Kat and Ben’s sun-kissed wedding celebration on August 25th, 2018, at Notley Abbey in Buckinghamshire, was a picturesque haven that exuded warmth and joy. The couple’s love for bright colors shone through in their vibrant floral arrangements, with Kat’s stunning bouquet taking center stage. Comprising peonies, roses, and clematis, it perfectly complemented her elegant lace gown. The sounds of live music filled the air, courtesy of three talented acts, including Bands For Hire, a favorite among WWW readers. To tie in their love for music, the couple incorporated vinyl record table names and beautiful stationery. We’re thrilled to share these breathtaking images with you today, courtesy of Alexandra Jane Photography.
The Proposal
As Ben commemorated New Year’s Eve 2017, he opted for a unique setting – a 1940s-themed Blitz Party. Initially planning to propose at the stroke of midnight, his nerves got the better of him, and instead, he decided to pop the question at home amidst champagne celebrations before heading out to join in the festivities. The outcome was an unforgettable night that doubled as a joyous celebration of love and new beginnings.
The Vision
As a music enthusiast in the 1950s Rock n Roll scene, Ben brought his passion to the wedding planning process. His fiancée Kat, an equally avid dancer, ensured the celebration would be a dance party for years to come. To reflect her love of bright colours, Kat incorporated these hues into the décor, infusing the atmosphere with vibrancy and energy. The couple deliberately avoided traditional wedding themes, opting instead for a personalized approach that honored their individuality. By focusing on creating an unforgettable experience rather than adhering strictly to convention, Ben and Kat crafted a unique, entertaining, and memorable day that their guests would cherish.
The Planning Process
With only seven and a half months to plan our special day after securing our dream venue, we initially felt overwhelmed. The pressure was palpable, especially when dressmakers warned us that ordering a wedding dress six months prior was crucial. But in hindsight, this tight deadline actually worked in our favour by forcing us to make decisive decisions and avoiding unnecessary stress.
The Venue
We reside in Wimbledon, South West London, and our rural upbringing influenced our desire to exchange vows in a more expansive and idyllic setting. After considering various options within London, we eventually fell in love with Notley Abbey, a restored wedding venue that exudes a unique blend of coziness, sophistication, and glamour. The property’s rich history, courtesy of its previous owners Laurence Olivier and Vivienne Leigh, added to its allure. As we explored the abbey, we were struck by the original lead windows, exposed beams, and stunning features such as the four-poster bed in the bridal suite and beautifully restored fireplaces. The venue’s pièce de résistance was its exclusive hire policy for 24 hours, allowing us to transform each room into a bespoke space that reflected our personalities and wedding vision.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I walked down the aisle, my Justin Alexander Sincerity gown from Daisys Bridal Boutique in London stole the show. It took me about 25 tries to find ‘the one’, but it was worth it – I loved the flowy train, intricate lace and the stretch lining that ensured I felt comfortable all day long. The mesh back with buttons down to the end of the train was a delightful surprise! Meanwhile, my partner Ben looked dashing in his navy blue Prince of Wales 3-piece suit from Ottavio Nuccio, which he ordered directly from Italy just a week before our big day. He added a touch of whimsy with a bow tie from Swagger & Swoon that perfectly matched the vintage rose hue of our flower girl Poppy’s dress.
Beauty
Our experience working with Holly from Oxford Hair & Makeup was truly seamless thanks to Alex’s recommendation. What struck us most about Holly was her effortless calmness, which put us both at ease. Given the time constraint on the big day, it was fantastic that she could create a stunning look so efficiently! As our photographer emphasized, having a trial beforehand is invaluable in getting familiar with each other and streamlining the process. By jotting down notes on the ideal hairstyles and makeup choices, Holly ensured I felt confident making decisions despite my pre-wedding jitters. The final result was breathtaking: my hair was curled and swept to one side with a beautiful vintage beaded hair slide, while my makeup looked fresh and natural with subtle nude hues and luscious lashes. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids’ locks were beautifully curled and pinned up, adorned with gypsophila for a whimsical bohemian touch.
Bridesmaids
Kat’s choice of bridesmaids was a deliberate one, opting for her closest friends Katie and Charlotte as well as Ben’s sister Hannah, who added an extra layer of family to the celebration. The trio looked stunning in their silky raspberry ‘Olivia’ dresses from Issa at House of Fraser, with the flattering design suiting each of them perfectly. Meanwhile, 8-year-old Poppy, Kat’s niece, was thrilled to take on the role of flower girl and wore a vintage rose-coloured lace bridesmaid dress from John Lewis’s childrenswear department, adding an extra touch of sweetness to the proceedings.
