As we share the real wedding feature of Ben and Roh, it’s clear that inclement weather can be a blessing in disguise. On their special day, August 10th, 2019, the couple tied the knot at the Great Lodge in Essex amidst unpredictable conditions. Gale-force winds, a power outage in the church, a flying veil, and rain showers didn’t deter from the joy and magic of the celebration. In fact, the dramatic weather only added to the unforgettable experience. A stunning rainbow appeared following the downpour, setting the stage for a breathtaking sunset finale. The day’s events were a testament to the couple’s vision: a free bar, transportation for guests, well-timed entertainment, live music, and a focus on environmentally conscious planning. Their choices resulted in an unforgettable celebration that was both fun and memorable. Expect stunning attire, tropical-inspired flowers, alpacas making appearances, and even arcade games – it’s going to be an exciting ride! A huge thank you to Gemma Giorgio for capturing the special moments with her camera.
The Proposal
It was my husband’s enthusiasm for the Titanic that inspired our Christmas getaway – a 7-day cruise aboard the Queen Mary 2, eerily reminiscent of the ill-fated ship. Our journey began in Southampton, mirroring the Transatlantic route taken by the Titanic in 1912. The experience was nothing short of phenomenal. As we approached the final hours of our voyage, Ben and I set our alarms for an early morning wake-up call to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty as we entered New York Harbor. Perched on our balcony, we basked in the majesty of Lady Liberty’s iconic presence. And it was there, amidst the dawn’s soft glow, that Ben dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife once more – a proposal that still leaves me breathless.
The Vision
As we embarked on planning our wedding, environmental sustainability was at the forefront of our minds. We were determined to minimize waste and make eco-friendly choices throughout the entire process. To achieve this goal, we carefully selected suppliers and vendors who shared our commitment to reducing their ecological footprint. Our focus wasn’t solely on aesthetics or themes; instead, we prioritized creating a memorable experience for our guests.Our priorities were straightforward: we wanted to provide an inclusive and enjoyable celebration that catered to the diverse needs of our loved ones. We achieved this by incorporating several key elements into our wedding plan.Some of these essential components included:* A free bar, allowing our guests to indulge in their favorite drinks without breaking the bank* Complimentary transportation for our guests, ensuring a stress-free and convenient experience* A well-timed schedule that allowed for meaningful interactions and minimized downtime between events* Engaging music that appealed to a broad range of tastes, even if dancing wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea* An inclusive atmosphere that welcomed all attendees from the start, eliminating the need for evening arrivals* A variety of entertainment options and activities designed to captivate both children and adults
The Planning Process
As we finalized our guest list, we turned our attention to sourcing suppliers and venues that aligned with our values. We began by scheduling viewings at a few potential locations, ultimately securing our top choice at a reasonable price. With the venue locked in, we embarked on a quest to find eco-friendly suppliers who shared our commitment to reducing waste. We prioritized companies that avoided single-use plastics, opted for fuel-efficient transportation options (even offering a shuttle service to our guests), and invested in biodegradable confetti and decorations. We also made a conscious effort to repurpose items whenever possible – from borrowing wedding decor from friends’ celebrations to purchasing second-hand decorations on Facebook Marketplace. Even the invitation sleeves were crafted using recycled sequins sourced from eBay, a testament to our dedication to creative reuse. Our photographer proved to be an invaluable resource, offering valuable insights into timing and supplier recommendations, as well as sharing tips gleaned from her experience at other weddings.
Budget
The grand total came out to be £19,849, exceeding our initial budget of £15,000 by a margin of £4,849. However, this sum accounted for every single detail, including wedding rings, jewelry, gifts, and miscellaneous items like scissors, cable ties, batteries – essentially covering all the bases.
The Venue
The reference to a significant landmark, the Great Lodge, specifically the Ann of Cleves Barn, situated in the quaint village of Great Bardfield, holds particular significance as it was here that Roh spent his formative years growing up.
The Readings & Music
The blog post draft begins with a traditional church reading, specifically The Marriage at Cana. This sets the tone for a sacred and introspective atmosphere. To further enhance this ambiance, the music selection features the soothing sounds of the church organ, punctuated by the gentle tolling of the church bells. A few classic hymns are also incorporated into the evening’s playlist, including Jerusalem and Give Me Joy in My Heart. For added flair, the evening’s entertainment is supplemented with a live performance from Technicolour, a talented group booked through Alive Network.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I navigated the world of wedding dresses, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer variety of styles. Initially, they all seemed to blend together in my mind. It wasn’t until I visited Wed2b and tried on a few different designs that I began to develop an appreciation for certain silhouettes. This discovery led me to Belissima Weddings in South Woodham Ferres, where I had the opportunity to try on several dresses and eventually found ‘The One’. Although it was more expensive than I had anticipated, its simplicity and elegance won me over. After conducting some research on the designer, I discovered that there were various iterations of my chosen dress, which further solidified my decision.However, my fiancé’s approach to selecting a suit was quite different. He’d left his search until a month before our big day, leaving him with limited time to find the perfect fit. His solution was to embark on a shopping expedition to Lakeside Shopping Centre with his groomsmen. After trying on several options, he found a suit that met his expectations. What’s more, his good fortune had previously landed him a £50 voucher for Next, which covered part of the cost of his new attire.
