I’m thrilled to share this enchanting marquee wedding with you! Mary Grace and Connor tied the knot on June 1st, 2019, in a charming church ceremony followed by a lushly decorated marquee reception at a family home in Wales. The celebration exuded effortless elegance, with a pole tent marquee adorned simply yet beautifully, surrounded by vibrant blooms and stylish attire.Mary Grace’s BHLDN sequin gown stole the show, and her bohemian-inspired hair plaits added to the whimsical charm. Connor, on the other hand, opted for a dapper suit and tie ensemble that perfectly complemented his best man’s attire.The floral arrangements were truly breathtaking – an abundance of white blooms, including hydrangeas, roses, and peonies, artfully paired with lush greenery to evoke a fresh, natural ambiance. I’m particularly enamored with the flower arch at the church and Mary Grace’s stunning bridal bouquet. It’s a true masterpiece.A huge thank you goes out to Fox & Bear Photography for generously sharing these exquisite captures of this joyous occasion.
The Proposal
It was a day filled with surprises as Connor remained incredibly accommodating throughout our shopping adventure! Typically, he’s not one to indulge in shopping sprees with me, but this time around, we visited every store on the list. As I reflected on his unusual cooperation, I couldn’t help but appreciate his good-natured attitude. Later that day, around lunchtime, Connor asked what I wanted for dinner and my response was straightforward – I craved calamari! Fast-forward a few hours and we found ourselves cozied up at home, indulging in a movie and munching on popcorn. The hunger pangs were real, and by the time it struck 5 o’clock, I couldn’t take it anymore – I pleaded with him to let us grab dinner already. Connor’s response was nothing short of perfect: ‘No, because I love you, and I want you to marry me, and we have a reservation at 7:30.’ His slight concern that the evening was too low-key only added to the romance, as I never wanted anything more than this quiet, intimate setting.
The Vision
To showcase the breathtaking natural beauty of Wales, we opted for an understated yet elegant celebration. Our family home, nestled in a lush valley, didn’t require any embellishments – just a sprinkle of flowers to fill out the spaces. The outdoor reception beneath a stunning marquee was surrounded by picturesque gardens and trees that climbed up the valley’s sides, creating an unintentionally rustic ambiance that harmonized perfectly with the 15th or 16th century stone walled home serving as our backdrop. Given that we were planning the wedding from abroad, we aimed to minimize vendor involvement, which proved fortuitous in selecting Posh Frocks and Wellies for their comprehensive services – marquee, lights, decorations, flooring, tables, chairs, and more. Once they were on board, everything fell into place. Their offerings beautifully complemented our natural theme. Additionally, a church service was paramount to us. Initially, we had planned to get married at St. Grwst in llanrwst, but it was fully booked. My cousin suggested St. Mary’s in Betws-y-coed, and what a wonderful choice – a lovely Victorian church that left a lasting impression on our guests and us.
The Planning Process
We kicked off our wedding planning by finding a photographer who would capture our special day. We searched online for ‘wedding photographers in North Wales’ and stumbled upon Fox and Bear, who ended up being fantastic! Their pictures, reviews, and Instagram feed gave us a good sense of their style and we were thrilled with the results.We also discovered Posh Frocks and Wellies through my cousin’s recommendation. We fell head over heels for their marquees and services – I wanted everything they offered! Steve, the owner, was amazing to work with. He visited our reception location multiple times before the wedding to ensure everything was perfect. When we had a last-minute change of heart about the marquee size, he accommodated us without hesitation.Before the big day, my partner and I took a trip to Wales in March. We met with many of our vendors for the first time, including our caterer, and had a tasting session. We were nervous about the catering, but it turned out to be excellent! This trip was crucial in hammering out the final details and figuring out what needed to happen in the week leading up to the wedding.The week of the wedding was chaotic, to say the least. We arrived in Wales on Tuesday after a long weekend in Paris with friends. With my family’s help, we managed to put together many last-minute tasks, including supervising the marquee setup, decorating, and setting up lights along the path to the house. We also prepared gift bags for our guests, which were filled with treats from both the UK and US.On the morning of the wedding, my maid of honour and I set out the gift bags, placed name cards and menus on the tables, and made sure everything was in order. Our wedding planner was a lifesaver – she kept everything running smoothly, was incredibly organized, and provided us with helpful recommendations for vendors. She even sent over an itinerary to our guests and vendors, which ensured everyone knew what was happening when.
