I’m thrilled to share this enchanting real wedding feature with you. Laura and Kerry’s big day took place on December 5th, 2020, after they rearranged their original plans due to the pandemic. The outcome was a celebration that exuded chill, intimacy, and bohemian charm – it’s simply stunning.As cat lovers who share their lives with four feline friends, Laura and Kerry cleverly incorporated their beloved pets into their wedding theme. A beautiful blue and silver color palette, complemented by lush greenery, added to the whimsical atmosphere. I’m utterly smitten with Laura’s breathtaking floral wedding gown – she looks absolutely resplendent! Both Laura and Kerry radiated joy on their special day.Huge thanks go out to Laura Coughlan for sharing these captivating images today, serving as a reminder that love ultimately prevails.
Silver & Blue Wedding
The Proposal
As our 10th anniversary milestone approached, Kerry knew it was time to take the next step in our journey together. He planned a surprise city break to Rome for the summer of 2017, meticulously thinking through every detail – including placing a discreet note on the engagement ring box to avoid raising suspicions if security searched his luggage. I remained oblivious to his plan, even when he brought a full-length shirt to Rome despite the scorching heat (35°C). The shirt’s unusual presence sparked my curiosity, but I didn’t think much of it at the time. On the day of the proposal, we took a leisurely walk to the Orange Gardens, which offers breathtaking views of Rome. However, our romantic moment was momentarily hijacked by the sound of laughter and chatter from a private function being held there. Not wanting to share this special moment with hundreds of strangers, Kerry adjusted his plan. We continued walking back to the hotel, where he found an ancient chariot racing stadium – the perfect spot to pop the question. With my heart full of joy, I said yes, but only after verifying that he had obtained my father’s blessing!
The Vision
When my partner Kerry and I initially planned our wedding for July 25th, 2020, we envisioned a grand celebration with a large guest list. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to reevaluate and scale back our plans significantly. We opted for an intimate micro-wedding on December 5th instead, shifting from a summer soiree to a cozy winter gathering with only our closest family members and a few dear friends in attendance. Our goal was to create a laid-back atmosphere filled with lush foliage, subtle blues (a nod to Kerry’s love for Chelsea FC), and silvery accents that echoed the festive season’s approaching Christmas. To make it even more personal, we incorporated tributes to our beloved feline family, including Tallulah, Sansa, Hank, and Betty.
The Venue
We initially had our sights set on the Railway Barn in July, but when COVID-19 forced us to postpone, we didn’t lose hope. We still wanted to tie the knot in 2020, and after some careful consideration, we decided to look for an alternative venue that could accommodate our summer wedding plans. Our luck changed when we stumbled upon Tuffon Hall – the moment we took a virtual tour of the property, we knew we’d found the perfect spot. The excitement only grew as we toured the venue in person once lockdown restrictions were lifted. It was as if fate had brought us to this beautiful setting. What drew us to Tuffon Hall was its unique combination of charm and practicality – everything from the ceremony to the reception was under one roof, with breathtaking views of the vineyard and grounds. The Cellar Door offered ample space for our special day, with the option to move seamlessly between the downstairs ceremony area and the balcony-level reception space. The expansive grounds and picturesque vineyard provided a stunning backdrop for photographs and memories to be made. Throughout the entire process, Pod and Sarah at Tuffon Hall were absolute professionals, exceeding our expectations in every way.
