The Proposal
As we stood on the sun-kissed beach in Greece, John’s spontaneous proposal took us both by surprise. The fleeting nature of the moment meant neither of us could recall every detail of his heartfelt words, but the rush of emotions left an indelible mark on our hearts. The next day, we hastened back to the independent jewellers that were literally above our heads at the time and acquired the ring that would soon become a cherished symbol of our love.
The Vision
As we envisioned our dream wedding, we craved an event that truly reflected us as a couple. We wanted it to resonate with our values and love story, while also providing a unique experience for our friends and family. With a non-religious Humanist ceremony on the horizon, this gave us greater flexibility in terms of venue selection. Our guest list was expected to be around 60 people, so we were keen to find a setting that offered an outdoor space within a charming, secluded atmosphere.
The Vision
To create the wedding of their dreams, we aimed to curate an experience that reflected our values and love. As we had decided on a non-religious Humanist ceremony, this gave us greater freedom when selecting a venue. We were looking for a spot with small grounds where our 60 close friends and family could gather comfortably outside. This led us to explore unique options beyond traditional settings.
Budget
With our big day behind us, I’m pleased to report that the total cost came out to around £15,000, excluding the honeymoon and wedding rings. One way we managed to keep expenses in check was by streamlining our vendor list, taking advantage of the venue’s offerings such as food, decorations, flowers, and more.
The Venue
When planning our wedding, we prioritized finding a venue that allowed us to stay close to our new home in Salisbury, Wiltshire, while also fitting our laid-back, fun-loving vibe. Our search led us to Pythouse, an idyllic spot that perfectly captured our ideals. The property’s stunning gardens beckoned exploration, and its commitment to serving high-quality, sustainable cuisine sealed the deal for us – we knew we’d found a place where we could return again and again.
The Readings & Music
The ceremony was masterfully led by Liz, whose warmth and sense of humor set the tone for a truly unforgettable experience. The readings showcased a mix of poems from centuries past, penned by family members, alongside a custom-written recipe ode that marked the beginning of our celebratory drinks. As I walked down the aisle to the instrumental ‘That Would Be Enough’ from Hamilton, the atmosphere was filled with emotion and anticipation. We then departed together as the uplifting sounds of Arcade Fire’s ‘Everything Now’ filled the air, two songs that had become deeply personal and meaningful to us throughout our journey.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I remember my experience with David’s Bridal like it was yesterday. I finally pulled the trigger on purchasing a dress after days of browsing their website, only to return and revisit it multiple times before making the decision. Despite already having a dress in mind, I felt compelled to try this one on – which entailed paying US shipping fees and taxes. When the dress arrived, my initial hunch was confirmed: it was perfect for our wedding venue, boasting delicate detailing, sequins, and floral patterns that exuded modernity while still maintaining a casual air. In fact, I loved it so much that I also picked up a denim Bride jacket from the same website, which I wore throughout my hen do and honeymoon festivities. Meanwhile, we sought the expertise of friends who knew their way around men’s tailoring to help John select the perfect suit. We ultimately opted for a bespoke two-piece from Harris and Zei, tailored to his unique tastes in a simple yet stylish blue hue. He completed his look with a waistcoat, shirt, and tie from Next and Marks & Spencer.
Beauty
At the salon, we indulged in luxurious blow dries and elegant bridal hair styles courtesy of Jas Hair. Meanwhile, our makeup artist, Claire Bowring, worked her magic at home, transforming us into the best versions of ourselves. Having already undergone a trial with Claire, I had developed a rapport with her, feeling completely at ease as she perfected our looks. Her expert touch was particularly evident in the application of my signature red lip.
The Flowers
The arrangements, sourced from PKG, exceeded our expectations when presented on the day. With their reputation for excellence, we entrusted them to create buttonholes and bouquets without specific guidelines, allowing their expertise to shine through. The result was breathtakingly beautiful, a testament to their skill in crafting stunning floral displays.
