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As we hit the middle of the week, I’m thrilled to share a dose of happiness with all of you. The perfect cure for hump day blues is a celebration – and what better way than to relive Jasmine and Milo’s enchanting wedding? It was a sunny August 3rd, 2019, when they exchanged vows in a charming church ceremony, followed by the main event at Glevering Hall in Suffolk. That’s where the real magic happened! With smoke bombs filling the air, lush botanicals, and show-stopping attire, it was an unforgettable festival-inspired tipi wedding extravaganza. Once Curious Dream brought their A-game with stunning props, complemented by modern signs, verdant greenery, and whimsical lighting that transformed the tipis into a visual masterpiece. A huge thank you to Sharon Cudworth Photography for generously sharing these breathtaking images with us.
The Proposal
Mauritius’s idyllic desert island setting proved the ultimate backdrop for a truly unforgettable proposal. With meticulous attention to detail, Milo had arranged for a private chef and guitarist to be waiting for us upon our arrival. This surprising display of organisational prowess was all the more impressive given Milo’s usual aversion to planning. As we toasted our love with champagne, it was clear that he had outdone himself in every way.
The Vision
Music and good food have long been staples in our lives. We’re laid-back individuals who thrive in relaxed environments. It’s no surprise that a chilled festival vibe weekend emerged from this trifecta of passions. As I poured over botanical-themed wedding inspiration on Pinterest, the idea of a weekend getaway to match was inevitable. The concept of an event unfolding within a single day felt overwhelming, so we decided to turn it into a longer experience. Glamping was born from this desire for a more leisurely celebration.
The Planning Process
As an avid planner, I revelled in organizing every aspect of our DIY wedding. From researching and booking our suppliers immediately after the proposal to meticulously tracking details through spreadsheets, I was thoroughly engaged. The creative process of designing our venue decorations was a highlight, with hours spent scouring Pinterest, wedding blogs, and magazines for inspiration. Even meetings with our suppliers became an enjoyable part of the experience. If I’m being completely honest, I’d jump at the chance to plan another one!
Budget
The Venue
We chose to exchange our vows at St Mary’s Church in Ufford, where Milo’s grandparents had once tied the knot. From the moment we set foot in the church, we knew it was meant to be – its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere perfectly capturing the essence of our special day. Our Vicar Paul brought a youthful energy to the ceremony, his warm demeanor putting everyone at ease.
For our reception, we opted for the unique and charming Glevering Hall, which offered us the freedom to bring our own creative vision to life. The venue’s blank slate allowed us to craft every detail to perfection, while its picturesque countryside surroundings provided a breathtaking backdrop for our celebration. It was the ideal setting for us to make memories that would last a lifetime.
The Readings & Music
The ceremony at the church featured a talented organist, infusing a sense of tradition into an otherwise unconventional wedding celebration – a perfect blend for two modern souls. We thoroughly enjoyed it! To create an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the day, we curated a diverse playlist that catered to our guests’ arrival at the wedding field right up until the stroke of midnight. As the music flowed seamlessly from 60’s rock to 70’s funk, 80’s pop to chilled RnB, Live Lounge hits to contemporary chart-toppers, and finally, dancefloor anthems – it was nothing short of a musical extravaganza! By the night’s end, the dance floor was abuzz with joyous revelers, leaving us beaming with delight.
Beauty
Victoria, the founder of Your Makeup By Victoria, is an exceptional individual who has made a lasting impression on me. During my bridal makeup trial, she went above and beyond to put out a fire that broke out at my house – talk about being a true hero! It’s no wonder she’s earned her reputation as a legend in the industry. Additionally, Chelsea Lydford Hair is another talented professional I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Her warm personality and impressive skills make her a joy to be around.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I was utterly smitten with my wedding dress, Payton by Charlie Brear, which I purchased from Amelia Alice. The simplicity and elegance of the gown made me feel like I was slipping into something comfortable – it was as if I were wearing my favourite pyjamas! The team at Amelia Alice were incredibly helpful and enthusiastic throughout the entire process.
The Isla Headpiece by Anna Campbell was another story altogether. As soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew I had to have it. It was one of the first items I purchased after Milo proposed, and it set the tone for the rest of my wedding planning.