The Readings & Music
The ceremony took place in the picturesque Monks Refectory, surrounded by vibrant floral arrangements. The atmosphere was intimate and heartfelt, with two specially chosen readings adding to the emotional depth. Kat’s brother Duncan couldn’t help but get choked up during his reading of Roy Croft’s beautiful poem ‘Love’, while Ben’s mum delivered a memorable performance of Winnie the Pooh, effortlessly bringing characters to life. This poignant moment remains etched in our memory.The soundtrack to our special day was provided by the talented string quartet Bowfiddle, who set the tone with classic 60s hits from the Beach Boys and Beatles as guests arrived. During the brief pause while we signed the register, they treated us to a moving performance of a piece composed especially for Kat’s birthday – an emotional highlight that left many in tears and others requesting a recording.
Your Filmmaker
Our team’s videographer, Adam Smith, brought his A-game on the filming day, making it an entertaining experience for everyone involved. Although we haven’t had the chance to review the finished film yet – its completion is still a few months away – the behind-the-scenes stills taken by Adam give us a thrilling glimpse of what’s to come. We’re eagerly anticipating the final product and all the exciting moments it will surely capture.
Your Photographer
We were thrilled with our decision to work with photographer Alexandra Davies, whose effortless professionalism made the entire experience seamless. The pre-wedding shoot we did together allowed us to feel at ease on the big day, allowing us to snag some incredible formal shots in no time, freeing us up to focus on enjoying the celebration with our loved ones. What really stood out was Alex’s ability to capture the essence of the day – the laughter, tears, and joy – in a way that felt both authentic and timeless. We’re left with an amazing collection of memories that we’ll treasure for years to come.
The Flowers
Groomsmen
As the wedding party got ready to celebrate Ben’s special day, his best man and lifelong friend Mark made a stylish statement with his teal suit from Paul Smith. Meanwhile, 10-year-old usher Harry (also Kat’s nephew) looked dashing in his blue linen three-piece suit from John Lewis’ childrenswear department. Adding to the dapper vibe was MC Ross, Kat’s brother, who rocked a pair of bold blue suede shoes that paid homage to Elvis. To tie everything together, all the boys – including Ben, Mark, and Harry – sported matching pink ties.
The Details & Décor
The Cake
Karen of Cakes by Kit kindly created our mouthwatering three-tiered masterpiece, which featured a trio of delectable flavors. After indulging in a cake tasting at her home, it was hard to pick just one, so we opted for a medley of three! The bottom tier boasted rich chocolate fudge and zesty orange, while the middle layer offered a refreshing combination of lemon and tangy lemon curd. The top tier showcased bold red velvet, all wrapped up in a blanket of creamy buttercream icing that added a charming rustic touch with its subtle pink ombre hue. To complete this show-stopping dessert, Karen adorned it with fuchsia pink fresh flowers, providing the perfect finishing flourish to this indulgent treat!
The Honeymoon
Following the wedding celebration, we indulged in a 5-day mini-moon in southern Italy, where Ben meticulously curated an unforgettable getaway. He selected Villa Paola, a stunning 5-star converted convent perched atop a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, offering breathtaking views and unparalleled luxury. Our days were filled with warm sunshine, rich wine tastings, delectable seafood feasts, creamy gelato indulgences, and even an exhilarating parasailing adventure! As we basked in the joy of our newlywed bliss, we began planning our official honeymoon – a 3-week escapade to Bali in April.
Memorable Moments
As we look back on our special day, one moment stands out as particularly unforgettable: exchanging our vows. It’s a common refrain among married couples that time flies when you’re having fun, but in this case, the ceremony was the only part where time seemed to stretch out long enough for us to truly absorb every second and be fully present. The atmosphere was electric, and we felt like we were floating on air as we promised forever to each other. And it wasn’t just the ceremony that left a lasting impression – our speeches were also a highlight, filled with side-splitting stories and heartfelt declarations of devotion.
Advice For Other Couples
Focus on what truly matters – the culinary delights, refreshing drinks, and unforgettable entertainment for you and your loved ones. Don’t let the minutiae overwhelm you; instead, prioritize experiences that will be cherished by all. As the day unfolds, take time to step back, savor the joy and laughter with your new partner, and revel in the celebration together. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but remember, these moments are precious, so make sure to pause and appreciate them.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photography at Alexandra Jane Photography captured the love and joy of Kat and Ben’s special day. The picturesque venue, Notley Abbey, provided a stunning backdrop for their ceremony and reception. The bride’s hair and makeup were beautifully styled by Holly Preston, while the gorgeous flowers were arranged by Twigs and Twine Florist. Kat’s dress was a showstopper from Justin Alexander at Daisy’s Bridal Boutique, and Ben looked dashing in his Ottavio Nuccio suit. The couple chose ALS Videography to capture their memories on film. The sweet treats came courtesy of Cakes by Kit, and the ceremony music was performed by Bowfiddle. For the party, they brought in two fantastic bands – Rockin’ Rythms and On The Rocks via Bands For Hire, who kept the dance floor filled all night long. As members of our Wedding Directory, we’re thrilled to have been a part of their celebration. And, as always, it was an absolute pleasure to work with Kat and Ben – thank you both for sharing your love story with us! Xo Lou