Sharing a wedding between two wonderful individuals from my WWW community is always a joy. Today, I’m thrilled to share Clair and Sean’s beautiful The Field Kitchen wedding in Wiltshire, which took place on August 3rd, 2019. Their special day exuded a modern vibe, complete with a stunning rose gold colour scheme that added an extra layer of elegance. What made their celebration truly unique was the personal touch that Clair brought to every detail. As a talented individual who’s since founded Violet and Ivy, she poured her heart and soul into crafting the perfect atmosphere. From the gorgeous wooden wedding signs to the chic pink stationery, everything about this day felt like a true labour of love. And let’s not forget the stunning attire, beautiful blooms, and that show-stopping cake table – it was truly a feast for the eyes! I’m deeply grateful to Siobhan Amy Photography for sharing these exceptional images with us today.
The Proposal
Eight years into our relationship, Sean took me on a holiday to Washington DC that I would never forget. As we sat together at the iconic Lincoln Memorial, he popped the question and proposed to me in front of the majestic monument. The surprise caught me off guard, leaving me in stitches for about 5 minutes before I could compose myself and give him my enthusiastic response – a resounding ‘yes’!
The Vision
As we worked towards purchasing our dream home, Sean proposed, and we were engaged for three years before tying the knot. Throughout that period, my expectations evolved significantly, fueled by Pinterest’s endless inspiration. However, one consistent aspect remained – my determination to take on as much of the planning and execution process myself as possible.
The Venue
When we initially booked our wedding venue, we chose a local farm that hosted ceremonies in their rustic barn. However, about a year prior to the big day, doubts began to creep in and I started exploring alternative options. It was then that we discovered The Field Kitchen, nestled in a charming village near us. From the moment we stepped foot on the property, we were captivated by the venue’s unique charm and instantly envisioned our special day unfolding there. As a relatively new wedding spot in the area, it offered the promise of being a one-of-a-kind experience for us. Fast forward to the ceremony itself, which took place at St Michael’s Church in Melksham – a place that held great sentimental value for me, having been christened and witnessed my parents’ nuptials there. Sean’s suggestion to get married in a church led me to one clear choice: St Michael’s.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I’m often told that buying one’s first wedding dress is a rare occurrence, but I defied convention by purchasing mine. My search online led me to a stunning Catherine Deane Harlow design, featuring delicate straps, intricately coffee-coloured lace beneath layers of tulle, and a sparkling bodice that left me enamored. After tracking down a local stockist, Flossy and Willow, they kindly ordered the dress for me. Although it was my first try-on, I felt compelled to explore other options before making a decision – but nothing compared to the allure of Harlow. To complete my look, I opted for Jimmy Choo shoes, an indulgence that had long been on my bucket list and seemed like the perfect opportunity to treat myself. My mum encouraged me to add a cathedral-length veil, which I wore during the ceremony, and I also found silk flower pins to adorn my hair.
Beauty
While I don’t typically wear my hair down daily due to its tendency to drive me crazy, I’ve always had a preference for keeping it up. As someone who’s passionate about braids, I worked closely with my stylist Katie to create a thick plait that swept across my head and culminated in a relaxed bun at the back. When it comes to makeup, I opted for a natural look. With Jo’s expert touch, I felt completely at ease throughout the process, and the finish remained flawless all day long.
The Readings & Music
Initially, we didn’t give much consideration to this aspect of our ceremony. We selected music from a pre-curated list provided by the church and chose two readings that resonated with us after conducting an online search. Interestingly, since then, the significance of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin has taken on new meaning for both of us.
The Flowers
For me, the flowers held immense significance. Initially, I had planned to take on the task myself by attending a few workshops, but ultimately decided against it, not wanting to add stress to our special day – although it inadvertently sparked a newfound passion for floristry within me! My brief was to incorporate plenty of pink, white, and green hues in a mix of cottage garden-style blooms. Sarah from Daisy Ties the Knot did an incredible job of bringing my vision to life. One of my more unconventional ideas was to have a sea of white flowers lining our aisle walk. It turned out breathtakingly beautiful. To make the most of this stunning arrangement, we relocated the posies to the tipi following the ceremony, where they added a lovely touch to our celebration.
The Details & Décor
As I mentioned earlier, I was eager to take on many aspects of planning and designing for our special day. With an extended engagement period, I had ample time to put my creative skills to use. One such endeavor was crafting all the stationery, from invitations to order of services, menu cards, place names, and more. This hands-on approach allowed me to infuse every detail with a personal touch, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic throughout. In fact, this passion project became a business venture, with me establishing Violet and Ivy to share my creations with others.Among the many tasks I undertook was a surprise gesture – crafting personalized thank-you notes for each guest’s chair. Sean would then encourage everyone to look for them during his speech, but some inquisitive guests discovered them beforehand when they kept falling down (oops, minor mishap!)! Last but not least, we wanted to create a memorable photo backdrop for our loved ones to capture special moments. After exploring various ideas – from flowers to balloons – we landed on a simple yet elegant hexagon design. However, when reality set in and we realized just how ambitious this project was, we were grateful for the timely intervention of a carpenter friend who helped us salvage the situation mere days before the big day!