Beauty
I was thoroughly impressed with Light Box Studio in Great Dunmow, who handled my hair and makeup needs with finesse. Upon booking, I had the option of choosing between a graduate or senior stylist, and I opted for the former. The studio’s Instagram feed featured before-and-after images that really sold me on their expertise. To ensure a seamless experience, I also booked a trial run beforehand. During my trial, I noticed that my foundation was separating throughout the day, so I brought it to the attention of my makeup artist. She made some adjustments on the wedding day to prevent the issue from arising, and it turned out to be a game-changer.
The Details & Décor
To create the perfect ambiance for our special day, we brought in some unique decorative elements. The ‘R&B’ light up letters were hired from Little Big Things to add a touch of elegance. We also added some flower garlands to the swing in the garden, which we purchased from Hobbycraft. A vintage charm was brought to the party with a welcome mirror that we found on Facebook marketplace. Other decorative items included vinyl decals from Ebay and tealight holders from Facebook Marketplace. To add a rustic feel, we used straw placemats from Facebook Marketplace as well. Demijohn bottles were transformed into beautiful centrepieces, which we also sourced from Facebook Marketplace. The groom brought his own pinball machines and Teddy Grabber machine to keep our guests entertained. To create a warm glow, we placed milk bottle vases in the alcoves, which we purchased from Facebook Marketplace. And finally, we created a memorable photobooth backdrop using wood from Wickes and some creative writing by a friend. We also repurposed an old pallet as ‘Order of the Day’, giving it a fresh coat of white paint from B&Q’s sample pots (at just 10p each!). The writing was done by a thoughtful friend, making this special detail even more meaningful.
The Cake
A notable mention in the world of artisanal bakeries goes to Anna’s Bakery, a family-owned and operated business founded by Anna Steinbauer in Great Bardfield. This charming bakery has been delighting locals and visitors alike with its wide range of mouthwatering treats, from classic scones and cakes to innovative pastries and breads.
The Flowers
With the help of family and friends, a beautiful array of bouquet flowers, buttonholes, and arrangements for the tables and venue were brought to life, all expertly arranged from an initial online order placed with Triangle Nursery.
Your Photographer
Bridesmaids
I’m surrounded by strong female figures – Roh’s three sisters, Cli, Orla, and Aife, Ben’s sister Lucy, and my best friend Emma-Louise. To make them feel at ease on the big day, I opted for a unique approach to their bridesmaid dresses. Rather than seeking out identical gowns, I searched online for a range of styles that shared the same color palette. After sending some suggestions to the girls, they weren’t entirely thrilled with my ideas. That was until my mum stumbled upon the perfect solution at Monsoon – a pale blue-gray dress in three distinct styles. The trio of dresses not only matched but also offered varying shapes and sizes to accommodate their unique silhouettes. I sent the link to the bridesmaids, asking them to pick their favorite style, and much to my surprise, they all converged on an elegant beaded gown. To seal the deal, I purchased the dress in three different sizes and invited the girls over for a try-on session one evening. The verdict was unanimous – they loved the dresses just as much as I did. Meanwhile, our little flower girl Belle needed her own special dress to complete the look.
Groomsmen
When planning the attire for Ben’s wedding party, simplicity was key. Drawing inspiration from his brother Seb’s wedding the previous year, we asked both Seb and Jez to wear their navy suits again, while Alex opted for a navy suit he already owned. This ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ approach not only saved time but also reduced waste. The trio’s wardrobe staples blended seamlessly into the overall aesthetic.Ties proved to be a slightly more challenging task, as we sought to coordinate with the bridesmaid dresses’ colors. Fortune smiled upon us when New Look offered three ties matching the desired hue at a bargain price of £5 each, complete with pocket squares. Ben’s tie, sourced from Primark, was also a steal at £2. Our experience with high-street retailers served as a pleasant reminder that hidden gems can be found in unexpected places.The page boy, donning a miniature version of Ben’s suit from Next, complemented the proceedings perfectly. His tie, also from Next, added a touch of elegance to his overall appearance.
