Imagine stepping into a whimsical wonderland on the 14th of September 2019 at Longton Wood in Kent, where Lizzie and Seb’s extraordinary wedding celebration took place. As they described it themselves, their day was ‘unique, personal, totally over-the-top, family-orientated, unbelievable’ – and it truly lived up to those expectations. The setting was perfect, with the reception held within a striking clear marquee adorned with thoughtful decorations and DIY touches that made it feel truly special. The couple’s connection to Longton Wood runs deep, as Lizzie’s sister had previously used it for her own wedding, and it was only fitting that they chose this enchanting spot to host their own celebration. Two show-stopping flower arches caught the eye: a hexagonal masterpiece featuring pampas grass and a stunning entrance arch adorned with blooms. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of adorable animals – an owl display and alpacas that delighted the guests. With outfits, balloon installations, and a cake setup all contributing to the festivities, it’s no wonder this wedding will be remembered for years to come. Huge thanks to Alex Tenters Photography for sharing these breathtaking images with us.
The Proposal
As we returned from our Scottish getaway, Seb received a call informing him that the engagement ring was ready for pickup. Unbeknownst to me, my family had been dropping hints about wedding planning, and they were dying to know more. We flew back home ahead of schedule due to work commitments, and Seb orchestrated a surprise night out with my friends on a Monday, cleverly excusing himself to collect the ring. The next morning, he proposed an evening dog-walking adventure followed by a picnic in our farm’s picturesque fields, which happened to be my favorite view. He presented me with a heart-shaped hamper filled with treats and a champagne bottle ‘found’ at my mom’s house, leaving me smitten by his romantic and spontaneous gestures. As we set up the picnic, I snuck a chocolate from the hamper, only to turn around and find Seb on one knee, ring in hand. I was so caught off guard that I almost choked before I could utter my enthusiastic ‘yes’!
The Vision
With a passion for creativity and personalization, my partner and I aimed to craft a one-of-a-kind wedding experience that would allow us to tap into the skills of our loved ones. We surrounded ourselves with family and friends who share a love for DIY projects, and it was incredible to see their enthusiasm and talent shine through. Our main focus was on incorporating handmade elements that would add a touch of whimsy and charm to our special day, such as designing our own flowers and buttonholes. As a family known for our exuberance, we saw the wedding as the perfect opportunity to unleash our inner artists and create something truly unforgettable.
The Planning Process
As someone who values organization, my husband and I aimed to get as much done ahead of time as feasible. One strategy we employed was opting for feather buttonholes, which could be crafted beforehand and serve as a cherished memento for our loved ones. Anything that could be prepared in advance, we made sure to take care of! Fortunately, the conversion of our loft provided ample storage space, while my parents kindly offered us spare rooms at their house, allowing us to stash away our belongings without worrying about clutter. In retrospect, I strongly recommend prioritizing preparation whenever possible, as it significantly reduced the stress levels during those final weeks.
The Readings & Music
Seb and I decided to incorporate a religious reading into our church wedding, despite not being traditionally religious ourselves. Fortunately, our vicar, Alan, was understanding of our non-religious background and we were able to work together to create an inclusive service. We chose The Song of Solomon, which offered a poetic take on traditional scripture. A single verse from this passage felt perfect for our ceremony. In addition to the biblical reading, we also included a poignant selection from Winnie the Pooh – a choice that always brings us to tears. Our musical choices were similarly thoughtful, with traditional organ music setting the tone and our special requests including ‘Here Comes the Bride’ and three additional hymns: One More Step, We Plough the Fields and Scatter, and Lord of All Hopefulness. These selections were all familiar enough to allow our guests to participate comfortably. As we exited the ceremony, the classic Wedding March provided a fitting conclusion.
Budget
With a combined effort, Seb and I managed to save £10,000 towards our goal. His parents generously contributed an additional £5,000, while mine covered the remaining amount.
The Venue
My sister’s wedding venue, which she’s been running since 2016, has been a blank canvas for countless couples to make their own mark. As I was planning my own wedding there, I got to observe numerous weddings beforehand, allowing me to refine my vision and learn from others’ experiences. One of the most liberating aspects of this venue is the freedom to choose every aspect of the celebration, from the marquee and caterer to florist, decorations, bar, and more – giving us a chance to infuse our personalities into the event.When it came time to select a marquee, I was thrilled to find a clear span option that matched my Instagram inspiration. However, the company behind it was located in Cheshire, which made logistics tricky. Undeterred, I contacted other marquee companies, only to be met with lukewarm enthusiasm and resistance to our ideas. That’s when we stumbled upon the Party Doctors. From our initial phone call to the weeks leading up to the wedding, Raj and Dom were absolute stars – genuinely listening to our vision, offering thoughtful suggestions, and working tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience. They provided an impressive array of services, including a massive marquee, flooring, carpeting, catering tent, dance floor, stage, lights, special effects, tables, and chairs – leaving us thoroughly impressed.
