Floral Wedding
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In a celebration that was truly one-of-a-kind, Sophie and Richard, a lovely couple who met through the world of weddings, exchanged vows in a beautiful church ceremony on September 5th, 2019. The joyous occasion was followed by a lively reception at Langar Hall in Nottinghamshire.
As a wedding florist herself, Sophie brought her exceptional expertise and creativity to the table, crafting a floral wonderland that perfectly reflected their unique personalities. With her vast network of contacts and industry know-how, she ensured every detail of their special day was meticulously planned and executed. The couple’s colour palette, inspired by the majestic Kingfisher, featured a stunning combination of orange, navy, gold, and teal hues that harmonized beautifully.
Stay tuned for a glimpse into Sophie and Richard’s unforgettable wedding celebration, complete with stylish attire, fun transportation, and, of course, breathtaking florals. A heartfelt thank you to Rachael Connerton Photography for sharing these vibrant and joyful images!
The Proposal
The anticipation was palpable as we had agreed to embark on a special adventure together – ring shopping for my birthday in October of 2017. After making our selection and submitting it for resizing, Richard surprisingly waited an excruciating 3 months before getting down on one knee, finally proposing on New Year’s Eve.
The Vision
As I navigated my role as a wedding florist, I found myself struggling with the vision. Every colour scheme brought back fond memories of previous clients, making it challenging to create something truly unique. However, during a dog walk, inspiration struck in the form of a majestic Kingfisher, its vibrant colours sparking a connection to our shared love of nature. The resulting blue, gold, orange, and teal palette became the perfect nod to our quirks. We also incorporated other personal touches, such as Richard surprising me with my own 25-year-old red Defender the night before the wedding. This thoughtful gesture led us to borrow three more from friends to create a convoy that transported everyone to the church. While this unconventional approach left the groomsmen slightly windswept and me requiring an extra boost in and out, it brought laughter and joy to our guests.
The Planning Process
As an industry veteran with nearly a decade of experience under my belt, I was fortunate enough to already know which suppliers I wanted to work with to bring our dream day to life. It was more about coordinating schedules than searching for the right partners. However, as the big day drew closer, I began to appreciate just how many intricate details I had overlooked. Thankfully, my extensive network of contacts allowed me to tap into their expertise and get everything in place.
The Venue
We exchanged vows in our quaint Village Church, surrounded by the warm wishes of the locals. Following the ceremony, we made our way to Langar Hall, a charming boutique hotel that holds a special place in our hearts. The staff’s exceptional service and adorable nature put us at ease, knowing we were in good hands. The culinary delights they presented were truly impressive, and the venue itself was a perfect blend of eclectic, stylish, and quirky – we knew it was meant to be there. The breathtaking grounds served as a stunning backdrop for our photos and provided a cozy atmosphere around the fire pit as the sun dipped below the fields.
Groomsmen
The boys selected their suits from Gere Menswear in Lincoln, with even the youngest member, Otto (aged two and a half), donning his miniature version. The navy tweed attire featured a vibrant splash of mustard and orange throughout the fabric. For a more casual touch, the page boys opted for shorts from La Redoute, paired with waistcoats from John Lewis and Converse trainers. To add a pop of color, they all wore matching mustard bow ties, tying everything together nicely.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I envisioned myself on my big day, I pictured a flowy, whimsical dress with plenty of flair. However, Julia from Frances Day surprised me with a wild card option – a stunning Jesus Peiro gown. It was the perfect blend of classic and striking, leaving me feeling like a true film star! The dress boasted a crisp, high collar with a dramatic slit down the front, paired with a simple bow tie at the neckline. We added a understated veil, opting for both short and long options to cater to my indecision. Despite initial reservations about the length, I was thrilled with the overall look. The only mishap came when the page boys kept stepping on the back of the dress – perhaps the shorter option would have been more practical! To complete the look, I wore my bridesmaids’ earrings and a simple silver collar band that held sentimental value from my 18th birthday. My rose gold shoes by Florence added a touch of elegance to the overall ensemble.
Beauty
For the first time in my life, I opted for a makeup application by a professional, which revealed that my comfort zone was rooted in simplicity. To ensure my mascara didn’t run amok, I decided to wear lash extensions. Rachel Liney’s expertise resulted in a natural look that perfectly complemented my overall aesthetic. I chose to wear my hair up, sporting a subtle quiff and low-slung bun at the back, allowing the high collar of my dress to take center stage.
The Readings & Music
As we entered the church, the soothing sounds of Candi Staton’s ‘You Got The Love’ filled the air, accompanied by an acoustic rendition performed by school friend George from George Simpson Music. Our exit was marked by a lively acoustic performance of Kasabian’s ‘You’re in Love with a Psycho’, also courtesy of George. To keep the kids entertained and the adults engaged, we opted for child-friendly hymns, including ‘King of the Jungle’ complete with participatory monkey actions. The morning’s biblical reading featured Corinthians.In the evening, our reception was punctuated by an unexpected surprise – a Singing Waiter! This delightful addition brought infectious energy to the room just as fatigue was setting in after the pudding. Before long, we were dancing the Congo around Langar by 5pm. Adam & the Souljers took center stage later that night, their energetic performance drawing everyone to the dance floor. I’d met Adam at a wedding industry fair eight years prior and had promised them a spot at my wedding – so much for planning ahead! Their infectious energy was palpable, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.Our first dance, however, defied traditional expectations. We chose Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, with all the ladies from my hen party joining in, each wearing Richard masks. While it may have left my new husband momentarily stunned, the resulting laughter and camaraderie brought everyone together.
