The Proposal
December 2017 marked a special moment for Phil when he popped the question to his loved one during a winter wonderland getaway to Iceland. The picturesque backdrop of a frozen waterfall only added to the romantic ambiance, making it an unforgettable experience for the couple.
The Vision
We aimed to infuse our special day with a sense of playfulness, while still honoring traditional wedding elements with our own unique spin. We initially considered a classic church ceremony, but since we weren’t deeply rooted in religious practices, we opted for the majesty of nature as the perfect setting for our ceremony and celebration. As we crafted our guest list, we were determined not to leave anyone out, which led us to confront the reality that we’d need to take matters into our own hands and DIY our wedding.
The Planning Process
As our search for the perfect wedding venue unfolded, we initially explored traditional barns and conventional settings. However, it soon became apparent that none of these options could accommodate our desired guest list or provide the unique experience we envisioned. We were determined to create a truly special day, but this meant venturing beyond the ordinary to find an unconventional space that would allow us to invite as many loved ones as we wished.
Budget
The Venue
For those seeking to connect with nature, the Jim Page campsite near Lincoln offers an idyllic retreat. The site’s scenic beauty is amplified by the use of a double dome from BayaHire, providing a cozy and spacious shelter for campers.
Groomsmen
Bridesmaids
When it comes to selecting the perfect attire for your wedding party, online shopping platforms have made it easier than ever to find the ideal dress. For adult bridesmaids, a popular choice has been Amazon, which offers a wide range of stylish and affordable options. Meanwhile, for younger members of the bridal party, parents can opt for China-based sellers on eBay, where they can discover a variety of child-friendly designs at competitive prices.
The Readings & Music
As we prepared for our special day, we wanted the ceremony to be an intimate reflection of who we are as a couple. To achieve this, we asked one of Sarah’s oldest friends, Suzanne, to conduct the ceremony nine months in advance. This allowed us to collaborate on the traditional elements we wanted to include and Suzanne was able to weave in personal anecdotes and stories that brought our celebration to life. The result was a heartfelt and memorable ceremony that perfectly captured our love story.Sarah made her way down the aisle to Ortopilot’s rendition of ‘Grow Old with You,’ setting the tone for a joyous celebration. Phil’s sister then beautifully recited the lyrics to ‘I Love You for Being You,’ adding an extra layer of warmth and affection. And, as we exchanged our vows, New York Brass Band performed a lively, live rendition of ‘Celebration’ by Kool & the Gang, getting everyone in attendance pumped up and ready to party.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Sarah’s search for the perfect wedding gown took a turn when she discovered Beautiful Brides Liverpool. Unlike traditional bridal shops, where sizes and numbers can be overwhelming, this boutique offers a unique approach by not labelling dresses with sizing or assigning numbers. This allowed Sarah to focus on finding a style that truly reflected her personality and made her feel beautiful. Meanwhile, Phil opted for a more modern take on the classic wedding suit, choosing to hire his attire from Dapper Dan’s suit hire in Wolverhampton, where he knew he would find a stylish and comfortable fit.
Beauty
The beauty team behind this stunning wedding was comprised of two talented professionals. Local hairstylist, CC’s Wedding and Updo Hairstylist, brought her expertise to the bride’s hair, crafting a breathtaking style that perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic of the day. Meanwhile, Alluring Makeup Lincoln worked their magic to create a flawless makeup look for the bride and her bridal party.
The Flowers
With a budget of £300, we made our way to the local flower market in search of the perfect blooms. Enlisting the help of Sarah and her parents, we tackled the task of creating beautiful arrangements for the bouquets, tables, aisle flowers, pinholes, and even headdresses. Guided by YouTube tutorials, our team worked together to bring the designs to life, blending their creativity with the vibrant petals to create a stunning visual display.
The Cake
A sweet treat was acquired from the renowned British retailer, Marks & Spencer. The delightful cake’s visual appeal was elevated through the artistic touch of a trusted family friend, who carefully crafted its decorations.
