Oh my days are we in for a real treat today. Be ready to feel super inspired as we join Danielle and Dusty for their romantic wedding story. They were married on the 20th June 2019 at Chaucer Barn in Norfolk on the most beautiful summers day. The weather was just perfect for their secret garden feel outdoor ceremony, framed by a lush natural greenery archway. In fact the gardens made for some seriously dreamy portraits of the couple by James Powell Photography, we are so thankful to be sharing these sun drenched shots.
At the heart of their wedding was a relaxed vision, with no set rules; the recipe for an amazing time with their guests. In terms of styling I think you will just love all the touches, from the macramé decor to the greenery throughout and perspex signs. Peacock chairs made an appearance as well as tables laden with candles. Oh so lovely. Keep your eyes peeled for stylish attire, pizza and a stunning semi naked cake creation. Amazing!
The Proposal
Dusty proposed outside tiffany’s & co in New York which was a dream come true. We had just landed but we had a delay getting off the plane and his behaviour was really odd and was stressing a bit which I found really annoying haha little did I know he had an appointment and timings all arranged so it all made sense after. We went to central park after and had a little row on the row boats and lunch at the boathouse it was like a fairy tale.
The Vision
Our vision was classic romantic with a secret garden feel. We mainly wanted everyone to feel relaxed and have a really amazing time…. yummy food, drink and dancing with no set rules.
Dusty and his family being South African they love the outdoors and really love a BBQ so this was a must for us. Me being a hopeless romantic I definitely had an idea of the styles I liked, I have a big love for greenery and peonies paired with lots of candles and festoon lights to name a few.
The Planning Process
We had around a year. We are pretty organised and had lots of help and advise that helped us. I lived in the world of pinterest for the first month getting loads of different ideas. We found some amazing finds on esty too.
We were very relaxed until about 3 weeks before when it became a little more stressful. I remember my friend saying it will all come together, I was thinking there’s so much to do but she was right it really did.
We went on a little mini break before the wedding which was amazing to just spend time one on one before the big crazy wonderfulness started.
Budget
Ok so we set out a budget early on of around £20,000 but we actually spent around £30,000 (sorry Dusty) all the little bits really do add up, but we wouldn’t change a thing.
The Venue
Our venue was the beautiful chaucer barn. We had seen pictures on their instagram page and we knew this would be our first visit in picking our venue little did we know it would be the only one we’d visit. We instantly fell in love with the barn just from looking at it. Walking around the ground it was so idyllic and peaceful from the woodland meadow to the flower garden just a few of places you could get married and an outdoor ceremony was key for us, we could see our little girl running wild and having the time of her life in the gardens. Walking around the barn and the different rooms just left us in awe, it was the most beautiful place we’d ever seen. You can make it your own and choose any caterers, suppliers etc.
Then when we were told that you can have dogs we wanted to sign the dotted line then and there we have a little dog that’s part of our family we wanted him there so this was everything to us.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I wore a gown by Justin Alexander. It was timeless, classic and so stunning. It was big so I changed in the evening into a fitted gown by Camilla Brides which kept with the style, classic minimalist with lace bardot jacket.
My shoes were vans as I love and live in them, I made them very special by having them customised.
My earrings were my great nanny’s peals.
Dusty wore a Hugo Boss suit. He looked gorgeous I couldn’t wait to marry him.
My little girl and our flower girl wore dresses from Monsoon completed with a little flower crown.
The Readings & Music
Xenia – harpist I walked down the aisle to i giorni
Epic Events – DJ
Jukebox Nation – band
Beauty
Hair was by the amazing and so talented Gemma Holiday.
Make up by the wonderful beautiful Michelle Bennett.
When I asked Dusty what his beauty regime for the day it was a simple I turned up.
Your Photographer
James Powell was simply outstanding he fitted in just like one of our guests and that’s just what he was to us. So many of our guests comment on him saying how amazing he was. We wanted a very relaxed, natural feel and that’s what we got, we got shots that we didn’t even realise we were getting or even need to ask for. When our pictures arrived I couldn’t hold back the tears they were everything and more. The surprise champagne shot he planned for us as a surprise was unbelievable. Best photographer ever!
The Details & Décor
We had One Curious Dream bring our vision to life they created a beautiful romantic style from the table décor and amazing hanging macramé to an outdoor lounge area and little glass baubles hanging from the trees which created perfect setting.
Our menus, place cards and table plans were hand written by the Bird House Calligraphy.
We also had a wonderful map drawn of chaucher barn by Hannah’s Doodles.
The Flowers
I don’t know where to start with our flowers but just wow. We had Amber Rose aka Debbie Jones. She is an absolute wonder woman she gave us the wedding of our dreams she created a magical overhead handing garden style inside to bring the outside in and the most amazing hanging flower feature with more peonies then I could count. There were so many little details too she worked so hard we really can’t thank her enough. She is one of the kindest and loveliest people I know.
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids wore White by Vera Wang.
Groomsmen
The bridesmen and groomsmen wore Santinelli.
The Cake
Our cake was by Dust With Cocoa. We had a 3 tier semi naked cake with a little gold leaf added to make it extra magical. Not only did it look good it went down a treat too. I tier was catered for vegans.
The Honeymoon
We went to Santorini we’d always wanted to go and both never been and felt it was the perfect honeymoon destination.
Memorable Moments
Mine was doing our own vows and our little girl crying because she was so happy melted me.
Dusty was seeing me for the first time awww.
Advice For Other Couples
Enjoy every minute it goes so fast and remember what its all about getting married lastly take a step back and take it all in.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Photographer
James Powell Photography
Venue
Chaucer Barn
Wedding Co-Ordinator & Styling
One Curious Dream
Hair
Gemma Holiday
Make Up
Michelle Bennett
Catering
Alex Chef
Florist
Ambers Rose
Pizza
Elsie’s Pizza
Drinks
East Coast Bars
Band
Jukebox Nation via Wedding Bands
Wedding Directory member – Wedding Entertainment
Hire
Banqueting Hire
Dress
Justin Alexander
Cake
Dust With Cocoa
DJ
Epic Events
How very gorgeous.
Danielle and Dusty, thank you both so so much for sharing your remarkable wedding day with us xo Lou