“We chose a classic car to take my dad and me to the church, and me and Pete back from the church.” – Jess sourcing flowers locally and being careful to chose blooms that were in season to create a wildflower look. Each arrangement featured a different selection of blooms and colours lending them a natural feel, and she utilised a variety of vessels to display them in throughout the venue. “We didn’t want anything to look too arranged and wanted it to be as natural as possible,” Jess explains. With this in mind they used a variety of decorative table arrangements using log slices, glass jars, and tea light holders. A random assortment of vases containing individual flower stems completed the set. In keeping with the dream of personalising their wedding as much as possible, the couple enlisted the help of their family to make the favours. Pete’s sister makes marmalade, so she whipped up a batch to put in little jars, while Jess’ auntie and uncle turned to their colony of bees to make some honey. Each guest could make a choice between the two sweet treats from the display on a table outside the barn. The design of the table plan, place and table names were all based on local English flowers in bloom during the summer. It reflected the varieties they’d used to decorate the venue and that featured in the bridal bouquet. LOVE AT FIRST BITE In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere the pair set out to create, they decided against a three-course wedding breakfast in favour of a hog roast. Jess says, “The catering company were really great, discussing options with me and providing a variety of different sides to go with the roast, so it still felt like a special meal.” The same company served a delicious meat and vegetarian chilli during the evening, which we understand went down a storm after much drinking and dancing! Jess and Pete found a rustic cake stand online based around a tree trunk with three log slices at varying heights for the big-day bakes to sit on. “This fit the theme perfectly, and we knew our naked cake with fresh flowers for decoration would look beautiful,” Jess says. FINDING THE ONE Jess had seen the style of dress she loved on “I was so calm all morning, but the minute I got in the car, I struggled to hold back the tears. It was emotional to finally have the day I’d dreamed of with the perfect man for me.” – Jess REAL WEDDINGS 37
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