The wedding of Ben and Abi at Upwey House in Dorset was a heartwarming celebration that perfectly captured the essence of a house party atmosphere. The couple’s big day was filled with warmth, socialising, and sentimental moments. One of the most notable aspects of their special day was the incorporation of autumnal colours, complemented by the crisp winter weather, which added to the overall ambiance. The bride and groom’s attire, comprising a stunning sequin gown and a dapper navy suit, respectively, was equally impressive. The pièce de résistance was the use of sparklers at the end of the night, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. Lola Rose Photography, a renowned wedding supplier, expertly captured these unforgettable moments through their sensational images. We are grateful to Kelly for sharing this beautiful celebration with us.
Upwey House Wedding
The Proposal
The Vision
We’d always envisioned our wedding taking place around our anniversary (5th December), pending budget constraints. A friend’s winter wedding had left a lasting impression on us, with its crisp atmosphere and autumnal charm. The experience solidified our desire for a relaxed, social celebration that would bring together our closest family and friends after the isolating effects of Covid-19. We dubbed it the ‘Wedding House Party’, where formalities were non-existent.
The Venue
Your Outfits
I discovered the perfect dress on ASOS, which wasn’t a traditional choice given my unconventional style. I had steered clear of bridal boutiques, opting instead to browse online and let my imagination run wild. The full sequin design with long sleeves and a dramatic fishtail train caught my eye instantly! Meanwhile, Ben was adamant about his suit being a deep, autumnal shade. He selected a tweed checked ensemble from Marc Darcy for himself and our son Sennan, ensuring they would stand out in style.
The Ceremony & Music
We scheduled the ceremony for 1pm, so we invited our guests to arrive anytime between 12:30 and grab a drink while mingling. The intimate setting took place in the cozy lounge area of the house, where rustic wooden chairs provided comfortable seating for all. As I walked down the aisle to the soothing sounds of Juggernaut’s ‘Piano Lounge Theme’, memories flooded back to the iconic scene from Pretty Woman when Edward spots Vivien in her stunning black lace cocktail dress, leaving him utterly smitten! Sennan, our son, had the honor of walking me down the aisle, followed by our daughters Ephie and Roux, as well as our niece Olivia. The picturesque Christmas Tree in the bay window served as a charming backdrop for our vows. As we exchanged rings and sealed our love, the sweet serenade of Bob Dylan’s ‘Shelter from the Storm’ filled the air, perfectly capturing the serene atmosphere. Afterward, we emerged into a stunning petal shower, courtesy of Polly’s Petals, adding a touch of whimsy to our special day.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Our experience with Lola Rose Photography was nothing short of exceptional. Having previously worked with Kelly on a family shoot the previous summer, we were well aware of her outstanding talent and natural style behind the lens. What truly impressed us, however, was the way she made us feel at ease throughout the entire process. In fact, most of the time, we almost forgot she was there! To us, that’s what defines a truly exceptional photographer – one who can seamlessly blend in and capture life’s precious moments with authenticity.
The Styling & Decor
We were fortunate that our December wedding coincided with the holiday season, so we didn’t need to add any extra decorations to our venue. Instead, we focused on personal touches that made the day truly special. A bouquet of deep reds, oranges, greens, and pinks from Tulip and Cactus adorned our console table, accompanied by photos of my beloved grandmother and Ben’s father, who had both passed away just months prior in August. Having them with us was paramount to us. We also incorporated some flowers from the bouquet into a stunning cake crafted by Georgie Porgies Cakes London. The three-tiered masterpiece featured a lemon layer topped with white chocolate and raspberry, and finished with Italian meringue buttercream. It was truly breathtaking! Despite being a relatively understated wedding, I believe our simplicity actually added to its charm.
The Honeymoon
As we eagerly anticipate our June 2022 honeymoon getaway to New York, where we’ll also be attending a dear friend’s wedding, we’ve decided to treat ourselves to a mini-break beforehand. Our recent visit to The Pig in Padstow was nothing short of blissful – the perfect antidote to our impending busyness. The stormy weather only added to the serenity, allowing us to truly disconnect and recharge. It was just what we needed to shake off any lingering laziness.
Memorable Moments
As I walked down the aisle, my expectations of Ben’s reaction were met with a surprise – he failed to turn around and acknowledge me. Meanwhile, George, his sister and the best woman, was discreetly nudging him to do so, but he remained frozen in place, unsure if he was allowed to or not. His emotional state was already compromised, making it even more understandable.
The highlight of the ceremony came when Sennan and Ephie delivered a heartfelt and beautifully crafted speech together. With Sennan’s reading of the words, the room of 35 guests was transfixed as he struggled to hold back tears. I stood by his side in support, only to glance up and find that every single person in attendance was visibly sobbing – including our towering friend Al, who we didn’t think had a tearful bone in his body.