As we venture into Hertfordshire, our destination is Milling Barn on October 5th, 2018, where Crystal and Matt are set to tie the knot in a picturesque celebration. The duo’s wedding day unfolds with a soft pink hue dominating the scene, accompanied by rustic elements that add warmth and charm. The flowers, comprising lush pink roses, daisies, and gypsophila, bring a fresh and vibrant touch, harmonizing beautifully with the wooden accents, including hand-painted signage, crates, and log slices. Notably, the semi-naked cake placed atop a rustic log stump is an absolute showstopper – its delectable appearance leaving little to be desired.Crystal’s Enzoani gown steals the spotlight with its stunning lace train, a true head-turner. Meanwhile, Matt and his groomsmen are dapper in their navy suits, complemented by pink ties that mirror the bridesmaids’ long, flowing dresses. Victoria Mitchell Photography has generously shared these breathtaking images with us, allowing us to relive the joyous occasion.
The Proposal
As we embarked on our holiday adventure in Australia, a country that had long been atop my bucket list, Matt surprised me with the ultimate question: would I marry him? The moment of truth unfolded while we were exploring the eastern coast, just two weeks into our trip. It was at Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island, a breathtakingly beautiful destination, where Matt popped the question and received an enthusiastic ‘yes’ from yours truly – a decision that ultimately led me to share my wedding journey with you all.
The Vision
As we pondered our ideal wedding scenario, Matt and I both agreed that prioritizing our guests’ comfort with adequate refreshments and delightful cuisine was paramount. Additionally, we sought a versatile venue where we could seamlessly transition from ceremony to reception – sans religious undertones, given our secular inclinations.
Unencumbered by theme constraints, my sole requirement was a soft pink hue for the flowers and bridesmaid dresses, allowing everything else to harmonize with these elegant choices. Our friends’ September wedding served as a timely reminder to schedule ours at least a fortnight later, thereby granting them a well-deserved honeymoon. This led us to set our sights on early October, buoyed by the region’s typically pleasant weather during that period.
In what would prove to be one of our most astute decisions, we opted for a Friday (5th October) wedding, rather than a Saturday, to avoid the minimum dinner guest count’s slightly higher threshold. As we loaded the car with remnants from the big day, the torrential rain that greeted us the morning after only reinforced our gratitude for having chosen the previous day – and basking in the warmth of that glorious sunshine just hours prior.
The Planning Process
Our planning process was surprisingly seamless, thanks to my organizational skills and Matt’s easy-going nature. As we effortlessly cruised through each step, some of our friends and family were actually worried that things would suddenly become overwhelming or stressful as the big day approached. But we remained laid-back, focusing more on the overall vision rather than getting bogged down in minor details. In fact, I found the entire planning experience so enjoyable that I miss it now. We took a methodical approach to booking our vendors, starting with the photographer and flowers when we secured the venue in March 2017. Throughout the year, we gradually booked the remaining elements, having most things sorted by the end of 2017. For more bespoke items like the place cards – luggage tags with names stamped on them – I simply started working on a table a week before the wedding and completed each one a few months prior.
Budget
While we had initially established a budget, we didn’t strictly adhere to it, yet remained grounded in our financial decisions by maintaining a clear understanding of what justified additional expenditures.
The Venue
As we embarked on planning our special day, we knew we wanted a unique and intimate setting that would allow our loved ones to easily return home after the celebrations. Our search led us to Milling Barn, which checked all the boxes for us – it was not only our first but also our only venue visit. We were so impressed that we booked the barn just days after visiting, securing the perfect spot for our big day.
The culinary delights at Milling Barn truly stole the show. We opted for a serving style where platters of food were placed on each table, which contributed to the relaxed and informal atmosphere we aimed to create. The venue also surprised us with a ‘pimp your prosecco’ station, which proved to be an absolute hit with our guests.
The staff at Milling Barn went above and beyond in their preparation and execution of our event. They were incredibly accommodating, even lending a helping hand when my bridesmaids got caught up in the excitement of ‘pimpin’ their prosecco.’
Bridesmaids
When planning the perfect attire for my bridesmaids, I opted for a multi-way dress in a dusky pink hue that suited each of their unique styles. My sister and three closest friends joined me as my chosen attendants, and we decided to wear matching dresses with a twist. Having seen similar designs online before, I was drawn to the idea of providing them with multiple styling options.After researching various retailers, I stumbled upon Victoria Lou Bridal, whose array of colours and affordable prices caught my attention. To ensure my bridesmaids felt comfortable and confident in their attire, I ordered a sample dress for us all to try on together. Fortunately, they were all receptive to the idea and each chose a different style that suited them best.
The Readings & Music
As our ceremony came to a close, my sister took the microphone to read ‘I Choose You’ by Tyler Kent White – a piece that held special meaning since we’d only recently stumbled upon it just four days prior to the big day. Prior to that, we had another reading planned, but something about this one resonated with me and I couldn’t shake it off. It was as if fate had other plans for our wedding soundtrack.
The walk down the aisle was a memorable moment, accompanied by the iconic ‘Iris’ by The Goo Goo Dolls. As we exchanged our vows, Jamie Lawson’s emotive tones filled the air with ‘Wasn’t Expecting That’. Our first dance as a married couple was made even more special by All-4-One’s heartfelt ballad, ‘I Swear’, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening that would be filled with music and merriment.
Your Outfits & Accessories
During my search for the perfect wedding gown, I visited three bridal shops in total. While I had a general idea of what I wanted, it wasn’t until I stumbled upon McKinley by Enzoani at Le Sposi Bridal that I truly fell in love with the dress. My initial ideas about wanting sleeves didn’t quite pan out as I tried on various dresses, but ultimately, the long train and intricate details on the back of McKinley won me over. The experience was a far cry from my first two visits to bridal shops, where I found dresses that weren’t quite ‘the one.’ It wasn’t until I compared them side-by-side at Le Sposi Bridal that I knew I had finally found my dream dress.
