In the midst of global uncertainty, love prevails. Meet Sally and Matt, the adventurous couple who defied the odds by planning their dream wedding in just five days, thanks to COVID-19. The big day took place on September 11th, 2020, and was a heartwarming celebration of their love. Sally stunned in an ethereal lace gown paired with a delicate flower crown, while Matt looked dashing in his burgundy suit and bow tie. The garden reception was a masterpiece, with vibrant pinks blooms, a beautifully set outdoor table, and a stunning festoon light canopy. The pièce de résistance was the breathtaking semi-naked cake. We’re grateful to Emilie May for sharing these enchanting images of their unforgettable wedding at home.
Wedding At Home
The Proposal
It’s hard to believe it’s been over three years since Matthew surprised me with an unforgettable proposal in Rome. The timing couldn’t have been more unexpected – or chaotic. We were supposed to spend Christmas Day seeing Morrissey in concert, followed by a visit with Matthew’s sister in London before our trip to Rome. But the weather had other plans. The ‘Beast from the East’ was heading our way, and we needed to get to London before it hit us. As we were halfway down the M4 en route to the gig, I realized I’d forgotten to pick up the tickets – so we had to make a U-turn. That wasn’t even the worst of it; when we arrived at the concert venue, Matthew realized he’d packed everything except the ring. He concocted an excuse about needing to get home after the show, which would have been fine if the storm hadn’t been looming. After a stressful drive home and what felt like a close call with disaster on the roads, we decided to leave the car on the main road and head to the airport very early in the morning. I didn’t sleep a wink that night! We set off for Heathrow thinking we had plenty of time, but Matthew hadn’t actually checked us in online, so we were both panicking by the time we arrived at the airport. A kind stranger opened up a check-in desk for us, and we basically sprinted to our plane just in time. It was one of the most stressful mornings I’ve ever had, but it all worked out in the end. Matthew proposed at the Roman Forum, overlooking the ancient ruins and the Colosseum – it was truly the perfect weekend. Unfortunately, he’s never managed to pull off another surprise trip since then!
The Vision
For us, the paramount aspect of this special occasion was fostering an atmosphere of joy and togetherness among our closest family and friends. We wanted to create lasting memories by sharing laughter, love, and cherished moments with those who matter most.
The Planning Process
I’ve always believed that the planning process should be enjoyable, not stressful. Unfortunately, it’s hard to avoid the stress when planning a wedding, especially during unprecedented times like a global pandemic. We found ourselves replanning our big day just five days before the original date, which was certainly a challenge. Despite the hurdles, I’m thrilled to report that our experience with suppliers has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re now planning a celebration for September 2021 at our original wedding venue, and every single supplier we’ve worked with has accommodated the change without additional charges or hassle. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a seamless transition.
The Venue
As we approached the big day, the wedding venue had undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially, we had booked the church where I grew up and was christened, followed by a reception at Rivington Hall Barn. However, with COVID-19 still wreaking havoc, we couldn’t shake off the feeling that the pandemic would linger on. We’d always thought it would magically disappear, but as our two-year engagement came to an end, we realized we couldn’t afford to wait another year.
The venue changed to my parents’ backyard – until Bolton became a COVID hotspot… again! I vividly recall the weekend before the wedding, when restrictions tightened so drastically that it seemed impossible to have the originally planned celebration. That’s when Matthew came up with the genius idea of having our Banns read in Thatcham, where we reside now.
/he realized we could potentially get married at home and host a party in our own backyard! So, on the Sunday before our wedding day, we rushed to get ready, then waited anxiously to speak with our vicar. Without hesitation, he agreed to perform the ceremony! We were overjoyed – I remember us frantically running around after the service (I think it was the realization that we had just five days to replan our entire day).
With the incredible support of our friends, family, and suppliers, we managed to relocate our wedding from the North to the South in an astonishingly short span of five days. It was undoubtedly stressful, but looking back, I wouldn’t want it any other way! The memories created during that whirlwind experience are truly unforgettable.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I poured over wedding magazines at Tesco’s, one designer in particular caught my eye – Catherine Deane. Her bohemian-inspired gowns resonated with me, and I found myself returning to her designs again and again. Two years into our engagement, I finally booked an appointment at Kimberley Anne Bridal, who just so happened to supply Catherine Deane dresses. Accompanied by my mum, maid of honour, and Matt’s mum, we spent the afternoon trying on gowns. My maid of honour played a key role in choosing the perfect dress – one that I kept returning to, until it was clear it was meant to be mine!While shopping for veils didn’t quite align with my vision, I’d always been enamored with the idea of adorning my head with a flower crown instead. Wild and Wondrous Flowers, who would go on to create all the wedding flowers, supplied the stunning piece that perfectly complemented my dress.Finding the perfect shoes proved to be a laborious process. A chance discovery on Instagram led me to Charlotte Mills Shoes, whose attention to detail and unique features – including the printing on the bottom of the shoe and the sixpence – won me over. I couldn’t recommend them enough; they were incredibly comfortable!Meanwhile, Matt opted for suits and bow ties from Marc Darcy, a brand that perfectly captured his personality. As an ardent Burnley FC fan, it was only natural that he chose a maroon suit to match his team’s colors. We both adored the idea of bow ties, which added a touch of whimsy to our overall aesthetic.
Beauty
When we had to relocate the wedding from the North to the South at the eleventh hour, I found myself scrambling to find someone to style my hair. Thankfully, I wasn’t looking for an extensive makeover, just a simple curl. My soon-to-be sister-in-law kindly offered her assistance, effortlessly crafting a beautiful look for me on the morning of the big day. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids took matters into their own hands, each adorning themselves with delicate gypsophila hair combs I’d purchased from an Etsy artisan. As for makeup, I felt truly blessed to have a family friend who had honed her skills in the art. Despite having to work the very next morning in Harrogate, she made the effort to travel down and give me a stunning makeover, leaving me feeling like royalty and eternally grateful for her kindness.
