Today, we’re thrilled to share the real wedding story of Aimee and Ryan, two WWW readers who made their special day truly unforgettable. Their celebration took place on August 11th, 2018, at Rye Town Hall in Kent, followed by a reception at St Mary’s Village Hall Udimore, where they transformed a marquee into a stunning setting. What sets their story apart is their creative approach to planning, which allowed them to stay within budget. With DIY endeavors covering decorations, flower arrangements, and stationery, the couple showcased their resourcefulness and imagination. The end result was nothing short of breathtaking. We must also acknowledge the romantic proposal that took place on New Year’s Eve – a truly special moment for this lovely pair. A summer garden party atmosphere permeated their wedding day, with botanical elements adding to the carefree ambiance. It was a joyous celebration, filled with laughter and happiness. We’re grateful to Rebecca Douglas Photography for sharing these exquisite images with us.
The Proposal
As we eagerly anticipate our next adventure in Scotland, marked by a campervan trip to the Highlands and Isle Of Skye, memories of our Hogmanay celebration in Edinburgh come flooding back. On December 31st, 2016, Ryan and I joined the throngs of revelers counting down to the new year amidst fireworks and the intoxicating aroma of warm cider. As we snuggled up with fellow celebrants numbering over 50,000, I couldn’t help but wonder if Ryan would surprise me with a proposal. Given his shy nature and aversion to grand public gestures throughout our seven-year relationship, it seemed unlikely. Yet, as the countdown reached its climax, I turned to find him on one knee, ring in hand, looking decidedly nervous and green around the gills. Time seemingly stood still not just for us, but for the hundreds of people surrounding us. Their collective breath was held as I tearfully accepted his offer, prompting a chorus of cheers from our newfound friends. That perfect moment has etched itself indelibly in my memory, and I know it will remain with me forever.
The Vision
As we envisioned our special day, we craved a serene and laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of a warm summer afternoon. A botanical-inspired celebration with a whimsical twist, complete with an abundance of lush greenery and sweet treats – in this case, the indulgent delight of donuts – was the perfect setting to exchange our vows.
The Planning Process
As soon as we started planning, my first priority was securing the perfect photographer for our special day. Rebecca Douglas was an obvious choice; I had been following her work for a while and knew she would be able to capture every precious moment. With that crucial element in place, everything else began to fall into line. I spent hours pouring over Pinterest boards, gathering inspiration and ideas. Meanwhile, I was determined to take on some DIY projects to create unique wedding décor. Once we secured our venue at a bargain price, I knew I had the flexibility to devote weekends to crafting floral hoops, table centerpieces, and other creative endeavors. The process proved to be an absolute blast, allowing me to express myself creatively and bring my vision to life.
Bridesmaids
As I embarked on my online shopping adventure, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of stunning dresses at Asos – and what a steal they were! The moment I laid eyes on them, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement and joy, to the point where I even got a little emotional when I saw the full collection in the morning light.
The Readings & Music
As I walked down the aisle, Ben Howard’s soothing melody from ‘Old Pine’ filled the air, transporting me back to countless summer drives through our picturesque countryside with Ryan. Those moments of pure bliss, surrounded by nature and good music, are etched in my memory as a cherished aspect of our relationship. Our ceremony was nothing short of unforgettable – we couldn’t help but giggle throughout! The officiant’s warm presence and poignant words left an indelible mark on me. Accompanying this joyous atmosphere were two special elements: the reading of ‘Time Traveler’ by Terah Cox, which holds immense emotional significance for me, and the happiness it brought to my heart.
Your Outfits & Accessories
The bride’s dress, a stunning piece called Dove by Pure Bridal, was discovered through Bustles and Bows. It was love at first sight – she knew immediately it was meant to be hers. The bohemian-inspired design exuded a festival-like charm, which she complemented with understated hair and shimmering heels that added a touch of glamour. Meanwhile, the groom’s suit, sourced from Moss Bros, left her breathless from the moment they laid eyes on it. He looked dashing in his new attire (he had a natural affinity for suiting up), and the bride surprised him with a thoughtful gift – a pocket watch adorned with the heartfelt message ‘No matter how much time passes I will always love you’ – which he proudly wore on their special day.
Budget
We aimed to keep our wedding expenses under £8,000, but ultimately spent around £10,000. A key factor in keeping costs down was our choice of venue – a relaxed space where we could purchase our own drinks and food without incurring hefty per-head fees. We highly recommend considering a DIY wedding where you can take advantage of an empty canvas and tackle all the logistics yourself. However, it’s essential to note that spreadsheets are your best friend when planning a wedding. I meticulously tracked every plan and expense on a spreadsheet, only to realize that some last-minute costs had slipped my mind.
Beauty
As a surprise treat from my wonderful sister-in-law, I indulged in relaxed bohemian waves and a delicate floral hair slide that added a charming touch to my overall aesthetic. To further enhance my natural beauty, a talented makeup artist – courtesy of my best friend’s thoughtful gesture – brought out the perfect summer glow on me. Her expertise was evident as she carefully crafted a look that exuded warmth and subtlety, refraining from heavy-handed application to let my natural sunkissed charm shine through.
Suppliers
As we embarked on our special day, we chose VW Brides as our trusted transportation, fulfilling a lifelong dream to arrive at our wedding in style aboard a beautiful campervan and cabriolet beetle. The team’s exceptional service left us feeling like royalty as they navigated the historic town of Rye, drawing cheers from the enthusiastic crowd. Moreover, EpiCatering impressed us with their culinary expertise, crafting a delectable menu for our sit-down BBQ meal and canapés. Each guest raved about the spread, praising its variety and abundance. The team’s dedication to ensuring every plate was filled to capacity was truly remarkable. Furthermore, we were fortunate to have Southern Events’ talented professionals assist us in setting up a spacious marquee in the garden despite challenging rain conditions the day prior. Their perseverance paid off as the sun shone brightly on our wedding day, allowing us to fully appreciate their handiwork.
