Thomas Henry and Anna-Marie, a stylist and event director at AMTStyling, have graciously shared their enchanting Wonwood Barton wedding with us. Held on June 22nd, 2019, in Devon, this whimsical celebration was characterized by the couple’s boundless creativity and imagination. The atmosphere was alive with Disney-inspired décor, sequin jackets donned by the entire wedding party, and exquisite attire for the bride and groom. As we delve into their special day, it becomes apparent that every detail was carefully curated to create a dreamy and playful ambiance. The vibrant tones in the lush bouquets and embroidered bridesmaid dresses added an extra layer of warmth, while live music and a hoop artist kept guests entertained throughout the event. A quiz served as an icebreaker, allowing everyone to mingle and get acquainted. The outdoor ceremony took place amidst a breathtaking flower arch and picturesque countryside views, exuding romance and charm. One cannot help but be captivated by the intricate details of their cake, which has been meticulously designed to resemble a work of art. We are grateful for the stunning images courtesy of Emma Barrow Photography, particularly the smoke bomb portraits that have left us in awe.
The Proposal
As we arrived in Hereford for a weekend visit with Tom’s parents, the weather had other plans – pouring rain and strong winds. Tom was determined to take Pepper on a hike up Hay Bluff ‘Mountain’ despite the conditions. I, on the other hand, was trying to convince his mum to join me for a Chai Latte in town, but she wasn’t interested. So, Tom, Pepper, and I ventured out into the rain, prepared with wellies and warm clothing. The ascent up Hay Bluff was grueling, but Pepper seemed to be thriving in the wet weather, jumping from puddle to puddle. As we reached the top, our hopes of a breathtaking view were dampened by grey clouds. Disappointed, we began our descent when Tom suddenly pointed out a stunning clearing with a vibrant rainbow arcing across the sky. I was drawn to its beauty and turned to take it in, only to see Tom on one knee, ring box open, with Pepper by his side. He asked me to marry him, and after an initial shock, I said yes, my heart overflowing with joy. We shared a kiss under that magical rainbow, and I knew our happy ever after had begun.
The Vision
When it came time to plan our special day, I knew I wanted to create an immersive experience that reflected who we were as a couple. To achieve this, I poured my heart and soul into crafting bespoke save-the-dates and invitations that would serve as a preview of the whimsical and playful tone that would carry throughout the wedding stationery. From the intricate pencil drawings to the bold splashes of color, every detail was carefully designed to tell the story of our relationship, including memorable moments like our first meeting in Hawaii, which I illustrated with a palm tree, and our engagement at LOVEBOX festival, complete with a rainbow and a nod to the venue’s iconic front gate. My hope is that this unique approach will one day become a valuable asset for my business. Ultimately, we just wanted our guests to have an unforgettable time, enjoying a weekend getaway in the countryside and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
The Planning Process
As the wedding planning process began, Tom’s lack of enthusiasm was a welcome surprise for me, given my background as a Stylist and Event Director. We had always approached life with a sense of adventure, so it wasn’t surprising that we wanted to fast-track our wedding plans to fit in with our summer timeline. With only 7-8 months to spare, I took the reins, aware that time would be tight. Little did I know just how much time and effort would go into bringing our perfect vision to life.But then came an unexpected twist – Tom’s mother passed away in January, leaving us all reeling from the shock. Planning a wedding amidst grief was a daunting task, but I hoped that it could also serve as a way to honor her memory and give everyone something to look forward to. Jill, our beloved family member, played a significant role in the planning process, particularly with the florals, memory table, and special moments that felt like she’d be smiling down on us. We even felt her presence during our venue selection, as well as on our trip to Devon leading up to the wedding – it was as if the universe was giving us a sign that she was still with us.One of the most natural aspects of planning our wedding was selecting the various elements. I had a clear vision for many of them, except for one crucial detail: my color scheme. After exploring different options, I couldn’t quite find something that felt like ‘wow’ or ‘right.’ Instead, I decided to focus on finding the perfect bridesmaid dress and let its aesthetic guide my colors.
Budget
Starting with a modest budget of £15, we found ourselves gradually increasing our spending to around £21 by the end of it. The initial plan was to stick to the original amount, but certain factors led us to splurge just a bit more.
The Venue
We discovered Wonwood Barton, an idyllic venue that perfectly aligned with our vision of an outdoor wedding with breathtaking views. Our unique requirements included finding a spot with a charming beam in a barn – and this place delivered. The on-site boutique rooms were a lovely touch, each one individually decorated to provide a cozy atmosphere. The intimate setting allowed us to share the experience with our loved ones, including my family, who were instrumental in making the lead-up to the wedding so special. Our marquee was a stunning focal point, featuring wooden poles and details, as well as a transparent side view that showcased the surrounding landscape. We wanted our celebration to be a seamless blend of nature and joy, so we opted for rustic bare wood tables, which complemented beautifully with bold wildflowers in clear vases and bespoke Disney-inspired table centers. The table plan created a warm and inviting ambiance, with us at the center and everyone else gathered around, making it easy for new friendships to blossom on our special day.