Your Photographer
We had been familiar with Jess’ work prior to booking her for our special day, and it was love at first sight. Her effortless, laid-back style resonated perfectly with our own relaxed approach to life. In fact, she had already captured some of my favorite memories during an engagement shoot we did together – a truly magical experience that set the tone for our entire whirlwind adventure. Throughout the process, Jess proved to be an invaluable asset, offering sage advice and making us feel at complete ease with her warm, friendly demeanor.
The Details & Décor
The ceremony’s aftermath unfolded in a stunningly decorated marquee, courtesy of PKG’s Rachel, who expertly curated an atmosphere aglow with twinkling lights and lush foliage. Amidst this picturesque setting, we savored each moment, indulging in delightful eats and toasts. A personal touch that stole the show was the table names – a clever tribute to my treasured collection of Nigella Lawson cookbooks, which I had always dreamed of showcasing on our special day. To further commemorate the occasion, we commissioned a bespoke wedding gin with The Distillery, which we presented as unique favors for our loved ones.
Bridesmaids
With complete creative control, the bridesmaids opted for flowing dresses from Monsoon, selecting styles that perfectly captured their individual personalities while maintaining a relaxed, effortless charm.
Groomsmen
After a string of unsuccessful attempts to find the perfect attire for the big day, a chance encounter with our team led the groomsmen to make a triumphant decision at Suitsupply in London. They opted for a bespoke shade of blue that harmoniously complemented the groom’s choice, bringing cohesion to the ensemble. To complete their stylish looks, they selected accessories from Next and Marks and Spencer, ensuring a refined and polished appearance.
The Cake
We chose a classic vanilla and salted caramel cake as our centerpiece, allowing the talented chefs at PKG to add a touch of elegance with fresh flowers in their signature house style. The end result was breathtakingly beautiful, making it a true showstopper – unfortunately, John never got the chance to indulge in its sweet delight.
The Honeymoon
As we embarked on our newlywed adventure, New Orleans became the perfect destination for a unique honeymoon experience. Our 14-day escapade was filled with soulful jazz melodies and an impressive number of brunches – yes, you read that right! Despite the indulgence, this enchanting city stole our hearts, leaving us already yearning to return and relive the magic.
Memorable Moments
As we reflect on the joyous occasion, I’m filled with warmth thinking about the unscripted moments that punctuated the ceremony. The laughter and heckling that broke out during the speeches were a testament to the infectious atmosphere of love and celebration that permeated the entire day. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that our special moment had such a profound impact on those who attended, leaving them in high spirits – possibly even with a few drinks under their belts! One particularly memorable instance was when the crowd erupted into applause and cheers as John received his plate of chips during the meal. This spontaneous display of enthusiasm spoke volumes about just how much this beloved snack meant to him – it was as if they were celebrating the thing that brought him greatest joy.
Advice For Other Couples
Let go of the need to control every detail and simply be present in the moment. No one’s asking you to rush or get bogged down in administrative tasks – someone else is handling that, so leave your worries at the door! Instead, focus on celebrating the love and connection you share with each other, as well as the special bond between you and your guests. When you show your guests how much they mean to you, they’ll have an unforgettable day, no matter what unfolds. For Hayley and John, their idyllic wedding celebration was a perfect blend of joy, love, and gratitude. Photographer Jessica Hayman Photography captured every precious moment, while Streetlife Mobile Disco kept the party going. The bridal party’s hair and makeup were expertly styled by Jas Hair and Claire Bowring, respectively. Celebrant Liz Phelps guided the ceremony with warmth and elegance. Favors from The Distillery added a thoughtful touch, and the venue at Pythouse Kitchen Garden provided a stunning backdrop. Hayley’s dress was a fairytale come true courtesy of David’s Bridal, while her bridesmaid dresses were designed by Monsoon. John looked dashing in his Harris and Zei suit. As they exchanged vows, surrounded by loved ones, it was clear that this was a union made in heaven. Thanks for sharing your special day with us, Hayley and John – we’re honored to have been a part of it!