As we delve into the enchanting world of Shanna and Dominic’s Millbridge Court wedding, it’s hard not to be swept away by the sheer magic of their special day. On August 15th, 2019, in Surrey, surrounded by lush greenery and a picturesque backdrop, they exchanged vows in an outdoor ceremony that exuded romance and charm. The subsequent barn reception was a masterclass in understated elegance, with a subtle botanical theme woven throughout the decor. Fresh flowers, carefully curated to create a whimsical atmosphere, mingled effortlessly with copper and acrylic accents. Acrylic signs added a touch of modern sophistication, while Shanna’s calligraphy skills brought a personal, handmade quality to the overall aesthetic. The barns themselves were transformed through DIY masterstrokes, resulting in a visually stunning setting that perfectly complemented the couple’s rustic-chic vibe. Shanna shone in her Enzoani gown, accessorized with a breathtaking flower crown, while Dominic opted for a dapper blazer and chinos combination. Their bridesmaids added a soft, grey hue to the proceedings, creating a sense of cohesion and harmony throughout. We’re forever grateful to Surrey Wedding Photographer Kirsty Mackenzie for sharing these stunning images with us today, allowing us to relive the joy and beauty of Shanna and Dominic’s special day.
The Proposal
Dom and I met the circumstances of our friendship in school, where our mutual friends’ relationship blossomed. A serendipitous encounter at our local pub solidified our bond when Tom, a close friend, bought us sambuca shots. In the ensuing chaos, Dom kindly offered to bring them over, only for them to end up all over my lap. Apologies were exchanged via message the next day, marking the beginning of our journey together. Eight years later, Dom would pop the question.The ring had been in his possession for months prior, intended as a surprise during our spontaneous trip to Brugge. However, my last-minute invitation of close friends scuttled those plans, leaving Dom crestfallen – he’d been carrying the ring wrapped in his backpack’s pants pocket all along! We eventually found ourselves on the picturesque island of Santorini, where we stumbled upon an secluded spot, hidden away from prying eyes. A travel blog’s gem, accessible only by navigating a water treatment plant and a cliffside path, became our sunset-watching sanctuary before dinner each night. And so, under the golden glow of that enchanting backdrop, Dom finally proposed, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
The Vision
My goal for the wedding was to create an atmosphere that was laid-back, enjoyable, and full of laughter. As long as our guests were having fun and the drinks were flowing, I wasn’t too concerned about the finer details. Since many of our friends are not married, we haven’t had the opportunity to attend numerous weddings. However, I knew from the start that I wanted a Mumford & Sons-inspired band and unique-looking cuisine – Kalm Kitchen absolutely delivered on both fronts.
The Planning Process
As someone who struggles with decision-making, planning our special day was a challenge for me. Fortunately, I had an incredible support system in place – my loved ones were eager to get involved and make their mark on the wedding. My mum, in particular, was instrumental in bringing our vision to life. She grew our wedding flowers from scratch, while friends and family contributed in various ways, such as crafting our beautiful cake, designing our invitations, and helping with decor and signage. I also tried my hand at DIY projects, creating menus and signs on Perspex/Acrylic that were later cut to size. With just under a year to plan, we learned the importance of pacing ourselves and allowing more time for preparation.
The Venue
We had a fantastic experience visiting several venues before falling head over heels in love with Millbridge Court. This charming and cozy location exudes beauty, and its unique feature of large windows surrounding the space makes for breathtaking photographs. What truly set it apart from other barns was the inclusion of Kalm Kitchen, which offers on-site accommodations for families, a luxurious lodge for the couple, and an impressive best man’s lodge. I loved that Millbridge Court has the feel of a home within its walls – a very upscale one at that – and is filled with a wonderful aroma. The venue also hosts date nights and tasting nights for couples, allowing you to get familiar with it before the big day.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I embarked on my wedding planning journey, I was excited to dive into the world of dress shopping! Contrary to expectations, it didn’t take weeks of trying on countless dresses; instead, I found the perfect fit with a little help from loved ones. Accompanied by my mum, auntie, and Dom’s mum, we ventured to Go Bridal in Tunbridge Wells for an immersive experience complete with champagne. The staff were warm and accommodating, allowing me to get a sense of what suited me best. With a clear vision of something bohemian-inspired, I visited Heart Aflutter in Hackney, where I discovered unique and beautiful dresses that caught my eye. Though I found some promising options, it wasn’t until our third stop at The Wedding Dress Shop in Wimbledon that I finally found ‘the one.’ To give it a relaxed twist, I opted for a custom fit with a split up the front, making it distinctly mine. I was absolutely smitten! Meanwhile, Dom took a more laid-back approach to his attire, opting out of a traditional suit and instead settling on a stylish combination from Reiss – a grey blazer paired with navy trousers, a crisp white shirt, and navy shoes. It wasn’t until our third attempt that we struck the perfect balance between smart and casual.
