2020 was a year never to be forgotten. With the challenges felt deeply by many, the lockdowns and struggles with a new pace of life all melted away when a wonderful bride and groom decided to take a chance on the world and plan their wedding anyway. They didn’t mind if they couldn’t have their full guest numbers, they just wanted to be together and celebrate with their immediate circle of friends and family.
All the usual concerns about finding a venue were removed by choosing to have the wedding in the family’s back garden, backing on to the Oxfordshire stretch of the River Thames. Whatever the size of the wedding, it is always a delight to help clients host at home, however with this wedding having just 26 guests, the intimacy of the group at the family property felt really special.
The JustSeventy team loved being back to wedding planning after the months of lockdown and took the opportunity to style a phenomenal tablescape to match the beautiful location. Spectacular floral arrangements from Rob Van Helden, a range of hired furniture and crockery, and an exquisitely romantic colour palette running throughout resulted in a breath-taking set up. The bride wanted to truly embrace the ‘English Country Garden’ concept and all items chosen for her day were linked to this vision.
Outdoor events in the UK always come with a mandatory ‘wet weather option’ however both clients and JustSeventy were elated when the morning showers disappeared and the sunshine broke through the clouds just in time for the outdoor ceremony. The plan was for the guests to experience every part of the beautiful garden in a different way, at different times. Welcomed into the White Garden on arrival, guests were taken through to the fragrant Rose Garden for the ceremony.
A vision in white, all eyes were on the bride as she made her way through the walled garden to marry her prince. The ceremony was tailored to the pair who were thrilled to have their day, regardless of it being smaller than they had originally planned. The ceremony, like the whole day, presented a wonderful blend of cultures and tastes; guests left the ceremony dancing to Trinidadian music which was a nod to the bride’s heritage.
Moving through to the Water Garden for the reception, guests were seated in socially distanced ‘bubbles’ and enjoyed the beautiful scenery around them. Being in the music industry, performances from the bride’s closest friends and family were very special and a very welcome personal touch to the day, along with keeping the guests entertained.
Some may wonder if the ‘magic’ is lost in a smaller wedding however this one could not have been further from that notion. Every single guest in attendance was thrilled to be a part of such a special day and the love felt among the guests was tangible. Even Harold, the groom’s father’s dog, was included in the day: smartly dressed in a tie, he was very much considered a guest and had his space reserved in the dining room to be with everyone!
Many would leave to their hotel room, or go off in their wedding car, but not this couple… they rowed away in a boat! Following a shower of rose petal confetti from their guests, they boarded a small rowing boat, leaving the groom to row his new wife away to a nearby island where a car would take them to their hotel. What a unique and unforgettable journey into married life!
To have the team at JustSeventy create a magical experience for you, contact us on the form below, at events@justseventy.com or call us on 020 7060 7170.
