We’re thrilled to share the enchanting wedding celebration of WWW readers Sarah and Iwan, who tied the knot on November 24th, 2018 at The Druidstone in Pembrokeshire. This picturesque location offered breathtaking views of the coastline, providing a stunning backdrop for their couple portraits.The autumn season played a significant role in their special day, with seasonal flowers and decorations adding warmth and coziness to the atmosphere. Leaf confetti scattered across the tables, accompanied by squashes and pinecones, created a whimsical touch. Guests were also treated to beautifully illustrated stationery, scrumptious favors, and a spectacular fireworks display to conclude the evening in style.The happy couple looked resplendent in their attire. The groom and his attendants donned tweed suits with sage green accents, which harmoniously complemented the mismatched bridesmaid dresses in shades of green and grey. Sarah opted for a charming lace gown by Charlotte Balbier, paired with a flowing veil, floral crown, and crochet cover-up.For those considering an autumn wedding, these captivating images by Florence Fox Photography are sure to inspire. We’re grateful to Florence for sharing her exceptional work with us.
The Proposal
Iwan’s surprise proposal took place in my beloved hometown of Ludlow, where we shared a special moment at the top of a hill overlooking the iconic Ludlow castle and our first home together, filled with cherished memories. While you might expect a romantic atmosphere, I was still recovering from a night out, and Iwan, true to his adventurous spirit, insisted on taking me for a walk in the rain. His slightly eccentric behavior only added to the excitement as he got down on one knee and popped the question. To my delight, I found myself overwhelmed with joy as we celebrated the start of this new chapter together.
The Vision
As we envisioned our special day, we aimed for a stress-free, informal celebration that perfectly reflected our quirky personalities. It was crucial to us that we had as many loved ones present to share the experience. To achieve this, we involved friends and family from the outset, delegating tasks left and right to ensure everyone felt invested in the preparations. In fact, our strategy revolved around delegation – a deliberate attempt to minimize pre-wedding stress and chaos. Even Iwan, still reeling from the shock of marrying me, was on board with this approach. Little did we know, it would be a deciding factor in making our wedding an unforgettable experience.
Of course, we wanted to infuse our personalities into every aspect of the celebration. And, as expected, some unconventional ideas emerged – like the initial suggestion to put my pregnant bridesmaid on a mountain bike adorned with flowers (thankfully vetoed). Nonetheless, our November wedding date was non-negotiable. It’s the time of year when Iwan and I first met, and there’s something about the moody skies, crisp air, and rugged beauty that resonates deeply with us. The attire – think long coats and tweed – only added to the charm.
The Planning Process
As we navigated the wedding planning process, my mum took me to purchase a comprehensive guide to help us stay organized. At this point, I was still reeling from the engagement and had already selected my bridesmaids, including my sister Ruth who would serve as the maid of honor. The most daunting decision, however, proved to be choosing the perfect venue. Once we settled on a date and location, the rest of the planning fell into place thanks to the collective efforts of our friends and family. We all pitched in to make the wedding day special, with each person bringing their unique skills to the table.My sister-in-law took charge of creative aspects such as invitations, order of service, and decorations, utilizing her artistic flair. Iwan’s band performed during the reception, while I contributed by throwing out innovative ideas. His mum was responsible for ensuring there was an ample supply of drinks, and his dad handled transportation duties as well as cutting wood into smaller pieces for table decorations.I wanted everyone involved in the planning process to feel a sense of ownership and excitement about the wedding. Given our busy schedules at the time, it was wonderful that so many people were able to lend a hand. The seemingly mundane tasks of making confetti cones, paper hearts, and stamping paper took on a new light when done with loved ones over cups of tea and plates of chocolate, providing a delightful experience.
Budget
When it came to planning our special day on a budget-friendly note, my partner Iwan and I sat down early on to discuss our priorities. We both agreed that including our closest family and friends was crucial, which ultimately led us to hosting around 120 people during the day and about 20-30 in the evening. With music being an integral part of our celebration, we opted for a live band, ‘Wildcard’, who did an incredible job of getting everyone on their feet. They also provided a fantastic DJ set after their live performances.As we knew what to splurge on and what to be more frugal about, we made some conscious decisions. We chose a buffet-style meal, which not only ensured that everyone was well-fed but also kept the atmosphere informal and relaxed – exactly in line with our vision for the day. To keep energy levels high throughout the evening, we even had pulled pork baps available later on.It was essential to us that we captured some lasting memories of our special day, so we invested in a professional photographer, which proved to be an excellent decision. We left decorations up to family members and my crafty mum, who took pride in creating something beautiful. In hindsight, perhaps we should have budgeted better (maybe I should have delegated that task as well!), but I believe we made the most of our funds.