Your Outfits
As I scoured the web for the perfect venue, my eyes landed on Suzanne Harington’s bespoke wedding dresses at an open day I had previously attended. Her customised approach resonated with me, promising a one-of-a-kind dress tailored to my every desire. Without hesitation, I booked an appointment and fell head over heels in love with the lace wedding dress adorned with intricate embroidery flower details. It was as if fate had intervened, dictating that this was the one for me. Suzanne masterfully designed the dress of my dreams, infusing it with the unique charm of the lace. I couldn’t bear to take it off! To complement my gown, I paired it with a pair of leopard print strap block heels from Linzi, harmoniously aligning with our whimsical cat theme. Meanwhile, Kerry’s quest for the perfect attire led him to discover a blue tweed suit and navy floral tie from Moss Bros, which he coupled with a pair of sleek black Ted Baker shoes. The best man and father of the bride mirrored his style, donning matching suits and shoes. For my maid of honour and bridesmaid, I selected sparkly blue dresses from ASOS, which they paired with silver strap block heels from Linzi. As a vegan, finding a makeup artist and hairstylist who shared my values was paramount. Nichola and Peri exceeded expectations, crafting looks that not only met but surpassed my expectations while respecting my ethical stance. Their professionalism, friendliness, and ease at work created an atmosphere of joy and laughter on the morning of our wedding as we got ready and discovered Kerry’s box of surprises.
The Ceremony & Music
Having attended multiple open days, I had the pleasure of encountering Three Mile Hill at various locations. It was no surprise that we wanted to book them for our big day – they were an absolute perfect fit. The guys genuinely impressed me with their exceptional talent and infectious energy, which took our favorite songs to a whole new level. Their rendition of our first dance song left an indelible mark on the memory of our special occasion, making it all the more memorable.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
When it came to capturing the essence of our special day, my sister’s best friend Laura – a talented photographer – was the obvious choice. We didn’t hesitate in reaching out to her, and we were thrilled when she confirmed her availability. Having a familiar face behind the lens made all the difference, as we already knew Laura personally. This personal connection allowed us to relax and be ourselves, resulting in genuine, natural photographs that perfectly preserved the memories of our unforgettable day.
The Styling & Decor
We had the pleasure of meeting Hayley from Starry Eyed Weddings at an open day at our original venue. As a teacher, I knew I wouldn’t have the time to decorate the space myself. Thankfully, I was a relaxed bride-to-be who trusted Hayley’s expertise in creating a beautiful atmosphere. She has an incredible eye for detail and a deep understanding of decor and flowers. Her suggestions and ideas were music to my ears.Hayley brought our wedding vision to life with her stunning foliage arches, twinkling lights, lanterns, personalized seating plans, unique cake wardrobe, bespoke banner featuring lyrics from our first dance, and customized cocktail sign with fun details about two of our beloved cats. She even took care of my exquisite bridal bouquet, my bridesmaid’s bouquets, and the buttonholes.The attention to detail was impressive, from the beautiful foliage and silvers used in the bouquets to the charms I added featuring my grandparents’ wedding days. I also created personalized place names for each guest by crafting adorable cats using pegs, felt, and paint. To spread some good fortune, we gave lottery tickets as favors to our guests.The show-stopping cake was crafted by Victoria from Pinkface, a masterpiece that exceeded expectations. The three-tiered beauty featured icing flowers and offered three distinct flavors: red velvet, lemon, and strawberry with champagne. It tasted as amazing as it looked, and the bespoke cake topper featuring myself, my partner Kerry, and our four fur babies – Tallulah, Sansa, Hank, and Betty – was the perfect finishing touch.
The Honeymoon
As the initial plan, we were set to embark on a romantic getaway to Bali during the summer break. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, our dream honeymoon had to be put on hold. As soon as travel restrictions ease up, we’re eager to escape to a new destination – whether it’s within the UK or across the globe.
Memorable Moments
Despite the unpredictability brought by COVID-19, Kerry and I were overjoyed to finally tie the knot with our closest family members and friends. The strict 15-guest limit meant our celebration was more intimate than ever before, making it an even more special day for us. We left 2020 on a high note after such an unprecedented year, feeling grateful for the opportunity to mark this milestone together.
The heartfelt speeches delivered by my father, Kerry’s best man, and Kerry himself were truly remarkable. I was impressed by the thought and effort they put into their words, which left me beaming with pride and emotion. The mix of laughter and tears made it a truly unforgettable experience.
Our first dance was inspired by a unique gift Kerry gave me when we were 19 years old – a singing pig that belted out ‘My Girl’! We decided this quirky keepsake had to make an appearance at our wedding, so I warned the band they had big shoes to fill. And, of course, the pig did indeed make its debut on our special day.