We’re thrilled to share the enchanting photographs and heartwarming story of Lauren and Daniel’s special day with you! The couple exchanged vows on a picturesque Spring afternoon – May 19th, 2018, to be exact, at the idyllic Ceridwen Centre in Wales. The venue’s serene atmosphere was perfectly suited for their tipi-filled celebration, complete with handmade elements that reflected their unique personalities. We can’t get enough of this dreamy wedding! Lauren and Daniel’s love story is filled with romantic touches, from the beautiful pale pink peonies mixed with lush greenery to the stylish attire they donned throughout the day. But what truly makes their special day stand out are the thoughtful details – think ribbon-adorned hoop centrepieces, rustic signage, industrial metal chairs, and fun activity place mats that added a playful twist. And let’s not forget the sweet surprises, including surprise transport for the happy couple, Prosecco spritzing, and adorable little ones making an appearance. Take a moment to soak in all the joy and love as you relive this unforgettable day with us.
The Proposal
We had been looking forward to our city break in Berlin for months, and May 2017 was finally here. The excitement was palpable as we prepared to trade urban life for some quality time together, with a packed itinerary of sightseeing and cultural experiences on the agenda. But the highlight of our trip was yet to come – the XJazz festival, where we were thrilled to see Pokey LaFarge, the embodiment of modern American country jazz, take to the stage. The intimate setting was perfect for an evening of soulful sounds, and we were completely absorbed in the music. That’s when Pokey surprised us by announcing a special guest from the crowd – my fiancé-to-be, Dan! To our amazement, he was invited up on stage, where he got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever partner. I, of course, said yes, and we spent the rest of the night celebrating in true style, first with a round of Jager bombs at a bar that didn’t cater to our champagne cravings, before finding a new spot that did serve bubbly – the perfect toast to our future together.
The Vision
As seasoned wedding attendees, my partner Dan and I knew exactly what we didn’t want for our special day – another generic celebration. We yearned for something unique, a reflection of our free-spirited nature. Our search led us to the enchanting Ceridwen Centre, where love at first sight struck when we discovered outdoor marriage possibilities. The venue’s natural charm inspired us to keep things simple and let its beauty shine through. We drew inspiration from Pinterest and envisioned a day filled with handmade elements, lush flowers, and interactive experiences that would get our guests fully immersed in the celebration. Our fixation on dreamcatchers as a symbol of our bohemian theme only solidified our decision, ensuring a cohesive and memorable experience from start to finish.
The Planning Process
As the reality of my father’s terminal cancer diagnosis in 2016 set in, my fiancé(e) and I knew we had to expedite our wedding planning. With time of the essence, we visited the venue together in early July and secured the booking for the following May. A subsequent visit with both sets of parents in August, despite the torrential rain, allowed them to fall in love with the location too. With our venue settled, we promptly sent out save-the-dates and began deliberating on the day’s elements. One crucial takeaway emerged early on: don’t hesitate to inquire about your favorite photographers, hairdressers, and makeup artists as soon as possible. These key professionals can book up rapidly, especially when they need to travel to accommodate your event. We were thrilled when our beloved photographer, Clare, confirmed her availability after we discovered her work on Instagram. With a clear direction in place, we methodically worked through our lists and tackled each aspect of the planning process.
The Venue
The Dress & Accessories
As a frequent visitor to my best friend’s bridal store, Aristocrats of Chester, I had been exposed to various designers and styles. When I saw Maggie Sottero’s Meryl Lynette gown at the 2017 bridal show, I was smitten. The intricate beading and details caught my attention, and I knew immediately that it was ‘the one.’ However, I faced a challenge – I needed to order the dress by October, which left me with no time to wait for the sample to arrive in-store. Undeterred, I relied on the expertise of the store’s knowledgeable staff to guide me through the process. Once the dress arrived, I finally got to try it on and was thrilled to discover that it fit like a glove. The combination of its stunning lace and silhouette left me feeling like a true princess.
Groom’s Attire
The attire for the big day was carefully curated to exude a sense of sophistication and style. The groom himself donned a three-piece suit from Torre Blue at City Gate in Chester, ensuring he looked dapper and put-together. To complete his outfit, he paired it with a crisp Paul Smith shirt, a Louis Vuitton tie that added a touch of luxury, and Versace boxers and socks for a hint of flair. His footwear of choice was Jeffrey West shoes, which were perfectly complemented by the cufflinks and collar stays from the same brand. Meanwhile, the groomsmen opted for suits hired from Groom in Chester, creating a cohesive and stylish group look.
The Readings & Music
Readings
When it comes to matters of the heart, we often idealize the perfect partner. But the truth is, no one is perfect. The key is finding someone who accepts and loves you for who you are, flaws and all. As Bob Marley so eloquently puts it, ‘He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break.’ It’s the imperfections and vulnerabilities that make us human, and it’s what makes our relationships authentic. The idea is not to try to change or mold someone into our ideal partner, but rather to find common ground and grow together. As Louis de Bernieres so beautifully writes in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, ‘Love is a temporary madness… And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots were so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.’ In the end, true love isn’t about grand romantic gestures or fleeting feelings of euphoria. It’s about finding someone whose love for you can weather life’s storms and still flourish when the passion has burned away.