Bridesmaids
When planning my wedding, I knew that dressing two pregnant bridesmaids would be a challenge. I wanted them to feel their absolute best on my special day, so I decided to give them the freedom to choose their own dresses within a specific colour palette. They had a range of options from QUIZ, NEXT, Self Portrait, Hobbs and Eloise’s Secret Closet that fit with the dusky sage green and grey tones we were aiming for, along with a touch of sparkle to catch the November light. My flower girl dress was actually from Monsoon, which fit perfectly into the overall aesthetic. Instead of going on a traditional dress shopping trip together, I planned a fun bonding experience with the bridesmaids at Birmingham’s Boozy Bingo – where we danced on tables, sang our hearts out and had an absolute blast all night long! It was an amazing way for them to get to know each other before the wedding and created some truly unforgettable memories.
Beauty
The Attic Hair and Beauty in Haverfordwest left a lasting impression with their exceptional service. As someone who typically keeps makeup simple, I prioritized a natural look for my visit. I appreciated the team’s skillful approach to enhancing my features without appearing overly made-up. Additionally, their hair expertise proved invaluable, as they offered informed guidance that streamlined the decision-making process and ultimately resulted in a hairstyle that perfectly complemented my overall aesthetic.
The Readings & Music
We drew inspiration from a poignant passage in Dylan Thomas’ ‘Under Milk Wood’, brought to life by two esteemed individuals: Iwan’s Grandad, a charismatic figure, and Val, a valued family friend. Their rendition moved the entire congregation to tears of joy. In a departure from traditional choices, we opted for the Good Samaritan, read beautifully by a mutual friend. This unique selection resonated deeply with us both.
The service was elevated further by Hannah’s soulful singing and guitar playing. Her performance was truly breathtaking.
Hymns played a significant role as well, featuring ‘The Whole World’ and two Welsh rugby classics – ‘Calon Lan’ and ‘Bread of Heaven’. The collective energy was palpable, with the singing reaching new heights of enthusiasm.
The Venue
Choosing the perfect venue was a daunting task, mainly due to the time of year. I initially explored the option of hosting the ceremony in our own garden, complete with tipi or marquee. Florence, my photographer, offered invaluable advice on selecting a venue, which proved to be a worthwhile investment. Ultimately, we decided on Pembrokeshire, a place that holds a special significance for me. It’s a region that holds fond memories of my childhood, as well as those of my father and grandparents. Sadly, the year saw the passing of my grandmother, but I like to think she would have approved of our choice. There’s something enchanting about being by the sea, especially when the winds are blowing and the waves are stirring. The Druidstone, with its breathtaking views from the edge of a cliff on the Pembrokeshire coastal path, sealed the deal for us. The staff were an absolute delight – warm, accommodating, and helpful. They went above and beyond to ensure our day was nothing short of magical, complete with a sumptuous buffet featuring local specialties that left everyone talking for weeks to come.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I’m thrilled to share my excitement about the various elements that came together to make my special day truly unforgettable. The dress, designed by Charlotte Balbier’s La Couture collection, was a standout piece that exceeded my expectations. Purchased at a trunk show, it was reasonably priced and underwent alterations to ensure a perfect fit. The boutique staff were incredibly helpful in providing advice on bra options, which I hadn’t initially considered. The result was a dress that seamlessly blended with the bohemian theme of our special day.The shoes, sourced from Kurt Geiger, were a bargain find at a retail park and added a touch of sophistication to my overall look. The veil, acquired from My Little Wedding Shop in Bridgenorth, featured intricate vines and leaves, perfectly capturing the essence of an autumn wedding. Lastly, the cover-up, crafted by MODAcrochet using grey wool sold on Etsy, was a wise investment, providing warmth without sacrificing style or elegance.
Your Filmmaker
The cinematic charm of ‘Florence Fox’ resonated deeply with me. This endearing film effectively conveys the essence of its subject matter, transporting viewers to a moment in time that is both poignant and relatable.
