As the week and month begin anew, I’m thrilled to share an utterly charming summer wedding tale with you! Meet Ant and Kloe, a lovely couple who exchanged vows in a relaxed boho style celebration on July 21st, 2018, at Alveston Pastures Farm in Warwickshire. The duo, teachers living in Dubai, encountered some logistical challenges while planning their big day, but the support of loved ones made it all worthwhile. Their goal was to host an unforgettable party, and judging by the photos, everyone had a fantastic time! The ceremony got underway with an outdoor service officiated by a close family friend, adding a personal touch to the proceedings. The setting was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a Persian rug aisle, candle-lit lanterns, and a show-stopping floral backdrop complete with a dream catcher – absolute bohemian bliss! I’m smitten. And let’s not forget Snoop, their adorable family dog, who served as the ring bearer – too cute for words!Moving on to the fashion front, the mismatched white bridesmaids dresses, flower crowns, stunning strapless bridal gown, and dapper gents’ suits are sure to leave you enamored. The gorgeous images courtesy of A Little Picture have me beaming with gratitude to share them with you – keep an eye out for those breathtaking sunset and smoke bomb portraits!
The Proposal
As an unlikely coincidence, my boyfriend Ant, also a primary school teacher, planned a surprise trip to Barcelona for me during our half-term break. What made it even more remarkable was that my best friend Sarah had recently relocated to Spain with her partner Adam. Initially, I thought they were spending time with family in another part of the country, which only added to the excitement. Our first evening was filled with breathtaking views of the city from the Magic Fountain area, despite Ant’s initial disappointment at it being closed for winter. We savored the sunset while toasting with some bubbly, and then he whisked me away to a secluded bench where no one else was around. There, he presented me with a book featuring hilarious captions and photos of our journey together. The laughter and tears were intense, but things took an even more astonishing turn when Ant got down on one knee and proposed with a stunning ring he had designed himself. I thought the surprise couldn’t get any better, but the next morning we headed to breakfast at a café recommended by Sarah and Adam. Walking in to find them there was the cherry on top, making our trip an unforgettable experience.
The Vision
We decided to host a laid-back outdoor celebration that centered around our loved ones, allowing us to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Our journey began with booking the perfect venue, Alveston Pastures Farm, while residing in Dubai. It was a family affair when we visited the farm and fell head over heels for its liberating atmosphere. The owner, Marion, proved to be incredibly accommodating, granting us the autonomy to customize our special day to perfection.
The Planning Process
The wedding planning process was truly a collaborative effort, with our loved ones playing a crucial role in making it all come together. Despite being out of the country as graduation approached, we knew that making most of the decorations by hand would be a huge undertaking. As soon as we returned home, everything began to fall into place. With an army of family members and friends lending a helping hand, the amount of love and teamwork that went into the entire weekend was truly overwhelming for both of us.
The Venue
As we prepared to start our new life together, having our ceremony and reception at Alveston Pastures Farm in Dubai became a reality. We were smitten with the barn from the moment we saw it – its beauty was undeniable. The expansive grounds stole the show, and we had an absolute blast navigating the maze, which brought laughter and joy to all who participated.
The Readings & Music
We made our special day even more meaningful by having our closest family friend Tracy lead our outdoor ceremony in the grounds. As we were already married in name only, we decided to write our own vows and make them truly personal. A heartwarming moment came when both of our mothers read ‘The Art of Marriage’ by Wilfred A Peterson, a poem that added an extra layer of depth to our celebration. We chose ‘Fire in My Heart’ by Super Furry Animals as the soundtrack for our walk down the aisle, a song that holds special memories for both of us and my family. It was a moment I’ll always treasure, walking hand in hand with my dad while surrounded by the beauty of nature. As we danced back up the aisle to ‘September’ by Earth, Wind and Fire, we felt like we were on cloud nine. The real showstopper, though, was Ant’s choreographed first dance routine set to a medley of our favorite songs. After weeks of practice, it paid off in spades as we saw the joy and amazement on our loved ones’ faces. And let’s not forget the entertainment – we had the talented Soul Strutters, a funk and soul band from Bristol, get everyone dancing and grooving all night long.
Your Outfits & Accessories
During my Christmas visit to Leamington Spa, I had the pleasure of visiting Tilly Trotters bridal boutique with my mum and sisters. Sian, the store’s friendly and knowledgeable staff member, played a significant role in helping me find my dream dress. She curated a selection of gowns for me to try on, including one that she specifically chose for me – a stunning Martina Liana dress. Although it was uncharacteristic of what I had envisioned for myself, the dress fit me like a glove and left me feeling absolutely radiant. Sian’s expertise and encouragement ultimately convinced me to opt for something different, which proved to be the perfect choice. As I prepared for my final fitting, she also suggested wearing a veil, an idea that initially hadn’t crossed my mind but ultimately became one of my favorite features. With my sisters’ unanimous approval, I knew I had made the right decision. To complement my look, we discovered exquisite handmade shoulder jewellery by Wildest Dreams Bridal on Etsy, courtesy of my sister’s keen eye. Meanwhile, Ant was busy selecting his attire for the occasion. He opted for a navy three-piece suit from ASOS, which he found through a friend’s recommendation. His tie, a beautiful paisley print design by Gianni Feraud, added a pop of color to his overall look, while his tan brogues by Base London completed his stylish ensemble.
The Flowers
My sister’s wedding florist, Jen, was the epitome of professionalism and warmth. She worked with me to create a stunning arrangement that captured the essence of summer. The final product was a delicate mix of fresh flowers, including rosemary, carnations, limonium, lavender, waxflower, and gypsophila, all carefully arranged on a foliage base. The end result was breathtakingly beautiful, and I’m thrilled to have mine preserved in a frame as a cherished memento.
