceremony.That’s when I discovered Brighton Belle tea length dresses online and fell head over heels in love with them. A quick search led me to Brides by Solo in Newmarket, who were hosting a Trunk Sale and Tea Length event coincidentally that very weekend. Odette, the owner, was an absolute gem – warm, helpful, and understanding of my previous dress shopping horrors. She assured me she’d personally help me find the perfect dress, despite it being a bit last-minute. We managed to squeeze in an appointment for the next day, and when we arrived, they had the exact dress I’d been eyeing online! It was love at first sight.With Odette’s guidance, we got the dress ordered and alterations arranged. The seamstress, Sade, worked tirelessly to make sure it fit me like a glove – no small feat given my petite stature. We also commissioned a bespoke petticoat from Dusk Bridal to add some whimsy and fun, and Irregular Choice shoes in iridescent hues to match.
Beauty
As I’ve struggled with Melasma, a skin condition characterized by excessive melanin production resulting in brown patches on the face, it’s understandable that I’d be apprehensive about sharing my true self on my wedding day. Finding a makeup artist who not only understood my condition but also shared my desire for a natural, effortless look was crucial to me. After several trials with other artists, I was disheartened when the final product didn’t reflect the person staring back at me in the mirror. It wasn’t until I met Chloe online that I felt confident in her ability to capture my essence while effectively covering my Melasma. Her empathetic understanding of my condition and keen eye for detail put me at ease, and I knew I’d found the right artist for my special day. With a successful trial under our belt, I booked her services without hesitation. The result was nothing short of remarkable – I felt like myself again, only better. Meanwhile, my trusted hairdresser Emma, who has been styling my locks for over a decade, graciously offered to do my hair on the wedding day as a thoughtful gift. She dedicated an entire day to me, crafting a hairstyle that perfectly complemented my flower crown. My bridesmaids were also pampered with beautiful hairstyles courtesy of Kelly Degaute, while Chloe worked her magic on their makeup, ensuring everyone looked radiant and refreshed.
The Readings & Music
We wanted to infuse our wedding ceremony with a humanist vibe, and our photographer Sharon was instrumental in introducing us to Zena Birch. Her warmth and passion for her job made our ceremony truly magical. It’s the little touches that make a difference – Zena’s storytelling brought the woodland setting to life, and her idea of having us tie the knot with climbing rope (a nod to our shared love of climbing) was a stroke of genius! As we walked down the aisle together, we were swept away by the beautiful atmosphere she had created. By the end of the day, every guest had approached us or Zena to express how amazing our ceremony was.One of our closest friends is not only an incredible writer but also one of the most inspirational people we’ve met. We asked her to write and read a piece for our wedding, and she did – it was breathtakingly beautiful. The poem had everyone choked up, and we now have a stunning framed copy hanging in our home. We also chose an excerpt from John Steinbeck’s letter to his son about love, which we think is simply beautiful.Music plays a huge role in our lives, and I’m a total rock chick at heart. I walked down the aisle to ‘Dreams’ by The Cranberries, while we walked out together to ‘Highway to Hell’ by AC/DC – it was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day. We also wanted a live band that could get our guests dancing and singing along, so we searched various wedding band websites and social media to find the perfect fit. After a resounding response of recommendations for Allergy, we went to see them at a local gig and booked them straight away. The energy was electric – everyone was dancing and having the time of their lives all night long. Their repertoire was spot on too, featuring a mix of old and new tracks, with some punk thrown in for good measure.As musicians ourselves (we both play electric guitar), we didn’t want to do a traditional first dance. Instead, we asked Allergy if we could join them on stage for the first song, and they agreed! It was an absolute blast playing alongside them – our guests were blown away by the sight of their bride and groom rocking out with the band!