Your Photographer
Florence Fox is an exceptional photographer who has captured stunning images. While Iwan and I are not always comfortable with photo shoots, Florence made us feel at ease, like having a friend take our photos. As you may have gathered, we’re not exactly timing enthusiasts – I was a tad late to the church, and we lost track of time during the reception, getting swept up in the excitement. Fortunately, Florence was there to save the day, securing a prime spot for the fireworks display, ensuring we were in position for key moments like the cake cutting and first dance. Her expertise helped keep the day’s pace smooth, making her an invaluable asset.
The Details & Décor
Mum and her best friend Val’s creative genius was on full display as they brought their unique vision to life. While I contributed by crafting confetti cones and offering suggestions, Mum’s masterful touch truly made the event special. The autumn-winter themed décor was a masterpiece, featuring vibrant leaves, soft tea lights, rustic squashes, and an abundance of dried flowers. Mum’s artistic skills shone through as she transformed glassware with paint and adorned jam jars with elegant ribbons. Additionally, her expertise in arranging church flowers added a personal touch to the overall design. To ensure a budget-friendly option, we embarked on an early morning adventure to Birmingham’s wholesale market, arriving at 4am to select the perfect blooms.
The Honeymoon
Our mini-moon in St Brides Bay, Saundersfoot was the perfect escape from reality. As we enjoyed our short but sweet getaway, our minds were already racing with excitement for our upcoming trip to Mauritius, where we’ll be indulging in a luxurious full-blown honeymoon experience.
Groomsmen
The groomsmen’s dashing attire caught our attention, particularly their stylish tweed three-piece suits. We were thrilled to discover Duncan James of Walsall, which offered bespoke and rental options for these classic ensembles. In fact, Iwan opted for a tailor-made suit from the same establishment, giving him an undeniably handsome appearance – though, of course, we’re a bit biased!
The Flowers
I’m thrilled to give credit where it’s due – the exquisite flower crowns, buttonholes, and bouquets that adorned my arrangements were expertly crafted by the talented Clare at St Davids Flowers. Her work garnered rave reviews from everyone who saw them, and I’m no exception. One particular rose caught my eye: the cafe au lait rose, with its rich, coffee-brown hue that left me breathless. Its uniqueness only added to its charm. What impressed me most was Clare’s ability to intuitively understand my vision and preferences, carefully balancing formality and whimsy to create pieces that truly reflected my style.
Memorable Moments
One of the most memorable moments for me was the service, which perfectly captured the essence of who we are as a couple. It was a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touch, leaving everyone feeling uplifted and connected. The collective rendition of ‘Calon Lan’ was particularly moving, evoking goose bumps all around. To make it even more special, I had learned the Welsh vows to surprise Iwan during our ceremony. His reaction was priceless! The fireworks display that followed only added to the celebration’s magic. Amidst the revelry, my husband and I stole away for a romantic moment of our own, taking a leisurely stroll along the beach and wading into the waves together. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing these intimate moments as we begin this new chapter in our lives. The speeches, too, were outstanding and served as a wonderful conclusion to an unforgettable day.
The Cake
I’m thrilled to share that my dear friend Lauren, a talented baker at Lauren Holder Cakery (Instagram), had the honor of creating my wedding cake. Her masterpiece was an exquisite apple cake adorned with caramel icing, perfectly capturing the essence of November’s cozy charm. I trusted her expertise and creative vision, leaving her to craft something truly special. And, boy, did she deliver! The cake toppers were an adorable touch that added a delightful personal touch.
Advice For Other Couples
While it’s easy to get caught up in every little detail, remember that time flies quickly. By delegating tasks whenever possible, you can reduce stress and free up more time for the things that truly matter. Like spending quality moments with loved ones. Don’t forget what this day is ultimately about: two people making a commitment to each other surrounded by their closest family and friends. These individuals have come to celebrate and support you, so be sure to include them in your special day.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The enchanting union of Sarah and Iwan was brought to life by the talented Florence Fox Photography. The picturesque setting of The Druidstone provided a serene backdrop for their special day. Fresh flowers from St Davids Flowers added a touch of elegance, while the delectable cake, courtesy of laurenholdercakery, satisfied the sweet tooth of their guests. Sarah’s stunning wedding dress, designed by La Courture Bridal, perfectly complemented her radiant beauty. The stylish groom and his dashing groomsmen, dressed to perfection by Duncan James of Walsall, exuded confidence and charm. A delicate veil from My Little Wedding Shop added a touch of whimsy, while the couples’ love story was beautifully captured by MODAcrochet’s thoughtful cover-up piece. The overall atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it clear that this union was truly meant to be.