WWW readers Hatti and Teddy are thrilled to share the joyous story of their vintage railway station wedding with us today. The June 22nd, 2019 celebration at Horsebridge Station in Hampshire was a day filled with love, laughter, and music. The ceremony took place on the platform, followed by a lively marquee reception that showcased the couple’s creativity and charm. One of the standout features was the use of greenery hoops suspended within the marquee, adding to the whimsical atmosphere. Other delightful touches included clay place names and a charming photo booth set beneath a tree. As the evening unfolded, Tailored Entertainment, a supplier from WWW, took to the stage with their band, keeping the dance floor packed all night long. Throughout the celebration, stylish attire, gorgeous florals, and a breathtaking sparkler send-off in the evening left a lasting impression. Emily Grace Photography is thanked for capturing these beautiful moments so eloquently.
The Proposal
Our experience at Richmond Park has always been filled with special moments, so it’s no surprise that Teddy chose this location for his proposal. He planned a romantic Champagne picnic in the park, hoping to recreate the magic of our past visits. Little did he know, however, that an English summer day had other plans. As we sat amidst the lush greenery, the morning rain poured down, only to clear just enough for Teddy to take a knee and pop the question. And what was my response? A resounding ‘yes’, which was quickly followed by the heavens opening up again, this time in the form of hail. We sought shelter under a nearby tree, where we found ourselves sharing that intimate moment with an unexpected companion: a majestic stag. It’s a memory I will always treasure, and one that has become synonymous with our love story.
The Vision
As we planned our special day, it was crucial for us to infuse our wedding with elements that truly represented who we are. Our top priority was crafting an atmosphere that was both fun and laid-back, allowing our loved ones to let loose and enjoy the celebration.
The Planning Process
When it comes to wedding planning, it’s easy to get bogged down by the sheer scope of tasks ahead. For us, clarity was key – we knew that great food, meaningful involvement from loved ones, and an unforgettable celebration were non-negotiables. By prioritizing these elements, we were able to focus our budget on what truly mattered.As self-proclaimed foodies, culinary excellence was paramount for us. We made the smart decision to book The Little Kitchen Company early on, knowing their expertise would elevate our wedding experience. Cait’s attention to detail and guidance not only ensured a delectable menu but also helped us craft a bespoke dining experience that honored our shared food memories.To stay organized and ensure nothing fell through the cracks, we relied on a trusty giant spreadsheet to manage our tasks and keep our plans in check.
The Venue
We chose to have our wedding in Winchester, a location close to where both our families reside and where we first met. This decision allowed me to prepare for the big day at my parents’ home, making it a truly personal and sentimental experience. Our venue search took us on a weekend-long adventure, during which we stumbled upon Horsebridge Station – a breathtakingly restored Victorian railway station. Its stunning gardens and rich history transported us to a unique setting that felt unlike any other venue we had visited. We were also drawn to the fact that we weren’t tied to specific suppliers, giving us the freedom to select vendors with whom we genuinely clicked. To make matters even more special, Horsebridge Station limits its wedding bookings over the summer, making our experience all the more exclusive and memorable.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Teddy’s impeccable taste was showcased through his choice of attire, donning a sleek dark blue tuxedo designed by Paul Smith and adorned with black shirt studs courtesy of Links of London. Meanwhile, my dress, the ‘Milan’ creation by St Patrick, was discovered at Carina Rose bridal boutique, owned by Carina and her daughter Zinnia, who went above and beyond to ensure a memorable shopping experience for my mother and me. As soon as I put it on, we both fell head over heels in love with the simplicity and elegance of the dress. My earrings, a thoughtful wedding gift from Teddy himself, added a touch of personal significance to the overall ensemble.
Beauty
Sarah’s presence was truly exceptional. Her contributions to the wedding morning were nothing short of remarkable, leaving everyone feeling included and valued as part of the celebration. With a remarkable ability to transform even those who considered themselves hopeless at hair and makeup, she made each woman in her care feel like royalty.