The Flowers
My sister, a talented individual, played a crucial role in keeping costs in check. Just before the wedding, we visited Café Des Fleurs, a local florist in Rye, and acquired an abundance of eucalyptus, gypsophila, blushing bride, and fern. With these materials, my sister created breathtaking bouquets the night preceding our special day. In total, we spent approximately £150 on the bridesmaids’ and bridal bouquets, which turned out to be stunningly beautiful. As a bonus, this experience has inspired us to consider opening our own florist shop in the future.
Groomsmen
The gentlemen in question had opted for a sleek ensemble, with charcoal grey suits courtesy of the renowned retailer Next. The tailored cuts accentuated their frames, exuding an air of sophistication and refinement.
The Venue
Tucked away just outside of Rye lies a hidden treasure – Udimore Village Hall. This charming gem offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and community spirit, with its lush orchards and picturesque farm surroundings. You’re free to put your own unique touch on this special spot.For us, it was love at first sight with Rye. We’ve spent countless summers exploring the town’s quaint shops and cobblestone streets, soaking up its unique atmosphere. And every year, we’re treated to a romantic spectacle – weddings galore! The sound of the Town Crier’s triumphant cry still gives us goosebumps as they proclaim you ‘Man and Wife’. It’s a truly surreal and unforgettable experience.
The Details & Décor
For 18 months, my partner and I dedicated ourselves to crafting every detail of our wedding décor from scratch. With the exception of a few minor purchases, we created almost everything you see today through DIY endeavors. From the outside bar to the step ladder table plan, floral ceiling installations, and even handmade save-the-dates, invitations, and order-of-the-day designs, my creative vision was to transform our outdoor space into a lush summer garden party with a BBQ and marquee. To achieve this, we invested in lanterns and bunting, which served as the foundation for our design. Next, I gathered an abundance of greenery, utilizing it to create ivy table runners, floral hoops that hung from the ceiling, and mason jars filled with gypsophila. While we didn’t adhere to a specific colour scheme, our wedding décor featured a palette of whites, greens, and blush pinks.
The Cake
My brother’s DIY skills truly shone through when he crafted a stunning cake stand from a tree trunk he had pruned in his garden just before our wedding. Little did we know, his dedication to perfection came with a price – a visit to A&E after his finger narrowly escaped being severed while cutting the tree! Fortunately, he made a full recovery, and his efforts paid off in the form of a gorgeous three-tiered cake display featuring delicious chocolate and red velvet cakes. To complement this sweet treat, we also had a mesmerizing donut Ferris wheel that kept guests satisfied throughout the night.
Your Photographer
Starting the journey, we were blown away by Rebecca’s exceptional talent! Our Skype conversation before the wedding set the tone for a seamless experience. As the big day arrived, our hotel room was buzzing with laughter and excitement as we got ready with the girls. What struck us most was how effortlessly Rebecca captured every emotional connection between Ryan, myself, and our loved ones on camera. Even now, gazing at those incredible photos, I’m still in awe of her ability to bring out the best in everyone.
Your Filmmaker
In hindsight, it’s clear that we should have allocated funds for this initiative. Despite recognizing its value, we were unable to make room for it in our initial budget planning. This realization has left us with a sense of what could have been if only we had prioritized this aspect.
The Honeymoon
Just three days after exchanging our vows, we embarked on a 9-hour flight to the Dominican Republic, where we indulged in an unforgettable 10-day escapade. The experience proved to be nothing short of phenomenal, as we dedicated our time to unwinding and basking in the joy of newlywed bliss. Our hotel of choice was a true gem, offering an array of luxurious amenities including a swim-up bar and all-inclusive dining options, which we thoroughly took advantage of.
Advice For Other Couples
As the wedding planning progressed, I began to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information swirling in my brain. Despite my love for organizing and controlling every detail (a trait I’ve come to accept as part of my personality), I was starting to realize that I couldn’t do it all on my own. It’s crucial to involve your partner, families, and loved ones in the planning process – not only does it give them a sense of belonging and contribution, but it also helps alleviate any feelings of burden or isolation. In fact, my husband and I spent many relaxing evenings creating lanterns and pompoms together, sipping wine and enjoying each other’s company.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the photographer, Rebecca Douglas Photography, captured every precious moment of Aimee and Ryan’s special day, the marquee at Southern Events was transformed into a magical setting. The transportation, courtesy of VW Brides, ensured that guests arrived in style. Meanwhile, the stunning dress worn by the bride featured bustles and bows from Dove, while Pure Bridal provided an exquisite complement to her overall look. The reception took place at St Mary’s Village Hall in Udimore, a charming venue that perfectly suited the couple’s rustic yet elegant vision. The ceremony, on the other hand, was held at Rye Town Hall, where the beauty of nature surrounded them as they exchanged their vows. As for floral arrangements, Café Des Fleurs created breathtaking displays that added to the overall ambiance. EpiCatering ensured a delicious spread, while Pizza Van and Community Oven provided additional options for guests to enjoy. The night came alive with the lively tunes of The Do Theys, leaving everyone in awe. A huge thank you goes out to Aimee and Ryan for sharing their enchanting wedding day with us.