We’re thrilled to share Howard and Madelaine’s unique wedding celebration, which took place on August 18th, 2018. The couple started their special day with a ceremony at St Andoenus Church, followed by a reception at Monmouth Priory in Monmouthshire, Wales. Their wedding was characterized by a relaxed, modern, and effortless vibe that we just can’t get enough of.
One of the standout features of their big day was the incorporation of personal touches. For instance, they opted for a sleek Cadillac as their wedding car, which added to the overall cool factor. Additionally, the crystal-inspired elements and lush greenery-adorned flower arrangements brought an extra layer of sophistication.
The couple’s attire also deserves special mention. Madelaine looked stunning in her lace-belted frock, while Howard’s jacquard blazer paired with a bow tie exuded a dapper charm.
We’re extremely grateful to LoveSeen Photography for sharing these incredible images with us. Be sure to check out the smoke bomb portraits, which are truly breathtaking.
The Proposal
As the sun dipped below the horizon on a secluded Cape Verde beach, Howard dropped to one knee in a romantic gesture that would become etched in Madelaine’s memory forever. The day had started innocently enough, with a champagne delivery and congratulatory card arriving at their hotel room, courtesy of the thoughtful staff. But Madelaine was no stranger to Howard’s clever planning, having been clued in just hours earlier. Yet, she chose to play along, embracing the surprise proposal as the stunning beach scenery provided a picturesque backdrop.
The Vision
As we envisioned our wedding, we wanted to strip away any unnecessary frills and focus on what truly mattered – the emotions and experiences that brought us together. We opted for an understated, relaxed atmosphere where our guests could feel at ease, rather than worrying about impressing them with elaborate displays or over-the-top decorations. It was crucial to us that our celebration wasn’t extravagant, wasteful, or overly focused on romantic clichés. Instead, we aimed to create a warm, inviting space that celebrated the beauty of nature – and the power of rock music. We settled on a dark grey palette as the perfect complement to an abundance of lush greenery, allowing our unique blend of earthy charm and rebellious spirit to shine through.
The Planning Process
As we had been engaged for years, the planning process felt surprisingly relaxed. It wasn’t like a new romance, where every moment feels electric with excitement. Instead, it was more like ‘okay, let’s get this over with’ rather than ‘I’m so stoked to be getting married!’ We only really got down to business in May when my mother found the perfect venue. That said, we did book our photographer back in March, just because. We had a specific date in mind – August 18th, 2018 – mainly because we’re both fans of the number eight. It just so happened that all our planning fell into place on that exact date. Both my partner and I were pretty laidback about the whole thing, taking a ‘what will be, will be’ approach to most things. We did try to leave some things to chance, but within reason, of course.
Budget
With a starting budget of $5,000, we anticipated that the actual cost would likely be closer to $10,000. As it turned out, our expenses exceeded even those expectations, ultimately totaling just over $11,000.
The Venue
The iconic St Andoenus Church in Mountain, Chepstow holds a special significance for the family of Howard, as it is where his parents exchanged their vows. The church’s historic charm and serene atmosphere undoubtedly played a role in inspiring the couple to follow in their footsteps. Furthermore, the exceptional service provided by the team at Monmouth Priory during the reception was truly impressive. Their attention to detail and dedication to ensuring every moment of the celebration was nothing short of remarkable. It is no wonder that they are remembered fondly as an integral part of Howard’s wedding journey, leaving a lasting impression on all who were involved.
The Readings & Music
As we prepared for the church ceremony, we had selected a few hymns to be sung by our gathered community. However, due to an unfortunate mistake – having written the lyrics incorrectly on the order of service – the moment turned into an unexpected comedy of errors and everyone ended up laughing instead of singing along. A silver lining emerged in the form of a beautiful reading by bridesmaid Serah Whatley, who brought to life the poignant passage ‘Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away…’ from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The Alliance further set the tone for the evening with their warm and inviting music played in the courtyard, while Andy Mumford got the party started with his lively beats.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I explored the high street store WED2B, I eventually landed on a peach-coloured off-the-rack dress from House of Fraser after wrestling with conflicting opinions within myself. A month prior to the big day, I stumbled upon a belted silver/grey lace dress by Rosa Clara at All About Eve’s sale rooms in Newport – an unconventional find that departed from my initial search for a relaxed, bohemian style. Yet, as soon as I spotted the unique hue, I knew it was meant to be. Trying it on felt empowering, and in hindsight, I’m grateful I trusted my instincts (and mum!) to make it mine. The dress remained under wraps until the big reveal on the day of the wedding, with the bridal party convinced I was still wearing the peach dress from House of Fraser.Meanwhile, Madelaine adorned herself with a moonstone ring given by Howard that morning and moonstone earrings, a thoughtful gift from her dad, Kieth. For his part, Howard heeded Madelaine’s request to avoid blue suits, inspired by Instagram wedding hashtags showcasing a sea of brown shoes and the same blue style. He opted for a distinctive outfit featuring a grey, blue, and silver jacquard blazer, bow tie, and pocket square from Next.As we prepare to exchange our vows, we’re thrilled to be working with Nicole Iredale, who has crafted a custom design incorporating diamonds from both our grandmothers’ engagement rings – a poignant reminder of the love and commitment that brought us together.