Your Outfits & Accessories
When it came time for me to find my wedding dress, I headed to Dressed to Wed in Chatham – a wonderful boutique that had already played host to my sister’s big day. The owner, Mary-Jane, has an incredible knack for selecting dresses that not only complement the bride’s style but also make her look and feel amazing. She helped me pick out both my dress and my sister’s, and I was blown away by her expertise. In a similar vein, when Seb decided it was time to get his suit, he knew exactly where to go – to the many shops in London that offer stylish and affordable options for grooms. However, after visiting several stores, we were disappointed to find that even the most budget-friendly options were still out of our price range (up to £1,000). It wasn’t until we stumbled upon Anthony’s Formalwear in Billericay – a gem recommended by someone we trusted – that Seb was finally able to get the suit he wanted at a price that fit our budget. Not only did they offer an impressive selection of suits, but Seb was also thrilled with the level of detail and customization available. He was able to choose everything from the color of his buttons’ stitching to the perfect shade of fabric for his suit. When it came time to dress my mum and mother-in-law, I took them to Le Chic Boutique in Bromley – a boutique that requires appointments, but kindly let us in without one when we arrived. My mum fell in love with an almond-colored dress and matching jacket, while my mother-in-law chose a stunning Phase 8 dress paired with a matching jacket. Both looked absolutely radiant, and I was thrilled to see them feeling like the best versions of themselves.
Beauty
I drew inspiration from my friends in the beauty industry when planning my wedding look. My friend’s sister, Samantha Jones Hair, is a skilled hairdresser who had previously worked with me on various make-up projects. When I approached her and Karen Cox Make-Up about joining us for my big day, they kindly offered their services. However, given that we were expecting 8 people (6 bridesmaids, the bride, and mother) to get ready at once, Karen suggested bringing in a second make-up artist to ensure everyone was looking their best by the 12pm ceremony start time. I received a glowing recommendation for Emma Morphett Make-Up from a colleague whose sister had used her services for her own wedding just a year prior. With rave reviews about her punctuality, competitive pricing, and exceptional work, it was an easy decision to book Emma as our second make-up artist.
Your Photographer
Prior to getting engaged, Seb and I had already come across photographer Alex Tenters through his stunning work at a Longton Wood wedding fair. We were thoroughly impressed by his portfolio and made a mental note to keep him in mind for our special day. As soon as Seb popped the question, I knew exactly who to reach out to – Alex was at the top of my list! Miraculously, he had availability and we met with him just days later at the venue. His infectious enthusiasm and innovative ideas sealed the deal; we didn’t need to consider anyone else – Alex was our perfect match.
Your Filmmaker
We sought the expertise of filmmaker Alex Tenters for a recommendation, which led us to his acquaintance, Alex Brown. He shared with us a breathtaking wedding video he had shot in France, which left Seb and me in stunned silence, our emotions overwhelmed by the end. We were moved to tears by a celebration we didn’t even attend! Our meeting at Longton Wood just days later sealed the deal, as we witnessed firsthand how seamlessly these two collaborated to create something truly remarkable.
The Cake
As my friend’s new bakery, Beau Bakes, was gaining momentum, I naturally thought of her for our wedding cake. Given the large number of guests we were expecting, I commissioned five cakes in various flavors – a decision based on previous positive experiences with Ginny’s creations. She expertly delivered and set up the cakes at the venue, capturing a photo before storing them in the chiller trailer overnight. Our coordinator was then able to display the cakes without risk of damage. Beau Bakes’ dedication to detail and quality truly impressed me, and I wholeheartedly recommend her services.
In addition, my cousin’s carpentry skills came in handy when designing a custom cake stand for our special day. Inspired by the idea of platforms with varying sizes, he elevated it to new heights by crafting a stunning tree trunk and branch design. Today, this unique piece sits proudly in our kitchen, serving as a seasonal decoration that I love updating.