The Readings & Music
As we wanted to keep our ceremony intimate and brief, we opted out of readings altogether. The soundtrack for our special moment featured Skinny Love by Bon Ivor as I made my way down the aisle. After exchanging vows to instrumental versions of Here Comes the Sun, Riptide, and Ho Hey, we walked back down the aisle together, accompanied by the soothing sounds of You’ve Got The Love by Florence and the Machine. Our experience at a friend’s wedding just months prior had left a lasting impression – the roaming band had added an unforgettable touch to the celebration. Inspired by that, we asked our own band to kick off straight after the ceremony and perform outside, creating a lively atmosphere. For our first dance, we wanted something unique. We requested the band start with a slow, acoustic rendition of Hey ya (Outkast), allowing our family to witness the romantic moment before picking up the pace and inviting everyone else onto the dance floor. The result was pure magic – people still rave about that unforgettable performance!
Beauty
When it came to achieving a natural look, I found myself drawn to Jessica Short Hair & Make Up’s work. Her styles resonated with me, and what struck me most was her calm and professional demeanor – even amidst the chaos of six children under six getting ready alongside us. The end result? A flawless make-up job and hairstyle that endured throughout the entire day without a hitch.
Bridesmaids
Choosing bridesmaid dresses was a daunting task for me, as I wanted to ensure everyone’s happiness without breaking the bank. My girls aren’t typically fond of pink hues, but I discovered stunning grey options from Oasis that wowed them. The flower girls, on the other hand, looked adorable in beautiful dresses sourced from Not On The Highstreet and Matchimony, a local shop near us. What impressed me most was the exceptional quality and fit of these lovely garments.
Groomsmen
In keeping with the laid-back atmosphere, we decided to keep the groomsmen’s attire simple yet stylish. While Dom opted for a more formal look with his navy blazer, we opted for a similar yet distinct approach by having them wear navy trousers and shoes instead. To add a touch of elegance without going overboard, we chose navy braces as an alternative to a traditional blazer. All the groomsmen’s outfits and accessories were sourced from popular retailers Next and M&S.
The Flowers
For me, flowers were an integral part of my wedding aesthetic. I was drawn to a lush, botanical feel with plenty of greenery and foliage. My mum’s passion for gardening meant she grew most of our flowers, transforming our breakfast room into a stunning setting. It was lovely to return home each week and witness the flowers blooming in the garden. I later discovered Francesca Sharp, who crafted our bouquets, flower crowns, buttonholes, aisle flowers, and confetti. After sharing some inspiration images with her, she exceeded my expectations (and at a very reasonable price!) by creating stunning arrangements that added to the overall ambiance of the venue. Her dedication even extended to rearranging the flowers throughout the day, making it seem like we had an endless supply.
Your Photographer
When I began searching for a photographer to capture our special day, I knew exactly what I was looking for: vibrant, playful, and candid images. That’s when I stumbled upon Kirsty Mackenzie on Instagram – her style immediately resonated with me. I didn’t feel the need to explore further, as I had found the perfect fit. On the wedding day itself, Kirsty was a true delight, effortlessly blending in with our family and friends. She handled the chaos of rowdy cousins and energetic kids with ease and patience. What impressed me most, however, was her exceptional professionalism throughout the entire process. She provided an invaluable guidebook filled with helpful tips, which greatly aided us on the day of the wedding. Even after that, she continued to surprise us with thoughtful gestures in the mail, making us feel truly seen and appreciated.
