Alexandra and Damien’s unforgettable country wedding in Bedfordshire, with Becky Harley Photography

Published by Claire Gould on

Alexandra and Damien were married in Bedfordshire in May. Their day is so pretty, with feminine flowers in soft shades – but I love how their focus is on family and celebrating their love. The special touches of fairy lights and pretty florals just make it all the more special, and lovely English Wedding Blog sponsor Becky Harley Photography captures it all so beautifully…

Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (2)

I was four months pregnant when we walked down the aisle, so we felt blessed to have our little one with us on the day. We feel even more close now, a proper team! The wedding brought all our families and friends together and new friends were made, and old friends reacquainted.

Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (25)

We didn’t have a theme as such. We wanted the day to be relaxed and casual. As the venue (a country pub) was so beautiful already we didn’t need to do too much decorating.

Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (35)

The colour scheme was blush pink, and gold. We wanted a quaint, pretty and non fussy wedding. We had vintage bird cages, with silk flowers as centre pieces, fairy lights around the beams of the pub, and handmade candles & table confetti.

Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (28)

Wedding photographer’s website:

www.beckyharleyphotography.co.uk

We met Becky at a Wedding Fair in Milton Keynes. We instantly clicked with her, and we were so impressed with the work she showed us, that we booked her there and then! Becky was amazing from the moment we met her. She was very attentive and helped us with things well beyond photography. It was a delight to have her there on the day as she felt like a friend. As for the service she provided, it was second to none. Her eye for detail is exceptional and many guests commented on how great she was on the day. Also keeping us up to date and the photos she has sent through are absolutely stunning. The thoughtful little details are fabulous. Becky not only has such a creative eye, she is so down to earth and makes you feel so comfortable and special on your day.

Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (4)

Becky sent us some preview pictures a few weeks after the wedding, and we were so excited. It was so nice to re-live the day and see all the guest enjoying themselves. The day itself was such a whirlwind, it’s difficult to take everything in, but the pictures captured everything just as we wanted. We loved showing our family and friends as well.

Discover more from Becky Harley Photography at

http://beckyharleyphotography.co.uk
www.facebook.com/beckyharleyphotography
Instagram: @beckyharleyphotog
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/BeckyHPhotog/

Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (1)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (3)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (5)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (6)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (7)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (8)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (9)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (10)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (11)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (12)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (13)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (14)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (15)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (16)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (17)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (18)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (19)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (20)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (21)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (22)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (23)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (24)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (26)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (27)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (29)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (30)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (31)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (32)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (33)
Five Bells Stanbridge wedding on the English Wedding Blog by lovely Becky Harley Photography (34)

Wedding venue:

The Five Bells, Stanbridge, Bedfordshire.

Wedding month:

May

Can you describe your wedding in fewer than 10 words?

Unforgettable, intimate, relaxed, enjoyed every minute. Would do again!

Where did you find your suppliers? (Blogs, magazines, recommendations?)

We found it really helpful to go to wedding fairs to meet suppliers, and see their products and services. The Milton Keynes wedding fair at the stadium was particularly good as there were so many stands there.

What’s your top tip for saving money?

Use your friends and family ! You’ll be surprised how many people you know who can help out. One of my friends made the most amazing cupcakes for us, as a wedding gift. Another friend made us candles, and table confetti. Another of my friends had started florestry as a hobby, so she made mine and my bridesmaids bouquets as a wedding present. This all added such a personal touch as well as helping us save money.

… and which elements of your wedding are you glad you spent more on?

Definitely the Photographer (the lovely Becky Harley) and my dress.

Where did you buy or source your wedding stationery – or was making it a labour of love?

As i’m not very artistic, I ordered our invites from notonthehighstreet (Feel Good Wedding Invitations). They were a perfect colour match for our theme, and we were so impressed with them.

Did you fall in love with your wedding dress?

Yes ! I was apprehensive to go dress shopping, as I don’t like being centre of attention and I mainly live in trainers and jeans!
I took along my Mum and my Maid of Honour for support. As soon as I tried on the first dress, I felt like a million dollars. My chosen dress was the fifth one I tried on, and I instantly fell in love with it. My Mum was in tears, and I didn’t want to take it off!

