Joining us today are Kathryn and Phil, whose thirty-guest wedding at Pennard House in Somerset on September 10th, 2020, was a testament to the power of perseverance. Originally set for July, their special day was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing them to postpone until September. Despite the challenges, their big day turned out to be nothing short of perfect. I’m thrilled that they refused to let circumstances get in the way and had an incredible celebration.The ceremony took place outdoors beneath a picturesque gazebo, followed by a reception in the charming barn. The attention to detail was stunning, with gorgeous roses adding a pop of color throughout. Kathryn and Phil’s stylish attire and thoughtful personal touches only added to the magic. A highlight for me was the beautifully crafted wooden signs, as well as the show-stopping cake table. This micro wedding is proof that even the smallest gatherings can be truly unforgettable. A huge thank you goes out to Fox and Beau Photography for sharing their stunning images with us. Love always prevails!
Thirty Guest Wedding
The Proposal
On September 23rd, 2018, our family embarked on a memorable vacation to Palma, Mallorca. It was a serene evening when we arrived at a secluded beach, where he decided to surprise us with his special gesture.
The Vision
Blending timeless charm with contemporary flair, our event’s aesthetic was a masterful fusion of classic, modern, and subtly rustic elements. The rose gold accents added a touch of sophistication to the overall ambiance. One of our favorite creative expressions was crafting personalized welcome signs and table decorations, which helped establish an intimate atmosphere. We were determined to infuse the space with an abundance of fresh blooms, with roses taking center stage.
The Planning Process
With two years of meticulous planning under our belt, we were initially set to tie the knot on 2nd July. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to reevaluate our guest list, which ultimately led to some last-minute adjustments. We prioritized securing top-notch vendors – venue, catering, photography, and more – as early as possible to avoid any undue stress closer to the big day. Our goal was to ensure that our preferred choices were available when we needed them. It’s a good thing we did, considering the circumstances!
Budget
Without setting a specific budget, we took a thoughtful approach to ensure that our costs remained reasonable without sacrificing quality. While we did opt to DIY certain elements to save money, we were equally meticulous about incorporating all the features and design elements that were important to us.
The Venue
From the onset, Pennard House in East Pennard caught our attention, with its instant appeal resonating strongly with both of us. In fact, it was the second property we viewed, but despite that, it left a lasting impression – we knew immediately that this was the perfect fit for us.
The Readings & Music
When it came to creating a soundtrack for our special day, we decided to take matters into our own hands. We curated our own playlists, carefully selecting tracks that would perfectly capture the essence of our celebration. The traditional wedding march accompanied me as I made my way down the aisle, while ‘Your Arms Feel Like Home’ by 3 Doors Down became the perfect anthem for our first dance as a married couple. As we enjoyed our meal, the music transitioned to a more relaxed vibe, setting the tone for an intimate atmosphere. Later in the evening, we brought out the dance floor fillers to get everyone moving. For those looking for inspiration, be sure to check out some of the most romantic first dance songs and wedding readings – they’re sure to spark some ideas!
Your Outfits & Accessories
As we prepared for our special day at Dress – Wed2b in Bristol, I was thrilled to try on several different styles. The moment I slipped into my chosen dress, I knew it was meant to be. My mother’s enthusiastic reaction only solidified the decision. To complete my look, I chose a pair of trusty shoes that not only felt comfortable but also harmonized with the color scheme. I paired them with a coordinating rose gold bracelet and the stunning Tiffany earrings gifted by Phil, which I got to open on the morning of our wedding. Meanwhile, Phil had fallen in love with his suit from Suits Direct in Clarks village after seeing it displayed in the window.
