It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Peonies – their fluffy blooms are the epitome of joy! For Chloe and Orges’ special day, they incorporated these stunning flowers into their wedding celebration, along with many other gorgeous details. The couple tied the knot at Mannington Gardens in Norfolk on July 20th, 2019. Their ceremony took place in front of the main house, backed by a picturesque backdrop of flowers and dream catchers. This was followed by a lively celebration in a stretch tent marquee, which featured personal touches and DIY décor. The result was truly glorious! Chloe wore not one, but two show-stopping dresses – a breathtaking lace number with an impressive train, and a shorter, sweeter dress for dancing, which she paired with a bohemian-inspired flower crown. Orges looked dashing in his navy suit, complete with a succulent buttonhole and desert boots, giving him a refreshingly cool look. Both bride and groom truly stole the show! As you flip through these beautiful captures by Cara Zagni Photography, be sure to keep an eye out for the fabulous signage, gorgeous peony bouquet, and charming cake. Thanks so much to Cara for sharing these utterly lovely moments with us – it’s clear that this was a day filled with love.
The Proposal
I had always been the one to plan our daily adventures, but on November 24th, 2017, Orges surprised me by arranging a dinner date without my knowledge. His thoughtful gesture was all the more special because he knew how much I loved trying new restaurants. As we enjoyed our meal at this beautiful establishment, Orges excused himself for a few minutes, leaving me wondering what he was up to. When he returned, he led me to a stunning candle-lit hotel room that had been transformed into a romantic oasis. The pièce de résistance was the scattering of red rose petals in the shape of a heart on the floor, accompanied by a sign reading ‘Marry me.’ Orges then presented me with a breathtaking ring that fit perfectly – it was truly my dream proposal come true.
The Vision
We sought a unique blend of rustic charm and understated elegance for our special day. While I adore all things bohemian, we also wanted our celebration to feel fresh and uncomplicated. To achieve this, we incorporated unconventional elements like cacti, succulents, and gypsophila into our decor. Our cultural heritage also played a significant role in the planning process – my partner is from Albania, and I’m from the UK. We wove subtle nods to our shared roots throughout the day, incorporating maps into our confetti cones and table centers. My bouquet was a particular highlight, featuring carefully curated flowers that reflected my personal style. I also wore a stunning flower crown for the evening’s festivities, as I love embracing the bohemian spirit. To create an atmosphere that felt relaxed and inviting, we opted for outdoor seating in the form of hay bales, complete with plush blankets to snuggle up in as the night drew to a close.
The Planning Process
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless ceremonies and celebrations. Drawing inspiration from these experiences, I reflected on the past year’s weddings, taking note of the flow and attention to detail that made each day so special. With 18 months to plan and save, my partner and I deliberately kept our spending in check, opting for a more modest approach. What emerged was a testament to our creativity and elbow grease – we hand-painted and built most of our decorations and signage, imbuing every aspect with love and personal touch. The sense of accomplishment as the big day unfolded was all the sweeter knowing that we’d poured our hearts into each meticulous detail.
Budget
While it’s true that we went over budget, it’s hardly surprising when planning a wedding. In fact, having a spreadsheet to keep track of expenses was a lifesaver for me. I highly recommend this approach to fellow brides-to-be! The unexpected costs crept up on us gradually, as we had plenty of time to plan and didn’t initially notice the cumulative effect of these smaller expenses. Having a system in place really helped us stay organized and avoid any last-minute financial shocks.
The Venue
We selected Mannington Hall’s picturesque grounds as our wedding venue, and from the moment we visited, we knew it was meant to be. As a photographer, I was seeking the perfect backdrop for our photos, along with ample space for our marquee. We exchanged vows just outside the Hall, surrounded by its serene moat and lush lily pads – a dream location for any photographer! The marquee was set up in a nearby field, flanked by sheep grazing peacefully, and plenty of open space for the kids to run wild and free.