Budget
Although our initial budget for the project was approximately $15,000 USD, it’s likely that we exceeded this amount due to various factors such as currency fluctuations and exchange rates. Estimating an exact figure proved challenging given the complexities of international transactions.
The Venue
The picturesque 15th or 16th century home of my cousin in Llanrwst provided the idyllic setting for our wedding reception. I had always been enchanted by this charming residence, which I first discovered as a child. Nestled in the valley and set back from the main road, the house is surrounded by beautiful gardens that we were able to transform into a kids’ play area and a secluded seating spot. This thoughtful layout allowed guests to move freely between spaces, enjoying the scenery without being confined to a single marquee.
Beauty
I recently had my hair done at a local salon in Llanrwst, where the stylist did an outstanding job on both mine and my mom’s hair. What really caught my attention was the stunning hairpiece adorned with jewels she wove into my braid – it added a touch of elegance to the overall look.On the other hand, I took charge of my own makeup application. Prior to the wedding, I had a consultation at Nordstrom where I received a detailed guide from the expert who has been doing my makeup for years. The instructions were meticulous, including a chart that specified the exact brush to use and placement of each product. With some practice under my belt before the big day, I was able to get comfortable with wearing makeup – a departure from my usual no-makeup routine.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As the night before our special day arrived, we gathered for a traditional rehearsal dinner in the US. I opted for an adorable lace-like dress from Anthropologie, a store renowned for its whimsical designs and feminine flair. Little did I know, finding the perfect rehearsal dinner dress would be just as challenging as selecting my wedding attire! After much deliberation, I finally settled on the dress, which exuded a certain je ne sais quoi when I slipped it on. To complete my look, I paired the dress with blue topaz earrings gifted to me by my father for Valentine’s Day the previous year and a bracelet featuring my childhood nickname.For our intimate pre-wedding gathering, we ordered matching pyjamas from Confetti, and the three of us – myself, my maid of honour, and another dear friend – enjoyed a relaxed evening together.My wedding dress, sourced from BHLDN, was an absolute showstopper. I had always coveted their unique designs, and this dress did not disappoint. Its intricate copper and silver beads and moulded leaf-like sequins perfectly captured the natural essence of our special day. While I initially harboured some doubts about its ‘bridal’ appeal, one glance in the mirror told me that it was meant to be mine. Connor’s mother kindly lent me her stunning blue sapphire ring, which proved surprisingly heavy, and I also wore my great-grandmother’s watch, a beautiful rose gold piece that harmonized beautifully with my attire. My earrings, too, were rose gold, featuring blue topaz, a thoughtful gift from my parents brought back from Italy as an early wedding present. To complete my look, I added a brooch inherited from my grandmother and wrapped one of her vintage handkerchiefs around my bouquet.
Groomsmen
We decided to opt for suits instead of tuxedos, mindful of the costs our maid of honour and best man would incur when traveling from the US to the UK. To make things more affordable, my husband sourced a suit from Nordstrom while his best man rented one from Black Tux, a unique website that offers gentlemen’s formal wear for rent, much like Rent the Runway. The best man was actually a childhood friend of my husband’s, and their strong bond is evident in their regular phone calls, which, although characterized by their distinct accents, are endearing to behold.
The Readings & Music
One of the most challenging aspects of our wedding planning was selecting the music. After pouring over countless songs and passages, we ultimately chose a combination that reflected our personalities and values. For the ceremony, we opted for Calon Lan to accompany our guests as they arrived, Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring by Bach during the family seating processional, Canon in D for the processional itself, Hallelujah by Handel for the bride and father’s entrance, and The Force Theme from Star Wars as our exit song – yes, it really happened, and it was nothing short of epic! Our organist learned this final piece specifically for us, describing it as hauntingly beautiful. In addition to these musical selections, we chose two hymns that held special significance: Bread of Heaven, which I adore and my dad shares my enthusiasm, and Amazing Grace, a favorite of Connor’s mom, which we wanted to include in our ceremony. Rounding out the music portion were two readings from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Song of Solomon 6-7, each chosen for its unique message and significance to us as a couple.