The Honeymoon
Our honeymoon was a journey of self-discovery, blending traditional romance with adventure. After much deliberation, we decided to revisit the west coast of America, revisiting fond memories from our first holiday together. We kicked off our trip in Los Angeles, where we explored the iconic RMS Queen Mary, now a floating hotel in Long Beach, California. A scenic drive took us to Venice Beach, followed by three serene days in Palm Springs at a charming boutique hotel, where it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The peaceful atmosphere was a perfect antidote to our busy lives.
From Palm Springs, we ventured into Joshua Tree National Park and the old pioneering towns, immersing ourselves in the region’s unique charm. Next, we made our way to Las Vegas, where cherished memories from our 2016 holiday awaited us.
The next leg of our journey took us to Seattle, where we boarded a bus to Vancouver, Canada. From there, we embarked on a 7-day cruise that sailed into the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska. Over the course of our voyage, we spotted humpback whales, Orcas, bears, seals, starfish, salmon, glaciers, and witnessed the most incredible scenery. The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring, leaving us with lifelong memories.
Memorable Moments
The unpredictable weather played a significant role in making our wedding day truly unforgettable. The gusty winds reached speeds of 50mph, causing chaos and mayhem throughout the celebration. At one point, the doors to the church rattle loudly, as if mocking the solemn atmosphere, while others were left scrambling to secure their belongings. A brief power outage added an air of excitement and unpredictability to the ceremony. And just when we thought things couldn’t get any more dramatic, confetti was blown back into our faces by the gusts of wind, leaving us in stitches.But amidst all the commotion, there were moments of pure serenity. The butterflies flitted about, their beauty a stark contrast to the turbulent weather. Later on, as we prepared to feed the alpacas, the heavens opened up and a refreshing shower washed over us, followed by a stunning rainbow that seemed to stretch out across the sky. It was as if Mother Nature had given us a special blessing, acknowledging our love.Feeding the alpacas itself became a surreal experience, with an Australian friend of ours exclaiming it was ‘the best thing ever’ – only for one of the animals to respond by spitting a generous helping of grassy goodness in her face. The laughter and camaraderie that followed was infectious, bringing everyone together.The dance floor, too, became a hub of activity, with friends and family mingling and making new connections. A spontaneous dance-off erupted, featuring a chorus of cheers, arm links, and grinning faces. As the night wore on, our friends and family lifted us onto their shoulders as we danced to Oasis’s ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts joyful and emotional.As we bid farewell to our departing guests, standing outside the venue with my partner, I felt grateful for the unforgettable experience we’d shared. It was a day that will forever be etched in our memories.
Advice For Other Couples
When preparing for your big day, don’t be hesitant to shop around and negotiate prices. Thoroughly review invoices to ensure everything is in order. For high street decorations, it’s best to purchase within a month of the wedding, as this allows you to return any unused items to the store if needed. Our own experience with gale force winds on our special day taught us that some decorations (such as paper lanterns and faux flowers) may not be usable, but they can still be returned without issue.To stay organized, maintain a spreadsheet detailing supplier information, arrival times, and other crucial details. Additionally, create a ‘To Do’ list for the wedding setup, allowing helpers to assign themselves tasks accordingly.Finally, take the time to label your boxes of decorations clearly, so that they don’t become jumbled during transit or at the venue. This simple step can significantly simplify the setup process and make it easier for your volunteers to assist.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photography team behind the stunning visuals was led by Gemma Giorgio, who captured every moment of Anna’s special day at the picturesque Great Lodge. The sweet treats provided by Anna’s Bakery and Goody Bags were a delight to behold, as were the custom cake designs that lit up the night with Light Up Letters from Little Big Things Essex. Hair & Make Up expert Thelb Studio helped create breathtaking looks for the happy couple, while Mili Mili’s exquisite wedding dress stole the show. A cocktail bar courtesy of Chinchin Mobile Bars kept the party going all evening. With a team of professionals like these, it’s no wonder Anna and her husband had such an unforgettable experience. Their special day was made even more magical with the assistance of Dons Coaches for transportation and Car and Carriage for the wedding car. The bride’s beautiful veil came courtesy of The Wedding Veil Shop, adding the perfect touch to her already stunning look. To top it all off, Taylor and Hall provided delicious catering options, while Technicolour Band Alive Network kept the crowd entertained with their lively performances as a Wedding Directory member – Wedding Entertainment. And finally, Forever Diamonds London LTD helped Anna and her husband seal their love forever with custom-made rings that will always be remembered. A huge thank you goes out to Ben and Roh for sharing their incredible wedding story with us!