The Flowers
I stumbled upon my florist, Sarah, by chance at Hitchin Lavender while she was crafting an exquisite flower crown from lavender for her daughter. Our serendipitous encounter led to a chat that left me smitten with her talent and work ethic. I subsequently researched her online presence and was struck by the quality of her designs. We met a few times over coffee, during which I entrusted her with my vision for our wedding – a whimsical woodland theme with vibrant hues. With complete confidence in her abilities, I relinquished control and let Sarah take the reins. The day of our wedding arrived, and I was utterly thrilled by the stunning creations she brought to life. From the bouquets to the flower crowns, every detail exceeded my expectations. What truly impressed me, however, was Sarah’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her willingness to go above and beyond. She not only showed me how to create my own table centre jars but also collected empty vessels for me to use – a thoughtful gesture that speaks volumes about her dedication to her craft.
The Details & Décor
When planning our wedding, we knew we wanted a vibrant and playful atmosphere. We opted against a single colour scheme in favour of incorporating all the colours! Our talented wedding coordinator Alice from Fleur de Lace was instrumental in bringing our whimsical vision to life. With her expertise, she transformed our woodland ceremony area into an enchanted forest, complete with colourful ribbons, pinwheels, flowers, and even little birds. The Tipi’s and reception areas were filled with a riot of colour – paper lanterns, ribbons, festoons, fairy lights, and handmade signs. It was as if we’d transported our guests to a carnival or fête! To keep things lively, we had sack races, a bouncy castle, flamingo hoopla, straw bales, rugs, and even the vintage Ice Cream van, ‘Ice Baby’, which was the first thing we booked. We set up a rustic bar with special sections for our rum and gin bars, featuring the three types of ale we’d brewed ourselves especially for the wedding. I got creative, making a pallet sign, painting black boards with colourful chalk pens, and collecting giant unicorns and horses to use as backdrops. These equine friends subtly appeared throughout the celebration – even my bouquet featured one! We repurposed old gin bottles by filling them with fairy lights, spray-painted jam jars for table decorations, and created little frames for our guests to take away, each containing a Dr Seuss quote encouraging everyone to make every moment count.
Your Photographer
I first encountered Sharon around 7 years ago when I was working for a local charity that aimed to make a positive impact in the community. As someone who appreciates great photography, I had often admired Sharon’s skills and eventually mustered the courage to reach out to her. With our limited budget, I knew it was a long shot, but to my delight, she agreed to help us by taking photos for our new website. What struck me about Sharon is that she’s one of the most genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I wouldn’t hesitate to entrust her with capturing any special moment – including our wedding day. As someone who gets anxious when cameras are pointed in my direction, I have a confession to make: I’m terrified of being photographed. Give me a stage in front of 8,000 people, and I’ll be just fine, but put a camera in my face, and I’ll turn into a nervous wreck. However, we were determined to capture our special day, and we knew that Sharon’s gentle touch would help me relax and forget about the camera. And boy, were we right! Our photos are nothing short of magical, perfectly capturing the joy, love, laughter, and sense of celebration that defined our day.
The Honeymoon
We bucked the traditional honeymoon trend by proposing an adventure that would test our physical and mental limits. As someone who struggles to unwind, I convinced my husband Ben that tackling Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, would be a unique and exhilarating experience. To make it even more meaningful, we set up fundraising pages for two charities instead of accepting wedding gifts. Our efforts yielded over £2000, which was donated to Growing People, a local organization based at our wedding venue that provides therapeutic services to individuals dealing with mental health issues. Our hike wasn’t without its challenges, but the sense of accomplishment when we reached the summit was unparalleled. To cap off our adventure, we spent a week in Zanzibar, basking in the tropical sun and relishing every moment of our extraordinary honeymoon.
Groomsmen
The wedding party’s sartorial splendor didn’t stop at just the groom – his trusty groomsman entourage also donned attire sourced from Vintage Suit Hire, mirroring Ben’s own stylish choice with a matching flair.
Bridesmaids
Having three bridesmaids who’ve been my friends since secondary school was a dream come true. With such a strong bond, I knew they’d be an integral part of my special day. However, the thought of finding dresses that would please all of us was daunting. Each of them has their unique style, and I was worried about how we’d arrive at a consensus. My only requirement was for the dresses to be bold and colourful. That’s when I discovered the free Debenhams Personal Shopper service. It turned out to be a fantastic experience, filled with laughter and great conversation. We sat outside, sipping coffee and prosecco, as the personal shoppers presented us with various dress options. There were some truly hideous choices, which had us all in stitches. But eventually, we settled on floral print maxi dresses from Monsoon, and to my relief, everyone loved them. In hindsight, we wouldn’t have picked those dresses ourselves, but they ended up being perfect for the occasion.
