As the summer sun shines bright, Monday blues can’t help but melt away with today’s delightful real wedding feature. For Hannah and Kieran, who exchanged vows on July 7th, 2018, at Houchins in Essex, a relaxing and informal celebration was just what they needed to make their special day truly unforgettable. The picturesque farmhouse, barns, and lush gardens at the venue provided the perfect backdrop for their joyful gathering, complete with outdoor games, sweet treats after the ceremony, and a lively band to keep the party going into the night. The beauty of this summer wedding is further elevated by the stunning portraits of the newlyweds amidst the vibrant Lilac Borage field, courtesy of photographer Julia & You. We’re also thrilled to showcase the gorgeous peach-hued florals and charming hand-picked blooms scattered throughout the venue. With stylish attire, floral signage, and a general air of celebration, this wedding is sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
The Proposal
As we gathered at our home for a summer bank holiday BBQ with loved ones, Kieran pulled off the ultimate surprise. Little did I know that this casual gathering would turn into an unforgettable engagement party. With a film showcasing our relationship and reasons why he adores me, projected onto the side of our house, Kieran’s thoughtful gesture left everyone in awe. His heartfelt speech, accompanied by a two-tiered cake, champagne, and a romantic proposal, had everyone beaming with joy. As I was overwhelmed with emotion, fireworks lit up the night sky, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration that would leave me eager to see what the future held.
The Vision
We envisioned a laid-back celebration where we could share our love with the people who matter most. Since our friends and family are scattered throughout the country, we couldn’t wait to gather everyone in one place and commemorate this special day together. Our dream was an outdoor ceremony followed by an abundance of food, drinks, and merriment amidst the picturesque gardens – and the weather cooperated beautifully. We aimed to craft a personalized party that reflected our unique bond as a couple, incorporating thoughtful touches that made it truly unforgettable.
The Planning Process
As a self-proclaimed planner extraordinaire, I revelled in the opportunity to bring our special day to life. The 10-month timeline between getting engaged and the big day meant we had to make decisions quickly, and my mum bore the brunt of my countless ideas and brainstorming sessions – always gracious and supportive, as only a mother can be! What surprised me was Kieran’s high level of involvement in the planning process – his enthusiasm was infectious, and I loved having him by my side as we navigated the ups and downs of wedding preparation.
Budget
With a projected total expenditure of approximately £20,000, Kieran took the initiative to create a comprehensive budget spreadsheet, allowing us to meticulously track our expenses and payment schedules. This proved incredibly helpful in managing the numerous transactions with various suppliers that seemed to converge at the same time, providing a sense of clarity and control over our financial obligations.
The Venue
Houchins Farm, a 19th-century farmhouse boasting both listed architecture and versatile event spaces, played host to our joyous celebration. The picturesque venue featured a large modern barn, perfect for hosting our wedding breakfast and evening festivities, as well as an expansive open-sided marquee where we exchanged vows amidst the warm sunshine. With temperatures soaring at 30 degrees Celsius, the marquee’s shaded canopy provided a welcome respite from the heat. Following the ceremony, our guests mingled on the beautifully manicured lawn, sipping drinks and basking in the sun-drenched atmosphere. As the day unfolded, we enjoyed an informal reception amidst the lush gardens, punctuated by lively garden games and joyful revelry. It was pure bliss watching our loved ones relax on the soft grass with a glass of bubbly in hand, fully immersed in the magic of the moment and sharing in our happiness. The surrounding fields, ablaze with vibrant lilac borage, proved an idyllic backdrop for capturing cherished wedding memories.
Groomsmen
Kieran’s vision for his wedding party was a sea of blue, with every attendant dressed to impress. To achieve this, he enlisted the help of 5 ushers – old friends from university – and 2 page boys, who just happened to be his nephews. The dads also got in on the act, all donning identical three-piece suits from Next. To add a touch of elegance, they paired these with satin light peach ties and matching pocket squares courtesy of TiesRUs. Kieran and I spent hours researching and perfecting the art of pocket square folding, ultimately pre-folding and ironing them before securing them in place with celotape. The end result was a stylish and cohesive look that really tied the outfits together – literally, thanks to the clever buttonholes added by the florist.
Beauty
Lindsay Clough, a talented stylist, took care of my hair and makeup. I wanted a sleek plait to keep my locks off my face, as it was sweltering hot that day. Despite my concerns about the makeup lasting through the heat, it looked just as fresh in the evening as it did all day. Before the big day, I had a trial run to ensure everything would be picture-perfect – think natural and effortless, like a really good hair day! The bridesmaids also opted for an updo with a plait on one side, courtesy of Kim Yates. For their makeup, we went for soft, subtle looks that blended seamlessly into their features, courtesy of Rachel Nightingall. As the day wore on, not a single strand was out of place or smudge in sight – it was pure pampering heaven.
