Winding House Wedding
A warm welcome to WWW readers Ben and Laura, kicking off the week with their unforgettable wedding celebration! On August 24th, 2019, they tied the knot at The Winding House in Kent, where minimalism met elegance. The picturesque venue proved an ideal backdrop for their stylish affair, featuring lush greenery, modern typography stationery, and a striking neon sign. Laura stunned in a sleek gown by Laure de Sagazan, while Ben donned a bespoke suit with his initials embroidered – they truly made a dazzling couple! As you’re about to fall in love with the breathtaking blooms, delightful cheese board, and heartwarming moments, it’s MIKI Studios’ exceptional photography skills that we have to thank for capturing their special day so beautifully.
The Proposal
As we explored the sun-kissed hills of Granada, Spain, Ben surprised Laura on her birthday with an intimate proposal. The perfect setting was set: perched atop a hill overlooking the Alhambra’s majestic architecture and the city below, with the warm Spanish breeze rustling our hair. Our stroll had led us to this serene spot, where Ben, knowing me well enough to understand my love for simplicity, had been preparing a romantic picnic and champagne in advance. As we sat together, taking in the breathtaking views, he turned to me and asked his signature question: ‘What can I do to make you happier?’ Laura’s immediate response of ‘nothing’ only prompted Ben to pose an even more thrilling query: ‘How about if I ask you to marry me?’ It was a moment that perfectly captured our easy-going nature as a couple, one that values understated romance and genuine connection over grand gestures.
The Vision
When planning our wedding, we aimed for a refreshingly simple and understated celebration that would allow our stunning venue to take center stage. We’re not big on tradition, and instead sought to create an atmosphere that was as laid-back as possible. Laura’s passion for minimalist design, inherited from her mother Kristien, heavily influenced the aesthetic of the event. While we didn’t adhere to a specific color palette, the flowers were carefully curated around shades of green and white to harmonize with our overall vision of simplicity and elegance.
The Planning Process
The build-up to our wedding was surprisingly stress-free, thanks in large part to the incredible support we received from loved ones. Laura’s family members, in particular, were instrumental in bringing our vision to life. Her sister Philippine, a skilled architect and interior designer, took on several key tasks, including designing and crafting our wedding invitations, seating plan, and name cards. She even lent her handiwork skills to creating the bridesmaids’ bouquets and table decorations, following an early morning trip to New Covent Garden with her boyfriend Sam the day before the big day. Meanwhile, Philippine’s mum, Kristien, served as project manager, overseeing the overall design and ensuring that all the details came together seamlessly through close coordination with our florist and other suppliers. Her calm and meticulous approach helped keep everything on track, allowing us to relax and enjoy the final preparations for our special day.
The Readings & Music
Our humanist ceremony allowed us to infuse our celebration with a deeply personal touch, reflecting our unique love story. The emotional atmosphere was palpable as we incorporated elements that resonated with us as a couple. Music played a significant role in setting the tone, featuring Mumford & Sons’ soulful melodies, including Wild Heart and Woman from their album Delta. Laura’s vows even drew inspiration from the band’s lyrics. Meanwhile, Laura Marling’s enchanting tunes and anecdotes shared by our celebrant Sarah added to the ceremony’s charm. The presence of loved ones was also a key aspect, particularly Laura’s Opa, who sadly passed away just two months prior to the wedding. To honor his memory, Laura’s mom Kristien delivered a heartfelt speech that Opa had begun writing before his passing, with Laura’s sister Philippine completing it. This poignant moment made our ceremony all the more meaningful.
The Flowers
We had the pleasure of working with talented florist Gwenda from Bohotanical, who expertly brought our visual ideas to life. One of the standout features was a striking foliage cloud that added a touch of drama to the overall aesthetic. Gwenda’s attention to detail and creativity truly made the most of the venue’s unique characteristics. Additionally, she crafted Laura’s beautiful bouquet, which looks breathtaking in photographs. The bridesmaids’ bouquets and table decorations were also skillfully handled by Laura’s sister Philippine, adding a personal touch to the event.
The Venue
We tied the knot at the picturesque Winding House in Coldred, Kent, a region that held sentimental value as Ben’s grandparents, who are no longer with us, used to reside there. The ‘Garden of England’ proved an idyllic backdrop for our special day. With Laura spearheading the search for the perfect venue, the Winding House stood out for its unique charm and distinction from traditional barns or stately homes. The striking white walls, lofty ceilings, expansive windows, and juxtaposition with the red brick Victorian exterior all contributed to an unforgettable atmosphere. We were fortunate enough to meet Vicki and Paul, the on-site proprietors, who immediately won us over with their warm demeanor. Their involvement in our wedding planning process was a major plus, allowing us to bring our vision to life and create stunning photographs that we’ll treasure forever.
Budget
While we didn’t allocate a specific budget for our big day, we focused on investing in key areas that mattered most to us – such as high-quality videography and photography, and delicious cuisine. We were mindful of our spending limits, ensuring that every expense was justified. Additionally, the support from loved ones allowed us to reduce certain costs, like stationery and floral arrangements. To achieve this, my partner and I made a conscious effort to save diligently since the moment we got engaged, and we emerged debt-free after the wedding – a huge relief for both of us.
