Summer days can feel like distant memories already, but for Kat and Steve, their special day on July 21st, 2018, will remain etched in their minds forever. Capturing the essence of their big day were Luis Calow’s stunning images, which perfectly convey the relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty of their outdoor celebration. The sun-kissed portraits and picturesque pedalo boat shots are truly unforgettable. It was as if the universe conspired to create a perfect setting for their special moment. The couple had envisioned a laid-back yet charming day, replete with handmade touches and lush greenery adorning their stunning yurt at Riverside Weddings in Oxfordshire. The idyllic surroundings allowed their whimsical vision to unfold effortlessly. With boat rides, live music, and an outdoor ceremony featuring a macramé backdrop, their wedding was truly one-of-a-kind. I highly recommend reading Kat and Steve’s account of their special day below; it’s a heartwarming tale that will leave you smiling.
The Proposal
As we settled into our Bristol home over the years, I never thought twice about being Steve’s partner. It wasn’t until January 2017, when we purchased our first shared abode in the Cotswolds, that I found myself transformed into a fiancée. We had been together since 2010, and though I’d patiently waited for this moment, it finally arrived as we finished unpacking our new home. The only box left was the one containing seven roses – one for each of the years we’d spent together – and a bottle of champagne to toast our engagement with after Steve popped the question! As we sipped our celebratory drink in our lovely new surroundings, snowflakes began to fall, making it seem like fate had conspired to create the perfect scenario. It was as if everything had fallen into place, culminating in that magical moment when I became a fiancée.
The Vision
We envisioned our wedding celebration as an unconventional gathering of loved ones, free from traditional constraints. Steve, my perfect partner in crime, trusted me to bring my creative vision to life, as long as I was happy – which meant he was always on board! For me, the goal was to create a seamless blend of natural beauty and unique charm. I pictured an atmosphere that was effortlessly elegant, with botanical and foliage-inspired elements taking center stage.
The Planning Process
We embarked on our wedding planning journey with a laid-back approach, having everything sorted within a few months’ time. After devoting considerable attention to researching Wedding Yurts online, we were set on using them for our special day. This led us to prioritize finding the perfect venue, which ultimately streamlined the process of selecting suppliers. With our venue secured, we focused on securing vendors that would deliver good food, great music, and warm hospitality – a trifecta that captured the essence of our celebration.
The Venue
Our special day took place at Riverside Weddings in Oxfordshire, a picturesque setting that offered breathtaking views of the River Thames and historic New Bridge as its stunning backdrop. The venue’s flexibility to accommodate our creative vision was another major drawcard for us.
The yurts that served as the heart of our wedding celebration were truly showstoppers! Three of them worked together in harmony, creating a main seating area, a bar hub and a charming tea room. Every detail, from the sturdy oak floors to the whimsical fairy lights, glittering disco ball and beautiful bar, was carefully crafted to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Outside, we transformed hay bales into elegant ceremony seating by draping them with crisp white tablecloths. The focal point of our wedding ceremony, a gorgeous arch adorned with macramé hanging, added a touch of romance and whimsy to the proceedings.
The Readings & Music
Liane Hopkins, an exceptional harpist, set the tone for our special day with a 30-minute performance before the ceremony and again as I walked down the aisle to Colours of the Wind – a beloved Disney classic. The ambiance was further enhanced by Charlotte’s heartfelt reading from The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach, which she kept secret until the big reveal. This moment, combined with our thoughtfully curated Spotify playlist, played seamlessly on an iPad connected to a sound system provided by a local DJ in the days leading up to the wedding. As the night unfolded, we were treated to an unforgettable performance by Loud Noises Brass – a talented 4-piece brass band that brings a unique energy to their music. Be sure to check them out on YouTube!
Your Outfits & Accessories
I was thrilled with the exceptional service at A Class Brides in Bristol, where Nikki went above and beyond to help me find my perfect dress. Despite being more of a jeans and trainers kind of girl, I was surprised by how effortlessly I found the ideal gown among their stunning collection. The Stella York design stood out for its delicate lace detail and flowing chiffon skirt, which sealed the deal without needing further exploration. To complete my look, I paired my dress with Kurt Geiger’s understated leather sandals and a simple yet elegant veil.
Beauty
Deciding to take matters into my own hands, I opted to do my own hair and makeup on the day. Despite having had a couple of professional trials in the past, it just didn’t resonate with me. Perhaps I was simply waiting for the right makeup artist to bring out the best in me, or maybe I just wanted to embrace my natural beauty without the hassle of constant touch-ups or worrying about fake lashes malfunctioning throughout the day. As such, I went for a very understated approach – a simple yet elegant makeup look paired with a laid-back, relaxed half-up hairstyle, perfectly accessorized by my custom hair slide from Gypsy Rose Vintage and veil.
Groomsmen
Steve’s effortless charm was reflected in his outfit, a masterclass in mixing and matching high-end pieces. The star of the show was his Reiss jacket, paired with TM Lewin chinos and shirt, while a touch of elegance was added by his Next tie. Ted Baker provided the shoes and belt, completing the look. In a lovely nod to me, Steve’s surprise wedding gift – a Tag Heuer watch – complemented his attire perfectly. His corsage, sourced from Gypsy Rose Vintage, was a thoughtful match for my own hair slide, adding a touch of whimsy to the overall ensemble.