The Details & Décor
We opted for a more eclectic approach to our wedding decor, eschewing uniformity in favor of unique touches that reflected our personalities. I even used the occasion as an excuse to acquire some special pieces for our home – namely, a beautiful old farmhouse dresser that’s now serving as our chocolate station. The bridesmaids and friends were incredibly accommodating when it came to the various craft projects we undertook, from paper flowers to signs, frames, and edible favors. Today, I still get to enjoy those creations, adorning my home with them and reminiscing about our special day every time I glance at one of the frames, which now display wedding photos.As world travelers, Seb and I wanted to incorporate a sense of adventure into our celebration, so we scattered vintage photographs from our travels throughout the tables and bar area. We also honored our grandparents’ memories by displaying pictures of theirs – I already had a snapshot from my grandparents’ 1946 wedding, while Seb’s aunt kindly combed through her attic to find a picture of his grandparents’ 1947 nuptials. It was poignant to realize that we were tying the knot on the same day as my grandparents, but the discovery of our grandparents-in-law’s anniversary date added an extra layer of meaning.Family is paramount to us, so we asked our siblings, cousins, aunties, and uncles to share their wedding photos with us. We then created a ‘family tree’ display within the venue, featuring pictures from different eras – it was wonderful to see the various styles on show.Given our fondness for gin, we decided to set up a welcome drink station that let guests ‘pimp’ their own G&Ts using a selection of local and specialty gins. We repurposed old storage palettes with optics, allowing everyone to craft their perfect cocktail.To supplement the seating and décor within the marquee, I enlisted the help of Hire Love, who have a keen eye for styling and an impressive collection of unique furniture pieces – everything looked truly magazine-worthy.
Bridesmaids
I entrusted Mix Bridal with procuring the bridesmaids’ dresses, tasking a family friend with altering them to my specifications. Frustrated by the lack of cropped tartan or check jackets, I opted for long ones and requested that they be cropped to fit my vision. My friend also crafted my own jacket, using the same material as Seb’s waistcoat to ensure a cohesive look. With no concern for matching dresses or colors, I instructed the bridesmaids to browse the website and select two or three styles in two or three different hues. I subsequently ordered all their choices, allowing them to pick their favorite from the available options. In the end, this approach yielded fantastic results, with the girls choosing three styles in two colors that complemented each other beautifully. To complete the look, I procured little bags and encouraged them to wear their own shoes. This approach allowed me to prioritize making them feel and look amazing, as well as ensuring they’d want to wear the dresses again – a true value for money.
Groomsmen
Seb and his groomsmen entrusted their sartorial needs to Anthony’s Formalwear in Billericay, a recommendation born from the positive experiences of acquaintances. Upon visiting the store, the team was impressed by the staff’s exceptional courtesy and professionalism. This encounter only solidified our endorsement, as we would highly recommend Anthony’s Formalwear without hesitation. With no preconceived notions of a specific colour scheme or theme to adhere to, Seb allowed his groomsmen to select attire that exuded their individuality and collective comfort. The end result was a group of dapper gentlemen who not only looked fantastic but also seemed genuinely at ease in their chosen outfits.
The Flowers
As a hands-on activity, everyone got involved in creating beautiful flower arrangements. My sister, who’s incredibly talented (we learned from my granny), and our bridesmaids and family friends all pitched in – they looked so professional! To plan for the big day, we drove to Covent Garden Flower Market a year prior to see what was in season at that time. We chatted with the gentlemen at Zest Flowers, who provided valuable advice on prices and quantities. We then purchased a selection of flowers, took them home, and practiced our arrangement skills. My sister and I had a lovely afternoon perfecting our craft, calculating how much of each flower we’d need for 19 table arrangements. The goal was to have different styles, heights, and arrangements, which my sister expertly brought to life. A month before the wedding, we placed our order and received the flowers at the venue on the Thursday prior. Everyone chipped in to help arrange them on the tables Friday, while I took two bridesmaids to my godmother’s house for a special bouquet-tying session. She has an incredible garden, and she kindly allowed us to harvest some of her blooms for our bouquets. She even taught me how to tie them myself! The girls chose their own flowers, and I tied the bouquets – it was such a treasured moment. To complete the look, we commissioned a local florist, Sue Davies from Sutton Valence, who’s been a family friend for years. She went above and beyond, bringing extra vases and dried flowers to enhance the space. Her work truly made our wedding unforgettable.
The Honeymoon
As soon-to-be newlyweds, Seb and I faced the reality of limited holiday time due to our office jobs. We compromised on a mini-moon directly after the wedding, followed by our proper honeymoon in May 2020. With me being the driving force behind many of the day’s decisions, Seb took the reins when booking the mini-moon, scouring spa hotels in the Lake District for a romantic getaway. However, they were pricey and the drive from Kent would be arduous, so he turned to British Airways’ summer sale email instead. He ultimately booked an all-inclusive, 5-star adults-only resort in the Dominican Republic for less than three nights in the Lake District – exactly what we needed after a chaotic few months. In contrast, our honeymoon (or ‘Honeymoon B’) is set to be a more adventurous affair, with two weeks driving along Norway’s coast and then joining an expedition cruise to Svalbard, where we’ll venture into the Arctic Circle in search of polar bears – fingers crossed!
