As you prepare to plan the whimsical Kent woodland wedding of your imagination, let’s transport ourselves to the enchanting celebration of Vicki and Ant at The Dreys. A perfect blend of bohemian charm and rustic elegance awaits!
From their effortlessly stylish attire to the breathtaking dried flowers that will leave you in awe, Vicki and Ant’s special day is sure to inspire your own woodland wedding vision. Picture a picturesque ceremony amidst a meadow of pampas grass, followed by a reception that perfectly blends formality with whimsy within a beautifully decorated marquee. The evening brought forth the magic of live music, courtesy of Entertainment Nation.
But it’s the golden hour woodland portraits that truly steal the show, bathed as they were in the soft, dappled sunlight. A day that was nothing short of magical and unforgettable indeed!
A huge thank you to Paul Fuller Kent Photography for allowing us a glimpse into this unreal wedding spectacle.
Kent Woodland Wedding
The Proposal
The moment Ant decided to pop the question, he went all out to surprise me. To throw me off, he joined me in the shower one ordinary weekday morning, pretending to drop his shampoo as a clever distraction. As I turned around to help him pick it up, he got down on one knee and asked for my hand in marriage. The unexpected twist caught me completely off guard, but of course, I happily said yes!
The Vision
Our goal for the day was to create a laid-back atmosphere that embodied the essence of rustic charm and bohemian flair. To achieve this, we planned an itinerary that included refreshing gin fizzes, interactive ring-warming ceremonies to get the guests engaged, a captivating storytelling session, live music performances, and plenty of dancing to keep the energy high.
Budget
The Venue
Your Outfits
As a paramedic, I had the privilege of working with a talented seamstress from Boho & Vintage Bridal in Kent who not only created a stunning dress just for me but also offered it at half price. The initial discovery was made through Instagram, where I stumbled upon her work and fell in love with the unique design. Her willingness to accommodate my measurements and tailor the dress specifically to fit me perfectly impressed me. What I particularly appreciated about this small business owner was that she juggled her creative endeavors alongside being a busy mom. I’m thrilled to have her on board again, this time to shorten the dress so I can wear it for future occasions. The dress’s silhouette, its ability to flatter my figure, and the delicate lace details all won me over. Additionally, I commissioned her to create miniaturized versions of the same dress for my flower girls – a delightful addition that added an extra touch of whimsy to our special day.
The Ceremony & Music
As we exchanged our vows, Lonan Jenkins – Lonan Jenkins Ceremonies brought an extra layer of magic to the ceremony with a captivating storytelling session that honored our journey together. To make it even more meaningful, our guests played a role by warming our new wedding bands and sharing their well-wishes for our future. It was clear that Lonan’s passion and creativity made the experience truly special.
The musical accompaniment to this intimate moment came courtesy of husband-and-wife duo Ella and Tom Martin from Bristol, who serenaded us with their soulful voices during the ceremony, as well as afterwards. I was struck by not only their harmonious melodies but also the genuine affection between them – it felt like a celebration of love in its purest form.
What struck me about this talented duo was how they brought people together through their music. I discovered them on Instagram and was impressed by their talent, which ultimately led to their involvement in our special day.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Cousin Paul Fuller is renowned for capturing the laid-back essence of weddings through his lens, and he truly outdid himself on this occasion. Not only did he deliver stunning photography, but he also provided us with the delightful services of @storytreebooth, a photobooth that quickly became the life of the party. The memories created within its frame were later beautifully preserved in a cherished photo album.
The Styling & Decor
When it came to planning our wedding, JoJo Blooms’ Sue Davies played a starring role alongside us. We took a creative risk by opting for a meadow garden-inspired blessing area – a unique touch that she had only executed a few times before. The result was breathtaking, with a lush mix of toffee roses, dried flowers, and pampas grasses that set the tone for our special day. Meanwhile, we bucked tradition with our non-traditional cheese cake courtesy of The Cheese Shop in Tunbridge Wells. This local gem sourced its ingredients from right under our noses, allowing us to indulge in locally-made chutneys and crackers alongside our scrumptious dessert. When it came time to DIY, my partner-in-crime Jess from Hope & Cotton lent a helping hand – or rather, her cutting machine. Together, we crafted custom table names, name cards, table plans, and venue signs that added a personal touch to the proceedings. And to make the journey even more unforgettable, we hired a stunning VW campervan from Perfect Day VW Hire to transport both our bridal party and groom party to the venue. This adventure held special significance for my dad, who had long dreamed of riding shotgun in one of these iconic vehicles.
The Honeymoon
As we embark on our journey of love and adventure, two notable trips stand out. First, there was Minimoon – a whirlwind 3-day getaway to Coddington Mill Lakehouse, where we spent quality time together before heading off to Murcia, Spain for an action-packed 5 days. Then, there’s the Honeymoon, a once-in-a-lifetime experience planned for next year in October. Due to IVF, our initial plans were put on hold, but we’re now looking forward to a romantic 9-day escapade in the stunning Maldives.
Memorable Moments
The unexpected arrival of a handwritten letter, courtesy of Ant, was met with an emotional response from all present. The miniature missive required a magnifying glass to decipher its contents, which only served to heighten the sense of intimacy and sincerity as I read it aloud. The room fell silent, overcome with emotion, as the words resonated deeply within us. Meanwhile, the father’s heartfelt speech left everyone in attendance visibly moved, the power of his words still lingering in the air long after the ceremony had concluded.