Your Filmmaker
As our budget began to dwindle towards the end of our planning, we regretfully had to abandon the idea of hiring a videographer. But fate had other plans. A university friend of mine, aware of our predicament, made his way to the girls’ dressing room on the morning of our special day with a surprise gift in tow – a wedding video that would become one of the most treasured memories from our celebration. His kindness, humor, and charisma won over every guest, and we’re forever grateful for the incredible film he created. We can’t get enough of it!
The Details & Décor
Drawing inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram, I wished for a platform like this to spark my creativity. For my event, I opted for an acrylic and copper theme, taking matters into my own hands by crafting many elements myself. I ordered a plethora of acrylic sheets and white pens, designing menus, table signs, and venue signage. Even the table plan was a DIY endeavor! My dad lent a helping hand, fabricating copper stands to elevate the signs. To add a touch of whimsy, I painted dinosaurs for the children’s place names and scattered flip flops and sparklers throughout the space. We also introduced a few surprise elements, including a ‘Pimp Your Prosecco’ station and vibrant balloons from Bubblegum Balloons. Thankfully, Millbridge Court is a venue that welcomes personal touches, allowing us to add our own flair while still appreciating its natural beauty.
The Cake
A sweet treat was courtesy of a dear acquaintance, who crafted the cake itself, while my mother added a touch of elegance with her delicate floral decorations. And let me tell you, it tasted simply divine.
The Honeymoon
As we were still basking in the joy of our recent wedding celebration, my partner and I decided on a whim to book four nights along the picturesque French Riviera as a mini-moon. This impromptu getaway proved to be a brilliant idea, allowing us to prolong the blissful honeymoon atmosphere just that little bit longer. Our summer plans are now taking shape with a thrilling safari adventure in Kenya (Kicheche Camp) and some well-deserved beach relaxation in Zanzibar (Zuri Zanzibar), where we’ll also be spending our anniversary – another opportunity for us to revel in the happiness of being newlyweds.
Memorable Moments
As we exchanged vows, a sea of smiling faces surrounded us, including our closest friends and family members. The atmosphere was electric with love and excitement. Shan’s beaming face as she walked down the aisle for the first time will forever be etched in my memory. For me, it was all about the little moments: getting ready with my girls on a sunny morning, hearing heartfelt speeches that left us all emotional, and sharing our first dance as a married couple. But what really stole the show was the party that followed – an unforgettable night of laughter, music, and joy.
Advice For Other Couples
While it’s easy to advise others to ‘keep calm and don’t sweat the small stuff,’ it’s often challenging to practice what you preach. That being said, it’s crucial to maintain a positive attitude and not stress if unexpected changes arise. In fact, embracing flexibility can make the planning process more enjoyable. If possible, allow yourself sufficient time to plan and prepare, as this can significantly reduce stress levels. Moreover, don’t be afraid to ask for help – involving others in the process can make it feel more personal and shared.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The talented team of creatives who brought Shanna and Dominic’s bohemian-inspired celebration to life included photographer Kirsty Mackenzie Photography, videographer Ben Thomas BT Filming, and a range of other skilled professionals. The picturesque venue was Millbridge Court, while the delicious cuisine was courtesy of Kalm Kitchen. The stunning floral arrangements were designed by Mother of the Bride & Francesca Sharp, with Jessica Short handling hair and makeup for the happy couple. Enzoani from The Wedding Dress Shop supplied the beautiful wedding dress, with Oasis providing stylish bridesmaid dresses and Matchimony creating adorable flower girl attire. A decadent cake was crafted by Nancy Osborne, while the lively entertainment came courtesy of Festival Folk – Tailored Entertainment, a member of the esteemed Wedding Directory. To add an extra touch of whimsy, Bubblegum Balloons provided balloons that perfectly complemented the couple’s unique style. The whole experience was truly unforgettable, and Shanna and Dominic are grateful to have shared their special day with us.