Bridesmaids
As the big day approached, my main concern wasn’t the wedding dress or the decorations – it was ensuring the bridesmaids felt comfortable. We ordered a variety of dresses from ASOS and were thrilled when the Maya Racer Neck Maxi Dress in rose gold emerged as a clear favorite among the girls. The ease with which they slipped into these stunning numbers spoke volumes about their confidence and, more importantly, comfort. Meanwhile, our adorable flower girls – my two nieces – stole the show in their sweet white dresses from Matalan, paired with matching sandals. The pièce de résistance? Their gypsophila flower crowns and wands, which surprisingly remained intact for most of the day.
Groomsmen
To ensure our guests had a professional yet stylish attire option, we decided to purchase suits that they could potentially wear again in the future if desired. After scouring the market, we found an affordable solution at Matalan, where we acquired a range of dark grey three-piece suits. We paired these with a touch of elegance by adding rose gold ties and complemented them with brown shoes, creating a timeless yet sophisticated look.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
As we searched for the perfect photographers to capture our special day, Siobhan and Sinead stood out as a dynamic duo. Their unique approach, which allowed them to blend seamlessly into the background, was exactly what I had in mind – to preserve the authenticity of those fleeting moments without disrupting the flow of the celebration. And they did just that. The memories we cherish today are a testament to their skill and discretion. When we received the photos and video, Sean and I were left in awe, reliving the moments Siobhan and Sinead had so masterfully captured, often without us even noticing they were there.
The Cake
The Kingfisher bakery kindly provided the main cake, which I wanted to elevate by using polystyrene cake dummies covered in buttercream. The finishing touches included flowers from our trusted florist, a custom wire cake topper reading ‘The Randalls’, and a wooden base crafted by Sean. Meanwhile, my dear friend Stacey from Stacey’s Kitchen surprised us with an astonishing spread of sweet treats to accompany the cake. This delightful assortment, featuring everything from decadent cupcakes to colorful cookies bearing our pink-themed design, proved to be one of the most unforgettable aspects of the wedding – a true showstopper that left a lasting impression on all our guests!
The Honeymoon
We envisioned a luxurious honeymoon that seamlessly blended thrill-seeking escapades with serene relaxation. Our ultimate goal was to embark on an exhilarating adventure at the renowned Masai Mara in Kenya, culminating in a week-long retreat by the sun-kissed shores of Mombasa.
Memorable Moments
As we exchanged vows, an array of unforgettable moments unfolded. From the celebratory flair of confetti canons during our first dance to the mouthwatering delights served throughout the day, every moment was truly special. And who could forget Sean’s well-meaning but slightly mischievous attempt at delivering the ceremony three times in a row – it added an endearing layer of imperfection to the proceedings!
Advice For Other Couples
As you embark on this special day, prioritize your own instincts and let your emotions guide the way. By doing so, you’ll be less likely to harbor any post-ceremony regrets. Take a moment to truly immerse yourself in the experience, allowing the memories to unfold at their own pace. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of excitement, but remember that time is fleeting, and before you know it, this chapter will come to a close.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding party was a true celebration of love and unity, with each contributor bringing their own unique flair to the special day. Behind the lens, Siobhan Amy Photography captured every precious moment, while McGill Sisters brought their videography expertise to life. The Field Kitchen took care of venue and catering needs, providing a rustic backdrop for the Tipi, expertly designed by Buffalo Tipi. Floral arrangements were a stunning focal point, courtesy of Violet and Ivy, with Daisy Ties The Knot adding a touch of elegance as the florist. Catherine Deane from Flossy and Willow created a breathtaking bridal dress, which was perfectly complemented by Creative Curls by Kate’s hair styling expertise and Blush Beauty by Joanne Ings’ makeup artistry. For the bridesmaid dresses, Maya from ASOS brought a stylish touch, while Matalan provided handsome suits for the groomsmen. Sweet Graze kept guests satisfied with delectable treats, Stacey’s Kitchen serving up sweet indulgences, and Confetti adding a playful pop of color thanks to Shropshire Petals’ contribution as Wedding Flowers member. The band, Interlight, got everyone on their feet, while Kingfisher Bakery crafted a show-stopping cake, and Palette and Pasture served up refreshing ice cream treats. It was truly an enchanting celebration, with every detail expertly curated by the happy couple, Clair and Sean. Thank you to each vendor for their hard work in making this day so unforgettable – Lou