For the lads’ suits, we opted for ASOS. Milo wanted a look that was both relaxed and smart, so we went with short-sleeved shirts, dicky bows, and braces – perfect for a day filled with laughter and celebration.
The bridesmaid dresses were also sourced from ASOS. The girls wanted to be able to let loose on the dance floor without sacrificing style or modesty. And finally, the adorable outfits for our flower girls and page boys came courtesy of Monsoon. We prioritised comfort above all else, ensuring that they could enjoy every moment of the big day.
The Flowers
Located in the heart of Woodbridge, Windmills Florist is a charming boutique that exudes warmth and friendliness from the moment you step inside. The dedicated team behind this floristry haven are as lovely as they come, making them a true gem among local businesses.
The Details & Décor
We collaborated with Once Curious Dream to curate a captivating atmosphere at our venue, incorporating a range of stunning props, including the show-stopping triangular arbour that was beautifully adorned by our florist. The tipis added an undeniable charm, transforming the wedding field into a picturesque setting. Simple yet elegant table settings featured candles and botanicals suspended in water, radiating a magical ambiance once the sun dipped below the horizon. Our caterers took inspiration from street food vendors, presenting a diverse array of delectable dishes – pizzas, curries, salads, paella, and decadent desserts – on rustic wooden boards outside. The experience was nothing short of dreamy. To make the evening even more cozy, we had hay bales and blankets strategically placed around the fire pits, where we would later gather to toast marshmallows – a thoughtful touch, as these served as our special wedding favors.
Your Photographer
One of the most significant decisions our company has ever made was bringing Sharon Cudworth on board. Her exceptional skills and dedication have been a game-changer for us, and we can’t thank her enough for all that she’s done.
The Cake
Our visit to My Cupcake Kitchen proved to be a delightful experience, marked by the simplicity and satisfaction of our cupcake choice. Opting for a classic red velvet flavor, we pleased the palate of our esteemed guest, Milo, who enthusiastically devoured the treat. Its prompt disappearance only served as testament to its undeniable charm.
The Honeymoon
With a penchant for all things Italian, our family’s favorite destination has always been Italy – a land renowned for its delectable cuisine and exquisite wines. Our most recent escapade found us jetting off to this beloved country with Ted, our son in tow. Among the many breathtaking destinations we’ve had the pleasure of visiting, Sardinia truly left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Memorable Moments
Milo’s response when he saw me at the church was quintessentially him, as evidenced by his comment: ‘You look well fit.’ That’s a quintessential Milo move. Similarly, I’m not surprised that I found myself stripping off my shoes as soon as we arrived at the wedding field – it’s just what I do! And let’s not forget the impromptu mid-afternoon cuddle session with Milo and Ted in our bell tent, all while grooving to our favorite tunes. Those sunset photos still give me goosebumps – they’re truly special.
Advice For Other Couples
Savor the moment and allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience. After all, most people only have one opportunity to do it right, so why not make it an unforgettable one? As someone who’s already walked down the aisle once (and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again, under the right circumstances – namely, if Milo was involved), I can attest that the planning process is just as enjoyable as the big day itself. So take a deep breath, relax, and let the excitement unfold!
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding planning process was a collaborative effort between the couple and their talented team of professionals. The photographer, Sharon Cudworth Photography, captured every special moment, while Paul Thompson Events took care of catering needs. The dreamy atmosphere was enhanced by music from Dreamwave Events, with props provided by Once Curious Dream. Wedding planners from the Wedding Directory ensured a seamless experience, working closely with the florist, Windmills Florist, to bring the couple’s vision to life. St Mary’s Church Ufford and Glevering Hall served as the picturesque venue for the celebration. The bride’s elegant attire was provided by Amelia Alice, while C.L. Lydford Hair Design created stunning hairstyles. Your Makeup By Victoria ensured the bride looked absolutely radiant. ASOS supplied the suits and bridesmaid dresses, with Monsoon providing adorable page boy and flower girl outfits. Wedding rings were designed by Sarah Cole, and the bridal headpiece was a beautiful creation from Anna Campbell. The wedding car, an Aston Martin DB6 courtesy of Vehicles of Wedding Style, added to the overall luxury experience. Events Under Canvas even set up stunning tipis for guests to enjoy. What a truly unique and personality-filled celebration – we’re thrilled to have shared Jasmine and Milo’s epic love story with you!