An artistic and beautiful bride and her handsome husband, surrounded by colour and joy! This wedding is beyond beautiful, filled with vibrant creative styling touches and personal details. Images are by our fave, Cambridge and South Farm wedding photographer Damien Vickers, who gets a glowing review from the happy couple. Lots of heartwarming supplier reviews from our star couple below, so grab a brew and have a slow scroll! I’ll share more on instagram @englishweddingblog later today!
Wedding photographer’s website
Cambridge wedding photographer Damien Vickers – https://www.damienvickersphotography.co.uk/
Wedding photographer review
Damien was just so easy to work with. We are terrible at taking photos and tend to look incredibly awkward in any that do exist! We had a pre-wedding shoot, which despite my nerves as we tread the cobbled Cambridge streets in the ‘golden hour’, was a great experience.
It meant that on the day, we’d already built a rapport with Damien and it was one less thing to worry about. I don’t know how he managed to be everywhere on the day!
One of the best things about getting our photos back was seeing all the moments we’d missed, being the centre of attention. He had captured so many wonderful candid shots of our friends and loved ones. He was both easy-going and relaxed with us, but also assertive and clear when getting the group shots. His experience shone through as we asked many questions in the run up to the day – all of which he answered with care and provided options or recommendations.
Your best wedding moment or memory
For me, it was the moment that my Dad and I could see our guests as he walked me down the aisle. Everyone was gathered in the beautiful garden at South Farm. I had been the most nervous all day once the music started and my bridesmaids left us waiting in the hallway of the farmhouse. Just the two of us for a few minutes. Then all of a sudden, we were bathed in love from our friends and family. Everyone was beaming and looked so fancy! I made a point to make as much eye contact as I could (whilst also trying to walk slowly). It was really a privilege to have so many people there to celebrate us. Then, there Jake was, smiling at the end of the aisle and we both had tears in our eyes when we said ‘hello!’.
Jake chose the first dance as his favourite moment. He said that the high pressure events of the day were all over, from ceremony to speeches, and he could now relax and have fun! I was not so relaxed in those final moments waiting for the first chords to kick in – as I’m not a natural dancer. We’d worked hard over a couple of months to learn a routine to ‘Come and Get Your Love’ by Redbone, which was played live by The Dominos. Jake used to be in a band and has an extroverted side, so our upbeat first dance suited his inner performer!
Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)
There was just so much about the wedding that fell into place. We were incredibly lucky to secure a Saturday in August at South Farm, just 7 months before our wedding. This happened to also be the date of our 11th anniversary together – this definitely felt serendipitous. We had no idea how popular South Farm was as naïve wedding planners ourselves!
Our Band, The Dominos, perform at weddings and events internationally and were available on our date! Two of the members of the band, Stu and Alex, had a band with Jake when they were teenagers, so really, we would not have wanted anyone else to perform for us.
We had our dogs, Bear & Arlo, with us on the day. They had many admirers and endless offers for walkies! For us, they’re part of the family so having them with us meant a lot.
In the run up to the wedding of course there’s lots of wed-min which can be stressful, but one of the best things we have ever done is learning our first dance together. We bought an online package which had video tutorials and spent about two months practicing most evenings in our dining room. Although we’re not dancers, we wanted to do more than an awkward shuffle for our first dance! We both loved the song ‘Come and Get Your Love’ by Redbone and wanted an upbeat opener to the evening celebrations. The tempo meant it was both fun and silly to learn, as we’d trip over each other, miss beats and fall around laughing. In all the stresses of day-to-day life our dance practice was a time apart, where we’d simply look in each others’ eyes and give it a go. I smiled so much in all of our practices.
Venue name + review
South Farm What can I say – South Farm are fabulous. Everything from the venue itself, the food and the smooth running of the day – they have it all down to a tee.
We had nothing to worry about on the day, South Farm managed everything. It meant we could be fully present and enjoy the time with our guests.
The spaces are all tastefully decorated, spotlessly clean and the gardens have a range of meticulously tended and wild areas. People can meet in larger or smaller groups both inside and outside, so everyone can be comfortable throughout the day. Having the whole site for your wedding feels special and exclusive.
The team at South Farm are impeccable. Any concern or query was responded to promptly. They provide really clear timelines and communications on decisions, payments and finalisations. The staff are warm and friendly, nothing phases them and any issue is dealt with smoothly and with ease.
The food is divine. We did a tasting evening and were stuffed! The menu is extensive and there are lots of options for those with dietary needs. I’m gluten free (allergy) and nothing was a bother, I felt really safe eating there throughout the day.
Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!
My dress was from Heritage Brides in Hatfield – It is Lee Lee by ByWatters and Sam, who runs the shop, could not have been a safer pair of hands.