The Cake
When we stumbled upon The Olivia Rose Cake Company on Instagram, we were immediately drawn to their breathtaking confections. Specifically, Stina – a talented midwife with a passion for baking – caught our attention with her incredible cakes. As self-proclaimed chocolate enthusiasts, we couldn’t resist the allure of her three-tier semi-naked chocolate fudge cake, adorned with lush real flowers. And let’s just say, she truly outdid herself – her masterpiece is nothing short of amazing!
Bridesmaids
The ultimate goal was to ensure the bridesmaids felt confident and stunning in their chosen dresses. The idea of each girl selecting a unique style that reflected her personal taste was music to my ears. Initially, I had envisioned a dusky pink hue, but after scouring Pinterest together, we opted for a crisp white theme instead. This decision allowed the girls to showcase their individuality while still blending seamlessly with the relaxed atmosphere of the wedding. The result was nothing short of breathtaking – each dress boasted intricate lace and embroidery details from high-street retailers, perfectly complementing my own understated gown.
Groomsmen
In addition to Ant’s attire, his groomsmen made a stylish impression in their navy three-piece suits from ASOS. What particularly impressed us was the availability of tall trousers from the brand, which proved perfect for our taller groomsmen, exceeding 6ft in height. While they opted for the same suit as Ant, they added a touch of personality with Gianni Feraud paisley bow ties. And, in a delightful nod to the special occasion, our family dog Snoop, proudly served as ring bearer and donned his own paisley bow tie, matching the stylish vibe of the groomsmen.
Your Photographer
We were thrilled to work with talented photographer Alice from A Little Picture, whom we discovered on Instagram. Her natural and creative style immediately caught our attention, and we loved the way she brought our special day to life through her lens. We gave Alice a brief overview of what we wanted to capture, and she exceeded our expectations with her exceptional photography skills. What’s more, Alice is an absolute delight – kind, helpful, and hardworking, making us feel at ease in front of the camera. A memorable moment for us was when Alice revealed her smoke grenade trick to create a dramatic smoke-filled backdrop. It involved one of our groomsmen, Rollo, running around off-camera, and it was absolutely sidesplitting! We’re so grateful to have had Alice as our photographer and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a top-notch photography experience.
Your Filmmaker
We were thrilled to work with Emma, a talented videographer from Daydream Cinematography, who brought our special day to life through her lens. Despite being a relatively new business owner, Emma’s passion, professionalism, and warm personality shone through as she captured the essence of our celebration with remarkable ease. With minimal direction required, she effortlessly recorded cherished moments that left us all teary-eyed and transported back to the joyous occasion. We feel grateful for her exceptional work and wish her every success in her future endeavors.
The Details & Décor
We opted for the Arden Pig Company as our caterer, highly recommended by a friend. Their relaxed approach allowed guests to help themselves to the delectable summer BBQ spread. For evening sustenance, we selected Spectacular Goat company, who served up scrumptious wood-fired sourdough pizzas from their VW pick-up truck within the grounds. As for decorations, our family pitched in to create handmade masterpieces, transforming my parents’ home into a wedding wonderland! We also rented some stunning pieces from Naomi Hession of Hippie Shake on Instagram, whose breathtaking display captivated us and played a significant role in bringing our outdoor wedding vision to life. Inside the barn, we wove together dream catchers, flowers, lanterns, and fairy lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere that felt truly magical.
Memorable Moments
It’s hard to believe how perfectly the day unfolded, like we had conjured it into existence. Selecting just the right moments was an agonizing task! The memories of walking down the aisle with my father to our cherished song, only to be met with Ant’s beaming face, are etched in my mind forever. Our dear friend Tracy brought a sense of warmth and elegance to our ceremony, making it truly unforgettable. The heartfelt speeches that followed left not a single dry eye in the barn by the end – I’m still getting choked up just thinking about them! And who could forget our surprise first dance or the joyous hours we spent dancing the night away with our closest loved ones under the stars?
Advice For Other Couples
Don’t let the smaller details weigh you down – remember, this special day is about celebrating your love with the people who matter most. As you finalize plans for a dry hire venue, don’t hesitate to ask family and friends for help along the way. We were fortunate to have loved ones pitch in during setup, transportation, and teardown, allowing us to truly appreciate the experience. And when it’s all said and done, take a moment to revel in the joy and love that fills each moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of planning, but trust us – savor every second, because before you know it, this once-in-a-lifetime day will be nothing more than cherished memories.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As I reminisce about Ant and Kloe’s extraordinary wedding celebration, I’m reminded of the incredible attention to detail that went into making their special day truly unforgettable. From the photography to the catering, every aspect of the event was meticulously planned to ensure a seamless blend of form and function. The Arden Pig Company did an impressive job of providing delectable evening fare, while the Spectacular Goat brought a touch of whimsy to the proceedings with its unique offerings for hire. Meanwhile, the soothing rhythms of ‘The Hippie Shake’ helped to create a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly captured the couple’s free-spirited nature. Behind the lens, Daydream Cinematography expertly captured every moment, ensuring that Ant and Kloe will always have a stunning visual record of their special day. The Florist in Bloom added a pop of color with its gorgeous arrangements, while The Olivia Rose Cake Company crafted a show-stopping cake that was almost too beautiful to eat (almost!). Tilly Trotters Bridal Boutique ensured that the bride looked absolutely radiant on her big day, and it’s clear that Ant and Kloe are still basking in the joy and love that filled every moment of their wedding celebration.