Bridesmaids
Surrounding myself with loved ones on my big day was truly special. My sister and four university friends, who I affectionately refer to as my bridesmaids, brought an unparalleled level of joy and support to the celebration. Each one wore a custom-made dress from Maids to Measure in a beautiful light peach hue, subtly differing in style yet sharing a common thread – their collective radiance was simply breathtaking. The matching floral bouquets they held added an air of softness and whimsy, creating an enchanting visual display. Meanwhile, the two flowergirls, our goddaughter and niece, stole the show with their stunning Monsoon dresses and coordinating gold shoes, exuding an undeniable charm.
The Readings & Music
We invited two special guests, John and Tony, to deliver heartfelt readings during our ceremony. With complete creative freedom, they chose poems that reflected their unique styles. John opted for a poignant yet beautiful poem, while Tony penned his own reading, which had everyone in stitches. The contrast was perfect.Meanwhile, Tom Ryder, an accomplished acoustic singer and guitarist, set the tone with his soulful performances. As our guests arrived at the venue, he serenaded them with his guitar. When it came time for me to walk down the aisle, he sang ‘Tenerife Sea’ by Ed Sheeran – one of my all-time favorite songs. The moment was truly unforgettable.As we transitioned into the evening, Kieran’s enthusiasm for a band took center stage. We discovered The Redfords and were immediately won over by their infectious energy. They got everyone in the party mood with their impressive covers and clever use of props on the dance floor. Their rendition of ‘Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home)’ during the World Cup frenzy was particularly well-timed, generating an electric atmosphere that had our guests buzzing.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I delved into the world of wedding dresses, Pronovias designs effortlessly captured my attention with their striking crepe silhouettes and exquisite lace embellishments. The flagship store in London became a haven where I discovered the enchanting ‘Darcy’ dress, boasting an exquisite back with a train that unfolded like a tapestry, adorned by delicate buttons. The memory of holding it up and bringing it home on the train remains etched in my mind. My veil, too, was from Pronovias, featuring the same intricate lace details at its edges. Moving on to other wedding essentials, I opted for Ted Baker’s ivory satin shoes with a statement bow at the front. For jewelry, Ivory & Co at John Lewis gifted me a trio of teardrop-shaped pieces – necklace, bracelet, and earrings – courtesy of my doting Nan. Kieran, too, surprised me with a thoughtful gift: a custom-made bracelet bearing the endearing message ‘Gramps loves you baby’, a poignant tribute to my grandfather’s memory.
The Flowers
We envisioned an atmosphere of sumptuous softness and warm peaches for the floral arrangements. To bring that vision to life, we partnered with local florist Kirsty Lack, who effortlessly grasped our desired aesthetic. Her bouquets, buttonholes, and table centrepieces perfectly captured the essence of our dream wedding. The flowers were an absolute delight, and I was thrilled to see how beautifully the colours blended together.
To supplement Kirsty’s creations, I embarked on a mission to collect vases, jars, and pots, while scouring my garden and my mother’s for blooms that would complement our big day. Over the course of two days, I curated an assortment of arrangements featuring flowers from our own backyard, carefully crafting wooden crates filled with vibrant flora and delicate hanging planters to adorn the aisle. This approach not only saved us a significant amount of money but also allowed us to infuse our wedding with a personal touch that made it truly special. To add a touch of whimsy, I adorned the jars with peach-coloured ribbon and hessian, strategically placing them throughout the venue to bring everything together.
The Cake
Our dear friend Terri Howell’s thoughtful gift for our special day was a magnificent four-tiered wedding cake, an extension of her exceptional work on our surprise engagement cake too! With each tier boasting distinct flavors, the masterpiece was encased in semi-naked buttercream, complemented by delicate peach flowers and foliage courtesy of the talented florist. The crowning glory was a wooden cake topper that added an organic touch to the overall design. I remain in awe of Terri’s expertise, particularly her ability to keep the buttercream intact and the towering structure upright despite scorching temperatures. Her creation was truly breathtaking, leaving me thrilled with its sheer beauty.