I’d been to one bridal shop before this and so I’d tried on a lot of silhouettes, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted. I’m not the type of person who has held a wedding for a long time. She listened and asked careful questions to pull out dresses for me to try. As I’d critique a dress, she’d adapt and pull the next choice.
I did have that ‘wow’ moment where I cried when I saw ‘the’ dress – which I did not expect! So there was no going back then. I didn’t expect to go for a gown or for the oatmeal colour in my dress, but when I tried it on, it sang and really complimented my (pale Irish!) skin colour.
I also had a flower crown handmade by Suzy, our Florist. My necklace was from Jersey Pearl. It was a present to me from Jake on the day – Jersey was where we’d spent a really lovely holiday a few years earlier! My earrings were handmade ceramic by Vivi Embellish (Elara Drops) from MarriMe in Newcastle. My bracelet was by Martina Hamilton, an Irish Jeweller, which was a present on the day from my parents. All of the accessories I have worn since and they bring a smile as I think back to our wedding day!
Jake’s suit was from Edit Suits in London – He had tried many high-street shops and rental options, but couldn’t find quite the right fit or colour so he opted to have his suit made. He said they offered a personalised service at a reasonable price, with numerous customisable options and provided quick turn-around from measure to final fit. His shoes are from Loake & the tie and pocket-square are a Liberty of London print bought from Etsy.
Florist name + review
Suzy Randell – Suzy was warm, knowledgeable and we worked well together to develop the vision for the flowers.
She was open to incorporating my creative elements into her floral displays. Using mood boards, visiting her in her studio and trying out a pre-wedding flower crown all really helped to bring the bold and bright florals to life. We took all the flowers home and had them up for weeks! She was very sensitive to any particular flowers we might want, for example, dahlia’s were Jake’s Nan’s favourite flower and she couldn’t be with us on the day. We had lots of dahlia’s! Across the different floral aspects – from meadow flowers, garland, bouquet to table arrangements, Suzy brought variation but matched this within the overall theme through her styling and flower choice.
Cake maker name + review
Our cake was made by a neighbour of ours, Chris. She made a gluten free Victoria sponge with raspberry conserve. She worked tirelessly making the individuals wildflowers which were modelled on those from Jake’s tie & pocket-square. She added fresh rosemary and a surprise of shamrocks, nodding to my Irish heritage. She is a warm and incredibly generous person and we loved the cake. It tasted wonderful too!
The topper is handmade in Vietnam (Chabinu Pegdolls on Etsy). Mika asked for details of our wedding outfits and also photos of us (and the dogs!). She sent proofs before she painted the figures and even clarified details for the dogs! I love them!
Stationery maker’s name + review
Grace Taylor @ Wildwood Paper – We opted for the Wild Meadow design for all of our on the day stationery. It matched the bold and bright colour theme, as well as featuring some of the same flowers in fabric and on the cake.
Grace was so easy to deal with, clear in her communication and managed expectations around delivery/timelines well. She gave a range of options based on her vast expertise. The quality of the prints was great and many guests took little mementos of the menu or their place-names!
Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?
Lots! I’m a maker and an art therapist by profession so once our wedding became a reality I had lots of ideas!
A bold and bright theme of colours overall. Given the height of Summer and our plan to get married in the gardens, I knew the flowers would be exploding in rich colours. There were nine different core colours.
We made 300 woollen pom-poms – transforming these into parts of the table decorations, bunting and chair tassels, as well as decorations along the aisle. The idea for pom-poms came from my work with people with a learning disability. I was doing some research into group art therapy, one group I went to had me making pom-poms and it was filled with such joy that I wanted to take this into our wedding.
We also made 100 origami birds. A few years ago, I’d made a mobile of origami birds that was focussed on grief in my life. For our wedding, I wanted to re-work the theme of the paper birds, with joy as the focus and so the 100 colourful origami birds were born. My bridesmaids and parents were the key helpers in making and assembling this vision!
Alongside what we’d made, Charlie (The Stables Prop Hire) hung paper lanterns in the barns and trees outside. Suzy (our florist) had carte blanche to go wild with colour, though we did agree that as many locally grown flowers would be included as possible.
My shoes were wedges from Hobbs and I sewed leather flowers onto them, which echoed the large applique flowers on my dress.
My mum knitted me a fabulous mohair cardigan to a 1980s pattern I found. Though on the day it was too warm to wear my cardi – I have it now as a wonderful token from our day and love wrapping up in it.
Wedding readings?
‘Everything I know About Love’ by Neil Gaiman
My dear friend Edward (O’Grady-Walshe) read this for us at our ceremony. I’ve known Edward since 2007, we met working together in an architectural practice. He’s the kind of person you could not see for a year and then stay up all night talking to catch up. He is wildly talented as an artist, on stage and behind the scenes. Creativity is part of his DNA. I knew he’d be perfect to make the reading memorable for guests and I really wanted him to have a role in our day. What I didn’t expect was that all three of us would choke up as he read the poem. The sense of love and gratitude at being together, celebrating love and friendship, was palpable. And the audience loved it!