Beauty
As I scoured Pinterest for hair inspiration, a half-up design with gypsophila caught my eye, perfectly aligning with the bridesmaids’ bouquets. I was directed to Chloe at Polished by one of my bridesmaids, whose stylist friend raves about her work. The result was stunning – two of my bridesmaids sported sleek single plaits, while their shorter-haired counterparts showcased unique styles, all incorporating gypsophila. Interestingly, the same bridesmaid also recommended Carly at Boho Beauty, who delivered equally impressive results. Ultimately, all of the bridesmaids were thrilled with their makeup looks, including my sister, whose style is vastly different from mine.
Groomsmen
Matt and his entourage of groomsmen, comprising two best men and two ushers, opted for a uniform navy suit look, complemented by dusky pink ties that harmoniously matched the bridesmaids’ dresses. The suits, sourced from HRH Holmes & Son in Hitchin, were a testament to the grooms’ attention to detail. To complete their ensemble, they chose brown brogues from the same esteemed establishment.
The Flowers
I discovered Ellice, a talented local florist, through an online search. Her unique style immediately caught my attention, and I knew she was the perfect fit for creating my dream bouquet. I was specific about the color palette – a range of pinks that would perfectly capture the essence of the occasion. To complement the blooms, I wanted a subtle touch of greenery, which Ellice expertly incorporated into both the table arrangements and my bridesmaids’ gypsophila bouquets, creating a cohesive look that exuded elegance and charm.
The Details & Décor
Our florist kindly provided log slices for the ceremony, while my cousin, who runs Elsie Styling and Hire, lent us jam jars to add a touch of elegance to our table flowers. For signage, we turned to Katie at Painted by Katie, who created custom orders including an ‘order of the day’ sign, a special message for my nephew Albie as he walked down the aisle with my sister, and a humorous ‘I am the confetti man’ sign for one of our ushers. To plan our seating arrangement, we used luggage tags and a map from Etsy, thoughtfully grouping each table according to a meaningful place where we’ve spent time together. We also scored a free suitcase on Gumtree to collect gifts and cards, as well as bunting and a guestbook from Hobbycraft. The venue graciously provided fairy lights, which complemented our hired light-up love letters from Rocks and Frocks. A standout feature was the personalized confetti cones from The Confetti Cone Company, featuring our names and wedding date; we filled these with varying shades of pink confetti also sourced from Etsy.
The Cake
A show-stopping three-tiered semi-naked cake caught everyone’s attention at the party – its layered goodness consisted of a top layer infused with the brightness of lemon, a middle tier swirled with the richness of peanut butter, and a bottom layer featuring the classic sweetness of vanilla. Jo from Bake-A-Lot, discovered through Facebook, was the mastermind behind this delectable creation. To ensure maximum enjoyment, we had cut the cake into bite-sized pieces for guests to savor throughout the evening. In fact, the only remaining slice left was a small plate that our household got to take home, testament to the cake’s widespread popularity! The beautiful floral arrangement on top was courtesy of Willow and Blossom, adding an extra touch of elegance to this already impressive dessert.
Your Photographer
We discovered Victoria Mitchell through our venue’s recommendation, which led us to explore her previous work. We were impressed by her natural documentary style, which perfectly captured the little moments and details between our guests that we might have otherwise missed. Our decision was vindicated on the day, as many of our guests praised her warm demeanor. We’re thrilled with our photos, which we can’t get enough of!
The Honeymoon
Following our wedding, we embarked on a series of romantic getaways to shake off the newlywed blues. Our first mini-moon took us to Santorini for four enchanted nights, where we indulged in the picturesque landscapes and each other’s company. Later that year, we jetted off to Sri Lanka and the Maldives for an extended 14-day adventure, which proved to be a wonderful distraction from the post-wedding haze.
Memorable Moments
As I reflect on our wedding day, a few moments stand out as particularly special. One was the morning get-together with my closest friends – my bridesmaids – where we prepared to take on the day ahead. Another was the opportunity to craft and recite our own vows to one another, making the experience all the more personal and meaningful. The celebratory atmosphere only intensified as we emerged from the ceremony, surrounded by cheering guests and a sea of confetti. My sister’s heartfelt speech also left a lasting impression, and I treasured the chance to have all of our loved ones gathered in one place for a day that will be etched in my memory forever.
Advice For Other Couples
While some might argue that the effort required to plan a wedding is exhausting, I firmly believe that the payoff is well worth it. The culmination of months of planning culminates in a truly unforgettable experience – the perfect blend of joy, love, and celebration.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Victoria Mitchell Photography beautifully captured the essence of Crystal and Matt’s special day. The ceremony took place at the picturesque Milling Barn, where the bride and groom exchanged vows surrounded by lush greenery and warm sunlight. The florist, Willow and Blossom, added a touch of elegance with their stunning arrangements. To add a personal touch, painted signs by Katie welcomed guests to the celebration. Crystal’s gown was designed by Le Sposi, with her bridesmaids sporting dresses from Victoria Lou Bridal. Boho Beauty handled makeup duties, while Polished took care of hair styling. The delectable cake was crafted by Bake-A-Lot, and jam jars from Elsie Styling and Hire added a charming rustic touch. Love Lights illuminated the aisle, Rocks and Frocks created a whimsical atmosphere with their props, and Confetti Cones from Confetti Cone Company brought joy to all who participated. The groom and his groomsmen looked dashing in attire provided by HRH Holmes. It’s been an absolute pleasure sharing this lovely couple’s story with you.