The Details & Décor
We were thrilled to have AMTStyling.com handle all design, purchases, and styling aspects for our special day, with a big thank you to our wonderful bridesmaids, family, and friends who lent a helping hand in the lead-up and on the day. The planning process was an absolute delight, as we incorporated several unique elements that brought joy to everyone involved. My brother surprised us with his own acoustic rendition of ‘Rewrite the Stars’ during the reception drinks, while our friend Jade Marissa Flash wowed the crowd with her impressive hoop performance.To keep things lively and interactive, we designed a special invitation card featuring a wildflower motif, which asked guests to bring it along on the day. Once everyone arrived, they were tasked with finding fellow guests who shared the same number, then completing our custom couple’s quiz. This activity served as an excellent ice-breaker, allowing our loved ones to mingle and get to know one another.In addition to these thoughtful touches, we also set up a ‘His and Hers’ beanbag game, complete with LED-lit holes for an added touch of magic in the evening. I personally painted and splattered gold onto the beanbags to match our wedding theme perfectly. This activity brought everyone together, teaming up and having a blast in the process.As we transitioned into the night, we asked guests to retrieve their sequin jackets, which had been waiting for them upon arrival. As they donned these sparkly treasures, the dance floor was transformed into a vibrant DISCO scene, complete with the added bonus of our friends’ colorful outfits shining through in the photos. Overall, it was an unforgettable night filled with laughter and joy.
The Cake
The culinary masterpiece designed by me, in collaboration with our talented caterer Marcia, was an edible work of art that not only tantalized the taste buds but also delighted the senses with its stunning visual appeal. I opted for a non-traditional tiered cake structure, featuring distinct flavors for each layer: rich chocolate, zesty lemon, and sweet banana. The cake’s gold marbling effect added an extra layer of sophistication, with each level representing a different aspect of nature – earthy tones with crystals, vibrant greens reminiscent of the jungle, and serene whites and blues evoking the sky with its regal inhabitants, the King & Queen Bears. The cake was carefully positioned atop a tree trunk, expertly cut and sanded from my father’s garden. To further elevate the presentation, I added miniature hand-wound musical boxes playing nostalgic childhood songs from memories past, creating a truly immersive experience.
Beauty
I was fortunate enough to have Michelle Court from Court-On-Camera work her magic on my makeup, resulting in a stunning natural look with a golden eye shadow that perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic. For my hair, I turned to Jodie and her talented team at The Hair Lounge Tavistock, who brought my whimsical vision to life by creating a beautiful large plait with loose waves. In contrast, my bridesmaids opted for an elegant updo that harmonized beautifully with their dresses, featuring intricate plaits and floral details.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I envisioned my dream wedding dress, it was spaghetti-strapped and white, adorned with 3D florals – a style I hadn’t yet seen. Before Christmas, I met with my mum in Leigh On Sea for coffee and cake, and we visited the local wedding dress boutique, which my sister had raved about. She knew my taste was unconventional, and she was right; I instantly fell in love with three dresses. After trying on four, my heart belonged to the second one – a stunning floral devore print that resonated with my love for printed textiles. It was personal yet not bespoke, making it perfect for me. As we discussed further, I planned to raise the neckline and add 3D florals to the train, creating a cascading waterfall of tiny white flowers. My dress was a true reflection of myself.For the bridesmaid dresses, I drew inspiration from their attire – something with embroidery and nature-themed elements that would complement my colour scheme. With five bridesmaids, including three pregnant ones, the dresses had to be just right! After scouring ASOS, I found the perfect design: layered lilac elegant floating gowns with high necklines, polka dot sleeves, and embroidered florals featuring bees. The dresses’ versatility allowed for two sleeve styles, ensuring each bridesmaid felt comfortable and beautiful.Tom’s suit was a thoughtful nod to our heritage; we chose Symond’s of Hereford for the bespoke piece. He opted for a vibrant yet deep blue suit, paired with a custom-made shirt featuring selected wooden buttons. His tie and pocket square, courtesy of Van Buck, boasted a wild floral liberty print, distinct from his ushers’ light yellow attire.
