Homemade Wedding
Meet Phoebe and Tom, the lovely couple who are taking over our blog today with their utterly charming homemade wedding story. On April 27th, 2019, they exchanged vows at Chester Town Hall, followed by a lively reception at Eccleston Village Hall in Cheshire. What made their special day truly unique was their unwavering focus on throwing a party that would leave everyone grinning from ear to ear – and that’s exactly what they did! Inspired by the whimsical charm of Moonrise Kingdom and the serene beauty of a country garden, Phoebe and Tom crafted an atmosphere that was equal parts rustic and romantic. Think delicate handmade bunting, lush greenery hoops, and rustic signs adorned with the most gorgeous blooms. Phoebe stunned in her blush-hued gown, while Tom looked dashing in his navy suit paired with a vibrant orange tie. Together, they made a picture-perfect couple. Look out for the jaw-dropping semi-naked cake toppered with adorable figurines, the dramatic smoke bombs, and the unforgettable confetti moment – it’s a visual treat! Huge thanks to Wyldbee Photography for sharing their breathtaking images with us.
The Proposal
As I recall, Tom had planned a special getaway in Manchester to celebrate my 30th birthday – a memorable night that would be etched in our minds forever. We started with a delightful dinner and drinks, allowing us to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. Unbeknownst to me, Tom had been patiently waiting for the ideal moment to take his proposal plans to the next level. And so, when we returned to our room, he seized the opportunity to ask for my hand in marriage, leaving me completely caught off guard.
The Vision
Our non-traditional approach to planning our wedding meant we wanted the celebration to truly reflect our unique personalities. Rather than following a conventional formula, we sought to create an atmosphere that would leave everyone feeling joyful and carefree. The visual inspiration for our big day came from combining the charm of a country garden with the whimsical, cinematic flair of Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom. We aimed to infuse every aspect of the wedding with a sense of playfulness and warmth.
The Planning Process
After spending nearly 18 months planning their special day, the couple encountered some challenges. My partner had a very clear idea of how they envisioned the wedding unfolding, which sometimes made it tricky for me to help plan the event. However, once everyone involved could visualize the end result, the entire process began to fall into place and ultimately came together beautifully.
Bridesmaids
Beauty
Samantha Gannon, a talented stylist, worked on Phoebe’s hair, earning high praise for her exceptional skills. Despite the unpredictable wind, which attempted to ruin Samantha’s handiwork, she successfully kept everything in place. Meanwhile, Cathryn took care of Phoebe’s makeup, delivering a flawless finish that perfectly complemented her overall look.
Your Outfits & Accessories
The search for the perfect wedding dress was a lengthy one, spanning multiple visits to various stores. In fact, we went dress shopping around four times before finally settling on our top choice – the Olivia design by Rebecca Ingram in blush, purchased from Aristocrats in Chester. The finishing touches were added with hair pieces and earrings from Jon Richards, which I conveniently acquired online. Meanwhile, my Charlotte Mills shoes had caught my eye during an online browsing session, leaving me utterly enamored and determined to make them mine.
The Venue
As we scoured the area for the ideal setting, we found ourselves drawn to venues that allowed for flexibility and personalization. Despite visiting several promising options, none quite hit the mark. It wasn’t until I accompanied my mother on a leisurely afternoon tea outing, following a morning of venue-viewing, that inspiration struck. Suggesting a spontaneous detour to Eccleston village, we popped into the local community hall. Initially locked, but a quick peek through the windows revealed a gem waiting to be transformed. Once our reception venue was secured, we decided to relocate the ceremony to Chester Town Hall’s council chambers, a striking backdrop for our special day.
The Readings & Music
As the ceremony began, Phoebe’s eldest brother Richard strummed a heartfelt rendition on his guitar, setting the tone for an intimate gathering of loved ones. The sweet serenade of familiar tunes brought tears to my eyes, a testament to the emotional significance of each song. In fact, I’ve since found myself overcome with emotion whenever those songs play – a poignant reminder of the day we exchanged our vows.
Two special readings punctuated the ceremony: one delivered by Tom’s brother Max and the other by Phoebe’s sibling. These personal selections have since been printed and proudly displayed in our first home together, serving as a nostalgic connection to that unforgettable day.