Wedding dress designer and bridal boutique:

Kenneth Winston – from Boxmoor Bridal.

Tell us about your accessories: jewellery, shoes and anything else!

My Maid of Honour gave me her Pandora bracelet as my ‘something borrowed’ (but she kindly let me keep it!) I also wore my late Grandma’s topaz and diamond ring as my something old, and something blue, around my neck. It made me feel like she was there with me, as I know she would have enjoyed the day so much.

And what did the groom wear?

My Husband (love saying that) wore an amazing blue suit from Moss Bros. Of course, I helped him choose it! I do love him in a suit, as he doesn’t often wear them. Mind you, I don’t often wear dresses, so it was quite a novelty for both of us!

Beautiful bridesmaids: what did your best girls wear?

As my bridesmaids all have different tastes – I gave them free reign to wear what they like. They all looked so lovely, and I know they were all comfortable in their chosen outfits. They all chose to wear an element of blush pink, to keep in with the colour scheme. We have some beautiful pictures we will treasure forever.

Hair and make-up – did you DIY or hire a professional?

I did my own hair and make up, as I like a natural look. I did splash out on some Bobbi Brown products with the help of the make up counter in John Lewis.

Describe your wedding flowers. Who arranged them for you? (florist details would be lovely please)

I had a friend make the bouquets for me and my bridesmaids, as she had recently started a floristry course as a hobby. She made lovely bouquets of cream and pale pink roses, with pearl details in the centre of the roses. Roses remind me of my Grandparents as they used to grow lovely roses in their garden, so it was another personal, sentimental touch.

General styling – did your venue need much decoration?

The venue is a beautiful country pub, with so much character and charm. We actually had our first kiss there, so it’s a special place for us. We only needed to add a few decorations – we had bunting and fairy lights, and the handmade candles our friend made. It all tied in so well, and was simple and to our tastes, but looked beautiful. The lovely Ushers helped decorate the venue in the morning, under the instruction of my Maid of Honour.

Crafts and makes – tell us about any homemade elements of your wedding… did you enjoy them?

I’m not an artistic person at all. But luckily my bridesmaid, Rachel, is an arts and crafts genius. She made stunning candles in jam jars, with lace around the edge, and hearts with our initials. This was echoed in the table confetti she made. I got some silk flowers and arranged them in cream birdcages for the centre pieces. It all came together so well, and added a personal touch to the day. We’ve still got a few candles in the house to remind us of the day.

The wedding cake: what kind of cake did you choose and why?

I wanted cake that everyone would eat, instead of looking at! We chose cupcakes as they are fun and individual. My friend offered to make them, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with them. The frosting was exquisite, almost too good to eat (but no one could resist!) We had a giant cup cake for the cake cutting as well.

Entertainment: any musical recommendations, surprises or treats?

My husband arranged was for sparklers in the evening. It was a beautifully warm evening as we were so lucky with the weather. We all went outside and grabbed a sparkler. It made for some great pictures, and bought out the kid in people, writing their names with the sparklers !

Words of wisdom: share your best piece of advice for other couples:

It’s your day – so do what you want ! It’s a celebration of your love and commitment for each other, don’t panda to other people.

Favourite supplier web links for other brides and grooms:

Wedding Dress – www.boxmoorbridal.co.uk
Camper Van – www.silkandsatinweddings.co.uk
Photographer – www.beckyharleyphotography.co.uk
Venue – www.fivebellsstanbridge.co.uk
DJ – apexsounds.co.uk
Invites – www.notonthehighstreet.com/feelgoodinvites


Claire Gould

Claire spends her days writing - either in beautiful calligraphy or online. She lives on the edge of the English Lake District only minutes away from the beach, where she loves to escape and unwind. Claire's calligraphy can be found at www.byMoonandTide.com. Claire launched the English Wedding Blog in November 2009 - it's been a top 10 UK wedding blog ever since, with a regional focus we hope you LOVE.

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