Groomsmen
The attire for the groomsmen was a harmonious ensemble, with suits and bow ties matching Matt’s selections from Marc Darcy. The gentlemen looked exceptionally sharp, presenting a unified and stylish appearance.
Bridesmaids
Both sisters-in-law opted for bridesmaid dresses from ASOS, a choice that impressed me greatly. What caught my attention was not only how well the dresses fit each of the girls but also their exceptional quality and value. The overall effect was truly breathtaking as they looked absolutely stunning in their attire.
The Readings & Music
As the ceremony commenced, the warm rays of ‘Here Comes The Sun’ by The Beatles filled the atmosphere. Two meaningful readings followed, with my mother-in-law and mother sharing their thoughts. The biblical passage from Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) also resonated deeply. However, due to COVID restrictions at the time, we couldn’t include hymns in our celebration. In lieu of this, we opted for two songs during the signing of the Register. Elbow’s ‘One Day Like This’ and Blossoms’ ‘The Keeper’ provided a unique and memorable experience. As we emerged from the ceremony, Fatboy Slim’s ‘Praise You’ played, its lyrics feeling particularly poignant: ‘We’ve come a long, long way together, through the hard times and the good. I have to celebrate you, baby, I have to praise you like I should.’ Our first dance as newlyweds was set to The Courteeners’ ‘Small Bones,’ an unexpected yet treasured moment in our backyard celebration.
The Flowers
It was like nothing we’d ever seen before – the most extraordinary flowers that left us in awe. The talented team at Wild and Wondrous, Blackrod, Bolton, led by Nicola, went above and beyond to deliver a truly unforgettable experience. Their dedication and expertise were evident in every detail, from the initial consultation to the final product. We were absolutely blown away by their professionalism and attention to detail.
The Cake
Our wedding cake was a delightful, low-key affair, with just 20 guests in attendance. Given the intimate setting, we decided against a show-stopping three-tier masterpiece and opted for a simpler, barely iced carrot cake instead. The talented team at Finch Bakery in Great Harwood crafted our sweet treat, a choice I’d been looking forward to for some time now. As an avid Instagram follower of theirs, I was thrilled when they agreed to take on the task. The end result was nothing short of remarkable – their attention to detail and skill are truly impressive. In particular, I was blown away by the silky-smooth icing, a testament to their dedication to perfection. We also incorporated some beautiful blooms from Wild and Wondrous into the cake’s design, adding an extra touch of elegance to this already-special dessert.
Your Photographer
Emilie, our go-to photographer, was always our top choice for capturing the essence of our special day. We wanted someone who would take more than just standard photos, but instead focus on the emotions and moments that truly made it unforgettable. Emilie exceeded our expectations in this regard, managing to distill the heart of our celebration into her photographs.We were grateful when she agreed to travel from up north to be with us, even though it meant a 400-mile round trip. Her dedication and professionalism shone through on the day itself, as she effortlessly captured the joy and intimacy of our gathering without being intrusive.As we received our full gallery, we were thrilled to discover that Emilie had also created a beautiful reel set to our leaving-the-church music – a touching tribute that we’ve enjoyed reliving multiple times with our loved ones. We can’t speak highly enough of Emilie’s talent and would wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone looking for a photographer who truly understands the importance of capturing life’s most precious moments.
The Details & Décor
From the onset, my partner and I envisioned a rustic atmosphere at our wedding. As gin enthusiasts, we were thrilled about incorporating vintage gin bottles as decorative elements. However, with the uncertainty surrounding our special day, we left many of the décor details until the last minute. Once we confirmed that our wedding would take place in a garden setting, I spent hours browsing Pinterest and scouring online marketplaces like ETSY, Amazon, and Not on the Highstreet to bring my vision to life. It was Uncle John who generously supplied most of the tables needed, while Matt’s parents and sister kindly lent us their chairs, which seamlessly blended into our garden landscape. To be honest, I was surprised by just how spacious our backyard was once we set up for the celebration.
The Honeymoon
It was pure serendipity when we booked our ‘Mini Moon’ to Positano on Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast at the start of the year. And, incredibly, we managed to avoid quarantine restrictions, making our getaway even more special! Our few days away were nothing short of spectacular. We opted for a cozy Air BNB apartment boasting breathtaking views, indulged in some mouthwatering local cuisine and embarked on a romantic private boat trip to Capri, just the two of us. The experience was nothing short of idyllic, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge.
Now, our sights are set on a more extensive adventure – a campervanning honeymoon around New Zealand, as soon as travel restrictions permit it. This has always been a dream of ours, and we can’t wait to make it a reality.
Memorable Moments
As the ceremony unfolded, the best man’s surprise move with a projector left me in awe. I was unaware he even possessed such equipment, but his thoughtful gesture brought tears to my eyes. The video montage of our loved ones who couldn’t be present was a heartwarming reminder that they were still very much a part of the celebration.
Advice For Other Couples
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Instead of panicking when things don’t go as planned, learn to embrace the surprises that come your way. You never know what amazing opportunities or experiences might be waiting just around the corner. Take a deep breath, relax, and trust that everything will work out for the best in the end. And when it does, you’ll have a beautiful story to tell.The talented team behind Sally and Matt’s stunning wedding at home includes photographer Emilie May, florist Wild & Wondrous Flowers, makeup artist Hannah Mae Beauty, dress designer Kimberley Anne Bridal Boutique, shoe stylist Charlotte Mills, suit tailor Marc Darcy, cake baker Finch Bakery, and stationer Wonderland Invites. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of their special day.