Your Photographer
For nearly a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Rachael Connerton in the industry, and it’s been a delight to develop a close friendship with her over the years. As we planned our special day around hers – yes, you read that right, Rachael and her band! – it was wonderful to feel so at ease with someone that I could truly be myself. And what made it even more enjoyable was having Ian, her husband, take charge as chief coordinator for the groomsmen, ensuring everything ran smoothly behind the scenes.
Your Filmmaker
I’m thrilled to say that Lara Elliott was an impromptu addition to our special day, and I wholeheartedly endorse the value she brought by capturing unseen moments. Her presence allowed us to relive and appreciate aspects of the celebration that would’ve otherwise gone unexplored.
The Flowers
As I envisioned the perfect wedding florals, I sought sustainability, reusability, and an undeniable ‘WOW’ factor. To achieve this, we crafted two imposing arches – one outside the Church, made entirely from foraged foliage and plants, and another at Langar Hall, featuring hundreds of blue delphiniums that shone like jewels against the terracotta backdrop. I even took to the scaffolding at 5:45 am on the wedding morning to add the finishing touches, beaming with pride. In Church, we created individual glass cube arrangements with orange Eremus and Delphinium spires, which were later relocated to Langar Hall’s staircase. Not a single petal was wasted! For my own bouquet, I indulged in a creative explosion, combining stems from our own garden, nearby British growers, and even a few choice bits from Mum’s garden. The final masterpiece featured four hand-dyed silks in blue, gold, cream, and orange, with Nana’s engagement ring tied to the arrangement. On the wedding evening, my bouquet was respectfully laid on Richard’s mum’s grave by a family friend – she too, being an accomplished florist. Meanwhile, our talented flower fairy Charlotte designed a remarkable dried glued creation that became a cherished keepsake for Richard, now proudly displayed on our mantelpiece.
The Details & Décor
We were thrilled to collaborate with some incredibly talented friends on our wedding stationery. Our invitations and order of service featured delicate watercolour Kingfishers and a charming illustration of Langar Hall, courtesy of a former colleague who just so happens to be an illustrator. We felt truly blessed to have such creative connections! The rest of the stationery, including menus and place names, was beautifully hand-painted by Vicky from Inviting Writing. Her vibrant orange designs popped against navy napkins. To add some warm ambiance to our dining tables, I collected a variety of blue and white crockery from local charity shops, which we paired with dipped candles in four colours. The result was a stunning display that really added to the festive atmosphere when paired with plenty of orange blooms.
The Cake
We decided to take an unconventional approach with our cheesecake recipe. Instead of choosing cheeses based on their typical characteristics or flavor profiles, we opted for those with names that were deliberately misnamed or ironic. For instance, we used ‘Fat Cow’ cheese, a name that’s anything but descriptive of the cheese itself.
Bridesmaids
In a stunning display of coordinated elegance, the adult bridesmaids donned navy dresses procured from ASOS during a savvy shopping spree. Meanwhile, the petite flower girls stole the show with their exquisite netted frocks, also hailing from the popular online retailer.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on a surprise getaway to Galway, Ireland, where we spent a few nights recharging before our impending safari adventure next year. However, life had other plans, and the pandemic’s unexpected turn of events, coupled with the arrival of baby no. 2, has pushed back our honeymoon plans indefinitely. We’re now looking forward to reuniting with our wild side in the years to come.
Memorable Moments
The atmosphere was electric as Richard’s eyes widened in surprise when the singing waiter burst into action. The Conga line formed at 5pm, a time usually reserved for winding down, but we were just getting started. As we danced along to Proud Mary with the band, champagne flowed and our trusty red Defender became a makeshift stage of sorts. But the real showstopper was yet to come – our first dance as a married couple, set to the iconic rhythms of Don’t Stop Me Now! It was a moment that none of us would ever forget.
Advice For Other Couples
In the blink of an eye, our special day flew by! We exchanged vows at 12pm, which I initially thought was an early start, but having 12 hours of celebration was absolutely wonderful. It’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of wedding planning and lose sight of what really matters – taking time for each other. Richard and I had moments where we were separated by the chaos, but our love shone through amidst all the joy and laughter.
I believe it’s crucial to break free from tradition and create your own unique experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and make memories that will last a lifetime.
I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making our wedding day so unforgettable – Rachael Connerton Photography for capturing the essence of our love story; Frances Day Bridal, Jesus Peiro, Sophie’s Flower Company, Leafy Lane, Rachel Liney, Hose Church & Langar Hall, The Souljers, Inviting Writing, Lara Elliott, Silver Service, George Simpson, Cheese Shop Nottingham – your talents and dedication left us speechless. And to Sophie and Richard, thank you for entrusting us with your wedding tale. It’s been an honor to share it with our readers.