Today, we’re delighted to share the enchanting story of Louise and Ed’s wedding, which took place on April 14th, 2018 at Highcliffe Castle in Dorset. The reception followed at Brockenhurst Village Hall, creating a striking contrast between the historic castle and the cozy village hall. This union embodied style, sophistication, and creativity, with the couple’s international travel-inspired touches and vintage flair adding an extra layer of romance.The couple’s choice of venues reflected their contrasting personalities – Highcliffe Castle’s airy atmosphere and rich history complemented by the warm, inviting space at Brockenhurst Village Hall. Louise’s stunning vintage 1940s couture gown from Paris, adorned with delicate silver sequins, stole the show. Ed and his groomsmen looked dashing in their classic tuxedos and black bow ties.What made this wedding truly special were the thoughtful, personal touches that reflected the couple’s personalities and shared experiences. The guest book, created by Louise’s great-grandmother and embroidered by her mother, was a heartwarming surprise. Guests also received a unique bring-a-Christmas-tree-decoration gift, filled with sentimental value.To cap off an already unforgettable day, the couple hired sumo suits and laser quest to entertain their guests in the evening – a testament to Ed’s impressive record as a 100m world record holder in sumo-suit racing. These incredible captures come from Bowtie and Belle Photography, featuring breathtaking first-look moments, sunset portraits, and a sparkler kiss shot that will leave you breathless.
The Proposal
Our journey together began in childhood, and after thirteen years of love and companionship, we knew that marriage was the next natural step. We didn’t see it as a surprise or a plot twist – rather, it was a joint decision to solidify our bond. The ring, an antique find from a trusted jeweller in our hometown, held sentimental value. Fast-forward to our time in Thailand, where we spent a serene sunset on a secluded beach. As the golden hour unfolded, Ed dropped to one knee, capturing the moment with breathtaking intimacy and romance.
The Vision
From the onset, our primary objective was to break away from the conventional and create an unforgettable experience for our guests. We aimed to craft a bespoke celebration that would keep them engaged and delighted throughout. To achieve this, we envisioned a ceremony with a light-filled, airy atmosphere (characterized by large windows and minimal décor), followed by a reception that exuded warmth and elegance via candlelight and lush floral arrangements.
The Venue
We exchanged vows at the breathtaking Highcliffe Castle, a Grade I listed gem that exuded simplicity and elegance. What struck us most was the abundance of floor-to-ceiling windows, which allowed natural light to pour in and create a sense of freedom. Unlike many historic venues, this one didn’t feel weighed down by heavy wood paneling or ornate oil paintings, instead, it felt fresh and modern. It was truly stunning! Following the ceremony, we brought our reception to life at Brockenhurst Village Hall, where we were given a blank canvas to work with. This allowed us to unleash our creativity and transform the space into something truly unique. The village hall team proved to be wonderful hosts, accommodating all of our wild ideas with enthusiasm. As an added bonus, the venue offered multiple rooms for us to play with, which enabled us to create separate areas for the bar, welcome reception, and even a dedicated room for laser quest – yes, you read that right!
Your Outfits & Accessories
My passion for second-hand shopping is renowned, and as such, it’s no surprise that my wedding attire was entirely thrifted. The pièce de résistance, of course, was my one-of-a-kind, vintage couture gown from Paris, dated back to the 1940s. I discovered this stunning find in a quaint little shop called Vintage to Vogue in Bath. To further enhance its beauty, I entrusted ChantelleSophia with restoring it to its former glory and creating a show-stopping cathedral-length veil adorned with glittering accents – a true fairytale come to life.To complement my ethereal gown, I chose a pair of dainty silver shoes from New Look, while my friend, an accessories designer, crafted bespoke blue pompoms that clipped onto the heels, giving them a unique touch. For my earrings, I turned to a vintage shop in Brisbane, where we once resided, and my Godmother kindly lent me her diamond bracelet for the special occasion. Additionally, I wore a simple diamond necklace, a thoughtful gift from my Grandma, which I cherish every day, as well as a christening bracelet bearing my name, lovingly crafted by my Granddad, a skilled jeweller.