The Readings & Music
When it came time to celebrate our special moment, we were thrilled to have Fraz, a talented musician from school, create an unforgettable mash-up of ‘Only You’ by Joshua Radin and Elvis’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love.’ His unique blend of sounds perfectly captured the essence of the occasion. In addition to the music, we also had two heartfelt readings. The first, ‘He Always Leaves the Seat Up,’ was beautifully read by my nieces Kristin and Harriet, while the second, ‘Wild Awake’ by Hilary T. Smith, was skillfully brought to life by Teddy’s childhood friend Harry. As the evening unfolded, we were treated to Sandy from Sticky Toffee Jazz’s soulful voice during the reception drinks, setting the tone for a night that would be filled with joy and celebration. Later, the four-piece band Decade took over, expertly reading the room to deliver a setlist that seamlessly transitioned between classic hits and modern favorites, keeping the dance floor packed all night long.
Bridesmaids
As I looked to surround myself with an all-star squad on my big day, my top choices were my sister Jess and her sister Jenny – both of whom are incredibly close to me. Additionally, I chose Hollie and Mariclaire, two friends who’ve been by my side through thick and thin. When it came time to decide on attire for these lovely ladies, I knew I wanted them to stand out in a subtle yet stunning way. After some searching, we ultimately settled on gorgeous pewter grey dresses from Oasis – the perfect choice to complement their unique beauty.
Groomsmen
Teddy’s entourage for the big day consisted of four trusted groomsman: his brother Paul, and three close friends – Tom, Kristian, and Mark. Each one donned a sleek black tuxedo from Marks & Spencer, paired with a sophisticated dark blue bow tie and evening shirt from Charles Tyrwitt, giving off an air of elegance and camaraderie.
The Flowers
With a flourish of creativity, Hannah Rose crafted exquisite bouquets, delicate buttonholes, and stunning urns filled with flowers in soothing hues of blue, white, and purple, accompanied by lush foliage. To ensure a budget-friendly approach, Hannah kindly provided us with extra blooms, which my mum and I arranged under her expert guidance. The experience was truly delightful as we transformed the apple crates lining the platforms into charming centrepieces.
The Details & Décor
Our wedding decorations owed a great debt to the creative talents of our loved ones. With an abundance of ‘shouldn’t take too long’ projects and ‘wouldn’t this be great’ ideas, we enlisted the help of friends and family who were more than happy to lend their skills. From my brother-in-law’s impressive 6ft bar and wooden signs to my mother-in-law’s beautiful bunting, napkins, and matching espadrilles I wore in the evening, each detail was carefully crafted with love and attention. Even our invitations were a handmade gift from dear friend Kate Bennett, a local botanical artist. The memories we created along the way – giant flower hoops suspended from the marquee ceiling, a table plan featuring polaroids of each guest, and handmade clay place names – are some of my favorite aspects of our special day.
The Cake
As we embarked on planning our wedding celebration, we decided to take a unique approach by incorporating a cheese-themed cake that would serve as both a show-stopping centerpiece and a satisfying evening snack. However, what seemed like a straightforward idea proved to be more challenging than anticipated, as sourcing the perfect cheese cake took significantly longer than expected. Our quest began at Waitrose’s impressive cheese counter, where we met Netty – an exceptionally kind and knowledgeable staff member who went above and beyond to help us bring our vision to life. With her guidance, we were able to sample a variety of cheeses and leave with a lovely card and champagne as a token of appreciation, just days before the big day.
Your Photographer
We had the pleasure of getting to know Emily early on in the planning process, and her relaxed demeanor immediately put us at ease. Her understanding of what we were looking for as a couple made us feel comfortable with the idea of having an engagement shoot in Richmond Park. This not only allowed us to get familiarized with the photographer before the big day but also resulted in some fantastic photos that we were able to share on our wedding website.