Beauty
I’m thrilled to give credit where it’s due – Abigail Constanza not only styled my hair, but also that of my four bridesmaids. Her expertise is unparalleled, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with her previously when she did my hair for a friend’s wedding a couple of years ago. Her talent is undeniable.Similarly, Nina Norman stepped in to do my makeup (and that of my four bridesmaids, as well as my mum) after my original artist was called away for jury duty. Despite the last-minute change, Nina was fantastic, and her natural look approach suited everyone’s style perfectly. The best part? Both hair and makeup held up beautifully throughout the day.Last but not least, my sister-in-law Philippa lent a helping hand by doing my nails the night before the wedding.
The Flowers
Our choice for flowers was Luce, from ‘Luce Loves Flowers’, located just a 10-minute stroll from our residence in Street. The shop itself is an absolute delight to behold, with its vibrant displays always catching our eye. In fact, we entrusted Luce with providing us with the bouquets, buttonholes, and a stunning garland that added a lovely touch to the cake table’s decor.
The Cake
I recently came across Tereza’s work from ‘T’s All Occasion Cakes’ after seeing numerous recommendations on Facebook. Her proximity to the venue was a significant advantage for timely delivery. In addition to sourcing the main cake, my mother Rachel also contributed by baking some exceptional cupcakes and tray bakes, showcasing her impressive skills in cake-making. Despite being talented herself, she chose not to take on the main cake to avoid any pressure.
Your Photographer
From the moment we discovered Jackie’s work at ‘Fox & Beau’, we were captivated by her unique style of photography. We first came across her on the Bride Book app, where her distinctive approach to capturing life’s most special moments really stood out. Following a meeting with Jackie, we knew we had found the perfect photographer for our big day. Her warm and welcoming nature put us at ease, even for those of us who are notorious for dreading being in front of the camera! She effortlessly captured the essence of our special day, producing some truly breathtaking photos that we will treasure forever.
The Details & Décor
The focal point of our decor was the vibrant display of fresh flowers adorning the staircase and tables. To add warmth and ambiance, we incorporated lanterns, tea lights, and creatively repurposed empty Coke jars wrapped in hessian string onto the tables. A special tribute table featured cherished photos of our late grandparents, softly illuminated by tea lights.
Groomsmen
Despite being limited by strict guest count regulations, we had the privilege of having James serve as our best man. His decision to wear the same suit as Phil added a thoughtful touch, creating a harmonious visual connection between the two gentlemen.
Bridesmaids
While exploring the world of fashion, I opted for a versatile yet striking combination of dresses from Next and ASOS. Two pieces from each retailer shared the same design, with two blush pink hues and two grey shades to create a visually appealing contrast. My initial intention was to have different colors, which these dresses beautifully fulfilled.
The Honeymoon
As September approached, our original travel plans to New York and Mexico were put on hold due to ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19. Despite initially planning to reschedule for March next year, we’re still uncertain about the feasibility of these trips. However, we did manage to squeeze in a mini-moon after the wedding, courtesy of a thoughtful gift: a camping trip with our furry friends, where we could unwind and recharge over a couple of days.
Memorable Moments
As I look back on that special day, it’s hard not to smile at the countless memories that were made. One of the highlights for me was sharing a meaningful walk down the aisle with my loving mother by my side. On the other hand, Phil still can’t stop raving about the incredible food we had – and I’m sure many of our guests would agree! But perhaps the most unforgettable moment for everyone in attendance was my Grandad’s unexpected arrival on his trusty mobility scooter, which let out a rather… ear-catching beeping sound. Its sheer audacity left an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.
Advice For Other Couples
When it comes to planning your special day, remember that it’s okay to not stress too much about the details. After all, everything tends to work out in the end. Take a deep breath, be as organized as possible, and trust that the big day will arrive before you know it. With thirty guests, Kathryn and Phil’s wedding was an intimate celebration that was just as memorable as any larger event. The talented team behind their special day included photographer Fox and Beau Photography, venue Pennard House, caterers Taste Somerset, hair stylist Abigail Constanza, makeup artist Nina Norman, florist Luce Loves Flowers, cake designer T’s All Occasion Cakes, and dress alterer Suzie Marie. We’re honored to have been a part of their story and wish them all the best for their future together.