The lyrics of ‘Love’ by Go It Alone resonated deeply with us, while an excerpt from The Amber Spyglass by Phillip Pullman added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings. In particular, the poem’s promise to forever cherish and protect each other left me breathless: ‘I’ll love you forever; whatever happens. Till I die and after I die…’
The words echoed through my mind long after the ceremony concluded, a reminder that our bond would transcend even death itself. We’d find each other again, entwined in an unbreakable connection that would weather any storm. And when the universe eventually reconstitutes us into new forms of life, it would need to take two – one of me and one of you – ensuring our love remains an integral part of the cosmos.
The Details & Décor
Inspired by the whimsical charm of Moonrise Kingdom, we crafted a reception theme that transported our guests to the idyllic British countryside with a dash of homemade flair. To achieve this, we turned to Rustic Hire for our chairs and bar, which perfectly complemented the rustic atmosphere of the village hall. Embracing a DIY ethos, we rolled up our sleeves and took matters into our own hands. Phoebe’s mother devoted weeks to hand-sewing the bunting, while we personally spray-painted every place setting. One of Phoebe’s brothers lent his design skills to create the invitations, and Tom even brewed the beer – a true labor of love! The ceiling decorations, comprising ordinary hula hoops sourced from eBay, were transformed with a spritz of paint, wrapped in lush ivy, and illuminated by twinkling lights suspended above. This carefully curated blend of creativity and resourcefulness resulted in an unforgettable celebration that reflected our unique personalities.
Groomsmen
The Flowers
Wild Floral Design, based in Chester, was commissioned to create the stunning bouquets and arrange the head table flowers. This esteemed florist is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates exquisite arrangements and welcoming shop atmospheres. Meanwhile, another key contributor to the event’s success was an incredibly talented family friend who kindly lent their expertise to bring our celebration to life.
Your Photographer
We were thoroughly impressed with Wyldbee Photography, particularly Sophie’s exceptional skill behind the lens. Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, she managed to capture the essence of our special day with stunning results. As a couple not typically comfortable in front of the camera, Sophie’s guidance and expertise helped us relax and feel at ease, ultimately resulting in breathtaking mementos from our celebration.
The Cake
The dessert table centerpiece featured a multi-layered masterpiece, comprising one layer of lemon-infused delight, a carrot cake treat, and topped with the traditional charm of fruitcake. Amidst the floral arrangement on top, a small figurine of our feline friend Nym was cleverly concealed – a thoughtful touch that added a personal touch to the celebration. The handmade felt cake toppers, crafted by a family friend, have since been repurposed into unique Christmas decorations for our tree, imbuing them with even greater sentimental value.
The Honeymoon
As our honeymoon came to a close, we decided to unwind with a tranquil getaway to Port Meirion in North Wales, treating ourselves to a few leisurely days of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Memorable Moments
One of the most treasured memories from our wedding was the infectious laughter that filled the air throughout the entire celebration. From sipping drinks on the boat ride to our reception venue, to navigating the unpredictable marquee weather, and even enjoying a impromptu pizza party on the dance floor – it was a day full of joyous moments. The bridal party’s carefree stroll up the track in the rain, with everyone singing along to Teenage Dirtbag, is a memory that still brings a smile to our faces.
Advice For Other Couples
The art of embracing imperfections and allowing life’s tiny details to fall into place is a beautiful thing. It’s the essence of a heartfelt celebration, like Phoebe and Tom’s special day. With a photographer capturing every moment, Wyldbee Photography brought the joyous occasion to life. The bride’s stunning dress, courtesy of Olivia by Rebecca Ingram, paired perfectly with Charlotte Mills’ elegant shoes. The groom’s stylish suit was a testament to his refined taste. The bridesmaid dresses from Dorothy Perkins added a touch of elegance, while Eccleston Village Hall and Chester Town Hall provided the perfect backdrop for the ceremony and reception. Wild Floral Design’s exquisite arrangements brought vibrancy to the space, complemented by Midnight Alchemy Design’s stunning rings. The Pedal Tones got everyone on their feet with their lively music, while Thyme Outside catered to the guests’ every need. Samantha Gannon styled Phoebe’s hair to perfection, and Made up by Cathryn ensured the bride looked absolutely radiant. This was a truly unforgettable day, filled with love, laughter, and joy. Phoebe and Tom extend their heartfelt gratitude for sharing in their celebration.