The Details & Décor
As I delved into the world of wedding décor, I discovered a creative outlet that brought me immense joy. The wooden signs, table plan, and order of the day were particularly delightful to craft, using locally sourced timber and paint pens to add personal touches with floral designs and meaningful wording. To complete the look, I repurposed an old wooden ladder from eBay, adorning it with candles, signs, and flowers to create a charming focal point in the barn’s corner. My sister’s generosity also gifted me large wooden log slices, which we used to support the wedding cake and table centers. Their rustic charm added a lovely texture to our decorations, despite Kieran’s diligent efforts to smooth them out. With a blank canvas at our disposal and a team of enthusiastic friends, we spent the day before the big event transforming the barn into our vision – complete with an abundance of bunting! The venue staff were incredibly helpful in setting up, leaving me feeling thrilled and prepared for the next day. On the evening of the wedding, In Your Dreams brought their magic touch by decorating everyone with glitter and gems, injecting a playful spirit into the party. Even the men got caught up in the fun, as evidenced by the fantastic photos showcasing their sparkly transformations.
The Food
One of our most memorable decisions was choosing the right catering team. We opted for Limeberry Caterers, who impressively served delectable fish and chips in cones that wowed our guests. To combat the scorching 30-degree heat, we also brought on board Rowleys Traditional Ice Cream’s innovative ice cream bike concept. This proved to be a genius move as everyone eagerly indulged in an ice cream treat following the ceremony. The setup also made for fantastic photo opportunities that will be cherished for years to come. In the evening, we welcomed Three Stacks Pancakes’ marquee offerings of scrumptious American-style pancakes with a medley of toppings for our guests to enjoy between dance breaks.
Your Photographer
As soon as we got engaged, our choice for wedding photographer was clear-cut – Julia & You had captured stunning moments for a few of our close friends’ special days. What struck me most about their work was the subtle softness and mastery of light that seemed to bring out the best in every scene. We were so impressed that we actually tailored our wedding date around Julia’s availability, and I’m thrilled we did! Her photographs are truly breathtaking, and we loved them so much that we found ourselves adding more and more to our album. On the big day itself, Julia and her second shooter Michelle were absolute pros – relaxed, accommodating, and effortlessly capturing both the formal moments we wanted to cherish, as well as some gorgeous candid shots against stunning backdrops.
The Honeymoon
After the wedding euphoria had settled, we embarked on a three-week adventure in California, commencing with a road trip that would take us to some of the state’s most iconic destinations. Our journey got off to an inauspicious start when I accidentally overslept and our taxi driver had to knock on the door to rouse us! However, once we were airborne, all was forgiven, and we spent the next few days exploring the Golden State. We visited San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, and Santa Monica, immersing ourselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of California’s coastline. To cap off our trip, we ended it in style with a visit to Las Vegas, marking the perfect start to our new life together as husband and wife.
Memorable Moments
I’ll always recall the anticipation building as I walked down the aisle to meet Kieran on our special day. The venue’s expansive aisle allowed for a dramatic buildup, with each bridesmaid taking their turn before me. As the guests awaited my arrival, the atmosphere was electric, and I felt like all eyes were on me.
Little did we know, our wedding day would be marked by more than just love and happiness – it would also be defined by a historic football moment! England’s win against Sweden in the World Cup had everyone buzzing with excitement. The band capitalized on the momentum, launching into a rousing rendition of ‘Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home)’, which got the crowd singing along and chanting ‘it’s coming home!’ in unison.
As the night drew to a close, Kieran and I stole away for a private moment, savoring our first glass of champagne together, alone in the wedding grounds. It was a serene interlude, allowing us to reflect on the incredible day we’d shared with our loved ones. That quiet, intimate moment has become a cherished memory for both of us.
Advice For Other Couples
As you embark on this momentous occasion, don’t forget to pause and truly appreciate the grandeur of it all. With so much effort and resources invested in planning the perfect day, it’s only natural to get swept up in the minutiae. But take a step back, gaze out at the sea of smiling faces gathered to share in your joy, and drink in every morsel of this unforgettable experience.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Julia’s photography skills perfectly captured the special moments of Hannah and Kieran’s big day. The couple’s singer-songwriter friend Tom Ryder serenaded them with his acoustic guitar, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration. The Redfords brought their unique sound to the party, getting everyone on their feet and dancing. Kirsty Lack’s floral arrangements added a pop of color and elegance to the venue. Lindsay Clough ensured Hannah looked stunning from head to toe, while Kim Yates and Rachel Nightingill worked their magic to give the bridesmaids a flawless finish. Rowleys Traditional Ice Cream kept guests cool and satisfied, while Limeberry Catering impressed with their delectable offerings. Three Stack pancakes provided a sweet treat, and Terri Howell’s breathtaking cake stole the show. Houchins offered an idyllic backdrop for the happy couple to say ‘I do.’ As the sun set, In Your Dreams even made-up the ladies with glittering makeup that sparkled like the stars. Pronovias designed Hannah’s stunning dress, which was perfectly complemented by her bridesmaids’ attire from Maids To Measure. It was an absolute pleasure to share this enchanting wedding story with you.