The Readings & Music
As I strolled down the aisle, the enchanting melody of ‘Tale as Old as Time’ from Beauty and the Beast, arranged for violin, filled the air. In contrast to more traditional wedding elements, we opted for an understated approach, exchanging heartfelt vows with the help of a cherished family friend, sans formal readings.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I recall, Chloe’s stunning dress came from Cinderella’s in Kings Lynn, although unfortunately, the store has since closed its doors. We managed to snag an incredible deal as they were clearing out their inventory. Her vision was for a dress that exuded elegance and beauty while still fitting in with the outdoor rustic theme. A flowing lace train was a non-negotiable element, and she also wanted a second dress for the evening so she could dance the night away and embody her bohemian spirit. Meanwhile, Orges opted for a navy suit from Moss Bros in Ipswich, where the staff were incredibly helpful during the selection process. His choice of navy ultimately influenced our decision-making when it came to choosing the colours for the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Beauty
Sarah Swain, a talented local hairdresser from Norwich, worked her magic on Chloe’s locks. She effortlessly curled and styled her hair, adding a touch of gypsophila to complete the overall aesthetic. Meanwhile, Olivia Alice Beauty, whom I had the pleasure of working with at a previous wedding, was tasked with transforming Chloe into a stunning beauty. As someone who typically eschews heavy makeup, Chloe’s natural charm shone through in a flawless, yet understated, look that perfectly accentuated her features.
Bridesmaids
At an affordable £50 each from ASOS, the identical dresses worn by the girls were a stunning find. With minor alterations to the length, these beautiful dresses looked even more luxurious than their modest price tag suggested. To take them to the next level, we added delicate belts handcrafted from the pocket squares that came with the men’s ties. This thoughtful touch helped tie all the colors together perfectly. A diamanté appliqué from Amazon was the finishing touch, making it impossible to tell that the belt wasn’t a high-end purchase.
The Flowers
Myrtle and the Bee truly outdid themselves in their contribution to my special day. From the meticulously crafted buttonholes for the groomsmen to the elegant corsages for my esteemed guests, they brought my floral vision to life. Of course, the crowning glory was my breathtaking bouquet, a masterful arrangement of eucalyptus, gypsophila, peonies, mint, foliage, and thistle – a thoughtful nod to my Scottish heritage. But what truly impressed me was their exceptional attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond. They even surprised me with beautiful floral decorations for the ceremony, exceeding all expectations. And let’s not forget the stunning dreamcatchers they created to adorn my altar, a testament to their creative genius and ability to capture my vision.
Groomsmen
The groom’s right-hand man made a stylish impression, opting for a dashing ensemble sourced directly from online retailers. His choice of attire featured a sophisticated dark navy hue that harmoniously complemented the groom’s own outfit, creating a cohesive and stylish visual identity.
Your Photographer
As we searched for the perfect photographer to capture our special day, I was particularly discerning due to my own experience as a wedding photographer. When I discovered Cara Zagni’s work, I knew immediately that she was the ideal choice – her style and color palette were eerily reminiscent of my own. Her package included an engagement session, which proved to be a stroke of genius, allowing us to build a rapport with Cara and gain insight into what it’s like to be in front of the lens for a change! Throughout the planning process, Cara remained in regular contact, forging a connection that transcended mere professionalism. On the wedding day itself, I was barely aware she was there at all – her unobtrusive presence allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the celebration. Not only did she capture every detail we requested, but she also managed to capture moments we hadn’t even anticipated. As someone who’s not typically fond of being photographed, I’m still astonished by Cara’s ability to put me at ease – I adore every shot she took. We can’t sing her praises enough and are still deliberating over which photos to frame and proudly display on our walls!
Your Filmmaker
Working with Matt from True Capture Videography was a fantastic experience. I had initially considered not having a videographer at my wedding, but after seeing his work at another event I photographed and attending a highlight video from that wedding, I knew I had to have one! The end result exceeded my expectations, as Matt seamlessly blended into the background, capturing every moment with precision and passion. While I’m still waiting to receive my final video, I’m confident it will be an incredible way to relive the day’s memories.