The Details & Décor
The pièce de résistance was a stunning neon sign borrowed from Bag & Bones, whose bold, glowing words ‘And so it begins…’ have taken on a special significance as a recurring motif throughout our wedding photography and videography.
The Cake
Laura’s affinity for cheese shone through as we indulged in a unique dessert – a cheesecake, served alongside an assortment of fresh bread and tangy chutney. The combination proved to be a hit with our visitors, who shared Laura’s enthusiasm for this rich and creamy treat.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Laura’s wedding dress, designed by French designer Laure de Sagazan, was a unique find. She didn’t initially fall in love with it, having tried on numerous dresses that didn’t quite fit her style. After taking time to reflect on what worked and didn’t work for her body type, she stumbled upon the dress again and realized it met most of her criteria. The fitting process only solidified her love for it, making her feel comfortable and confident in her choice. On her big day, many guests commented that she looked like herself, which was exactly the impression she wanted to give.Ben’s custom-made suit from Edit Suits on Bow Lane in London was a dream come true. He had always wanted a bespoke suit and loved every moment of choosing the details. The final touch was having his initial sewn into the lining, making it an even more special piece for him. His new-found love for bespoke suits has left him eager to wear it again on future occasions.
Beauty
Laura’s beauty routine on the big day was refreshingly understated. Before the ceremony, she and her bridesmaids headed to a local salon in Deal where they were staying, opting for a straightforward blow dry that allowed Laura’s natural locks to shine. As someone who rarely wears makeup, Laura aimed for a radiant, dewy look that complemented her effortless style. The result was a stunning, yet subtle, enhancement of her already-gorgeous features.
Your Photographer
From the moment we started planning our special day, we knew exactly who we wanted behind the lens – Miki Studios, a talented duo comprising Mick and Ash. Our connection with them dates back to when Mick photographed one of my best friend’s wedding a few years prior. We were blown away by their work and immediately knew they’d be top of our list when it came time to book our own photographer. In fact, apart from the venue, Miki Studios was the first supplier we secured! Ash took charge of capturing our big day, and boy did he deliver. He worked wonders with the stunning venue and perfect weather conditions, resulting in a set of breathtaking photos that exceeded our expectations. What’s more, Mick and Ash made us feel like old friends, effortlessly blending in with our loved ones on the day. We’ve even remained close with them since, keeping in touch regularly. Here’s to hoping they’ll be capturing another friend’s special moment soon!
Bridesmaids & Bridesman
The bridal party was completed by three exceptional bridesmaids, with a special mention to our trusted bridesman! Their stunning ensembles, consisting of silk cami tops and skirts from The OWN Studio, perfectly captured their individual styles. It’s worth noting that the team at The OWN Studio were an absolute delight to work with, providing top-notch service throughout the entire planning process. Needless to say, we’re thoroughly impressed and highly recommend them to anyone seeking a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Your Filmmaker
Our experience with videographer Mick from Miki Studios was nothing short of exceptional. The feature-length film he produced for us, clocking in at 20 minutes, is a masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on our family and friends. In fact, Laura has been known to shed tears whenever she watches it, and we’ve even received comments suggesting that it’s Oscar-worthy material! As a result, Laura is eager to share the film with anyone who steps foot in her home.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on an unforgettable Californian adventure, blending the quintessential open-road experience with relaxation and rejuvenation. Our journey began in Sonoma, where we indulged in world-class wine, before making our way to San Francisco for a few days of exploration. From there, we meandered down the coast, stopping in Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs along the way. The crowning jewel of our trip was Laguna Beach, where we spent 10 idyllic days at the stunning Hotel Joaquin. Every member of staff treated us like family, leaving us eager to return this summer – a plan that, unfortunately, has been derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this setback, we managed to squeeze in a couple of day trips to LA, visiting iconic spots like Beverly Hills, the Griffith Observatory, and Venice Beach.
Groomsmen
The wedding party consisted of two esteemed best men and five additional groomsmen, all of whom donned sleek dark blue suits rented from the reputable Moss Bros.
Memorable Moments
The entire day was nothing short of spectacular, effortlessly surpassing our wildest expectations. A testament to Laura’s unapologetic individuality, she elegantly walked down the aisle solo, leaving a lasting impression. In a poignant nod to her feminist principles, she delivered an impassioned speech following the meal. Meanwhile, the thoughtfully curated humanist ceremony granted Laura and Ben the unique opportunity to craft their own heartfelt vows, resulting in some truly tear-jerking moments that will be etched in our collective memory forever.
Advice For Other Couples
When selecting suppliers and vendors for your wedding, it’s essential to choose individuals who share your values and personalities. You’ll be working closely with them throughout the planning process, so it’s crucial to find people you genuinely enjoy interacting with. Don’t feel pressured to stick with traditional choices simply because they’ve been recommended or have a certain reputation. Instead, focus on finding those who align with your unique style and preferences. By doing so, you’ll create a cohesive and memorable celebration that truly reflects the two of you. As we’ve seen in Ben and Laura’s stunning wedding, when the right people come together, magic happens. A big thank you to Miki Studios London Wedding Photographer for capturing their special day, as well as all the talented individuals who contributed to its success – from The Mews Bridal to Boho Botanical & Philippine Wright. And to Kristien Geeurickx and Bag and Bones, your neon sign was truly show-stopping!