As we celebrate the joyous union of Stacey and Rich, who tied the knot on May 11th, 2019, at Hayne House in Kent, it’s hard not to fall in love with the idyllic setting they created. The orangery was transformed into a romantic oasis, overflowing with flowers in shades of peach and powder blue. Every detail, from the magnificent flower arch to the meadow flowers lining the aisle, exuded a sense of elegance and whimsy. For the reception, the couple added an extra layer of magic with giant helium balloons, blossom tree centrepieces, and show-stopping top table arrangements. As someone who adores flowers, I was thoroughly smitten with every floral touch.What’s more, Stacey and Rich went all out on the sweet treats – a towering iced cake adorned with ruffles and a cheese stack topped with a heart that stole the show in the evening. It’s also worth noting how thoughtfully they incorporated their children into the celebration, a gesture that I, as a fellow parent who got married myself, truly believe adds an extra layer of warmth to the occasion. And let’s not forget the stunning outfits, topiary letters, and watercolour stationery – all perfect complements to the couple’s radiant joy. A huge thank you goes out to Olegs Samsonovs Photography for sharing these breathtaking images with us.
The Proposal
The day started like any ordinary morning, with my phone ringing loudly as I lay in bed. But something was off – Rich’s usual spot beside me was empty. That’s when I spotted a note on his pillow, instructing me to get ready and meet him at Kearsney Abbey in Dover, about a 10-minute drive away. As I arrived, I found Rich dressed to the nines, looking every bit the suave gentleman. We strolled along the waterfront, taking in the serene atmosphere of the early morning, before he dropped down on one knee and asked me to be his forever.
The Vision
Envisioning a leisurely day spent in the company of loved ones, we sought to create an idyllic atmosphere replete with vibrant blooms and soft, warm lighting. The orangery’s airy feel beckoned us to infuse our celebration with a palette of calming powder blue and inviting peach hues.
The Planning Process
After nine years of engagement and two children, my partner and I finally decided to take the plunge and get married. Our search for the perfect venue began online, where we stumbled upon Hayne House. Although it was a building site at the time – the Orangery hadn’t yet been constructed – the plans looked stunning and we both knew it would be an ideal setting for our special day. The prospect of exchanging vows amidst those beautiful surroundings was too enticing to resist.
Budget
Your Outfits & Accessories
For their special day, the couple opted for a timeless combination of elegance and whimsy. The stunning wedding dress was courtesy of Molly Dolly’s, while matching footwear from the same boutique ensured a cohesive look. To add an extra touch of glamour, they turned to Debenhams for exquisite jewellery pieces. Meanwhile, delicate hair flowers from Etsy brought a charming, vintage-inspired charm to their overall aesthetic.
Beauty
This stunning look was crafted by a talented team, with makeup by KB Beauty and hair styling courtesy of Kent Wedding Hair. Additional expertise came from the skilled hands of Karlie, also specializing in wedding hair.
The Venue
The Readings & Music
As we exchanged our vows, our daughter had the honor of reading a special passage during the ceremony. The tender moment was made even more unforgettable by her choice of songs to accompany this meaningful ritual. As she walked down the aisle, the poignant melody of Eva Cassidy’s ‘Songbird’ filled the air, setting the tone for an emotional and intimate celebration of our love. Later, we shared a romantic first dance to Jennifer Hudson’s soulful rendition of ‘Giving Myself’, further solidifying our bond as husband and wife.
Groomsmen
Bridesmaids
The wedding party’s attire was a harmonious blend of classic and whimsical, as the adult bridesmaids donned elegant powder blue gowns courtesy of The Fairy Godmothers, while their younger counterparts made a stylish statement in ivory dresses from Monsoon.
The Flowers
The esteemed florist, Mimi Fleur, was responsible for creating the breathtaking floral arrangements that adorned the wedding ceremony. Her exquisite designs included the lush aisle flowers, elegant bouquets, dainty buttonholes, and picturesque table meadows, each one meticulously crafted to add a touch of romance and whimsy to the special day.
The Cake
A decadent delight, the 4-tier ivory cake crafted by Blessing by Blé, boasted a impressive layering effect that caught our attention. What’s more, this show-stopping dessert offered four distinct flavors to tantalize the taste buds, with salted caramel being one of the highlights.
The Details & Décor
To make the big day truly unforgettable, Big Day Prop Hire offered a range of unique and romantic props to capture the essence of the celebration. These included intricately designed topiary love letters that added a touch of whimsy and charm, as well as beautifully crafted s and r topiary letters that spelled out sweet nothings for the happy couple. Additionally, the company provided a decorative postbox where guests could deposit their congratulations, a vintage-inspired bike that added to the overall romantic ambiance, table trees that brought a touch of greenery to the proceedings, and a light-up love sign that shone brightly as a beacon of love and devotion.
Your Photographer
The Honeymoon
As we escaped to the picturesque Blue Lagoon in Kos, we entrusted our little ones to the capable hands of their grandparents, allowing us to indulge in a rejuvenating experience. With the soothing sounds of the lapping waves and warm sunshine, we surrendered to the serenity of the hot tub on our balcony, savoring every moment of relaxation.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the freedom to prioritize your own joy and satisfaction, rather than feeling pressured by external expectations. Cultivate a sense of fulfillment that resonates with who you are as an individual, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the photographer, Olegs Samsonovs Photography, captured the beauty of Stacey and Rich’s special day, it was a joy to see the various elements come together to create an unforgettable celebration. The bride’s dress and shoes were carefully selected from Mollydolly’s Bridal Boutique, while the bridesmaids’ dresses were provided by The Fairy Godmothers. To ensure that everything fit perfectly, Dress Alterations by Tracey Newman proved invaluable. For the groom, Slaters offered a range of suit hire options. As for flowers, Mimi Fleur brought a touch of elegance to the occasion, and the cake was a masterpiece courtesy of Blessing By Ble. With kyliechristieweddings acting as wedding specialist, Big Day Prop Hire providing decorations, and Harry Kilb Wedding DJ spinning the tunes, it was clear that every detail had been carefully considered. Food was taken care of by Touchays, while hair styling was handled by Kent Wedding Hair by Karlie and makeup was perfected by KB Beauty. To add an extra layer of magic to the day, Chris Harding Magic worked his wonders. The venue, Hayne House, proved to be a stunning backdrop for the entire celebration. As I looked at the photos taken by Olegs Samsonovs Photography, I couldn’t help but think that those flowers must have smelled absolutely heavenly! Stacey and Rich, thank you both ever so much for sharing your incredible wedding with us – it was truly a pleasure to behold.