The Details & Décor
The pièce de résistance of the wedding décor were undoubtedly the yurts, which demanded minimal embellishment in terms of aesthetics. In fact, I got creative myself by crafting various elements such as the table plan, welcome sign, clay place names, directional signs, card box, and more. The hands-on approach to DIY details was a labor of love, and the personal touches received rave reviews on the day. Lizzie at Wedding Yurts ensured the yurts were aglow with fairy lights, while a quaint tea station in the smaller yurt featured vintage teacups and plush velvet chairs. Outside, we set up a ‘Chill Out’ bell tent replete with comfortable cushions, blankets, and a rum and cigar bar for our guests to unwind. We also made sure there was plenty to keep the children entertained, including snacks, lawn games from Laura Ashley, bubbles, and a giant Jenga puzzle, which was kindly gifted to us before the big day. To add some fun to the proceedings, we rented pedalo boats from Oxford Punting for our guests to enjoy on the river. Steve and I surprised everyone by taking to the water ourselves after the ceremony, accompanied by our photographer Luis. This impromptu adventure allowed him to capture some unique photos while giving us a 10-minute respite to reflect on the day’s events thus far.
Bridesmaids
The week before our wedding, disaster struck when the custom dresses for my bridesmaid’s were shrunk while being steamed. This prompted a last-minute dash to John Lewis, where we managed to find some beautiful white replacements that, I must admit, I preferred over the originals anyway. The dress drama was somewhat overshadowed by another fashion crisis – finding the perfect attire for our flower girl. We settled on a stunning Monsoon dress that wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned, but after trying it on, we knew it was the one for her. What really made it special was the playful flower detailing along the skirt, which added a touch of whimsy and made my little flower girl look absolutely adorable.
Your Photographer
Our special moments were beautifully captured by Luis, a talented photographer from Luis Calow Photography. He was highly recommended to me due to his unique style, which perfectly matched my vision for our relaxed and informal wedding day. I was thrilled with the results! Typically, my partner and I aren’t fond of being in front of the camera, but Luis’s warm demeanor put us at ease. We were overjoyed when we received our photos, which perfectly captured the essence of our special day. The images tell a wonderful story, exactly as we had envisioned.
The Flowers
The flowers at our special day were crafted by Fabulous Flowers in Oxford. We opted for a minimalist approach with a strong emphasis on lush foliage. Individual stems were placed in glass bottles adorning the tables, while the bar area in the yurts was dotted with an abundance of greenery. The pièce de résistance was the stunning 8ft foliage installation that dominated the main yurt’s central table, creating a breathtaking focal point. As we navigated the wedding planning process, Steve would often remark that our ‘foliage hoop’ might be excessive, but as you’ll see from the photos, it truly added an extra layer of sophistication and visual appeal.
The Honeymoon
As newlyweds, my spouse and I embarked on a romantic getaway to Italy’s picturesque Amalfi Coast. Our journey began in Rome, where we spent a few nights soaking up the city’s charm before hitting the road in our hire car. We meandered along the coastal route, making stops in Sorrento, Positano, and Tivoli, taking in the breathtaking views and quaint towns. One of the highlights was our stay at Relais Blu, situated between Sorrento and Positano. The infinity pool overlooking Capri Island was nothing short of stunning, leaving us awestruck by its beauty.
Memorable Moments
While the wedding day itself was undoubtedly a highlight, it’s the smaller, often overlooked moments that have really stuck with us. I mean, who could forget the two guests taking an unexpected dip into the river while attempting to board the pedalo boats? It was a real laugh and a great way to break the ice. And let’s not forget the dazzling display of fireworks that lit up the night sky at the end of our celebration. These little moments have become just as cherished in our memories as any other part of the day.
The Cake
Ali Armstrong, the talented baker and caterer from Ali’s Country Kitchen, crafted a stunning semi-naked sponge cake that stole the show. The masterpiece was adorned with a generous helping of luscious berries and a delicate dusting of icing sugar. As huge fans of Victoria sponge cake, my husband Steve and I couldn’t resist featuring it at our special day. To make the occasion even more memorable, Ali created adorable personalized heart-shaped biscuits that we distributed as wedding favors to each of our guests.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace individuality on your special day! Don’t feel pressured to conform to traditional wedding expectations if they don’t align with your personalities or preferences. If you’re not into elaborate makeup routines, skip it. If a first dance isn’t your thing, don’t stress about it. And if the thought of jumping in a pedalo boat sounds like a blast, go for it! At the end of the day (literally!), what matters most is celebrating your love and enjoying quality time with your closest friends and family. I guarantee that any worries you have leading up to the big day will melt away as you’re surrounded by the people and moments that truly matter.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the photographer, Luis Calow, captured the magic of Kat and Steve’s special day, several key elements came together to create an unforgettable experience. The venue, Riverside Weddings, provided a picturesque backdrop for the celebration. The bride’s stunning dress, courtesy of A Class Brides, was perfectly complemented by the beautiful flowers from Fabulous Flowers. The food, expertly handled by Hott Mess, satisfied the guests’ cravings, while the boats from Oxford Punting added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings. Music played a vital role, with Liane Hopkins on harp and Loud Noises Brass providing lively tunes. The cake, crafted by Ali’s Country Kitchen, was almost too beautiful to eat – almost! Custom Corsage & Hair Piece, courtesy of Gypsy Rose Vintage, added an extra layer of elegance to the bride’s overall look. The ceremony backdrop, designed by Lark & Owl, set the tone for the intimate and bespoke ceremony, expertly handled by Bespoke Ceremonies for Every Occasion.