We’re thrilled to share Natalie and Chris’s enchanting Milton Keynes wedding, set amidst the picturesque backdrop of Furtho Manor Farm in Buckinghamshire. Their rustic celebration was a true labor of love, featuring an abundance of fairy lights, succulent favors, and vintage gin bottles that added to the whimsical ambiance.
The day was filled with romantic rainy portraits, delectable sweet treats, and exquisite attire that showcased the couple’s unique style. We’re grateful to Thyme Lane Photography, a renowned WWW wedding supplier, for capturing every special moment and sharing their incredible shots with us.
Milton Keynes Wedding
The Proposal
As we embarked on our weekend getaway to Bath in early December, we were met with a foreboding sign of things to come – relentless rainfall. The trip was spent navigating the downpours, which only added to the charm, as Chris, a proud Yorkshireman, would say. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate attire! Despite the soggy conditions, the proposal itself wasn’t entirely unexpected after five-plus years together. What did catch us off guard, however, was the absence of something sparkly. Instead, we found ourselves in the midst of a muddy hike up a steep incline, with Chris presenting me with a rather…unconventional Haribo ring. Although he made up for it by swapping it out for his grandmother’s exquisite engagement ring.
The Vision
As the world slowly returned to normalcy after a long pandemic-induced pause, my partner and I seized the opportunity to create an unforgettable experience with our loved ones. We’re both drawn to laid-back, rustic vibes and relish the idea of building something from scratch. With this mindset, we embarked on a DIY adventure to craft the perfect day – a whimsical celebration that would bring everyone together.
Budget
Initially, we chose the DIY route as a cost-effective measure, but soon discovered that our inexperience with wedding planning, coupled with the challenges posed by Covid-19 and our aspirational budget, made this approach more expensive than anticipated. In retrospect, knowing the final cost would have been invaluable for budgeting purposes. Nevertheless, if given the opportunity to relive the experience, we wouldn’t make any changes – it’s a memory we cherish.
The Venue
As we began planning our special day, we knew that a rustic setting was a must. With family members scattered throughout the UK and beyond, we weren’t limited by any specific location. Our search led us to Furtho Manor Farm, where we stumbled upon the charming ex-sheep barn, dovecote, and redundant church all nestled on the same property. We were so enamored with the setting that we decided to book it on the spot!
Your Outfits
As I look back on the day, it’s surprising how my original vision didn’t quite materialize. Instead, I found myself smitten with a stunning Maggie Sottero lace dress from George James Bridal – its flowing train proved to be a genius solution for soaking up the puddles that popped up unexpectedly! Meanwhile, Chris had always been drawn to the classic charm of tweed, so this was the perfect opportunity for him and the other gentlemen in attendance to don outfits that harmoniously captured the essence of the setting and time of year. The gents’ attire from Chimney Formal Menswear proved to be a flawless match for the occasion.
The Ceremony & Music
We were thrilled to have our wedding blessing at Furtho’s quaint medieval church, where we were one of the select few couples to tie the knot each year. The intimate atmosphere was only enhanced by the real candles that lit up the space. Natalie made a stunning entrance down the aisle as Chris played a heartfelt piano rendition of Jose Gonzales’ Heartbeats. Following the ceremony, we danced out to the lively beat of Gypsy King’s Bambaleo! It wasn’t long before Natalie convinced Chris to let loose and have a ceilidh – and judging by the photos, it was an instant hit with our guests! People of all ages got caught up in the infectious energy, freely joining in on the dancing or simply enjoying the joyous chaos. It was wonderful to see everyone coming together like that.
The Styling & Decor
As our special day approached, McGee’s expert guidance enabled us to transform the barn into a whimsical wonderland adorned with twinkling fairy lights. In the weeks leading up to the celebration, we devoted ourselves to cultivating an abundance of succulents and collecting an impressive array of gin bottles, carefully curating each element to create the unique ambiance we envisioned.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
At first, we had booked a different photographer for our special day, but when we were forced to postpone the wedding due to unforeseen circumstances, they unfortunately couldn’t accommodate the new date. It ultimately turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it led us to Thyme Lane Photography’s doorstep.
We had previously witnessed Noemi and Pal from Thyme Lane capturing unforgettable moments at our friends’ wedding, which left an indelible impression on us. We were convinced that they were the perfect fit for our big day. Their exceptional professionalism, warm demeanor, and ability to put us at ease made all the difference in what was already a stressful situation.
The Honeymoon
Our mini-moon in the Cotswolds was just the appetizer, as we’re now counting down the days until our delayed honeymoon in the tropical paradise of Cuba – a dream destination that’s been on our radar for some time.
Memorable Moments
Our wedding celebration was filled with memorable moments. A surprise song choice by Stormsy added a unique touch to our church ceremony, prompting a lively exit from the pew and an impromptu dance party. Meanwhile, Natalie’s father brought everyone to tears with his heartfelt Father of the Bride speech. To capture the fun and playfulness of the day, we also set up a photobooth with Waterfall Photobooth, which provided endless entertainment for our guests.