English summer weddings don't get better than this! Victoria and Richard celebrated their big day in the New Forest, with a traditional ceremony in the local church, followed by a marquee reception in the garden. For all those brides worrying about the English weather, just check out the gorgeous sunshine. There were perfect blue skies from start to finish, and they held their champagne reception on the lawn - bliss! I'm loving Victoria's stunning
Ritva Westenius Couture gown and her cathedral length veil, plus her elegant pearl ear rings courtesy of
W&W Private Jewellers. Stealworthy details include the herbilicious napkin bundles, the luggage tags, and the cute peg display for place cards and hats. Victoria chose family-style, long tables rather than round ones, which makes for a much more informal dining, and the airy marquee was decorated with stephanotis, white roses and orchids. Truly a stunning affair, all photographed by the talented Patrick from
Butler Madden Weddings. For further suppliers don't miss Victoria's answers to the Before the Big Day Bridal Questionnaire below the pics.
The Before the Big Day Bridal Q&A - Victoria was kind enough to fill in our questionnaire, aimed at helping other brides with their planning process. Feast your eyes on her answers for helpful hints and tips from someone on the other side of her big day!
Where and when did you get married?
The New Forest, on 12th June 2010 What was your thinking behind choosing the venue and the decoration of the reception?
We chose our local church followed by a reception at our family home. We wanted an informal, relaxed wedding with a rural and rustic feel.Did you have a theme, colour or motif in mind?
We chose a green and white colour theme.Who made your wedding outfit (dress, veil, shoes and accessories), and how did you come to that decision?
I picked a Ritva Westenius Couture gown, after visiting half a dozen bridal boutiques specialising in more floaty materials / Grecian style dresses rather than strapless / corseted dresses. I ended up falling in love with the material of this dress and increasing the lace! I teamed the dress with gorgeous pearl ear rings from my husband's company W&W Private Jewellers who come highly recommended!What about your husband’s outfit? Where was it from?
He wore a traditional morning suit - I've no idea where it was from, but at least he got a completely new outfit, waist-coat and tie included!And how about your bridesmaids’ outfits?
My mother made three green dresses for young bridesmaidsWhat type of cake did you go for, and how did you come to that decision?
We had a traditional 3-tier fruit cake made by friend and wedding guest, Lucy Till, who I'd highly recommend.Did you have any favours? What were they? Was there any particular reason why you picked them?
No, we didn't have any favours, because my opinion is that bought favours can be naff and they're a slightly American tradition (wrongly or rightly). Couldn’t think of anything homemade that represented ‘us’, so preferred not to have favours!Who was your florist, what flowers did you choose, and how did you come to that decision?
We had a local (& extremely knowledgeable) florist called Jill Stagg {01590 616201}, and we picked a selection of white flowers particularly stephanotis, orchids, roses amongst greenery. We had an amazing floral archway at the church entrance, and the flowers on the marquee poles were particularly gorgeous. Family members helped out with the arrangements on the tables.Who was your photographer and how did you choose them?
We chose Patrick Butler-Madden, because he's a friend, but also a fantastic photographer. We researched his previous work and met with him to discuss our requirements, to make sure he was the right decision. On the day he was really professional and unobtrusive, and photographs were fantastic – highly recommended! Did you enjoy planning your wedding?
Yes - it was a great opportunity for some family time as everyone was involved with various 'jobs'.What advice do you have for brides planning their big day?
Enjoy being engaged – it's a special time. Then just do a couple of 'jobs' each weekend rather than a mad rush months in advance or near the end. It shouldn't be a stressful exercise or chore, so aim to approach it in a relaxed manner!Before the Big Day - the Best UK Wedding Blog.
