As we venture into the woods, I’m beaming with excitement! Today, we’re thrilled to share Nikitta and Neezam’s enchanting Happy Valley wedding in Norfolk, which took place on August 31st, 2019. The pièce de résistance was that they had the entire glamping site to themselves for the weekend, allowing family and friends to join in the fun and create unforgettable memories. With good food and relaxed, family-friendly vibes at the top of their priority list, it’s clear why this wedding felt like a dream come true. One Curious Dream, our trusted supplier, went above and beyond to help with decoration and coordination, transforming the stretch tent into a rustic haven with long tables adorned with lush greenery and twinkling lights in the evening. The ceremony was nothing short of magical, with the happy couple exchanging vows amidst the woodland’s serene beauty. We can’t thank Alice Cunliffe Photography enough for capturing these breathtaking moments and sharing them with us.
The Proposal
We had always dreamed of a romantic getaway, and when Neezam finally proposed to me in Santorini in September 2016, it was everything we had hoped for. Little did I know that Neezam had been planning this moment for months, hiding the ring from prying eyes until he could surprise me on our summer holiday. We’ve traveled extensively together and apart, so it’s no surprise that Neezam wanted to pop the question in a beautiful, exotic location. In fact, we’d already been to Iceland the previous November, but unfortunately, the ring didn’t arrive on time, leaving Neezam to wait patiently for our next adventure. As a couple who’ve been together for nearly nine years, it’s impressive that Neezam was able to keep his secret safe until the big moment. And when he finally got down on one knee, I was so caught up in the romance of it all that I knocked the ring right out of his hand – cue both of us scrambling around the Airbnb floor to find it!
The Vision
Neezam and I take immense pleasure in hosting gatherings for our loved ones – it’s where we truly come alive among our extended families and friends, savoring the warmth of shared experiences over delectable cuisine. For us, this passion translates seamlessly to planning a wedding that embodies our unique spirit. We poured our hearts into crafting a culinary experience that would delight our guests, and the big day presented the perfect opportunity to do just that.
The Planning Process
As soon as we got engaged, Norfolk was always going to be our top choice for a wedding location. For us, it’s that perfect blend of familiarity and adventure – close enough to feel like home, yet far enough to offer endless possibilities. We wanted to choose a spot where we could return again and again, reliving the memories of our special day. With its stunning landscapes and charming atmosphere, Norfolk fit the bill perfectly.Once we’d settled on Norfolk, we turned our attention to guest list and venue selection. Given our large families, it was clear that this would be an all-out celebration with around 160 guests. We narrowed down our options to a shortlist of potential venues that could comfortably accommodate our loved ones.As our plans took shape, we had crucial conversations about what truly mattered to us. For us, the food, music, and memories were paramount. By focusing on these key elements, we were able to prioritize what was important and let go of the rest. Having plenty of time before the big day allowed us to shop around for the best deals and even take on some DIY projects to keep costs in check.But at the end of the day, it’s all about the venue. Happy Valley, in particular, provided a breathtaking backdrop that required minimal embellishment. We wanted to let its natural beauty shine, and we’re still blown away by its splendor when looking back on our special day.
Budget
As we approached the wedding, we were determined to find a balance between having a celebration we could afford and maintaining a sense of normalcy in our lives. To achieve this, we relied on the generosity of loved ones who offered to help with food preparation and craft-related tasks. Additionally, we made a conscious effort to avoid getting carried away by the excitement of planning every detail. By keeping our priorities in mind, we were able to stay within our budget while still enjoying the experience.
The Venue
We stumbled upon Happy Valley, a hidden gem in Norfolk, by chance on Instagram, and it’s safe to say that it was the best discovery ever! The energy on the site is nothing short of mesmerizing, instantly conveying a sense of calm and serenity. As we watched the venue evolve from booking to wedding day, we were thrilled to see Katy and Scott, the proprietors, bring their unique vision to life with care and love. Every aspect of the site reflects their dedication to creating a truly special atmosphere.It’s hard not to fall head over heels for this glamping site, boasting stunning bell tents, tree temples, shepherd huts, and treehouses! The 9-acre property is a whimsical wonderland, blending woodland and open spaces that left us awestruck. The party barn is a dream come true, offering ample space for kids to run wild and free.Given the size of our wedding, Happy Valley was the perfect fit – we had the entire site from Friday to Sunday to do as we pleased. We even got to stay on the site with some family and friends over the weekend, already counting down the days until our next visit.