The Details & Décor
With an open canvas, we set out to create our dream wedding campsite from scratch. Gone were the luxuries of power, toilets, and cover – instead, we had a blank field surrounded by trees. To bridge this gap, we hired MB Luxury Loos for on-site toilets, brought in a generator, and trusted ‘Cater Me Tasty’ with our catering needs. The reception took place within a unique ‘Geometric Double Dome’ courtesy of Baya Hire, who also provided all the necessary furniture. We repurposed chairs from the reception to create a picturesque ceremony area.In the 12 months leading up to the big day, we devoted ourselves to crafting our own wedding decor. From upcycling mirrors and apple crates to adding artificial flowers to garden centerpieces, spray painting dinosaurs, and designing custom signs and menus using Photoshop – every detail was meticulously planned. Our friends took care of the stationery, while aunties and uncles lent a hand with décor. Phil’s dad even constructed an arbour for us to exchange vows beneath.Our quest for a seamless celebration led us to scour local markets, online auctions, and reclamation yards for unique finds to incorporate into our big day. Many a trip to Ikea was made, and we even knocked on strangers’ doors to collect items bought through Facebook marketplace. As the day unfolded, every element – from furniture to flowers – was lovingly handcrafted by us.To keep the good times rolling without breaking the bank, we sourced all our drinks from Cash & Carry and hired staff to man the bar, serving up affordable libations at just £2 a pop. In place of the traditional Champagne toast, each table received a crate filled with glasses, equipment, and ingredients to craft their own signature cocktails – a truly special way to raise a glass in celebration.To create an immersive experience, we set up a gallery amidst the trees, featuring photos of every single guest, as well as those who couldn’t join us. This thoughtful touch ensured that everyone felt included and part of our joyous celebration.
Your Photographer
After discovering Aden’s work online, we decided to book a video call to discuss our vision and desired photo style. We were looking for someone who could seamlessly integrate into the party atmosphere, capturing genuine moments that reflected the day’s joy. As we reviewed his portfolio, we were immediately convinced he was the perfect fit for the job. His ability to deliver on our expectations is evident in the final photos, which exceeded our wildest dreams.
Your Filmmaker
Our introduction to ‘Shoot It Yourself’ at the NEC’s wedding show sparked a realization that traditional, soft-focus wedding videos don’t have to be the norm. We opted for their ‘2 camera’ package and took advantage of having our guests capture our special day on film. The unedited footage was skillfully crafted into a 40-minute video that beautifully encapsulated our experience.
The Honeymoon
After all the chaos and exhaustion that comes with planning and executing a wedding, there’s no better way to unwind than by indulging in a relaxing getaway at an Airbnb villa in Greece. Imagine trading in the stress of post-wedding clean-up for the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore or the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on your skin.
Memorable Moments
We decided to make things a little more personal by having a close friend officiate the ceremony. The surprise element came into play when New York Brass Band suddenly emerged from behind the trees, playing us down the aisle with infectious energy. This led to an unforgettable moment as our entire wedding party conga-lined around the forest, following the lively tunes of the brass band. As we took our seats, it was amazing to see 170 of our loved ones gathered around, sipping and socializing in anticipation of the speeches and toasts that were about to unfold. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly our first dance to Budapest – George Ezra, performed live by our talented band, The Red Jack. However, one of the most unforgettable experiences for us was sitting down to watch the hilarious raw footage from the video cameras, which left us in stitches and laughing for weeks on end.
Advice For Other Couples
Don’t be afraid to personalize every aspect of your special day. Make it a true reflection of you as an individual, rather than just going through the motions. This is especially important when it comes to creating your guest list and setting numbers – it’s far better to have a clear plan in place before considering venues, to avoid any last-minute cuts or changes. And remember, if there’s something specific that you absolutely want for your wedding, don’t be deterred by the budget. It’s often worth splurging on those little extras that make the day truly unforgettable. In fact, it was this philosophy that Phil and Sarah embodied perfectly as they celebrated their geodome wedding – a truly one-of-a-kind affair that will be remembered for years to come. The talented team behind the scenes included Aden Priest Photography capturing every moment in stunning detail, Baya Hire providing the perfect marquee setting, Cater Me Tasty serving up delicious cuisine, New York Brass Band and The Red Jacks bringing the house down with their infectious beats, MB Luxury Loos keeping things tidy and Shoot It Yourself preserving all the memories on film. And of course, no wedding would be complete without a stunning suit from Dapper Dan Suit Hire, a beautiful dress courtesy of Beautiful Brides Liverpool, makeup magic from Alluring Makeup, and hair styling wizardry courtesy of CC’s Wedding and Updo Hairstylist. It was truly an unforgettable experience for all involved – and we can’t thank Phil and Sarah enough for sharing their joy with us!