Beauty
When it came to delivering the hair and makeup looks for Madelaine’s special day, her friends Carina Halley and Ffion Hazlewood were the perfect pair. Meanwhile, the bride-to-be opted for a glamorous Hollywood-inspired look that really stole the show. In contrast, the bridesmaids went for a more understated yet still effortlessly pretty and fresh style. The hairstyles featured soft, flowing curls with delicate side twists adding to the overall elegance of the look. As for Madelaine’s signature lip color, she chose the bold and beautiful ‘Chilli’ shade by Mac.
Bridesmaids
The attire for the occasion consisted of soft grey dresses sourced from MixBridal.com. To ensure maximum comfort, the girls had the freedom to select their own style of dresses and shoes, taking into account their individual preferences. In preparation for the big day, Madelaine took it upon herself to create homemade hair grips with the help of the girls several weeks prior. A touch of elegance was added to the bridesmaids’ look with Velvet Teddy lipstick from Mac.
Groomsmen
The decision to choose velvet paisley blazers for the groomsmen from Next was a deliberate one, but finding a style that accommodated a range of sizes proved to be the biggest challenge. To add to the excitement, one of the boys got a little too enthusiastic during the fitting process and ended up ripping his skinny fit trousers in the changing room! Meanwhile, our florist worked her magic by incorporating feathers from Madelaine’s grandmother’s vintage wedding headpiece into each buttonhole as well as the bouquet, serving as a touching tribute to her inability to attend the celebration in person.
The Details & Décor
As we curated the atmosphere, it was a laidback vibe with a subtle nod to alt rock. Every aspect of the day was designed to be as relaxed as possible, from the timing to the table settings. Crystals played a significant role in the celebrations, with bridesmaids adorning homemade hair pieces featuring amethyst and quartz. To show appreciation for their involvement, they received gold and quartz earrings as gifts. Meanwhile, Madelaine’s closest friends were given crystal drop earrings symbolizing their importance to her and their roles in the special day. A classic vinyl gift solidified the bond between the groomsmen.The long tables weren’t numbered; instead, we named them after crystals, hoping to spark conversations with fun facts about each one. Each place setting featured a quote from our favorite songs on the back, providing an extra talking point. Joe from Sick Vintage lent his expertise in crafting signage and arrows, ensuring guests knew where to go and what to do.Food was expertly handled by Joshua’s Catering, offering a mouthwatering array of veggie and vegan BBQ options for lunch, followed by an evening buffet that satisfied our guests’ cravings.
The Flowers
To create the stunning floral arrangements, Emma Webster Flowers worked closely with us to ensure a flawless execution. Prior to the big day, we met on multiple occasions to fine-tune the look, striking a perfect balance between lush greenery and elegant blooms that still felt bridal. The local churchyard’s eucalyptus was carefully selected to add an abundance of texture and drama to the welcome sign and cake table, setting the tone for a truly unforgettable celebration.
The Cake
The celebratory cake provided by Marks and Spencer was complemented by a unique topper sourced from outside the typical high-street offerings. In hindsight, if given the opportunity to relive the day, we would prioritize cutting into the cake and savoring it earlier on, as it surprisingly doubled as an effective hangover remedy during our post-celebration tidy-up the following day.
Your Photographer
When selecting a photographer for our special day, we didn’t just look at their portfolio – we considered the person behind the lens too. Clare Lawrence from LoveSeen Photography perfectly embodies the laid-back atmosphere we were looking for. We had previously spotted her effortlessly capturing moments at a friend’s wedding, and it was her calm demeanor that truly won us over. She exuded an air of tranquility, putting everyone at ease – even before we saw her stunning work.
Memorable Moments
The highlight of the speeches was when our son’s name was mentioned, and he suddenly appeared from the back of the hall where he was seated. It was a heartwarming moment that stole the show! The best man and bridesmaid had arranged a special gift for him during the speeches, which made it even more memorable.On our way to the venue, we arrived in style thanks to a classic black Cadillac Cope De Ville. However, our journey wasn’t without its challenges as we navigated the winding roads of the Wye Valley, with thick black smoke trailing behind us – but luckily, we made it safely and on time.
Advice For Other Couples
In the weeks leading up to our big day, my partner and I were both dealing with the added stress of having separate families. To alleviate this tension, we opted for an unconventional approach – a pre-wedding ice breaker. We invited all parties involved to a local bar, where we enjoyed some drinks together. The informal setting allowed everyone to relax and get to know one another. This clever move not only put our minds at ease but also gave us the confidence that there would be no awkward introductions or strained interactions on the actual wedding day.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The love story began with a captivating photography session, courtesy of LoveSeen Photography. The couple’s special moments were also marked by thoughtfully designed signage and arrows, adding a touch of whimsy to their big day. Vintage elements, including props and candle holders, brought a unique charm to the celebration. To create an immersive atmosphere, Rustic Rentals provided the necessary decor, while Joshua’s Catering ensured that the guests’ taste buds were treated to a culinary delight. The picturesque venue, Monmouth Priory, served as the perfect backdrop for the couple’s love story. Emma Webster Flowers crafted stunning floral arrangements that added a pop of color and elegance to the setting. Lighting expert TJW Electrical worked their magic to create a warm and inviting ambiance, while The Alliance provided the welcome music that set the tone for the evening. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Andy Mumford took over with his soulful tunes, getting the party started. For the ring exchange, Nicole Iredale Designs created stunning pieces that shone brightly under the twinkling lights. The bridesmaid dresses, courtesy of Mix Bridal, added a touch of glamour to the proceedings. Rosa Clara from All About Eve designed the couple’s dream wedding dress, making it truly unforgettable. As they looked back on their special day, Howard and Madelaine expressed heartfelt gratitude to Lou for sharing their love story with us.