Bridesmaids
As I reflect on my wedding day, one of the most treasured moments was surrounded by my closest friend and maid of honor, Kelsey. We’ve shared a lifelong bond since we were 12 or 13 years old, and she’s been more than just a friend – she’s been my partner in countless memories and experiences. When it came to choosing her dress for the big day, I wanted something that not only made her feel stunning but also allowed her to wear it again in the future. We decided on the Show Me Your Mumu Noelle wrap dress from Nordstrom, a choice that was carefully curated with my mom’s input as well. After trying on various options, we settled on a color that perfectly complemented Kelsey’s beauty and the overall atmosphere of our wedding. I can confidently say that she looks amazing in it – and I’m not just saying that because she’s my maid of honor! Her natural radiance shines through regardless of what she wears, making her truly unforgettable.
The Details & Décor
The wedding decor was largely courtesy of Posh Frocks and Wellies, with minimal additional touches from our end. We simply added some personal photos and a guest book to the mix. Their fairy lights, bunting, and king pole dressing did wonders for the overall aesthetic. When we combined these elements with the beautiful flowers provided by Luna and the stunning rings at the back of the marquee, the result was truly breathtaking. Given our picturesque surroundings, we didn’t need to exert ourselves too much when it came to decorating! One of my favorite moments was the string of lights we set along the driveway. The long expanse of the drive was perfectly illuminated by these bulbous lights on either side, creating a whimsical atmosphere that felt like stepping into a fairy tale. We even went the extra mile to ensure our guests had a magical experience, lighting the path as they were dropped off at the top of the driveway due to the coaches’ inability to navigate the terrain. It was truly enchanting! To make our departure even more memorable, we used dried rose petals from my cousin’s rose garden as confetti – those moments are etched in my memory forever. We also had the privilege of using an old Rolls Royce as our ride from the church to the reception, allowing us to pick the one that suited our style best. And for the kids’ entertainment, we set up a play area outside the marquee with games and toys sourced from Amazon.
The Flowers
Luna Flowers in Colwyn Bay truly exceeded our expectations. One of the most impressive aspects was their ability to create a seamless flow between the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception, using the same stunning flowers throughout. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly Andrea’s exquisite design work – the hoops suspended from the marquee’s back wall added an extra layer of elegance, while her magnificent arch outside the church drew gasps of amazement from all who saw it. As a testament to its breathtaking beauty, it’s no surprise that nearly everyone felt compelled to capture the moment beneath the majestic archway. In a lovely touch, we donated the flowers to my grandmother’s nursing home in Welshpool after the wedding, bringing joy and smiles to the residents’ faces.
Your Photographer
We were absolutely thrilled with our choice in photographer from Fox and Bear Photography. Dewi did an incredible job capturing our special moments throughout the three-day photo shoot, which included pre-wedding, rehearsal dinner, and wedding photos. We opted for the most expensive package and it was well worth the investment. Not only do we have stunning framed prints from our wedding, but we also received a beautiful album filled with cherished memories. The added touch of a gift box containing a thumb drive and photos took our experience to the next level. We were impressed by the attention to detail in every aspect of their work. Moreover, Dewi was a huge hit at our wedding, with everyone raving about his exceptional service. We also had the pleasure of using their GIF photo booth, which was a major hit! Giffy was so popular that we spent hours reviewing all the fun and creative poses, from the younger crowd’s playful antics to the older guests’ endearing bewilderment at what a GIF actually is. It was an absolute blast reliving those moments on our honeymoon.
