As Cara and Chris, the lovely couple behind WWW, exchanged vows at Southwood Hall in Norfolk, it was clear that their wedding celebration would be nothing short of extraordinary. The outdoor woodland ceremony, accompanied by a whimsical reception in the venue’s enchanting barns, perfectly captured the bohemian outdoorsy essence they had envisioned. To achieve this look, the couple incorporated charming elements such as macrame hanging installations, lanterns suspended from tree branches, and rustic wooden accents that added to the natural ambiance. The result was a truly unique celebration that blended effortlessly with its surroundings. The lush bouquets featuring peonies and roses, paired with on-trend pampas grass in the barn, only added to the visual splendor. And let’s not forget the show-stopping attire, delicate little fish details, dramatic smoke bombs, and awe-inspiring cake – all of which contributed to an unforgettable experience. Special thanks go out to Georgia Rachael Photography for sharing their breathtaking images with us today.
The Proposal
It’s a bittersweet story, but one that has become deeply personal to me. As a teenager, I experienced the devastating loss of my father in a road traffic accident on Easter Sunday – a day that now holds a mix of sadness and joy. Fast forward to that same Easter morning, and you’ll find me standing in shock as my dad reveals a massive egg with bold, unforgettable words: ‘Will you marry me?’ He was down on one knee, his eyes shining with emotion. The significance of this moment wasn’t lost on me; he wanted Easter to become a happier time for me, and in that instant, it did. What makes this story even more special is the fact that he had sought permission from my grandfather (his father) beforehand – a thoughtful gesture that has stayed with me.
The Vision
As a wedding enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the warm, earthy tones of nude as a theme. When planning my special day, I envisioned an outdoorsy celebration with a bohemian flair. With years of experience in the industry, I had built relationships with numerous suppliers and trusted them to bring my vision to life. I gave each vendor creative freedom, from the florist to the cake designer, allowing them to add their unique touch. The result was a stunning display of pampas grass on the arches, adorned with big, lush bouquets that incorporated my beloved thistles. The tables were a different story altogether. I had a clear idea in mind and worked closely with the prop company to ensure every detail was perfect. My husband’s love of fishing is reflected in the fish-shaped table numbers and vintage-inspired table plan. Festoon lighting added a touch of whimsy and transformed the barn into an intimate, enchanting space. Meanwhile, strategically placed lanterns and ribbons in the trees created a magical atmosphere that wowed our guests as we celebrated amidst the woodland beauty.
The Planning Process
When it came time to choose a venue for our special day, my partner had a personal connection that made the decision easy. As an electrician, he helped convert the old barn into a beautiful space, and it was always his dream to get married there. However, I’m a wedding enthusiast – I attend many nuptials as part of my job – which meant my partner was initially hesitant, joking that he’d had enough of weddings. Despite this, I drew inspiration from each celebration and the process became seamless when I selected suppliers I knew and loved. In fact, Georgia, our talented photographer, was the first person we booked. She’s since become a close friend, and I’m thrilled with our decision.
Budget
While our initial budget stood at £15,000, the final costs ended up slightly higher than anticipated, with a total spend of £20,000. Although this may seem like an increase, it’s essential to note that the end result was well worth the investment.
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most exciting aspects is deciding on the perfect attire for the big day. For the bride, finding the right dress can be a daunting task, but there are some fantastic options out there. Pure Brides offers a stunning selection of gowns that are sure to make any woman feel like a princess. And it’s not just about the dress – accessories play a huge role in completing the look. For earrings, Accessorize has got you covered with their vast array of stylish and affordable options. A beautiful necklace can add an extra touch of elegance, and Etsy is a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. The hair vine from Amazon is also a lovely addition that can help tie everything together. And let’s not forget about shoes – Dune has some fantastic options that are both stylish and comfortable. Finally, when it comes to getting ready for the big day, having a special dressing gown for the bride and bridesmaids can be a lovely touch. Boohoo has some beautiful gowns that are perfect for the occasion.
Beauty
Bryony, a trusted stylist at Example Salon in Norwich, was responsible for my locks that day. Meanwhile, Kelly Mullender, a skilled makeup artist, took care of the beauty aspects.
The Readings & Music
During the ceremony, Bill Downs lent his smooth vocals to serenading the newlyweds. The readings that day were particularly meaningful, as they drew from two powerful texts: ‘I’ll Be There’ and ‘The Art of Marriage’. These poignant passages beautifully captured the essence of the couple’s love story.
Groomsmen
Bridesmaids
The Flowers
The Cake
The Details & Décor
To elevate their special day, the happy couple entrusted Belles and Beaus Wedding Hire and Styling to bring their unique vision to life. From props and styling that set the tone for an unforgettable experience, to cutlery from KWF that added a touch of elegance to each bite, and stationery from Little Pea Designs that perfectly captured their love story – every detail was carefully curated to reflect the couple’s personality and style.
Your Photographer
Your Filmmaker
Memorable Moments
A treasured moment in my life was when my grandfather, my father’s father, accompanied me on my wedding day. The experience held a unique significance for me. In addition to this sentimental occasion, I cherish the memory of our first dance as a family, surrounded by our two little ones, Alfie who is now three years old and Aria, who is currently one year young.
Advice For Other Couples
While it’s easy to get caught up in the details of planning a perfect day, remember that every moment is precious. The truth is, before you know it, those moments will be nothing more than memories. So don’t stress too much about making everything perfect – instead, focus on creating an atmosphere that reflects your unique personalities as a couple. Find ways to make the venue and decor feel like a true extension of yourselves, and let those special moments unfold naturally.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Georgia Rachael Photography captured the magic of Cara and Chris’s special day at Southwood Hall. The bride’s stunning Pure Brides gown was perfectly complemented by her elegant make-up look, courtesy of Perfection by Kelly Mullender. The groom looked dashing in his vintage attire from Vintage Suit Hire, while the bridesmaid dresses were a beautiful touch from Little Mistress. Fox and Fern Florist brought the outdoors in with their gorgeous arrangements, and Buns Of Fun provided the sweet treats. J Avery Films captured all the action on camera, while Belles and Beaus Wedding Styling added the perfect props to make the day even more memorable. KWF provided the cutlery, Little Pea Designs created the stationery, and it was all oh so wonderful. The happy couple thanks Lou for sharing their amazing wedding story.