As I reminisce about Emma and Joost’s Buckinghamshire riverside wedding, I’m reminded of a truly unforgettable day. What struck me most was the perfect blend of personality, style, and creativity that permeated every aspect of their celebration. From the clever nods to literature and video games to the exquisite outfits and charming DIY decor, it was clear that this couple had put their own unique stamp on their special day. And did I mention that they managed to do it all within a remarkably budget-friendly £10K? It’s truly impressive! The personal ceremony beside the river, the beautiful blooms, and the delightful cake and origami elements all combined to create an atmosphere that was both joyous and intimate. The evening’s entertainment, courtesy of Tailored Entertainment’s fantastic band, only added to the merriment. I’m forever grateful to Sasha Weddings for sharing these enchanting images with us.
Riverside Buckinghamshire Wedding
The Proposal
Just as we were counting down the hours until our week-long surfing getaway, disaster struck when Joost suffered a severe ankle sprain in a friendly game of football. The news sent him into a tailspin, his mind racing with the implications for his long-planned romantic proposal by the ocean’s edge. He was determined to go through with it, but the challenge of doing so on crutches seemed insurmountable. Despite the setback, fate eventually smiled upon us – we stumbled upon a secluded cove on a picturesque beach, where Joost nervously got down on one knee…and I nearly lost my footing in the excitement.
The Vision
Free from the constraints of others’ expectations and arbitrary standards, we opted for a refreshingly authentic approach. Shorn of tradition’s suffocating formalities, we instead infused our celebration with elements that resonated deeply with us. Guided by intuition rather than overanalysis, our unconventional decisions yielded an unforgettable Wind in the Willows-inspired, thrift-store chic, folksy, and cottagecore-infused gathering featuring a punk band and a mosh pit.
Budget
The Venue
Your Outfits
I had to make my first bridal appointment during lockdown, which was less than six months before the wedding date. This time constraint actually worked in my favor as I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the pressure to try on hundreds of dresses. At Burr Bridal in Cambridge, I found a dress that caught my eye right away – it was from Essense of Australia and featured beautiful leaves and petals embroidery. The design reminded me of woodland fairies, which was perfect for our garden wedding theme.I had fourteen bridesmaids, and I gave them the freedom to choose their own dresses as long as they matched our sage/teal/lilac color palette vaguely. Their coordination was impressive, and many of them were able to wear dresses they already owned, saving themselves from extra expenses.On the other hand, my partner Joost isn’t interested in fashion at all. However, finding a suitable suit for him wasn’t difficult – he looked great in the grey/blue combination we chose, which will also come in handy for future events.
The Ceremony & Music
As we exchanged our vows at the registry office in Ely, COVID-19 restrictions meant we could only invite eight friends. To comply with distancing rules, everyone wore masks and sat two meters apart in a circle around Joost and me. It was an unusual setup, to say the least, but we made do.My initial plan was to wear a white dress I already owned for the occasion, but disaster struck when it ripped from knee to crotch on the way to the train station. Panicked, I sent out a desperate WhatsApp message asking if anyone had a spare white dress. Miraculously, one of our friends happened to have a white silk shift dress in my size.The mishap turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was a surreal experience, but we laughed it off and realized that it didn’t matter what others thought. For our actual wedding celebration, Emma’s mother served as the celebrant. Her charisma and humor made the ceremony an absolute delight.She involved our parents in the proceedings, asking them to share childhood memories, offer personalized advice, and bestow their unique blessings upon us. It was a heartfelt touch that meant the world to us.Emma’s dad and stepmom walked her up the aisle, while our bridesmaids entered to the tune of ‘High Tide or Low Tide’ by Bob Marley & The Wailers. Emma herself chose ‘Pachelbel’s Canon in D’ for her walk down the aisle. We exited to ‘Pass That Dutch’ by Missy Elliott.After scouring countless wedding bands on management websites, we struggled to find one that truly resonated with us. They all seemed to be either Mumford & Sons wannabes or church choirs who had recently discovered a Now 54 compilation CD.But then we stumbled upon ‘Freshman Year’, a band with a setlist featuring Paramore, Sum 41, Blink-182, Green Day, Offspring, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Bowling for Soup – all bands we loved in our teenage years. The nostalgia factor was undeniable.Joost had some reservations about the band’s niche appeal, but everyone at the wedding thought they were fantastic. We even got a mosh pit going at one point, which was a surreal experience while wearing my wedding dress. Even my grandma, who had discreetly removed her hearing aids, couldn’t help but dance until the very end.
