Greek English Fusion Wedding
It’s been a pleasure to relive Claire and George’s enchanting real wedding, which took place on August 31st, 2019, at the picturesque Muddifords Court in Devon. This joyous celebration was a masterful blend of the couple’s Greek and English heritage, with traditions seamlessly merged to reflect their unique personalities. The day’s aesthetic was characterized by a harmonious fusion of forest green and copper elements, which resulted in an visually stunning atmosphere. Think lush greenery, copper accents on the tables, and dashing forest green suits for the groomsmen. Claire, meanwhile, looked absolutely resplendent in her strapless gown, adorned with a show-stopping headpiece she designed herself. As an award-winning bridal headpiece designer, it’s no surprise that her accessory stole the spotlight. The bridesmaids, too, made a stunning impression in their pale pink dresses. It was truly a day to remember for all involved.I’d like to extend my gratitude to Holly Collings Photography for capturing these breathtaking moments, which I’m thrilled to share with our readers today. Claire and George would also like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the inspiration and support they received from Whimsical Wonderland Weddings throughout their planning journey. It’s been an absolute delight to be a part of their special day, and we’re thrilled to be able to share it with all of you.
The Proposal
As the rain poured down on Arthurs Seat, I thought George’s enthusiasm for hiking was just another one of his quirky traits. Little did I know, he had a different plan in store. On my birthday weekend to Edinburgh in 2017, George led me up the mountain, pushing me through the wet terrain with an unusual eagerness. I couldn’t help but wonder why he was so determined to reach the top. As we paused for a photo opportunity, George asked a bystander to capture the moment, and that’s when I noticed him getting down on one knee. The photographer shrieked with excitement, ‘He’s proposing! He’s proposing!’ as I turned around, still unaware of what was happening. George, caught off guard, simply looked up at me and said, ‘Hello?’ before snapping back to reality and asking the question he had rehearsed: ‘Will you marry me?’ I, of course, said yes. The humorous aspect was that George’s original plan was much more elaborate, as he revealed during his wedding speech when he recited what he meant to say that day. We got the keys to our first home just a week after getting engaged and moved out of my parents’ dining room where we had been living for two years. Looking back, it was thoughtful of George to time our engagement perfectly, allowing us to start our new life in our very own home.
The Vision
We blended George’s Greek Cypriot heritage with our English roots by hosting a unique ‘Grenglish’ wedding celebration. Our vision was to bring everyone together for a lively gathering, featuring a massive Greek BBQ, impromptu dancing in the courtyard, and endless fun. The picturesque venue itself was so stunning that we didn’t want to overdo it with too much decor. Instead, we opted for an abundance of greenery and foliage, drawing inspiration from our home décor style. We adorned the tables, welcome sign, and table plan with eucalyptus, while showcasing over 70 succulents in glass candle holders. To add a touch of warmth and elegance, we incorporated copper accents through candle holders, candelabras, and lanterns strategically placed around the tables and barns. The wedding was also an ode to our home décor, where greenery and copper elements harmoniously coexisted. Interestingly, my dad had passed away just a few months prior after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. I had asked him to create lots of copper candle holders for his craft stand, but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make them specifically for our wedding. However, I found dozens of his handmade candle holders in his garage after he passed away, which we were able to use. I then collaborated with Rustic Love’s décor stylist to complete the look. Nicola and her husband crafted over 27 table holders that matched my dad’s copper creations, making it a truly touching experience.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on planning our special day, we had nearly 18 months to get everything in order – a luxury indeed when you’re hosting 139 guests at your DIY wedding venue! With up to 200 people expected to join us for the evening celebrations, seating became a major concern. We needed to figure out how to accommodate everyone for the wedding breakfast, not to mention our desire to invite friends from all corners of our lives – childhood, university, and time spent in London and Devon. George’s family is big and boisterous, with a strong Greek heritage that demanded its own special touches. I, on the other hand, come from a smaller family unit, so the numbers were certainly skewed in his favor! As such, we needed to get creative when it came to sourcing everything from chair covers to salt and pepper shakers, plates, cutlery, and glasses – the venue only provided the tables and chairs, after all. We did manage to charm our way into using their cute pub during the day, where we laid out bubbles and an assortment of wine for our guests’ enjoyment. To keep things lively, we hired a Greek band for dancing and a DJ for the evening, ensuring that the music would be eclectic and engaging. And, as per tradition, we even squeezed in our first dance, followed by the popular Greek money dance – it was a day filled with love, laughter, and plenty of celebration!
