DIY brides are going to die and go to heaven over this incredible English fete-style garden wedding. Don't miss Ailsa's answers to the Before the Big Day questionnaire, because you're going to feel inspired by every word. It sounds like nearly everyone in Ailsa and Jono's family got involved with making their wedding perfect, and they DIY'd almost everything, from the stationery, to the signs, the table flowers, the musical entertainment, the homemade jam favours, and even a bar for the boys. Jono even grew the berries that went into the jam, and they used homegrown allotment vegetables in their table displays. Other stealworthy ideas include the bridesmaids' pretty Coast dresses, the seriously cool Scandinavian-style yurt marquee, the button badges and the amazing vintage tea-cup topped cake. Whew! That's some serious wedding details! Gorgeous pictures published with thanks to the lovely bride and groom, and the very patient {!} and hugely talented
Lee Waymont.
The Before the Big Day Bridal Q&A - Ailsa was kind enough to fill in our bridal questionnaire, aimed at helping other brides with their planning process. Feast your eyes on her answers for helpful hints and tips from someone on the other side of her big day!
Where and when did you get married?
We got married on 18th June 2011. We had our ceremony at Creeksea Place in Essex followed by a reception at my Dad's house just down the road.
What was your thinking behind choosing the venue and the decoration of the reception?
I wanted somewhere where I would have freedom to really personalise the venue. I was really lucky in that my Dad had just moved into a beautiful old farmhouse and it seemed like the obvious choice for what we wanted. We were looking for something a bit different to help make our day unique and I'd originally wanted Mongolian yurts rather than a marquee. But then I discovered Giant Hat Katas – a Scandinavian style tent with a wonderful outdoorsy feel, that come complete with a fire and lifting sides making them adaptable for all weathers.
Did you have a theme, colour or motif in mind? (e.g. green ivy leaves)
We wanted a kind of vintage garden party feel, but with as many of our own personal touches as possible. I play folk fiddle with Jono's Dad at the local pub, so I invited some of my folk friends down to play for a few hours in the afternoon. My sister also plays acoustic guitar and Jono's brother is in a band, so we basically took advantage of everyone!
Who made your wedding outfit and how did you come to that decision?
My dress was made by Suzanne Glenton, a wedding dressmaker who lives locally. I wanted to feel like a bride, but also have something that I felt relaxed and at ease in. I chose a simple bias-cut dress made from satin, with a chiffon layer on the back. The finishing touch was a pair of antique marcasite brooches and a headband which I bought online from Lovebirds bridal jewellery.
What about your husband’s outfit? Where was it from?
It was rented from Moss Bros.
And how about your bridesmaids’ outfits?
I bought dresses from Coast and accessorized them with pearl jewellery and a light pink rose hair piece.
What type of cake did you go for, and how did you come to that decision?
I wanted to cake to reflect the vintage theme so I chose a three tier cake with floral patterns and topped it with a teacup filled with flowers.
Did you have any favours? What were they? Was there any particular reason why you picked them?
My other half loves his allotment so we made homemade jam using fruit harvested from the plot. We also named the tables after seasonal vegetables, and created table centres from vegetables, also from our allotment.
Who was your florist, what flowers did you choose, and how did you come to that decision?
Our florist was Sam from Jacaranda in Burnham-on-Crouch. It was important to us that we supported local businesses, and as old family friend she was the ideal choice for us. Sam made the bouquets and buttonholes. The tables we did ourselves using flowers bought flowers from a wholesaler in Marks Tey.
Who was your photographer and how did you choose them?
Our photographer Lee Waymont was recommended by a friend.
Did you enjoy planning your wedding?
Yes I loved it! It does take over your life for almost a whole year, but the planning is a big part of the whole process and I wanted to have as much input as possible.
Did you have any DIY projects?
My Dad and his girlfriend cleared out one of the out buildings and created a beautiful vintage bar area with hops and dried flowers hanging from the rafters. My Dad's girlfriend also made the napkins, and my mother-in-law grew hanging baskets and troughs to help decorate the garden. Jono is a big fan of Norwich football club and so he collected football photos and posters to create a Norwich FC themed beer tent for the boys.
Who designed your stationery? What did it look like and how did you come to that decision?
One of my bridesmaids is very creative and helped me design the invitations. She also made all the signs at the reception.
What advice do you have for brides planning their big day?
Try and add as many personal touches as possible and just be yourself on the day!