The Readings & Music
As we looked for the perfect tunes to complement an outdoor woodland wedding, the experience felt truly enchanting. Crafting our wedding playlists was an absolute blast – and we still enjoy them today. The opportunity to have Uncle Steve from Neezam’s side perform our ceremony was also a stroke of good fortune. His heartfelt words brought a sense of intimacy and cultural depth, weaving in traditions from around the world. Meanwhile, three of our nieces stole the show with their adorable reading, leaving us with an unforgettable family celebration that felt like a warm hug.
Beauty
To achieve our goal of a natural and elegant wedding aesthetic, we placed significant emphasis on finding the perfect hair and makeup artists. As someone with naturally curly locks, I understood the importance of a stylist who could work with my unique texture. Fortunately, Amanda and her team exceeded my expectations, delivering stunning results that left me thrilled. Michelle’s dedication to scouring the venue for the perfect greenery to adorn the bridesmaids’ hair was just one example of the attention to detail that made our wedding day truly unforgettable.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I’m not alone in having had a surprise dress revelation – my own experience mirrors that of many brides who’ve ended up in a gown they never saw coming. I’d envisioned one style for a long time, but what ultimately won me over was far removed from those initial ideas. In fact, it took the expert eye of a shop consultant to lead me to my stunning Rosa Clara dress. Her thoughtful questioning uncovered aspects of my personality that perfectly aligned with this unique gown’s charm, making it an effortless choice. And what a delight! I instantly fell in love.In contrast, Neezam approached his suit selection with meticulous attention to detail. He poured over online resources, weighing the pros and cons of renting versus buying, ultimately deciding on a navy blue wool suit with subtle tartan check, matching vest, and crisp white shirt. His Scottish heritage played a significant role in his decision-making process as well. Neezam chose to incorporate a Robertson clan tartan tie and burgundy wine coloured shoes from Paul Smith to pay homage to his roots. The Walker Slater suit and Hawes & Curtis shirt he selected were the perfect reflections of his refined taste.
Your Photographer
Having Alice Cunliffe by our side on the wedding day was truly a blessing! The day before, she helped calm our nerves as we walked through the venue, discussing every detail of the big day. On the actual wedding day, it felt like having an old friend spend the day with us, capturing every special moment in her signature natural style. Not only did Alice take breathtakingly beautiful photos, but she also brought a contagious energy to the atmosphere, making us feel at ease and relaxed throughout the entire experience. We couldn’t be happier with our final photographs, which perfectly capture the essence of our special day.
Your Filmmaker
The decision to hire a videographer turned out to be one of the best choices we made. Mike’s exceptional talent and ease working with us resulted in a stunning wedding video that we’ll treasure forever. His professionalism and charisma, much like having worked with Alice for years, made him a joy to have around. As a result, he was able to beautifully capture every moment of our special day.
The Flowers
We were thrilled with Petite Verte, another gem discovered on Instagram! To match the understated ambiance of the venue, we opted for simplicity in our decor, and their stunning green bouquets fit the bill perfectly. Victoria’s exceptional service didn’t stop at providing the beautiful arrangements; she was a huge help on the morning of the wedding, expertly setting up the greenery for the breakfast reception. As the day came to a close, we were able to preserve that lush foliage and enjoy it for months to come as a lasting reminder of our special day. Additionally, a family friend kindly created custom confetti for us, which we’ve kept in a treasured box as a memento of our celebration.
The Details & Décor
What made our wedding breakfast truly special was Neezam’s parents’ incredible effort in catering the event. Led by Neezam’s dad as head chef, they prepared a mouth-watering Mauritian feast featuring biriyani and an assortment of salads carefully crafted by the bridesmaids. Witnessing our loved ones savor each bite was truly heartwarming.In terms of venue decor, we opted for a simple yet effective approach. The space itself didn’t require much embellishment, but we added some personal touches like garden games, vintage photographs scattered throughout, and homemade bunting to create a cozy atmosphere. However, it was the clever use of lighting that truly transformed the setting at night. One of my proudest moments as a DIY enthusiast was creating table runners using white paper rolls and topping them with lush greenery – a cost-effective solution that looked stunning!