Memorable Moments
While it’s impossible to list every wonderful moment from my wedding weekend, I’ll try to capture some of the highlights that still make me smile. My hen party was an absolute blast, thanks to my girls’ creativity and energy – I’m sure Seb’s stag party was just as memorable for him! The night before the big day was a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration, with a big dinner and great company at my parents’ house. It was wonderful having our friends and family from out of town stay with us, making it feel like one big happy family.My dad, ever the sentimental one, tried his best to keep things light on the way to the church, not wanting to ruin my makeup (his words!). But he almost succeeded in getting me emotional when he declared it was his job to help his youngest daughter out. I’m so grateful for those moments with him.Seb says seeing me walk down the aisle was amazing – I was practically skipping and Dad was trying to hold me back! We kept whispering sweet nothings to each other during the hymns, much to the amusement of everyone in the front row!One of my favorite parts of the day was the owl display. It was supposed to be a surprise from my parents, but they accidentally let it slip months beforehand. I was thrilled! The guys at Owl & Raptor Displays were incredibly helpful and fascinating. We got to take photos with the owls, feed them, and hear their stories. Our guests loved it!And then there was the ultimate surprise – wedding alpacas, courtesy of my sister! Seb and I had discussed having them, but decided the owls would be enough. Little did we know that my sister had secretly been working on bringing this joyous moment to life. When we were whisked away for ‘photos’ and ended up with not one, but two adorable alpacas in a field, we were overjoyed! We got to pet them, cuddle them, and then they went on to delight the evening guests, leading them up the path to the venue. It was truly unforgettable.
Advice For Other Couples
As the big day approaches, couples often experience a mix of emotions – excitement and stress in equal measure. It’s crucial that partners support each other during this time, as Seb did for me when I was feeling overwhelmed. While some brides may expect their bridal party or friends to be a source of strength, I believe it’s unrealistic to put too much pressure on them. Your loved ones have their own priorities and pressures, just like you do. Instead, focus on supporting each other first and then relying on family and friends as needed. This approach can help prevent conflicts with the people who matter most.In addition, don’t force your bridal party into a specific style or color scheme that doesn’t make them happy. Everyone feels more at ease when they’re comfortable in their own skin. Why waste money on a dress or hairstyle that someone will only wear once and possibly regret? It’s essential to prioritize the happiness of those around you.Finally, consider hiring a wedding coordinator if your venue doesn’t already offer this service. The Wedding Dolls were instrumental in making our wedding day stress-free, as they expertly handled all the behind-the-scenes tasks. Their professionalism was well worth the investment.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The picturesque Longton Wood provided the idyllic backdrop for Lizzie and Seb’s unforgettable wedding celebration. A fusion of elegance and whimsy, the day was brought to life by an impressive array of vendors. Alex Tenters Photography captured the joy and love as it unfolded, while Alex Brown Weddings handled the cinematic videography. The Party Doctors ensured a lively atmosphere in the marquee, which was beautifully styled by The Wedding Dolls. Florist Sue Davies Flowers added a touch of rustic charm with her stunning arrangements. The pièce de résistance was the surprise appearance of owls and alpacas, courtesy of Owl & Raptor Displays and Alpaca Evolution respectively. Guests were treated to a majestic balloon arch by The Glitzy Balloon Company and indulged in sumptuous cake crafted by Beau Bakes, displayed on Oliver Spendley Furniture’s elegant stands. A glittering bar was the brainchild of Queen Mab, while Hire Love took care of styling and co-ordination. Hair and make-up were handled by Samantha Jones Hair and Karen Cox Make-up & Emma Morphett Make-up respectively. The bride’s stunning dress came courtesy of Dressed to Wed, with Bridesmaid Dresses provided by Mix Bridal. Suits were tailored by Anthony Formal Wear, while vinyls played a lively set. Jewellery options were plentiful, with contributions from PurpleLilyVintage, ChicFeetDesigns, PSJewellery Boutique, HelloPushkin, MalisaJewellery, estherdobsonart, BouxJewelsShop, FierceJewellery, and TheCrystalLover. Bubbles and favours added to the merriment, courtesy of Vintagepartyboutique and diamontedesigns respectively, with Choccotastic and PinkLemonadeAndLace providing sweet treats. PartyAnimalGifts contributed place card holders, while OzzyJamesDesigns created a stunning aisle runner. Cufflinks were provided by DaisyandLilyUK, and bridal party pyjamas came courtesy of personaliseddiamante. Lizzie and Seb, thank you for sharing your incredible day with us – wishing you a fantastic honeymoon and many happy memories!