The Readings & Music
As we approached our big day, Tom and I decided to take control of our wedding ceremony and vows by writing our own. We opted for an informal pre-wedding signing at the registry in Guildford, giving us complete creative freedom over the timing, order, and most importantly, the words themselves. Despite some initial hesitation from Tom, who struggled with writer’s block leading up to the day, he rose to the challenge and delivered a heartfelt ceremony that left our guests in awe. Meanwhile, I found my words flowing freely as I poured out my emotions onto the page.In a beautiful gesture, we released butterflies during the ceremony, symbolizing the freedom and joy we felt on that special day. This was made possible by a secret insect delivery to my bridesmaids the night before, who then released them at the perfect moment.Music played a significant role in our wedding celebration. We were thrilled when my sister, Alexandra Trzebinski, surprised us with a stunning performance during the ceremony, accompanied by her brother Christian on guitar and vocals. They wrote a bespoke song just for Tom and me, which left us beaming with delight. The guests echoed their sentiments, describing the moment as ‘magical’. As a keepsake, Alex framed the lyrics for us to treasure.To set the tone for each part of our special day, we curated playlists for our wedding party:Guests WaitingWedding ProcessionJust Married & ConfettiReceptionMarquee EntranceDinner Playlist – Films PlaylistFirst DanceOpening Song on to Evening PartySome of the key tracks that featured prominently in these playlists include:Aqualung and Brighter than Sunshine for our wedding processionCalifornia Soul by Marlena Shaw for our just-married momentRewrite the Stars, performed acoustically by Christian Trzebinski during reception drinks with an aerial artist performanceCircle of Life from The Lion King to kick off our marquee entranceLittle Green Bag by George Baker for our own marquee entranceYou Can Never Tell by Chuck Berry for our first danceAll Night by Chance the Rapper to get the evening party startedYou’re the One by Kaytranada to keep the dancing goingAs we celebrated into the night, our guests were treated to a breathtaking aerial performance set to ‘Rewrite the Stars’, expertly performed by my brother during reception drinks. Later on, a talented DJ took over, playing saxophone alongside selected tracks and keeping everyone on their feet all night long.
Your Photographer
We were fortunate to be introduced to Emma Barrow by a colleague and friend, and her meeting exceeded our expectations. Her photography is truly stunning, and she has a remarkable ability to capture the essence of any given day in her work. When we decided to incorporate colorful smoke bombs into our photoshoot, we received invaluable assistance from Tom’s usher, Joseph, who helped us achieve the romantic and ethereal atmosphere we had envisioned – as if our subjects were floating on clouds.
The Flowers
As I stepped into the venue, I was thrilled to meet Becky Gravener, our florist extraordinaire. Her warm demeanor and meticulous attention to detail immediately put me at ease. We collaborated on a pastel color palette inspired by the bridesmaid dress selection, and added some whimsical wild florals to pay homage to Jill’s memory. To give my bouquet an extra touch of glamour, we incorporated decorative bee accessories. The bridesmaids’ bouquets, crafted from a single bloom from mine, were a lovely nod to our shared celebration. Among the many beautiful blooms, I was particularly smitten with the fuchsia peonies and big white daisies.
The Honeymoon
We spent a romantic getaway at Zilwa Attitude in Mauritius, where we indulged in luxurious comforts and breathtaking experiences. Our balcony room with a hot tub overlooking the sea provided a serene retreat. The culinary delights were exceptional, and the warm hospitality of the staff made us feel like royalty. June and July proved to be an ideal time for our stay, as the weather was pleasant and our wallets didn’t take a significant hit, thanks in part to generous gifts from our wedding guests. While it rained occasionally, we mostly basked in the sunshine. I took the opportunity to unwind, while Tom earned his PADI certification. The all-inclusive package at the hotel granted us access to unlimited food and drinks, which was a true indulgence. Each restaurant on site offered heavenly dining experiences. As explorers at heart, we rented a car and ventured across the island, discovering hidden gems such as: swimming with dolphins just outside the harbour at sunrise; hiking up Le Morne Brabant at dusk for spectacular views of the surrounding landscape; driving to Tamarind Falls to marvel at the stunning waterfalls; relaxing on the pristine white sands of Le Morne while watching windsurfers and savoring local street food; and enjoying an intimate yacht trip to explore other islands.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the freedom to craft a truly unique and unforgettable wedding experience that reflects your personality and style. The key is to focus on creating memorable moments for your loved ones, rather than adhering to traditional norms or expectations. By doing so, you’ll set the tone for an extraordinary celebration that will be cherished by all who attend.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The joy of planning a wedding is in the details, and Thomas Henry and Anna-Marie’s big day was no exception. From photographer Emma Barrow to videographer Stuart Bailey, every aspect of their special occasion was meticulously curated. The bride’s stunning dress, courtesy of Blush Bride, was perfectly complemented by her partner’s dashing suit from Symonds of Hereford & Liberty. Meanwhile, the florist duo BJ Richards & Bec Gravener brought the couple’s vision to life with beautiful blooms. Other notable vendors included Diamond Factory for the engagement ring, Oswin & Co for the wedding band, and RingCrush for the earrings. The bride’s bouquet was a masterclass in understated elegance, while the grooms’ accessories – including his bespoke ring from Ever With – added a touch of sophistication. Of course, no wedding would be complete without a show-stopping cake from Cakes by Marcia, or music to get everyone moving courtesy of Trzebz Music. And let’s not forget the hair stylist Jodie from The Hair Lounge Tavistock and makeup artist Court on Camera, who helped Thomas Henry and Anna-Marie look their absolute best on their big day.