The Readings & Music
We decided to involve a dear childhood friend, with whom we’ve shared countless memories, in our wedding celebration by asking her to perform a special reading. Her choice was a lovely surprise for us, and The Promise of Marriage by Bettie Meeks was the perfect selection. As we walked down the aisle, the sweet sounds of a friend playing Still Into You by Paramore on piano, accompanied by their soulful singing, transported us back to our carefree teenage years. Meanwhile, First Date by Blink 182 marked our exit from the ceremony, a fitting tribute to those formative days when our love story began. And in a delightful nod to our shared musical experiences, we signed our marriage register to the iconic You Got The Love by Florence and the Machine – a song that has brought us joy on multiple concert nights together.
Groomsmen
To achieve a truly timeless look, we aimed to create a cohesive aesthetic that blended seamlessly with the vintage charm of our dress. To accomplish this, we opted for customized suits for the groomsmen while on vacation in Bali. The result was a sleek and stylish ensemble featuring matching black bowties – think James Bond-esque suave.
Bridesmaids
To celebrate their individuality, I gave my bridesmaids the freedom to select their own gowns for the big day. To ensure cohesion, I established a rich, regal colour palette featuring navy, burgundy, emerald green, red, and deep purple hues. Each bridesmaid was tasked with choosing a dress that fit within this spectrum, as long as it was floor-length to create a striking contrast with our guests. The result was a stunning visual display that harmoniously complemented the floral arrangements. For added variety, I opted for dresses from ASOS, House of Fraser, Vera Wang White, and Monsoon.
Your Photographer
We embarked on an extensive search for the perfect photographer to capture our special moments, seeking a light and airy style that was rare in today’s market. As soon as we discovered Bowtie and Belle, it was love at first sight. Their aesthetic was a match made in heaven – exactly what we were looking for, with the added bonus of their childhood sweethearts’ connection making the experience feel predestined. On our wedding day, we initiated a ‘First Look’ shoot before the ceremony, which allowed us to share a private moment, calm our nerves, and reconnect just the two of us. This was followed by quick snaps at the Castle and a sunset session that gave us ample time to soak up the romance. And, as if the evening couldn’t get any more magical, we also had the joy of a sparkler tunnel experience!
Beauty
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Fiona, the talented artist behind FLC Hair and Makeup, for years, making her the obvious choice for my wedding makeup. Collaborating with her, we crafted a timeless yet modern hair design that would complement my signature blonde locks. A twisted ponytail was the perfect solution, as it remained secure throughout the day while showcasing my hair in all its glory. Meanwhile, Fiona expertly applied makeup that exuded glamour without overpowering the overall aesthetic, focusing primarily on enhancing my eyes. Her calm and collected demeanor made her a joy to work with, effortlessly keeping everyone relaxed and chatting on the big day.
The Flowers
The collaboration between us and florist Clair Lythgoe resulted in a visually stunning floral arrangement that perfectly captured our wedding vision. Our initial request was for an emphasis on lush greenery, punctuated by bold, rich colours to complement the bridesmaids’ attire. Clair exceeded our expectations by crafting a breathtaking bridal bouquet that boasted vibrant hues, while also creating matching green arrangements for the bridesmaids to tie in with their unique dresses. The tables were set ablaze with greenery runners, adorned with strategically placed coloured flowers within brass geometric terrariums, lanterns and candlesticks. To further amplify the ambiance, we created DIY geometric candelabras that hung from the ceiling, which Clair beautifully draped with greenery to evoke a whimsical forest canopy effect.
The Cake
Our sweet treats table was graced with three delightful cakes that added to the celebration’s charm. First, Ed’s Mum crafted an exquisite three-tiered masterpiece adorned with fresh flowers that perfectly complemented our wedding bouquets. Her hard work paid off as it looked stunning on the big day. Next, we indulged in a traditional Norwegian Kransekake courtesy of Louise’s Granny, which brought a touch of cultural flair to the proceedings. And, for an added dose of teenage nostalgia, we couldn’t resist having two giant Colin/Connie the Caterpillars dressed as a beaming bride and groom – a whimsical touch that brought smiles all around.
