We adore the rustic details in this gorgeous Autumnal wedding. Bride Sam reveals all…
How did Daryl propose?
We had gone for a walk on a Sunday afternoon to Hengistbury Head as it is one of our favourite places, and where we went for one of our first dates. We walked up to the top and then over to the other side, where he said we should sit for a while and look at the view over Christchurch Harbour. After chatting for a couple of minutes, he then got down on one knee in front of me and asked me to be his wife – I couldn’t believe it! My ‘yes’ came out as a bit of a squeak because I was so happy and excited. I just threw my arms around him!
What dress did you wear and where did you buy it?
I wore Ocumo by Pronovias, from Brides of Winchester. The ladies there were all wonderful and very accommodating as I had a bit of an entourage when it came to trying on dresses! I also needed a second visit with my best friend and maid of honour as she couldn’t come on the day, and I wanted her to see what I had chosen before ordering. I think the best bit was it came with pockets!
And the accessories?
I borrowed an emerald and diamond necklace and earring set from my best friend’s mum, I wore a bracelet that I won in a Facebook competition from Once Upon A Time Tiaras. I also had a hair comb from Etsy, where I also purchased my veil.
What did Daryl wear?
Daryl wore a grey suit from Moss Bros. He didn’t want the tails so went for a shorter cut jacket with pale gold waistcoat and emerald green cravat. I bought him some vintage gold cufflinks inset with emerald glass stone.
How did you feel when you saw him up the aisle?
I was so excited and overwhelmed. This had been 17 years in the making as we met when we were just 12 at a local Fencing club. I couldn’t wait to be next to him! His smile made me melt inside and I had to take a couple of deep breaths so I didn’t start clubbing. Once I was there and looked in to his eyes, I felt calm and relaxed, ready to enjoy the moment.
Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from?
I had 4 bridesmaids, my older and younger sisters, Stephanie and Jessica along with Daryl’s sister Zoe and my best friend Sarah, who was my Maid-of-Honour. They wore multi-way dresses from an Etsy store called The Daintyard in emerald green. The girls are all different shapes, sizes and heights so I wanted them to be able to wear something that showed their own unique style and to be comfortable too. I also asked them to each buy a faux fur shrug, cape or cardigan so that they would be able to keep warm if it got chilly.
What was your wedding theme and how did you create it?
We wanted to keep things simple & rustic with some nods to our scouting and a bit of 50’s glamour thrown in.
We made our own centrepieces for the tables from twigs and battery operated lights. We went on walks to different places, and these named the tables. There was a map of the area with names listed by the areas we had named the tables after.
We also had slate hearts from the Hampshire Slate Co. to have on the tables with their names on. There were paper lanterns and pom poms in the ceiling surrounded by fairy lights and in the evening we did a sparkler run as we couldn’t have confetti. There was mis-matched china for our Tea and Cake area too. The outfits gave the 50’s glamour.
What was the highlight of your day?
I honestly don’t know how to choose as there were so many! Cheesy as it sounds, saying our vows was the best, but all the celebrations after were great fun! Especially our photo booth and just being able to sit for a few minutes with a cup of tea! As well as managing to steal a couple of minutes to ourselves during the evening to let it all sink in and enjoy the moment. Our first dance was pretty epic too!
What was your best buy?
That would have to be the bridesmaids dresses and my veil! I love Etsy! I got the bridesmaid dresses for about £30 each, and my veil cost me £60.
What’s your saving tip?
Shop around. Etsy as I’ve mentioned is amazing, and you are supporting small businesses, though be careful that they aren’t adding loads on to shipping costs. Also, try and make things yourself (if you have time) or get someone to help you. It can be a project and you can spend time with family or friends as you do it. My older sister and I made napkin rings out of ribbon together, and we designed the wedding cake as she was making it (chocolate and red wine! YUM!). Daryl and I made our table decorations and went on the walks together, so it was nice to spend time together and focus on us.
The details
Date: 1st November 2015
Venue: Sopley Mill
Photographer: Jonathan Vincent Photography
Sam’s dress: Pronovias from Brides of Winchester
Daryl’s attire: Moss Bros
Bridesmaids’ dresses: The Daintyard @ Etsy.com
Jewellery: Once Upon A Time Tiaras