The Venue
As we arrived at Muddifords Court Country House in Cullompton, Devon, it was clear that this stunning 18th century Georgian estate with its 14 acres of lush land would be the perfect backdrop for our special day. We had only viewed two other venues beforehand, but as we drove down the picturesque driveway, we knew instantly that this was the one. The property boasts an impressive array of accommodations, including a 7-bedroom main house, a cozy 2-bedroom thatched cottage, The Roundhouse apartment, The Shippen Barn – where we would later host our reception – and The Cider Barn, where the ceremony took place. The estate’s beautiful Victoria-era cobbled courtyard and whimsical Shepherd and Fishermen’s huts added to its unique charm. We even had the luxury of hosting a pre-wedding celebration at the on-site pub, The Nip Inn! Our dream was to have our guests dancing under the stars in the courtyard to the lively beats of our Greek band. As luck would have it, the weather held out, and after the speeches wrapped up, the band ‘crashed’ the party and led us outside for an impromptu dance party, sending everyone into a joyful frenzy.
The Details & Décor
The rustic barn was transformed into an intimate setting by suspending over 100 glass baubles from the beams, each one softly illuminated by LED tea lights. The room’s ambiance was further enhanced by a mix of copper lanterns and candlestick holders placed strategically on tables and around the space. The tables themselves were adorned with lush eucalyptus and succulents, which also served as a beautiful backdrop for the table plan and welcome sign that greeted guests upon arrival.
The Flowers
As I envisioned my wedding bouquet, I wanted it to be a lush celebration of greenery, punctuated by delicate white blooms. To bring this vision to life, I collaborated with the talented team at Flower La Vita, incorporating an array of elements including white wax flowers, cream roses, lisianthus, and white veronica, artfully mixed with succulents and eucalyptus. A personal touch was added by attaching a small photograph of my dad and me to the bouquet, allowing him to ‘walk’ alongside me every step of the way. Meanwhile, the reception tables were transformed into verdant oases, adorned with eucalyptus and glass jars filled with succulents, while fresh rosemary graced the plates and edible flowers added a whimsical touch to our post-ceremony drinks.
The Cake
It’s been a couple of years since I discovered Claire’s Sweet Temptations at a wedding fair, but the memory of her breathtaking sugar succulents remains vivid in my mind. In fact, they were so convincingly real that I initially thought they were actual plants. Needless to say, I was smitten and knew immediately that I had to have her design our special day’s wedding cake. We opted for a majestic three-tiered masterpiece featuring sugar-white flowers, eucalyptus, and succulents that perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic. The cake’s flavors were just as impressive as its appearance, with mouthwatering combinations like coconut with pineapple cream, vanilla sponge paired with raspberry and prosecco filling, and lemon and elderflower. Each bite was a true delight!
Your Outfits & Accessories
I walked into Brides at Waterfields in Torquay feeling overwhelmed by Gemma and Heather’s stunning collection of dresses. Despite being engaged for only two weeks, I was keen to find the perfect gown. After trying on just three or four dresses, I knew the first one I tried on was the one – a floor-length dress with a sweetheart neckline, lace appliqués, and a long train. To match, I chose a very long cathedral length veil. As someone petite at 5ft tall, I was a bit self-conscious about my small stature, but Sari, my seamstress, was amazing. She went above and beyond to make the dress fit me perfectly, even creating a corset to give me the illusion of hips.As a bridal headpiece designer myself, it was easy where I’d source my accessories – from my own workshop! The pressure of creating something spectacular for our special day was always there, but I rose to the challenge. I designed a show-stopping headpiece featuring hand-formed ceramic flowers with diamanté centers and sprigs, as well as pearls and Swarovski crystals. It was also the launch of my new ceramic collection – what better way to debut it than at our own wedding! For my bridesmaids and maid of honor, I created hair vines made from mulberry paper flowers with pearl and diamanté sprigs, and posies featuring larger paper flowers and lace embellishments. I surprised them with their accessories on the morning of the wedding, making it a lovely present they could treasure forever. For my mum, I designed a hatinator matching the blush pink and ivory accents in her dress. And for our beloved dog Pickle, a Chihuahua/miniature pinscher cross, I made her a dog jacket out of large paper roses – she looked adorable, and even landed on the cover of a local wedding magazine with me!
Beauty
I aimed for a timeless look with my hair and makeup. To complement my dark brown locks, I opted for a refined beehive style that I sported throughout my twenties. For my makeup, I chose Sophie White MUA after being inspired by her flawless and radiant look. With a recent spray tan application (a first-time attempt at just one coat), I had a subtle sun-kissed glow, which Sophie expertly matched with her velvety foundation, paired with Hollywood-style lashes and soft peach lipstick. My glam team made me feel like royalty! As for my bridesmaids, we went for a half-up, half-down hairstyle and created custom flower headpieces that they wore at the back of their styles. Meanwhile, George refreshed his fading and sported a charming stubble, which I adore.
The Readings & Music
As a light-hearted touch, Alex, George’s brother, recited Louise Cuddon’s humorous reading ‘I’ll Be There’ during the ceremony. Meanwhile, Yazzy impressed with her guitar skills and soulful voice as she sang John Denver’s ‘Sunshine On My Shoulders’ while I walked down the aisle with my best friend Tom. The atmosphere was electric, and even George couldn’t hold back tears when I reached him, prompting me to exclaim ‘Yes, he’s crying!’ – much to everyone’s amusement. Yazzy continued to serenade us as we signed the register, before leading us out of the ceremony with Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)’. As our guests were treated to an encore performance at the front of the house, Tom and I slipped away for some family photo opportunities. And if you’re looking for more inspiration on wedding music and readings, be sure to check out our collection.
