As the wedding industry evolves, each new couple that says ‘I do’ adds a unique layer of beauty, vibrancy, and warmth. For Mel and Ryan, their special day was all about creating an intimate, relaxed atmosphere with loved ones, blending their love for the outdoors with unforgettable party vibes. With just three months to plan, they designed a celebration that perfectly reflected their personalities, values, and passions – reimagining traditions in their own way and savoring every moment.The choice of venue was key: The Keeper and The Dell, a picturesque outdoor space in Norfolk, boasting an 18th-century Gamekeeper’s Barn and wooden huts nestled beneath the ancient woodland canopy. On a sunny August afternoon, the couple welcomed guests to the soothing sounds of their Apache blessing – followed by a reception aglow with rainbow origami cranes, dried rose petals, and whimsical paper roses. As day turned to night, fire pits glowed, garden games were played, ice cream was savored, all set to the live covers performed by Hot Rox through Warble Entertainment.Dan Biggins’ stunning captures capture the essence of the celebration – a symphony of fun, love, and laughter. We’re thrilled to share this gallery with you and hope you enjoy it just as much as we do!
The Proposal
As our seventh anniversary rolled around in December, Ryan surprised me with a spontaneous weekend getaway – or so I thought. In reality, I had other plans. The London Zoo had recently acquired a massive salamander that I was dying to see, and I convinced Ryan to join me on the adventure. After a fun-filled day at the zoo, we capped it off with tapas and a leisurely stroll through Covent Garden. Little did I know, Ryan had been planning something special all along. As we wandered hand in hand, he produced a small ring box from his pocket, leaving me utterly bewildered and thrilled.
The Vision
As our elopement idea was put on hold to accommodate my nan’s attendance, we embarked on a journey to define what our special day would look like. Initially, visiting various venues felt like we were being steered towards a traditional big white wedding. Taking a step back from the planning process allowed us to reflect on what we both wanted and needed from our celebration. During this break, we also took time to settle into our new home. Online platforms such as WWW and Pinterest became valuable resources as we explored ideas and inspiration. Our combined interests and deal-breakers became clear: we yearned for a laid-back, entertaining experience with our nearest loved ones, an outdoor setting, and a fantastic band to keep the party going.
The Planning Process
As our search for the perfect venue began, we initially focused on locations within an hour of East London. However, after discovering that options in this area came with hefty price tags, we expanded our scope to surrounding counties. It was during this extended search that we stumbled upon The Keeper and The Dell, a hidden gem that truly stole our hearts. We were particularly smitten with the venue’s camping and shepherds huts, which perfectly captured the essence of an outdoorsy wedding. Following a visit to the property, we found ourselves in a unique situation: just as we were about to make our decision, the venue informed us that another couple had cancelled their booking at short notice. With only 14 weeks left before our big day, we seized the opportunity and made the snap decision to book our wedding on the spot.
In the initial stages of planning, we prioritized the logistical aspects of our wedding, such as giving formal notice, booking a registrar, and securing catering services. We rationalized that if the wedding could go ahead and our guests were well-fed, these fundamental elements would set the tone for a successful celebration.
With the essentials covered, we turned our attention to other crucial details, including attire, entertainment, and decorations, working tirelessly to bring our vision to life.
Budget
While our initial budget of £12,000 had been relatively easy to stick to for most of the planning process, we did find ourselves making some additional expenses towards the end. Specifically, we spent a bit more than anticipated on decorative elements and beverages, which ultimately contributed to a slight overspend.
The Venue
The picturesque setting became an idyllic backdrop for our special day. As we arrived at the venue on setup day, the scorching heat made us appreciate the coolness that awaited us on the actual wedding day. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, creating a perfect atmosphere. Interestingly, our wedding was one of the first to take place at this newly licensed venue, making it an even more memorable experience. To make the most of our celebration, we opted for a post-wedding overnight stay in a cozy shepherd’s hut on-site, while some of our loved ones decided to set up camp nearby.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Mel had a clear vision for her wedding attire – anything but a traditional big white dress. She’s been steadfast in her desire to don her trusty white Doc Martens, which served as her ‘something old.’ The iconic footwear became an integral part of her overall look, and she was thrilled to incorporate them into her special day.
Mel’s dress of choice was a stunning find from Monsoon, snagged on sale for £160. After trying on a few options, she knew instantly that this one was the perfect fit – literally. The intricately hand-stitched beading detail stole her heart.
To add a personal touch to her Doc Martens, Mel tied blue ribbons around them, creating a charming accent. Her mum lent her some fabulous vintage clip-on earrings that completed her ensemble perfectly.
Ryan, on the other hand, opted for a stylish waistcoat and trousers combo from Debenhams, paired with brogue boots. Together, they managed to stay under the £300 mark for their outfits – a remarkable feat!
The best part? They’re likely to wear their attire again in the future, making it a truly cost-effective and memorable experience.