The Cake
We discovered a talented local cake designer, ‘The Cakey Lady’, who shared our enthusiasm for creativity. To make our special day truly unforgettable, we opted for an unconventional cake design that showcased our personalities. Jemma, the mastermind behind The Cakey Lady, brought our sketch to life with her exceptional skills. The end result was nothing short of breathtaking – a spiced apple sponge and lemon sponge masterpiece that not only delighted our taste buds but also became the focal point of the wedding. The cake beautifully captured the essence of our upcoming Honeymoon adventure and even featured our beloved cats, making it an unforgettable part of our special day.
Memorable Moments
We shook things up by trading in traditional wedding fare for a memorable first song performance with the band, playing guitars instead of doing a first dance. The Proclaimers’ ‘500 Miles’ was the perfect choice – a familiar tune that allowed our guests to sing along, easy to learn (just in case we got nervous!), and featuring sweet lyrics that resonated with everyone. The response was overwhelmingly positive, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration.
In addition to this musical surprise, we also took the initiative to brew our own beers for the wedding. Our friend Phil Littler, a talented illustrator, lent his skills to design eye-catching labels for each of our unique real ales. While we were initially concerned that our guests might not appreciate our handcrafted beverages, they proved to be a huge hit and added an extra layer of excitement to the event – all worth the late night spent sticking on those labels!
The pièce de résistance was magician Lee Smith’s mesmerizing performance. He truly has otherworldly skills, leaving our guests in awe for hours on end.
Advice For Other Couples
By embracing your unique style, you can create a memorable and budget-friendly celebration that your guests will cherish. To achieve this, consider digital invites through platforms like The Knot or Paperless Post to save on printing costs. You can also get creative with DIY projects such as table decorations, signage, and even the beer and wine offerings. Another fun idea is to host a guest participation activity like a bake-off competition, where everyone can bring their signature dish for a sweet and savory celebration. By incorporating these personal touches, you’ll not only stay within your budget but also make your special day an unforgettable experience. And remember, amidst all the planning and excitement, don’t forget to relax and savor every moment – after all, this is supposed to be your best day ever!
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With a dash of magic in the air, Hannah and Ben’s special day was truly unforgettable. Behind the lens, capturing every moment was the talented Sharon Cooper Photography. As members of Wedding Photographers, they brought their expertise to the table. Meanwhile, celebrant Zena Birch played her part in making the occasion all the more intimate. The ceremony took place at Enchanted Garden Events, a breathtaking venue that rivalled the beauty of the couple themselves. To add an extra touch of whimsy, Country Tipis provided the perfect tipi hire for a rustic yet elegant atmosphere. Fleur de Lace brought their unique style and décor to the table, weaving a spell of romance around every corner. The lovely Sarah Maylin Flowers created stunning floral arrangements that complemented the couple’s love story perfectly. Cake connoisseurs will drool over the masterpiece crafted by The Cakey Lady. Brides by Solo ensured Hannah looked like a princess in her dream wedding dress, while The Vintage Suit Hire Co. took care of Ben’s dashing attire and his groomsmen’s matching style. Chloe Hiskett MUA worked her magic on Hannah’s makeup, and (Hannah’s own hairdresser) brought out the best in her locks. For a finishing touch, Kelly Degaute styled the bridesmaid’s hair to perfection. Adding an extra layer of wonder to the proceedings was magician Lee Smith and the lively tunes provided by the live band. A sweet treat awaited guests courtesy of Ice Baby’s vintage ice cream van, while Irregular Choice brought their unique bridal accessories to the table. It was truly a wedding for the ages, as Hannah and Ben exchanged their vows amidst love, laughter, and a pinch of magic.