There can’t be a more magical location to get married and celebrate than in the middle of the woods surronded by bluebells can there?

Ken and Carrie did just that, the had a legal ceremony in April and a blessing and reception in May amongst the bluebells. They kept to a budget of £5000, with family and friends contributing by crafting their perfect day.

With marquees and chairs hired from the scouts, baby sham glasses, a campfire and supermarket flowers arranged by a friend. Fantastic.

Thanks so much to the lovely Kate Gray for sharing her photographs with us today.

 

The Proposal… Ken dropped to his knee outside the compost toilet in the woodland on a snowy day – very romantic. He then fashioned me a ring out of the twigs from a yew tree.

The Vision for the Day… Bluebells, champagne, music, hog roast, friends, dancing and happiness.

The Planning Process… We had planned a straightforward day including all of the above. Ken’s parents planned for a far more impressive occasion with lovely food, vintage/retro seat covers, bunting and flowers.

Budget… Our original budget was £2000.00 the final overall costs came to about £5000.00 This was shared between Ken’s parents and us.

The Venue… We are so lucky to have the woods, where we spend a lot of time. Nature blessed us with glorious bluebells and a sunny day. We hired marquees, tables and chairs from the scouts. Some people camped others booked accommodation in town (Henley-On-Thames).

The Dress + Accessories… My dress was bought on a whim for a very good sale price in Perfections in Brighton. I nearly didn’t wear it! I had last minute nerves as I thought it would be crazy to wear such a long wedding dress in the woods – but then I decided ‘what the heck!’. I’m so glad I wore it, I felt like a princess. I haven’t dry cleaned it yet!

Groom’s Attire… Burtons! Ken left it to the last minute and was adamant he did not want me to come with him. I have to admit I was a wee bit reluctant – but I LOVE the suit the chose!

The Readings + Music… Damien, our brother in law delivered our ceremony. Ken’s sister Kirsty read a verse called ‘hands’. Hanna, our bridesmaid read a poem about bluebells, our nephews delivered the rings and we wrote our own words to each other.

Beautiful Bridesmaids… Initially I told the girls to wear what they wanted as we had planned a very relaxed day. About a week before hand I realised that they needed dresses so we went to Coast and found something classy and understated that I knew they would wear again.

I gave my bridesmaids a necklace and bracelet made by a friend of mine called Sophie Roberston who is a brilliant jeweller. They were last minute and the girls put them on just before we walked down the aisle of trees.

The Flowers… All in all I spent about £30 on flowers. The best man’s mum is a retired florist and she did the bouquets as a gift. I went to Tesco the day before and bought 40 tumblers, tied them with ribbon and some friends arranged the flowers on the day

The Cake… Our friend Sara Doone made an amazing cake in a woodland theme. She even made a little squirrel with a petrol can, as we’d had trouble with squirrels getting in our fuel containers.

Your Photographer… Kate Gray saved the day! She was booked as second photographer and thank goodness she was! We’re so grateful to Kate!

The Details + Decor… Mother in law had a vision! She sewed about 70 seat covers, made bunting, spray painted branches, decorated with ivy, vintage teapots and tea cups, she even found ‘babycham’ glasses! She made it a beautiful affair as opposed to the ‘hoedown’ which it would’ve been otherwise!

The Honeymoon… No honeymoon yet, but we have a trip to my family home in New Zealand planned for the end of the year.

Memorable Moments… SO MANY! The bluebells! Seeing my friend Cath’s desserts and cupcakes was amazing! She’d spoken to my mum and got her carrot cake recipe. My family couldn’t be there so hearing their speeches was very special and emotional, and the fire was amazing!

Advice for Other Couples… Don’t get too upset If your parent’s want to add their own touches – let them – it’s better than having a battle – its still your day!

Credit Where Credit is Due…

Kate Gray Photography – www.kategrayphotography.com

Sophie Robertson Jewellery – Facebook – https://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Sophie-Robertson-Jewellery/125991507491485

Sarah Doone Cakes – [email protected]

Soooo magical. Thanks so much to Ken and Carrie for sharing their gorgeous wedding with us today XOXO Lou