Your Photographer
The Styling & Decor
Our wedding decorations were truly special, thanks to the creative efforts of our loved ones. Elly (@nutmegs_seven), our talented friend, crafted our beautiful cake. Her Instagram and food blog are definitely worth checking out.The flowers in my bouquet came from my step-grandmother’s garden, expertly arranged by Gemma, my step-mom, and family friend. We actually benefited from having some constraints on the number of blooms available – it reduced anxiety and forced us to get creative. I ended up supplementing with eight pink roses from the garden centre when white ones weren’t in stock. I’m so glad we went with pink; it added a lovely pop of color.I’m grateful that my step-grandma thought to incorporate willow branches into the bouquet, echoing the majestic tree at the end of our garden. All of our decorations were homemade, reflecting our love for literature and the outdoors. Instead of traditional floral arrangements on the tables, we used vintage books, binding them with twine and decorating them with moss and ivy.In keeping with our bookish theme, my step-mom created a bunting from old book pages, while I crafted origami swans and butterflies using the same material. I estimate I made around 5,000 of these delicate paper creations – it was a calming activity during the weeks leading up to the wedding.We also turned old books into confetti with my grandma’s help, using a heart-shaped hole punch. For our welcome sign, we repurposed wooden pallets and added some greenery and gourds for a rustic touch.Our seating arrangement was inspired by the videogames we’d played together. It was delightful to see friends from different parts of our lives connect and form new bonds. We only invited immediate family and close friends, which meant there were no ‘bad’ seats – everyone had a great view.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on an adventure to Sao Miguel, the largest island of the Azores, after securing affordable Ryan Air tickets just weeks prior. The off-season timing proved to be a blessing in disguise, as we felt like we had the entire island to ourselves. This volcanic haven boasts a plethora of natural wonders, including hot springs that create breathtaking, bubbling jacuzzis. The landscape is also dotted with picturesque hiking trails that offer stunning vistas of lakes and mountains with minimal difficulty.We indulged in some exhilarating surfing, courtesy of Joost’s fully recovered ankle! Our accommodations at Santa Barbara Ecolodge were truly impressive, with stylish and comfortable rooms, and the staff went out of their way to ensure our stay was exceptional. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring an abandoned luxury hotel from the 80s, which still retained its opulent charm despite years of disuse.Another highlight was visiting Furnas town, where we savored traditional cuisine cooked using the natural heat of a caldeira. The pièce de résistance was the enchanting colonial botanic garden, where we were encouraged to frolic in the fountain and soak up the serene atmosphere.
Memorable Moments
The highlight of the celebration for me was undoubtedly the heartfelt speeches delivered by my Dad, sister, and Joost’s two closest friends. Their words were infused with love, laughter, and a deep sense of connection that left everyone in tears and stitches. Beyond the emotional impact of these moments, the joy of reuniting with loved ones from all corners of the world was indescribable. After being apart for so long due to Covid, seeing friends from different walks of life gather, share stories, and create unforgettable memories together felt like a dream come true.
To further foster connections among the guests, I organized an ‘icebreaker’ game where each person’s name card featured a quirky fact about another attendee they hadn’t yet met. The goal was to find that individual and exchange facts – with the added twist being that the other person had a fact about them as well.
I strategically paired up guests who shared common interests or backgrounds, using these unique facts to guide their conversations. This thoughtful approach not only encouraged people to step out of their comfort zones and engage with newcomers but also facilitated meaningful interactions between Joost’s Dutch friends and my own circle of acquaintances.