The Cake
We opted out of having a traditional wedding cake, as neither of us are particularly fond of it. Instead, we indulged in an assortment of sweet treats from our loved ones, featuring brownies, lemon drizzle bars, and bite-sized cheesecakes. Although we skipped the cake cutting ceremony, we still wanted to pay homage to this time-honored tradition. So, we came up with a creative alternative – cutting into a pizza! This fun twist took place ahead of the evening’s food service.
Groomsmen
Neezam’s groomsmen were a close-knit group, comprising his brother Noord, cousin Mark, twin brother Imran, and best man Paul – all family members. The foursome dressed uniformly in navy lightweight wool suits from Next, sans vests, with coordinating tartan bow ties adding a touch of elegance to their overall look. In a thoughtful gesture, Neezam presented each groomsmen with a gift box containing their bespoke bow tie for the day, a personalized hip-flask adorned with their initials, and a miniature spirit to share in the celebration.
Bridesmaids
In order to ensure the bridesmaids felt at ease and could showcase their individuality, I was thrilled to discover multi-way dresses that allowed for a range of styling options. What’s more, I managed to snag these gems on eBay at an unbeatable price point and in a gorgeous green hue – it truly was a wonderful find!
The Honeymoon
After the whirlwind excitement of our wedding, we were thrilled to unwind in Puglia, southern Italy. For a blissful week, we rented a little car and explored the region at our own pace, indulging in delectable local cuisine and wine. The experience was a perfect antidote to the frenetic atmosphere of the wedding, allowing us to relax and reflect on the special day that had brought us together.
Memorable Moments
As the sun began its descent below the horizon, Mike seized the opportunity to capture some stunning photographs from our elevated vantage point. From this unique perspective, we gazed down at the barn, where the lively atmosphere was palpable – the sound of music and laughter carried on the breeze, accompanied by the joyful chatter of children playing. In that moment, we felt grateful for the chance to witness everyone’s collective joy and couldn’t wait to rejoin the celebration, hand in hand.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace every moment of the planning process – it’s all part of the day’s tapestry. Feel free to deviate from traditional norms and create a personalized itinerary that suits your style. Remember, time is fleeting, so make the most of each instant. In hindsight, our decision to stay on the dance floor and let loose once the band started playing was a stroke of genius – it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the music and enjoy the night together without distractions.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The picturesque setting of Happy Valley provided the idyllic backdrop for Nikitta and Neezam’s enchanting woodland wedding. The talented photographer, Alice Cunliffe Photography, captured every magical moment with precision and finesse. Meanwhile, Mike Savory brought his cinematic expertise to the video aspects of their special day. As the couple exchanged vows, the lush surroundings were complemented by the elegant blooms from Petite Verte, while the lively tunes of Bear Club Band UK kept the party going. Guests delighted in a sumptuous evening spread courtesy of The Travelling Bluebird and Two Hounds Pizza Norfolk. Nikitta and Neezam’s wedding party looked stunning, with the bride donning Rosa Clara attire and groom sporting Walker Slater formal wear. A touch of glamour was added by Amanda Steed Makeup’s artistry. Groomsmen suits were tailored to perfection. The evening festivities took place beneath a majestic stretch tent provided by Castle Acre Canvas, where Prestige Bars kept the libations flowing. One Curious Dream brought their expertise in decorations and coordination to ensure every detail was meticulously attended to. As a member of the Wedding Planners Directory, they brought unparalleled professionalism to the planning process. With refrigerated trailer hire and Owen’s Luxury Loos on site, guests’ needs were met with ease. The bridesmaid dresses, sourced from eBay, added a touch of whimsy to the overall aesthetic. It was an absolute pleasure to share Nikitta and Neezam’s love story; they are indeed one of the most stylish and in-love couples we’ve had the privilege of featuring. Many thanks for trusting us with your special day, Nikitta and Neezam – it’s been our honor to tell your tale, as always, with love.