On the actual wedding day, Emily and her husband Simon brought a contagious energy to the party. They had us laughing and feeling at ease in no time. As a result, we have a stunning, hilarious, and genuinely candid collection of photos that capture the essence of our loved ones and us. One of the best parts is that it allowed us to relive some of the day’s most memorable moments – like epic table football battles and croquet showdowns – that we might have otherwise missed.
The Honeymoon
Our gastronomic adventure began in the sun-kissed town of San Sebastian, where the fusion of Basque cuisine and beachside charm created the ideal setting for a romantic getaway. As we savored each bite, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for this brief respite from reality. And as we look to the future, our eyes are set on a new horizon – Japan awaits us in November, where we’ll embark on an unforgettable journey as newlyweds.
Memorable Moments
The memories we’ve created are truly unforgettable, and our photos serve as a constant reminder of the joy and laughter that filled our special day. The atmosphere was electric, with each table featuring someone tasked with crafting espresso martinis for their guests. The marquee was abuzz with warmth and camaraderie, as strangers became instant friends over shared stories of triumphs and tribulations. Meanwhile, my beloved Teddy had transformed the station signal box into a ‘Whiskey Room’, where he could share a drink with his brother, my brothers, and dad – a cherished moment that I treasure to this day. But perhaps the most memorable moment belonged to our 98-year-old super Gran, who refused to leave the party, insisting she hadn’t had nearly enough fun yet! In fact, we had to send her taxi away and ask it to return hours later. As the night drew to a close, we were treated to a magical procession of sparklers, accompanied by the cheers and well-wishes of our loved ones as they celebrated our union. It was truly the perfect ending to an already unforgettable day.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning your wedding, prioritize what truly matters to both you and your partner. Don’t get caught up in societal expectations or what others think should happen at your special day. Instead, focus on the elements that hold significance for the two of you. This will help guide your decisions on how to allocate your time and budget.Having a coordinator on hand can be a huge relief, especially if you’re planning a DIY wedding. We relied on our friend Charlie to handle all the logistics, allowing us to relax and enjoy the celebration. If you’re considering hiring an on-the-day coordinator, I highly recommend it.That being said, don’t underestimate the value of incorporating some DIY elements into your wedding. Not only can it be a fun and creative outlet for you both, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing that you brought your own unique touch to the celebration.Take time to step back and appreciate the moment with your partner. It’s a rare opportunity to have everyone you love and care about gathered in one place. Make sure to take a moment to soak it all in, cherishing this special time together.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
We were thoroughly grateful to have an incredible network of suppliers who went above and beyond to make our special day unforgettable. Among them were some outstanding professionals who we would wholeheartedly recommend. There was Emily Grace Photography, capturing every precious moment with precision and passion. The Little Kitchen Company brought their culinary expertise to the table, ensuring our guests enjoyed a sumptuous spread. On The Day Wedding Coordination’s Charlotte Chatfield worked tirelessly behind the scenes to guarantee everything ran smoothly. Sarah Elizabeth Abbott’s exceptional skills in hair and makeup left the bride looking radiant on her big day. Reception music by Sticky Toffee Jazz got everyone dancing, while Decade (Tailored Entertainment) took things up a notch with their evening performance. We’re also grateful for the Wedding Directory members who helped make our wedding entertainment a hit. Quality Marquee Company provided the perfect setting for our reception, and Carina Rose Bridal ensured the bride felt like royalty in her stunning gown. Hannah Rose Flowers brought a touch of elegance to the decor, and Waitrose and Partners’ delectable cheese cake was the icing on the cake. We also owe thanks to Kate Bennett for creating beautiful invitations and Horsebridge Station for hosting our special day. Even the dress designer, St Patrick, deserves a mention for their unique contribution. Overall, we were thrilled with how everything came together, and Hatti and Teddy, thank you both so much for sharing your amazing wedding story.