The Details & Décor
We took a hands-on approach to decorating for our special day, involving ourselves or others in creating unique elements. We transformed pallets into decorative pieces and crafted direction signs with personalized touches. Our friend even added her own flair by writing on our card box. To deviate from the traditional guestbook, we designed wooden initials and asked loved ones to sign them instead. These keepsakes now adorn our bedroom wall, serving as a constant reminder of our wedding day. We also wanted to incorporate a meaningful element that tied in with both our countries’ cultures. To achieve this, we used paper with map prints for confetti cones and table numbers, subtly highlighting the union of Albanian and UK cultures. I even added flags to the back of my Converse shoes as a playful nod to this cultural fusion.In terms of stationery, we designed our own invitations and save-the-dates, making sure every detail reflected our personalities. To make it extra special, we created magnets using small wooden logs for our guests to display on their fridges, ensuring they’d never forget the date. The night before the wedding, a fantastic team of family and friends lent us a helping hand, setting up decorations, seating areas, and more. It was a true collaborative effort that made the big day all the more memorable.
The Cake
The celebration wouldn’t have been the same without the exquisite cake, which was lovingly crafted by my mum’s skilled hands. As the owner of her own tearoom, she has honed her baking skills to perfection, making it no surprise that the cake turned out to be a masterpiece. The finishing touches were provided by a family friend who created intricate hand-made sugar succulents that were so realistic, one would have mistaken them for real plants. Her attention to detail was truly impressive, adding an extra layer of magic to our special day.
The Honeymoon
As we hail from Albania, the cradle of my beloved Orges, it only makes sense that we’d want to mark this special occasion with a trip back to its roots. Come September 2019, we’ll be jetting off to Albania for our wedding celebration, and what better way to follow up the joyous festivities than with a romantic honeymoon getaway in the same enchanting country? The picturesque landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality of Albania will undoubtedly provide the perfect backdrop for our post-wedding bliss.
Memorable Moments
As I stepped into the venue, I was struck with emotion as the reality of marrying the love of my life finally hit me. The first dance, an iconic moment we had dreamed about for years, exceeded our expectations – it was truly magical. Little did I know, Orges would be busy ensuring my train didn’t get in the way of his own steps! In a surprising twist, our wedding photo booth became an instant hit with guests, capturing the joy and laughter that filled the air. Meanwhile, I had to rely on my friend’s quick thinking to guide me, Orges, our photographer, and videographer to the perfect spot for those coveted sunset photos – just as we were running late! With Orges already in a jovial state, this adventure turned into a sidesplitting escapade that still has us laughing about it today.
Advice For Other Couples
When it comes to planning your wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in minute details. However, on your special day, you’ll likely find that the little things don’t matter as much as you thought they would. Instead of stressing over every tiny aspect, focus on what truly matters: creating a celebration that brings joy and happiness to those around you. Invite loved ones who bring positivity and support into your life, and prioritize building memories with them.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The creative team behind Chloe and Orges’ enchanting wedding celebration was truly exceptional. Led by photographer Cara Zagni Photography, the visual narrative of their special day was brought to life. The cinematography expertise of True Capture Videography ensured that every moment, from preparation to celebration, was captured with precision and beauty. Floral arrangements were designed by the talented Myrtle and the Bee, adding a touch of whimsy and romance to each setting. Makeup artist Olivia Alice Beauty worked her magic to enhance the natural beauty of the wedding party, while Holly Honey Well Weddings provided meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the event’s planning. Sarah Swain International Hair & Make Up Artist styled the hair of the bridesmaids with flair and finesse. Gourmet Grub Catering delighted guests with delectable culinary offerings, and Finchys’ energetic beats kept the dance floor lively throughout the evening. The idyllic setting at Mannington Gardens provided a picturesque backdrop for the couple’s joyous celebration. A heartfelt thank you to Chloe and Orges from Lou for sharing their lovely wedding experience.