Imagine Chloe and Toby’s fairytale-like wedding at Tapeley Park in Devon, where a breathtaking £6,000 celebration unfolded. Amidst the lush surroundings, the couple’s special day was marked by an exquisite iridescent sequin wedding dress from Bardot by Temperley London, delicate dried florals courtesy of Horseshoe Flowers, and whimsical barn decor that transported their guests to a world of romance. But what made this day truly unforgettable was its resilience in the face of unpredictable weather – read on to discover how they tackled the rain and still managed to have the time of their lives. Special thanks go out to Grace Elizabeth Photography for capturing these stunning images, each one a testament to the beauty and joy that filled every moment of their special day.
Iridescent Wedding Dress
The Proposal
As the snowflakes gently fell onto the frozen rink at Central Park’s iconic Christmas ice skating rink in December 2018, Toby mustered up the courage to take a bold move – getting down on one knee. Little did he know, I was hiding an extraordinary surprise beneath my glove: a stunning opal vintage ring that would soon become a treasured symbol of our love. After exchanging vows, we strolled over to Times Square for some celebratory cocktails, basking in the magical glow of the towering lights and reveling in the joyous spirit of the season.
The Vision
A casual yet joyful celebration unfolded on this lovely day, marked by delectable cuisine and the company of cherished loved ones. Amidst the vibrant blooms and warm atmosphere, our hearts swelled with affection. The anticipation had built up over time since our initial wedding date was postponed in March 2022 – we simply craved a carefree gathering filled with laughter and merriment.
Budget
In reality, we didn’t explicitly set a budget, which may seem unconventional. However, we had a general idea of what prices felt reasonable to us, and what aspects we were willing to splurge on. To stretch our budget further, we opted for DIY solutions where possible. The biggest expenses went towards: food, venue, drinks, photography, and music. Everything else was either borrowed or scrounged from friends and family.
Initially, we had planned an intimate ceremony in Brighton in March 2020. However, as you can imagine, that got cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Following the disappointment, we reassessed our priorities and decided a family wedding close to home would be ideal. I think this reevaluation allowed us to refocus on what truly mattered – being surrounded by our loved ones.
In hindsight, I estimate we spent around £6000. However, our families were incredibly generous and contributed significantly to the event, so this figure doesn’t account for their contributions.
The Venue
The Ceremony & Music
As we exchanged our vows, the unpredictable weather had other plans. Our initial outdoor ceremony in a picturesque stone shelter amidst lush gardens seemed perfect, but the skies had other ideas. We took the plunge and walked down the aisle under a light drizzle, only to have the heavens open up, leaving us no choice but to make a quick dash for the main house. The commotion was quite something – guests huddled under umbrellas, trying to stay dry as the rain poured down. My dad, resplendent in his grey suit, rewalked me down the aisle with a bemused expression, capturing the absurdity of it all in photos that still bring us joy today.
Despite the chaos, we wouldn’t change a thing. The memory of that moment and the way Wayne Green’s acoustic rendition of Paolo Nutini’s ‘Last Request’ reduced us to tears will always be treasured. Grace’s photos perfectly captured the magic of our special day.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Your Outfits
I’ve always coveted an embellished Temperley London dress, but it was always out of my budget. So, I regularly scoured eBay for a deal, and that’s when I stumbled upon this stunning Bardot dress – Chloe! It was brand new, in my size, and priced to sell at £500. I genuinely believe that things like this happen for a reason. To complete the outfit, I opted for cream leather platform Converse shoes.
As for Toby’s attire, we headed to Moss Bros London with his brother and best man to find a simple navy suit. What walked out of the store was a bespoke Italian fabric masterpiece paired with a stylish striped knitted tie. He even re-wore his ASOS brown brogue-like shoes from his 2017 graduation – they still looked great!
The Styling & Decor
The wedding’s whimsical theme was a harmonious blend of my favorite elements: soft pastel hues, vibrant flowers, and the great outdoors. The ceremony space was transformed with vintage charm, thanks to carefully curated details from various sources.
Floral arrangements for the tables were sourced from Barn Florist wholesale and artfully styled in unique vases with a vintage flair. Meanwhile, my bouquet, flower crowns, and buttonholes were meticulously crafted by Sarah at Horseshoe Flowers, adding an extra layer of romance to the proceedings.
Several personal touches brought the celebration to life. A ‘Best Day Ever’ banner, named napkins, and a welcome gold mirror were all DIY creations that added a touch of personality to the occasion. The table plan mirror was handwritten by my brother, while a stunning balloon arch from Ginger Ray provided an eye-catching focal point.
Other memorable elements included handmade bunting courtesy of Toby’s Mum, who put in months of effort to create this special keepsake. A pom-pom photo booth wall, also crafted by Toby’s Mum, was a huge hit with our guests. We even got creative with the wedding signage, designing it ourselves to reflect our personal style.
In a delightful stroke of serendipity, we discovered vintage glass vases on Facebook marketplace and scored them for free! These unique finds added an extra layer of character to the overall aesthetic.
The Honeymoon
Embarking on a week-long adventure to Edinburgh, I found myself thoroughly enthralled by the city’s array of iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and delectable culinary delights. My home away from home during this escapade was the Eden Locke Hotel/Apartments, an establishment that exceeded my expectations in every regard, providing an unparalleled level of comfort and hospitality.
Memorable Moments
As I reflect back on the unforgettable day, one moment stands out – the thrill of running through the rain to reach the next ceremony location. The adrenaline rush and excitement of being part of something special made it a truly exhilarating experience. But what really made the day shine was the best man’s heartfelt speech and poem, which brought everyone to tears with its sincerity and humor. And who could forget Toby’s wild dance moves on the floor – his energy was infectious and had everyone laughing and cheering along!