Sean and Denice’s wedding journey was marked by unexpected twists, courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their initial plans were put on hold, forcing them to reassess their vision and scale back the festivities. They opted for a more intimate ceremony at the register office, followed by a picturesque garden reception that perfectly captured their love story. But the pièce de résistance was yet to come – a daring post-wedding adventure to Mount Snowdon, where they donned their finest attire for a series of breathtaking photographs with their talented photographer. The resulting images are nothing short of spectacular, leaving this reader itching to explore Wales’ stunning landscapes.
Snowdon Wedding
The Proposal
2016 was a remarkable year for us, filled with unforgettable adventures and experiences that will forever be etched in our memories. The grand finale of our travels took us to Italy in December, where Sean surprised me with a birthday getaway to the eternal city of Rome. As we explored the ancient streets, visited the iconic Vatican City, and indulged in delicious pizza and gelato, I had a feeling that this birthday was going to be extra special. And indeed it was, as Sean treated me like royalty throughout our trip (his poor bank account notwithstanding!).As we stood on a hill overlooking the breathtaking cityscape at night, alone with nothing but the twinkling lights of Rome below us, Sean turned to me with tears in his eyes and trembling hands. He spoke to me in hushed tones, pouring out his heart and soul as he told me how much he loved me and how happy he was to be sharing this experience with me.As I realized what was happening, my emotions went into overdrive – shock, excitement, shyness, and a touch of nervousness. But luckily, we were in a secluded spot, and Sean’s hands shook as he pulled out a small box from his pocket. He opened it, revealing the most beautiful ring, and I knew that this was the moment.I will never forget the words he whispered to me: ‘Denice, I love you with all my heart, always. Will you marry me?’ Of course, my answer was an emphatic ‘YES!’ – repeated multiple times, as Sean placed the ring on my trembling finger and we stood there, gazing out at the Eternal City, newly engaged and more in love than ever.
The Vision
As the pandemic reshaped our wedding plans, my husband Sean and I found ourselves in an unpredictable whirlwind. As a nurse, I had to navigate the challenges of working during the crisis while also planning our special day. We initially postponed our original wedding, then relocated venues before finally deciding that we just wanted to tie the knot by the start of 2021. Our bond of over a decade was growing stronger, and we knew exactly what we were looking for in a photographer. Someone who would capture our true selves, not just prettify the moment. We found that person in Gemma, who became an integral part of our planning process. Her adventurous spirit and ‘can-do’ attitude inspired us to think outside the box. As huge travel enthusiasts, Sean and I have a special place in our hearts for Wales. When Gemma proposed a bold idea – capturing our wedding portraits up a mountain in Wales! – we didn’t hesitate. The answer was an enthusiastic yes!
The Venue
We opted for an intimate wedding setting at Aylesbury Registry office, which was followed by a warm family gathering at Sean’s parent’s house. The weather played perfect host, delivering a breathtaking backdrop to our special day. With great food, drink, and company surrounding us, it truly couldn’t have been better. In stark contrast, our second venue was an adventure unlike any other – the majestic Mount Snowdon in North Wales. A unique and exclusive setting (apart from the occasional hiker), this picturesque location left a lasting impression on us, one that we will always treasure.
Your Outfits
For our registry office wedding, I opted for a chic yet understated look with a midi dress from ASOS. The strapless design came across my shoulders, pairing perfectly with a dainty headpiece and statement jewelled shoes. This combination was ideal for a more intimate celebration, allowing me to keep the focus on our special day rather than drawing attention away from it.As someone of Filipino descent, I have a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship. When planning my wedding dress for our Wales shoot, I returned to Bride House Philippines, where I had previously chosen my bespoke gown. Their team was incredible to work with, communicating via email and video calls despite being based abroad. They allowed me to personalize every aspect of the design, from the material and color to the overall style.The resulting dress was a masterpiece – covered in delicate floral lace and featuring an off-the-shoulder design that felt both comfortable and elegant. Its versatility proved to be a godsend on our mountain hike, allowing me to move freely without sacrificing my bridal glamour.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
We were fortunate enough to have Gemma Randall Photography, a close friend of ours, capture the most special day of our lives. Her unique ability to capture candid, natural moments was exactly what we were looking for – we’re a bit goofy in front of the camera and wanted those imperfections to shine through. Throughout our journey, which had its ups and downs, Gemma brought reassurance and joy, making us feel at ease. She even joined us for three days in Wales, turning our mini-moon into an unforgettable adventure. We’re eternally grateful to her not only for the incredible photographs but also for being an utter joy to be around. Her talent is simply beyond compare.
The Styling & Decor
We transformed Sean’s parents’ garden into an enchanting setting for our reception, centered around their giant tipi. The ambiance was elevated with ivory balloons and banners, while a delectable 2-tiered cake from Iced Delights Cakes served as the sweet centerpiece – we still treasure that memorable photo! To commemorate the occasion, we received a beautifully engraved wooden box to hold our wedding rings, adding an extra layer of sentimental value. The floral arrangements were courtesy of Danni at Floral Arch, who drew inspiration from a styled shoot she collaborated on with Gemma. The bouquet’s muted pinks, orchids, and white roses, accented by varying textures, truly stole the show. We took great care to preserve the arrangement and even brought it along for our photoshoot in Wales – astonishingly, it remained fresh for days!
The Honeymoon
Before Covid-19, my husband and I had big plans for our honeymoon – a month-long adventure traveling through East Asia. As someone originally from the Philippines, I longed to return home and celebrate with loved ones who couldn’t join us in England for our special day. After that, we planned to revisit some of our favorite tropical islands, spend lazy days lounging on sun-kissed shores with a Pina colada in hand – my ultimate dream destination. Japan was Sean’s top priority, as it had been his lifelong dream since we started dating. Our initial itinerary was designed to alternate between personal passions, but then Covid-19 changed everything. All our travel plans were put on hold, leaving us to continue dreaming of making these experiences a reality when the world is ready for travel again. In the meantime, we opted for a mini-moon in North Wales, a place that stole our hearts with its breathtaking views and natural beauty – no matter how many times we visit.
Memorable Moments
The most unforgettable moments for me were the day Sean proposed in Rome and our eventual marriage day. After 11 years together and a four-year engagement, our wedding had taken a backseat. As the pandemic raged on, planning a wedding became a daunting task with no guarantees. It was liberating to shift focus from the perfect celebration to what truly mattered – our love for each other. Our dream evolved into a simple yet profound desire: to be married and call one another husband and wife. We prioritized creating lasting memories, and we were fortunate to have a friend and photographer who shared our enthusiasm. Although our dream wedding was put on hold, we were thrilled to embark on an epic adventure – a breathtaking photoshoot atop Mount Snowdon in Wales. This unforgettable experience will remain etched in our minds forever.