Join me on a journey to the picturesque Hall Farm Events in Suffolk, where Jack and Emily’s love story unfolded in a beautiful vegan wedding, all within a £10,000 budget! This couple’s creativity shines through in their DIY decor, upcycled and handmade masterpieces that add a personal touch to their special day. And let’s not forget the stunning attire – Emily’s vintage 1970s dress is a true showstopper, while Jack’s unique mix-and-match style is effortlessly cool. Their joy and love are palpable in every frame, thanks to the talented Thyme Lane Photography team for capturing these unforgettable moments with us.
Hall Farm Events Wedding
The Proposal
As fate would have it, Jack’s proposal plan unfolded in the picturesque Maldives, a destination that held a special place in Emily’s heart, having spent countless childhood vacations with her family. With only weeks to spare before their holiday, Jack had to think fast and find the perfect ring. He cleverly hid it away just in time. As the sun dipped below the horizon on the third night of their getaway, Jack seized the moment. Emily, oblivious to the romantic surprise awaiting her, was gently swaying on a beachside swing shaped like a ring – the universe’s subtle hint that this moment would be etched in their memories forever. With the breathtaking sunset as a backdrop, Jack took a knee and popped the question, culminating in a love story for the ages.
The Vision
We aimed to craft a wedding that harmoniously blended our unique personalities, exuding creativity and whimsy. By doing so, we wanted to challenge the conventional notion that vegan weddings are lacking in excitement. Our ultimate goal was to bring together our loved ones who hadn’t gathered for years, creating an unforgettable experience where everyone could let loose, raise a glass, dance the night away, and rejoice in our love.
Budget
After initially aiming to minimize expenses, the project’s unforeseen delays prompted us to reassess our budget. Our initial estimate of £10,000 held surprisingly true, with the final cost falling within a similar range.
The Venue
Located in the picturesque Suffolk countryside, Hall Farm Barn in Wordwell, Bury St Edmunds, served as the idyllic backdrop for our special day. The rustic barn provided a unique and intimate setting for our ceremony, while the adjacent marquee offered breathtaking views of Kings forest. What truly made this venue stand out was its versatility – it was essentially a blank canvas waiting to be brought to life by our personal touches. We were also impressed by the warm hospitality and attention to detail displayed by Sarah and Mike, the venue’s owners, who ensured that every aspect of our experience was nothing short of exceptional.
The Ceremony & Music
We wanted to infuse our special day with personal touches, so we hired a celebrant, Anthony Dowling, to help us tailor the ceremony to our unique style while still maintaining traditional elements. Our goal was to craft a ceremony that was both concise and emotionally resonant, without being too lengthy or formulaic. Writing our own vows proved to be an emotional challenge, with a few tears shed along the way.Music played a significant role in setting the tone for our celebration. As fans of indie and folk rock, we featured songs from artists like The Lumineers, Feist, Florence + the Machine, Of Monsters and Men, and more. This eclectic playlist perfectly complemented the rustic charm of our barn venue and the free-spirited atmosphere of the day.In a nod to Emily’s love for all things Twilight, we chose a song featured in the movies as our aisle music. The Lumineers’ ‘Ho Hey’ took center stage during our exit, while Oh Wonder’s ‘Without You’ provided the perfect backdrop for our first dance as husband and wife.
Your Outfits
I decided to tackle the task of assembling Jack’s outfit and Emily’s dress separately, driven by a desire for both budget-friendliness and style. The suit, in particular, proved to be a challenge as I struggled to find individual pieces that fit together seamlessly and weren’t excessively pricey. Ultimately, I had to get creative with my search, sourcing items from a variety of stores including Primark, TK Maxx, and Next. The finishing touches came in the form of a bow tie courtesy of Mrs. Bow Tie.Meanwhile, Emily opted for a more unconventional approach when it came to her dress. She sought out a second-hand or ex-display gown to save money, leading her to Re-Bridal in Baldock, Hertfordshire, a specialty shop that focuses on gently used dresses. After finding the perfect 1970s vintage dress, Pam’s alterations expertise brought Emily’s vision to life. To complete her look, Emily chose shoes from New Look and adorned herself with a foliage crown courtesy of the Flower Hut in Bury St Edmunds. The final touch came in the form of a thoughtful necklace gifted by Emily’s grandmother.
The Styling & Decor
The venue’s natural beauty was preserved as we opted not to over-decorate. Emily’s Mum went above and beyond by collecting wildflowers and foliage to adorn the space, while also crafting the macrame for our wedding arch and dreamcatchers that surrounded our signature peacock chair. Additionally, she played a vital role in selecting Eucalyptus as the focal point, its muted green hue aligning with our chosen theme colour.Our stunning naked cake was courtesy of Trudy at Iced Vegan, boasting a refreshing lemon and lavender flavour profile. Meanwhile, my friend Matt Emerick, a skilled carpenter from Idea Tree Designs, brought our wedding arch to life. Jack’s creative touch extended to designing the order of events, which he hand-drew onto an upcycled window.In a remarkable display of resourcefulness, we collected nearly 100 reusable tankards, goblets, and chalices from charity shops over the course of two years. These eco-friendly vessels allowed our guests to enjoy their beverages without contributing to plastic waste.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Our experience with Noemi, a skilled photographer from Thyme Lane photography, was nothing short of exceptional. We were relieved to have found her after the initial two photographers fell through. Her professionalism shone through in every interaction, making us feel at ease throughout the process. In addition, we opted for a pre-wedding shoot, which proved invaluable in helping us relax in front of the camera. This warm-up session allowed us to build rapport with Noemi and get accustomed to being photographed.As for our wedding video, we decided to take on the challenge ourselves by compiling footage from family members and friends. Jack’s brother handled the main events, including the ceremony and speeches, while I, being a graphic designer, was confident in my ability to edit the final product. With both of us involved, we were able to create a personal and meaningful keepsake that we’ll treasure for years to come.
The Honeymoon
Our 10-day getaway to Halkidiki, Greece, was all about unwinding and soaking up the sunshine at the breathtakingly beautiful Eagles Palace. This luxurious retreat boasted a picturesque private beach and an opulent spa, setting the tone for a tranquil escape. While the staff were warm and welcoming, we did encounter some challenges catering to our vegan dietary needs.
Memorable Moments
As the reception got underway, it was wonderful to see both families and our closest friends mingle seamlessly, indulging in great food and drinks. The warm atmosphere was palpable, and everyone seemed to be having an amazing time. Post-wedding conversations with many of our guests revealed a unanimous praise for the exceptional catering provided by Allison’s Eatery from Bury St Edmunds. The speeches also hit all the right notes, leaving everyone in stitches. Even the photo shoot had its share of hilarious moments, including a spirited competition to fill a tankard with beer – an instant icebreaker that set the tone for the rest of the evening.