There’s something undeniably charming about an English countryside wedding. The setting is made even more idyllic with a palette of soft pastels, lush succulents, and rustic touches that exude handmade charm. A beautiful bride donned a lace gown, sparkled in high heels, and complemented her look with classic pearls – a treasured family heirloom serving as ‘something borrowed’. Her bridesmaids added a pop of color in blush pink, while the groomsmen dressed to impress in navy blue.
The celebration featured lawn games, giant balloons, and a stunning backdrop of bluebells. This delightful wedding was captured by Katherine Ashdown Photography with love and care, showcasing the heartfelt union of Alysia and James.
The Attire
With a relaxed atmosphere in mind, we opted for understated yet stylish attire that blended seamlessly with our countryside surroundings. The bridesmaids’ soft pink, flowing bespoke dresses were perfectly complemented by delicate gold accents, while the gentlemen donned navy Ben Sherman suits, paired with playful socks and earthy brown shoes, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look that harmonized beautifully with the natural beauty around us.
The Photography
Upon reviewing Katherine Ashdown’s portfolio and engaging in a brief conversation, it became evident that she perfectly aligned with our aesthetic and character. Her unique blend of style and personality made her an excellent candidate to collaborate with.
Décor & Details
We spent hours enjoying each other’s company while working on several DIY projects that added a personal touch to our special day. Some of the highlights included creating crab apple and black currant jam jars, wedding favors using locally sourced ingredients, and labeling them with kraft paper stickers for a rustic charm.
Our hand-cut and painted signs expertly guided guests around the venue while orders of service were printed on A4 paper and presented in a simple yet elegant kraft paper cardstock cover. The send-off was made even more special with transparent envelopes filled with colorful confetti or tissue pockets on the back cover. The centrepieces featured a beautiful arrangement of jars, some wrapped with twine, placed atop circle cuts of spare logs.
Meanwhile, seating plans were printed on cream cardstock and hung from a ladder using twine for added visual interest to complete the look, kraft paper gift tags secured with cutlery and twine served as name cards.
Favourite Moments
As we reflected on our special day, certain moments stood out as truly unforgettable. There was the thrill of exchanging our first glance from across the aisle, the whimsy of exploring rolling hills blanketed in vibrant bluebells, and the pure joy of sneaking a peek at the dessert spread before anyone else got a chance. Even the speeches brought us to tears – not just because they were so heartfelt, but also because we were reliving all the memories that made our love story so special.
The Wedding Music
As we exchanged our vows, a beautiful processional played – ‘Canon in D’ – setting the tone for an unforgettable day. Later, as we made our way back down the aisle, ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’ filled the air with joy and celebration. And to top it all off, our first dance as a married couple was a special moment, swaying to the sweet melody of Ingrid Michaelson’s ‘You and I’.
Advice For Other Couples
To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, prioritize the elements that matter most to you both, keeping your budget in check. While it’s the small details that often bring joy, don’t let them become a source of stress. Instead, focus on creating a perfect day, but be prepared for any unexpected weather conditions by having a plan B ready. This way, you can ensure everyone stays comfortable and relaxed. Congratulations again to James & Alysia on their special day.
We’re thrilled to have shared it with our readers. Special thanks to Katherine Ashdown Photography for capturing the magic and adding to the celebration. For more real wedding inspiration and ideas, head over to our Pinterest boards.