You can just feel the sun on your skin, the breeze in your hair and the love all around in these images today courtesy of Paul Underhill (thanks Paul!). This real wedding totally screams long summer days and quintessential countryside. It’s just beautiful.
Fleur and James decided to tie the knot on the 19th August 2017 and chose the family farm in Dorset to host their sperry tent reception. The marquee was out of this world beautiful; by day decked in bunting and rustic touches and by night festooned in twinkling lights. Woah! Guests were really spoilt with the scrumptious menu and live band to entertain into the evening, what a way to celebrate.
The style choices here are just sublime too. Fleur fell for a lace Annasul Y gown, which she accessorised with flowers in her hair. Her maids wore tulle skirts and lace tops for the perfect boho summer vibe, I love it! James and the gents went for a traditional style in morning suits and added a touch of personality with a flamingo tie. In fact both flamingos and bumble bees can be spotted throughout their day and it’s a really lovely touch. Summer couples, take note, this is certainly how it’s done.
THE PROPOSAL | 12th June 2016 – Taormina, Sicily.
THE VISION | Relaxed outdoor farm rustic wedding.
THE PLANNING PROCESS | Over one year, casually planning as and when between both working as vets!
THE VENUE | Rose Cottage, near Cranborne, Dorset (James’s parent’s farm).
THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES | Dress – Annasul Y Snow collection. Alex Monroe bumble bee necklace. Floral crown by Flowers by Tidbury.
FINDING THE DRESS | Isabella Grace dress shop, Tunbridge Wells – found the dress on our first visit.
GROOM’S ATTIRE | Oliver Brown morning suit. Thomas Pink flamingo tie.
THE READINGS & MUSIC | Church wedding in Cranborne. Walked into Pachelbel’s Canon. Readings – 1 Corinthians 13, read by James’s godfather. No matter what, by Debi Gliori read by Fleur’s close university (vet school) friend and young cousin. Exited to Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78, “Organ” by Camille Saint-Saëns.
BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS | Fleur’s two sisters, Fleur’s vet school friend, Fleur’s school friend, James’s sister, flower girls; James’s niece and Fleur’s cousin. Ivory lace top, long tulle skirts by BHLDN. Vine metal waist bands. Flower head pieces. Flower girls tutus hand made by The Button Tree. Olivia Burton bee necklace.
THE FLOWERS | Flowers by Tidbury; including (not full list) eucalyptus, blue thistle (family Scottish connections), wax flower, sweet avalanche roses, memory lane rose and rosemary.
THE CAKE | Classic fruit cake, chocolate cake (both made by James’s mum) and a giant pavlova made by Blistering Bites.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER | Paul Underhill. We had the honour of Paul at our wedding and he is incredible. From the beautiful engagement shoot at the beach to the 200 person church and tent wedding, Paul had a challenge with all the venues and people but he did it with complete chilledness and style. The photos tell the story and bring back every feeling from our wedding day and we look at them feeling laughter and tears. Paul is truly talented and captured everything and we will treasure these forever.
THE DETAILS & DÉCOR | Sperry tent marquee by PapaKata with large circular oak bar. Bumble bee theme running through.
Fleur made bunting incorporating the wedding colours and a bumble bee print. James bought Fleur the Alex Monroe bumble bee necklace years ago, also our dog is called bumble! Also a slight flamingo theme (grooms ties, some decorations including drinks stirrers) – ‘spirit animal’Fleur and James… flamingo?
Three wedding colours; blush pink, sea glass green and a dark grey/purple.
Reception on the lawn with scallops, champagne glasses drinking Moet, canapés by Blistering bites including cocktail sausages, duck pancakes. Speeches before supper.
Supper of wood fired lamb cooked to perfection with salads and dauphinoise to accompany. Giant pavlova with edible flowers and glitter for pudding. Pudding wine.
Dancing to the amazing live band Mister Kanish including 5 band members and 3 horn players.
THE HONEYMOON | Small wooden house ‘The Cabin’ in Porthkidney, near St Ives, Cornwall. Beach days and swimming in the sea, reminiscent of childhood holidays!
MEMORABLE MOMENTS | Speeches full of stories and laughter, wood fired pizza at midnight including Nutella and strawberries! Union jack mini car photo booth, crowd surfing, relaxing on hay bales toasting marshmallows by the wood burning fire.
ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES | Relax, think of a running theme and gradually accumulate items, enjoy.
CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE |
Photography | Dorset wedding photographer Paul Underhill
Food | Blistering Bites
Hair and Make Up | Jenny D
Band | Mister Kanish
Mini car photo booth | Cocophotobooths
Dress | Isabella Grace and Miss Kay Seamstress
Flowers | Flowers by Tidbury
Sperry Tent | PapaKata
Tutus | The Button Tree
Oh how perfect!
Fleur and James, thank you both so much for sharing your gorgeous wedding with us here today xo Lou
