Ben and Katie’s wedding celebration was a unique blend of Italian flair and quintessential English charm. The couple, who fondly described their special day as ‘Mediterranean meets Oxfordshire’, cleverly merged the elegance of Great Britain with the warmth of Italy. This resulted in a delightful fusion of rustic, herb-infused touches; fancy hats; delicious Italian cuisine; and the picturesque English countryside.
The couple’s love for each other was palpable as they exchanged vows, with Katie stunning in her high-neck lace wedding dress, perfectly complemented by an intricate updo and a lush, cascading bouquet. Ben, meanwhile, looked dashing in his tailcoat, beaming with joy. To make the celebration even more memorable, Katy and Co Wedding Photography was on hand to capture every moment of beauty and happiness.
The result was a treasure trove of photographs that perfectly encapsulated the love, laughter, and magic of Ben and Katie’s special day.
Wedding Style
Ben’s proposal in Sicily, where we indulged in the rich flavors, aromas, and vibrant hues of the Mediterranean, left an indelible mark on our country wedding planning. We yearned to transport the essence of that enchanting region to our Oxfordshire celebration. Fate smiled upon us as brilliant blue skies set the tone for a picturesque atmosphere. Our wedding’s decor, cuisine, and even our vintage Fiat 500 (rechristened ‘Fifi’) were infused with Mediterranean flair.
The rustic charm was evident in long tables adorned with fragrant herbs in terracotta planters, punctuated by vases bursting with fiery red, radiant yellow, and cerulean blue blooms. Delicate olive branches dangled from our chairbacks, while each guest’s place setting featured a delicate blend of lavender sprigs and corn stalks.
The Flowers
To achieve a laid-back atmosphere, we collaborated with our florist to bring our Mediterranean and herb-inspired vision to life. The bouquets featured ivory blooms paired with lush foliage and herbs, filling the air with a delightful aroma. To add a touch of whimsy, we wrapped lace ribbon around the stems in flowing bows. We also incorporated small white roses into the buttonholes and added a sprig of herbs for good measure.
The Attire
As I searched for the perfect gown, my sister’s tears of joy upon seeing me in it sealed the deal. Meanwhile, my two adult bridesmaids stunned in their long champagne dresses from Coast, while my youngest sibling opted for an elegant ivory dress. Even our page boy joined in on the stylish ensemble, donning a suit that matched my dad’s dashing attire.
The Ceremony
As a backdrop to their reflections on love and mortality, participants listened to readings from The Song of Solomon by Ben’s sister Louise, as well as WB Yeats’ poignant poem ‘He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven’, which was brought to life by our friend Rachel’s captivating narration.
Favourite Moments
One of the most cherished memories from our special day was sharing intimate moments with each other amidst our loved ones. We recall peering out through the sunroof of ‘Fifi’, our vintage Fiat 500, as it drove by, surrounded by our excited guests. Another highlight was stealing a romantic moment together in a picturesque wheat field, captured beautifully by our photographer.
And who could forget the warm welcome we received from our beaming guests when we first entered the marquee, feeling like royalty for the evening.
Wedding Music
As we exchanged vows, Helen’s stunning pianist skills filled the air with a beautiful Chopin Nocturne. Little did I know, this would be just the beginning of a memorable musical moment. The first dance had initially intimidated me, but our friend Emily’s expert guidance taught us a lively and carefree routine to Elvis’ iconic ‘The Wonder of You’. To my surprise, it ended up being one of the day’s most enjoyable highlights.
Advice For Other Couples
By establishing clear priorities at the outset, you can make conscious financial decisions that benefit other areas of your budget. Make time for a daily dose of quality couple moments, free from distractions, to recharge and refocus on what matters most. Congratulations Katie and Ben! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness. A special thank you goes out to Katy and Co Wedding Photography for generously sharing these stunning wedding photos with us.