At home garden weddings are my favourite kind of wedding to plan, co-ordinate and style, and this one was a beauty. From the start the couple wanted to do it their way, and the whole day was full of personal touches that made the day so special and unique to them. From the home garden setting to the fencing masks and swords incorporated in the wedding decor to tell the story of how they met. The whole day was just them doing them and it was perfect!
The decor was simple yet elegant and the beautiful florals by Jess from J Austin Designs were just beautiful. A mix of seasonal foliage and fresh flowers mixed with pampas and hydrangea heads collected by the bride.
Our journey started a year ago when I first met Phil and Jane at the Tying the Nott Wedding Fair. Over the next few months we then put together a design for their day. From drawing up a layout for the marquee, to styling the tables and designing the on the day signage, including a nod to their love of fencing. To then managing and coordinating the big day and making sure everything went exactly to plan. The day before, I was there with my styling hat on alongside Jess the florist to make sure that their vision was bought to life. The day itself started with a relaxed meeting to go through the run sheet and any last minute issues before the couple went off to get ready.
The whole day was a dream, Jane and Phil were so relaxed and easy going and this was due, in part, to the fact they were at home in their own surroundings. I think as long as you have people around you to help and ensure the day goes to plan, and the space of course, holding your wedding at home in yours or a friend or relatives garden, is an amazing way to get married.
The styling was simple and relaxed, yet elegant. Rustic wooden trestles draped in pale blush muslin runners with an eclectic mix of bottles, collected by the couple, filled with beautiful blooms and vintage brass and glass candlesticks. Two large foliage chandeliers dropped from the marquee roof with a mix of wicker lampshades hanging down from them.
After the couple headed off to the registry office for their ceremony with their close family and friends, back at the house we set about making sure everything was ready and perfect for their arrival, the rain shower that had been threatening past and the sun came back out just as guests were starting to arrive. The couple enjoyed a small and fun fencing themed couples shoot with their photographer Chris, before arriving back at the house for their reception.
From here the party kicked off with speeches, the first dance and the cutting of the cake along with amazing cocktails and delicious food. The cake was the most amazing vegan chocolate cake and took centre stage on our vintage dresser used for the dessert table, and I can say with honesty, it was the best chocolate cake I have ever tasted!
As the sun set and the moon came up, with my duties complete, it was time for me to leave the couple and their guests to dance the night away and enjoy the end of their amazing and unique wedding day.
"Thank you for making it such a great day." Jane and Phil
Garden weddings can be daunting, but if you get the right help to bring your vision to life and relieve the stress of planning the day, it can be the most amazing and personal way to celebrate your wedding day.
If you are thinking about a garden wedding but don't know where to start, then get in touch and lets have a chat about how I can help.
Photography - Chris Waud Photography
Planner and Stylist - Willow and Rust Weddings
Florist - J Austin Designs
Make-up artist - Haley Marie Make-up
Band - The Cover Halves