The Details & Décor
As we delved deeper into the celebration, the venue transformed into an extension of our personalities. We took it to the next level with personalized touches galore. Our sweet bar was stocked with goodies from Makro, while our photobooth boasted a stunning spring-inspired flower wall. To commemorate our special day, we showcased framed family wedding photos and scattered fun moments from our relationship throughout the venue. In lieu of a traditional guest book, we asked loved ones to sign a tablecloth crafted by Louise’s great grandmother, which her Mum later embroidered with names in our wedding colours. The act of kindness didn’t end there – instead of gifts, we requested that everyone bring a Christmas Tree decoration that would remind us of them. Ed’s Dad went above and beyond, crafting a giant wooden Christmas tree for us to display the ornaments on! It’s been an absolute delight reliving those special moments as we look through our treasured decorations each year. The rest of our celebration was all about games – we hired sumo suits, thanks to Ed’s impressive 100m world record in the sport (yes, it’s a real thing!), and set up laser quest for an evening of friendly competition. We also created a ‘draw yourself’ wall and a custom ‘Where’s Wedding Wally’ poster featuring all our family members. The eclectic mix of brass antique candelabras and sumo suits perfectly encapsulates the essence of our relationship – playful, loving, and full of life!
The Honeymoon
As fellow freelancers, we’re already accustomed to life on the road. Rather than opting for a conventional honeymoon, we decided to blend our work travel with a unique celebration. We extended an invitation to our closest friends to join us on our adventures, and they traveled from far-flung corners of the globe to share in the joy. Together, we explored Kiev, Georgia, and Amsterdam, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Memorable Moments
The memories of our special day still shine bright, even after all these years. One of my favorite moments was the quiet time spent driving to and from the ceremony in our two-seater car, just me and Dad – a lovely bonding experience that I cherished immensely. In fact, we preferred having control behind the wheel ourselves rather than relying on a driver. Additionally, I treasure the moment of peace and contemplation during our sunset shoot, where we stepped away from it all to take in the breathtaking views of the New Forest. The serenity was a perfect precursor to the joyous celebrations that followed. As for the final farewell song, it brought us closer together as we stood in the middle of a sea of familiar faces, singing and dancing as one big happy family. In the midst of all the revelry, I found myself overcome with emotion – tears of pure bliss streaming down my face, no doubt!
Advice For Other Couples
As you prepare for your big day, consider carrying a small notebook with you to capture cherished moments as they unfold. The time will surely fly by, making it essential to record these special memories.Don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed. During the buildup and on the actual day, many people were eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of this willingness and don’t be embarrassed about asking for guidance or support. We had numerous individuals unexpectedly arrive the day before and after the event to help with venue preparation and cleanup. Similarly, if you notice something that requires attention – whether it’s a minor adjustment or a potential issue – politely ask someone nearby for assistance. Everyone was more than willing to pitch in.Lastly, brides-to-be, take your time walking down the aisle. Try not to feel rushed or anxious; instead, savor the moment and soak up the love and energy surrounding you. Remember, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make it count!
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photographer, Bowtie and Belle Photography, perfectly captured the whimsical charm of Louise and Ed’s special day. The venue styling by Linen and Lace added a touch of elegance to the ceremony and reception at Brockenhurst Village Hall and Highcliffe Castle respectively. Fresh flowers adorned the space, courtesy of Clair Lythgoe, while Marquee & Chairs from Quality Marquee Hire provided comfortable seating for guests. Vineys Catering delighted taste buds with their delectable offerings. As the evening unfolded, Michael G Moore’s soothing melodies on the piano created a romantic ambiance. For her special day, Louise wore a stunning dress designed by Vintage To Vogue and completed her look with Chantelle Sophia’s dress restoration and custom veil services. Meanwhile, Fiona Lucy Clark ensured that hair and makeup were flawless. Sugar Rush created an impressive flower wall, while Global Fire Creative captured the joyous moments on camera as the videographer. For some fun, Castle Mania brought sumo suits and laser quest to keep guests entertained. As a memento of their love, Louise and Ed will treasure the memories from their enchanting wedding, made possible by all these wonderful vendors.