The Readings & Music
As we exchanged vows, we incorporated the Apache wedding blessing into our ceremony, infusing it with a sense of tradition and cultural significance. Given Mel’s fondness for Emilie Autumn’s classical compositions, we opted to feature some of her pieces during the ceremony, weaving a unique and intimate atmosphere. As the evening unfolded, we were treated to an exceptional performance by Hot Rox, a talented band that allowed us to curate their setlist from a diverse range of songs. Between sets, they delighted us with our personal favourites, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
The Flowers
Despite my best efforts, I (Mel) was unsuccessful in creating my own paper rose bouquet. Despite multiple attempts, it just wasn’t quite right. It’s funny how sometimes our creative endeavors don’t always turn out as planned, but that’s all part of the process, right? As a result, I opted for a different approach and sourced beautiful pages from The Lord of the Rings, expertly crafted by an incredibly talented Etsy artist, two weeks prior to the big day. These stunning paper flowers were used to create my bouquet and buttonholes – a truly unique and memorable touch.
Beauty
During Mel’s visit to Bobbi Brown, she seized the opportunity for a complimentary makeup lesson and took charge of applying her own cosmetics. Meanwhile, her locks were styled at the hotel’s on-site salon, where she had booked an appointment the previous evening.
The Details & Décor
As the wedding day approached, Mel took on a unique challenge – folding 1000 origami cranes, known as senbazuru, which is said to bring happiness and eternal good fortune to its creator. This endeavour not only became a meaningful symbol of their upcoming marriage but also served as an auspicious beginning for their new life together. The vibrant, handcrafted cranes were suspended from the marquee’s ceiling, filling the air with a sense of whimsy and wonder.
Mel’s creativity extended beyond the origami artistry. She transformed the ‘Love’ letters on their reception table by wrapping them in book pages, reflecting their shared passion for literature. Furthermore, she crafted twenty additional cranes from book pages to adorn their cheese cake and designed the table decorations by combining vases and artificial flowers from Ikea.
In a surprising twist, Mel even created natural confetti using dried rose petals and fashioned cones from book pages to add a touch of elegance to their special day. The card box itself was a simple yet charming find from Ikea, elevated by a miniature Liberty bunting chain that added a pop of personality to the overall decor.
Your Photographer
When searching for photographers to capture the magic of our special day, we considered several recommendations from the venue itself. However, due to the short notice, most of them were already committed. It was then that we stumbled upon Dan Biggins’ impressive portfolio on Facebook and decided to take a chance on him. Our pre-wedding shoot in our local park turned out to be a resounding success, with even Mel – who typically dislikes being photographed – feeling at ease.
Groomsmen
The Honeymoon
Memorable Moments
We deliberately prioritized spending time with our loved ones and making memories on our special day. Unlike many others who claim they don’t recall much from their weddings or had little chance to mingle with guests, we made a conscious effort to soak up every moment with each other and our friends. The ice cream cart was a huge hit, particularly among the younger crowd. Seeing children laugh, run around, and play with the garden games we brought along warmed our hearts. Meanwhile, our band were absolutely fantastic – expertly professional and an absolute blast to have around. We ended up dancing the night away, lost in the magic of the moment.
The Cake
Our culinary masterpiece, the showstopping centerpiece at our special day, was a majestic five-tiered cheese wedding cake, carefully selected from renowned retailer Waitrose. The impressive dessert, which boasted an unbeatable £150 price tag, did not disappoint in terms of both appearance and taste. In fact, we’ve only just savored the last morsels, and we’re still reeling from the delightful experience.
Advice For Other Couples
As we prepared for our special day, we were bombarded with well-meaning advice from friends and family who claimed their own wedding experiences were shrouded in forgetfulness or stress-induced haze. But we refused to fall prey to such sentiments. Instead, we prioritized making meaningful connections with our loved ones, cherishing every moment together, and soaking up the joy of the occasion. And oh, what a wonderful time we had! Our experience served as a valuable reminder that, with intention and attention to detail, even the most chaotic wedding days can be truly unforgettable.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With heartfelt gratitude, we’d like to extend our appreciation to Mel and Ryan for entrusting us with the honor of chronicling their special day. The Keeper and The Dell served as the picturesque backdrop for this unforgettable celebration, where joy, love, and cherished moments were palpable. A symphony of delightful details unfolded, from the whimsical Floral Derangement arrangements to the sweet treats from Ronaldo Ices’ ice cream cart. Savoring the delectable flavors of HV Graves’ Hog Roast and indulging in the warmth of Pye Baker of Norwich’s Afternoon Tea only added to the merriment. The Arch Hire company brought an air of elegance, while One Curious Dream infused a touch of magic into the atmosphere. As Hot Rox, via Warble Entertainment, took center stage, it was clear that this was more than just a wedding – it was a testament to the power of love and the joy of sharing life’s milestones with dear ones. Special thanks go out to Wedding Directory Member – Wedding Entertainment for their expert guidance in making the celebration truly unforgettable.