Your Photographer
We were fortunate to have Holly Collings, an incredibly talented photographer, capture our special day with stunning accuracy. With over 70 photographers on our shortlist, we were drawn to her vibrant and whimsical style that perfectly reflected the joyous atmosphere of our celebration. Not only did we thoroughly enjoy getting to know Holly, but she also won over our guests with her warm personality. Her calming presence allowed us to relax and be ourselves during the photo sessions, resulting in a beautiful collection of natural shots featuring our loved ones.
Your Filmmaker
As we planned our special day, one thing was certain – we needed an unforgettable video to capture its essence. Having seen one of our videographer’s work on social media, I knew he had a keen eye for capturing Muddifords Court’s charm. He brought along his colleague and together they assembled an impressive arsenal of cameras and drones, which allowed them to create an incredible three-hour film that showcased the highlights of our big day. We also received a two-minute teaser video, perfect for sharing with friends and family. In fact, I’ve even promised George that he’ll have to sit through the entire three-hour masterpiece every anniversary – wish him luck!
Groomsmen
George’s fashion choice was a perfect reflection of his individuality. He opted for a three-piece suit in dark forest green from ASOS, which complemented his unique style. To add some visual interest, he selected around four shirts to showcase, including an 80s-inspired ruffled shirt that initially raised my eyebrows. However, when I saw the complete ensemble on the day of the event, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it all came together. His ushers also wore the same suit but paired it with plain white shirts and coordinated pocket squares with sunglasses – they looked dashing! The overall effect was a stylish and cohesive look that perfectly captured George’s personality.
Bridesmaids
When it came to selecting dresses for the bridesmaids, I knew I had to involve them in the process. Given that they lived in different parts of the country, I decided to opt for online shopping at ASOS. This way, each bridesmaid could order her dress and share photos with the others to ensure everyone was happy with their choice. To complement the bold colour of the suits, we chose a soft, neutral light blush pink hue for the dresses, which featured high necklines and floor-length designs. The end result was absolutely stunning, as all the bridesmaids looked beautiful in their new attire.
The Honeymoon
As our partly Greek-inspired wedding celebration came to a close, we couldn’t help but look forward to our upcoming honeymoon in Cyprus – a destination that held special significance given George’s family roots. We didn’t set off on our journey until about six weeks post-wedding, which was a welcome respite from the whirlwind of the big day and allowed us to focus on the excitement to come. Our seven-day getaway proved to be nothing short of indulgent, with the hotel staff treating us like royalty – offering upgrades and complimentary drinks aplenty. As we basked in the warm hospitality, it was clear that this trip would be one for the memory books.
Memorable Moments
We had an unforgettable morning with our bridal party, ushers, close family members and even our furry friend Baby Pickle as we prepared for the Greek blessing. This intimate ceremony was a unique experience where each family member wrapped us in red scarves, misted incense over our heads, and kissed our cheeks. The atmosphere was filled with love and warmth.The ceremony itself was breathtaking as we walked into the Cider Barn to be surrounded by our loved ones, packing every available space. I was touched by George’s emotional response and the romantic moment when we exchanged our vows. Baby Pickle even joined us to sign the register, making it an extra-special memory.As the sun began to set, the dancing started, and it was nothing short of epic! With nearly 200 people dancing in a circle to the lively Greek music, the energy was electric. The highlight for me was the Greek money dance where each guest came up to us to pin notes onto our outfits. By the end, you couldn’t even see my dress or George’s suit due to all the paper! It was a surreal and unforgettable experience.
Advice For Other Couples
As I stepped out of my venue, I took a moment to myself to soak in the excitement of the day ahead. It’s crucial to give your bridesmaids and ushers tasks to manage, such as lighting candles and turning on LED lights, and providing them with suppliers’ contact details and arrival times. This will ensure you’re not worried about anything on the big day.To keep everyone on schedule, we created a laminated running order and distributed it to all involved suppliers (photographer, videographer, catering, band, DJ, etc.). This way, everyone knew what was happening at each time slot, eliminating the need for last-minute adjustments.Take some time to step away from the chaos with your new partner! We managed to sneak off to our bridal apartment for a 10-minute getaway to catch up on the day and steal a kiss. It’s easy to get caught up chatting with guests, but make sure you prioritize spending quality time together. Additionally, don’t forget to dance the night away – it’ll be over before you know it.A huge thank you to our incredible team of vendors who helped bring our dream wedding to life: Holly Collings Photography for capturing our special moments; Brides at Waterfields and Claire Austin England for helping us look stunning; and so many more talented professionals. It’s been an absolute pleasure sharing your enchanting Greek-English fusion wedding with us.