Songs
As the wedding celebration reaches its climax, a perfect harmony of music and memories unfolds. The aisle is serenaded by Rebecca Ferguson’s soulful rendition of ‘Teach Me How to Be Loved’, setting the tone for the union of two loving souls. As they sign their names on the register, Percy Sledge’s classic hit ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’ plays in the background, filling the air with warmth and joy. And as the ceremony comes to a close, Lana Del Rey’s hauntingly beautiful melody ‘Young and Beautiful’ drifts through the atmosphere, capturing the essence of new beginnings and endless possibilities.
The Details & Décor
We took a hands-on approach to wedding planning, crafting many elements ourselves, including handmade name place cards, champagne corks for the ladies and red wine corks for the gentlemen, as well as beautiful dream catchers infused with love. Our friends were incredibly supportive, helping us with our pallet agenda, unplugged ceremony sign, and bucket list. They also spent countless nights assisting us with those final touches.As gin enthusiasts, we decided to incorporate our favorite spirit into the wedding decor by using empty bottles of gin as centerpieces, paired with stunning decanters we discovered at charity shops. We thrived on finding unique treasures in these shops, which helped keep costs down and added a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic.Instead of traditional favors, we chose to make a donation to MacMillan Cancer Support, an organization that had significantly impacted our family during my father’s illness. This decision felt like the right way to honor his memory and show gratitude for their support. For those guests who were aware of our journey, this small act meant a great deal.To capture special moments, we placed disposable cameras and an iSpy game on the tables. As night fell, the beautiful bottle lights illuminated the space, creating a warm ambiance.A hoop in the tipi became a ribbon chandelier masterpiece, with my best friend Steph and I spending hours tying hundreds of ribbons to create this stunning display. Our florist, Jill, added the finishing touches with lush ivy. This unique element tied in perfectly with our theme, and we loved seeing couples incorporate it into their own weddings.We also set up a charming sweet cart, featuring personalized bags, adorned with more gin bottles and whimsical fairy lights. A small tipi served as a cozy photo booth, complete with a Polaroid camera and pin board for guests to display their pictures.
The Flowers
Jill’s expertise and enthusiasm shone through as we strolled across the site with her, and it became clear she was the perfect fit for our special day. I had a single request: to incorporate my beloved peonies into the arrangements. Not only did she accommodate this wish, but she also brought an abundance of creativity and flair to the table.
The Cake
To give our celebration a unique touch, we approached the venue’s team and worked together with Rob from the Ceridwen Centre to create a one-of-a-kind centerpiece – a stunning brownie tower adorned with an array of colorful fruits, sweet honeycomb, and delicate edible flowers. This show-stopping creation added a personal and memorable flair to our special day.
Beautiful Bridesmaids
Adorned in Wisteria-hued Richard Designs dresses courtesy of Aristocrats of Chester, my wedding party exuded elegance. Joining me as my two beloved bridesmaids were my closest confidante Steph and my sister Becky, who went above and beyond to create an unforgettable hen do experience for us both. With attention to detail and a keen sense of what would make the day truly special, they ensured that every moment was filled with joy and celebration.
The Honeymoon
After the excitement of the wedding, we decided to linger at the venue for an extra day, allowing us to unwind with a leisurely brunch among our loved ones and recharge after a weekend filled with champagne. We then escaped to the sun-kissed island of Lanzarote for five tranquil days, retreating to Arrecife where we could truly relax, catch up on much-needed rest, and bask in the joy of being newlyweds. As we look ahead to this summer, we’re planning a laid-back adventure – camping in one of our favorite Cornish haunts, The Lizard, with its rugged beauty and serene atmosphere.
Your Photographer
Memorable Moments
As we relived the moments from our special day, memories flooded back – like guests dozing off in a picturesque meadow, chaotic pile-ons during romantic photo shoots, and the boys’ antics with Prosecco, which almost shattered Clare’s camera. The most unforgettable moment was when our photos sparked the hashtag #lesbiandonkeys, capturing the playful energy of those two donkeys as they got frisky while we strolled back from a photo shoot. For me, nothing beats the feeling of walking down the aisle and seeing Dan waiting for me, his nervousness melting away as we exchanged vows in each other’s eyes. It was as if time stood still, leaving only us to cherish that intimate moment. We also kept a secret up our sleeves – after the drinks reception, we organized a horse-drawn cart to surprise everyone by arriving at the tipi for the wedding breakfast. The looks on their faces were priceless as they discovered our unconventional mode of transportation.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning a wedding, it’s essential to keep your ultimate goal in mind – being surrounded by the one you love on your special day. Whenever doubts or frustrations arise, take a step back and remind yourself why this moment is so important to you. As long as you’re with your partner, the minor hiccups along the way will pale in comparison to the joy and happiness that comes with sharing this experience together.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we gaze upon the cherished memories of Lauren and Daniel’s big day, it’s hard not to be filled with a sense of awe and gratitude. The photographer, LoveSeen Photography, perfectly captured the essence of their love story through the lens. Amidst the picturesque backdrop of Welsh Green Weddings, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms from Green and Wild Flowers. Lauren’s stunning gown, courtesy of Aristocrats of Chester and designer Maggie Sottero, stole the show, while Daniel’s impeccable groomsmen attire was provided by Torre Formalwear. As the evening unfolded, the DJ, CKSDJ Hire, got the party started with an unforgettable soundtrack, accompanied by Arthur Bryn’s soulful singing. It truly was a magical celebration, and we’re honored to have been a part of it.