The Cake
We enjoyed not one, not two, but three delectable cakes on our special day! In the United States, it’s customary to have a smaller groom’s cake, which served as an intriguing addition to our celebration. Although I’m still unclear about its purpose, my aunt outdid herself with a scrumptious malteser cake that was devoured by all. It’s possible that not everyone familiar with these unique treats, as they’re not commonly found in every corner of the world. My husband, however, developed a taste for them during our wedding trip in March.Our main event, so to speak, was the show-stopping wedding cake crafted by my other aunt, an incredibly talented baker. Not only did she create a visually stunning masterpiece, but her sugar flowers and edible designs were breathtakingly realistic. As a testament to its beauty, we’ve preserved some of these sugary blooms on our bookshelf at home, nestled beside our cherished wedding guestbook.The pièce de résistance was the cake provided by Emma James, a local baker from Llanrwst. Her incredible creations did not disappoint; in fact, her sheet cakes made serving easy and accommodating, with gluten-free and vegan options available for our guests with dietary restrictions. I’ll never forget sending my grandma off on her next adventure with a generous helping of cake secured comfortably on her lap!
The Honeymoon
Our 10-day Japanese adventure was a long-awaited dream come true. With no one to answer to but ourselves, we indulged in the luxury of traveling without a care in the world. Our journey took us to three incredible destinations – Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone – with each stop offering unique experiences. To make the most of our time, we opted for a guided tour with Inside Japan, who expertly handled all logistical arrangements. This stress-free approach allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of Japan, savoring unforgettable meals along the way. Without a doubt, it was an experience we’ll cherish for years to come.
Memorable Moments
As we exchanged vows, a unique touch was added to our wedding ceremony when the vicar spoke in Welsh. I must admit, it was quite fascinating! Although my Welsh vocabulary is limited, with phrases like ‘diloch’ being about the extent of my knowledge. The incorporation of Welsh continued throughout the day, as my cousin Ceri delivered a beautiful blessing in the same language during our ceremony.
One of the most memorable moments for me was watching my niece, who was our flower girl at just four years old, unsure of what to do as she made her way down the aisle. She eventually settled beside us, and it was utterly adorable! The innocence and sweetness of that moment still makes me smile.
In a wonderful display of love and respect, my brother and brother-in-law went above and beyond by lifting our 93-year-old grandmother up onto their shoulders so she could participate in our group photo. She had already been seated in the marquee, but I was determined to include her in the pictures, so they kindly lifted her chair-borne self up and carried her out to join us.
Advice For Other Couples
While it’s essential to have a wedding planner, even if they’re only handling day-of tasks, we couldn’t have managed without ours. For those on a budget or fortunate enough to have offers from family and friends, take advantage of their skills and generosity. Our aunt’s baking talents were instrumental in creating our memorable wedding cakes, not to mention the cost savings.Timing is everything when it comes to finding the perfect music for your special day. We delayed in booking a band until fairly late, which left us feeling anxious. Thankfully, we stumbled upon Radio Kings, an incredible group that wowed both us and our guests.To avoid last-minute stress, inflate your guest list estimate by 10-15%. Our research revealed that international weddings often see this level of overestimation, and it’s crucial to plan accordingly. Remember, someone will inevitably decline or forget to RSVP, so factor in a few extra tables, chairs, and tents to be safe.When you’ve got your heart set on something, don’t settle for anything less. I was determined to provide unique luggage tags for our wedding guests and spent months scouring the market to find an affordable option that matched my vision. Persevere, shop around, and you’ll ultimately find what you’re looking for.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the sun sets on a picturesque landscape, the memories of Mary Grace and Connor’s special day come alive through the lens of Fox & Bear Photography. The couple’s wedding planner, Caroline Roberts, brought their vision to life with meticulous attention to detail. A stunning marquee, courtesy of Posh Frocks and Wellies, served as the perfect backdrop for the celebration. Dinner By Design catered to every taste, while Luna Flowers added a touch of elegance to the tablescape. Emma James’s delectable cake was the crowning glory, and Slic Hair and Aesthetics ensured the bridal party looked their absolute best. The energetic Radio Kings Band kept the party going all night long, with Meredith Jones’s wedding car hire providing a stylish mode of transportation for the newlyweds. And, of course, the Best Man’s dashing suit from The Black Tux was a hit with guests. BHLDN provided Mary Grace’s stunning dress, and we can’t help but think she looked simply wonderful in it.