First dance song? Playlist recommendations?
‘Come and Get Your Love’ by Redbone
Jake was the master behind our playlist. We’d asked guests when they RSVP-ed for any requested songs and included these. We tried to have a range of musical styles across the day and into the evening so that everyone, if they wanted to, could get up and dance at some stage. We also worked with The Dominos to make sure that their set list was unique and our playlist didn’t repeat anything.
Other recommended wedding suppliers
Our band The Dominos have such a range of music and possible sets. They’re friendly and have just the right energy to match the vibe of the day. For us, they played during our drinks reception in the garden and then into the evening. They even checked outfit colours to ensure they wouldn’t clash with the wedding party!! Absolute professionals!
Coloured Paper Lanterns by Charlie Waters @ The Stables Prop Hire – https://www.thestablesprophire.co.uk/ She could not have done more for us – she was so helpful and so warm in all her communication.
Wedding bands were both from Galio Jewellers in St Albans – https://www.galio.co.uk/ Jake’s was custom made in Germany, mine was an accidental find which I was very pleased with as it fitted perfectly with my engagement ring, which Jake had chosen without any hints or suggestions.
Shellac Manicure (my first ever!) by Skin & Tonic in St Albans.
Mother of the Bride dress from Sinead’s Boutique, Ireland – https://sineadsboutique.com/ My mum felt really taken care of in Sinead’s. She was nervous about finding the right outfit as she’s more used to getting out and about in the countryside than wearing elegant dresses! So she needed a shop where they would work closely with her to make sure she was comfortable, but also that little bit special.
Bridesmaids dresses from Model Chic, Australia – https://www.modelchic.com.au/ Their communication was great and deliver estimates were spot on, also very reasonably priced. I wanted my bridesmaids to be able to choose a sleeve/strap style that they felt comfortable in, so the infinity dresses were perfect as there’s so many ways they can be worn.
Groomsmen & Father of Bride suits rented from Status Formal Hire in Harpenden. Efficient and professional service.
Wedding planner name + review
N/A – Though I must give a nod to South Farm here. Their team was incredible from our very first viewing, right through to having Evie as our wedding co-ordinator on the day. They know every aspect of weddings inside-out and so it felt like we had a team of wedding planners keeping us on track!
Hair + makeup name + review
Elouise Wallis @ Elouise Hair Stylist on Instagram as @elouise_hairstylist Elouise is my regular hairdresser, whom I’ve known since 2017 and followed her from salon to salon! I just knew it had to be her handling my hair and nerves on the day! She wouldn’t have let me go with a style that didn’t suit my face or hair type. A great piece of advice she gave at the trial was to try everything, every wild style idea I’d ever had and then see what felt most like ‘me’. She was a gem to have around on the day!
Katie Bullot @ GLOW by KT – Whom I chose for her natural looking dewey finish – I wear hardly any make up, so I wanted to feel like ‘me’ on the day, with a touch more glam! My bridesmaids and Mum also rarely wear make up, so I knew they’d be comfortable too. Katie is both professional and organised, with a keen attention to detail.
Katy and Ben’s wedding is the loveliest breath of fresh air, filled with fabulous florals. Their day looks relaxed and filled with happiness – everything a wedding should be! This gorgeous pair have shared reviews for favourite suppliers, which we’re super excited to share with you here and over on our insta through today. The photos are wonderful – they’re by lovely Hertfordshire wedding photographer Tori Deslauriers. If you’re looking for a photographer in St Albans or Herts (or anywhere in the UK) do check out Tori’s profile in our wedding photographer directory pages.
As Christmas approaches it’s lovely to share heartwarming little nuggets on the internet, and it’s giving us all the feels to read the kind words Katy and Ben have for their wedding suppliers. We’ve tweaked our couples interview slightly to give you lovely lot the chance to review your faves when you share your weddings – so please, give your wedding photographer a poke and ask them to submit YOUR wedding to English Wedding! We’ve been a top UK wedding blog since 2009 (!!!) and we’re always looking for love and laughter-filled weddings to share.
Wedding photographer’s website
Wedding photographer review
We came across her website on Google and it looked fun and inviting. She called us back and we knew immediately that we had made the right choice.
We were so pleased we asked Tori to be our wedding photographer. She was fantastic on the day, all of our guests loved her. She was on top of everything, it was like having an extra friend who knew a lot about weddings! She very gently steered us in the right direction through the wedding routines. And this was on top of photographing everything! We had an engagement photo shoot, which was very helpful and meant that we felt like we knew what we were doing when it came to the photos on the day. The photos we had from this were beautiful. Tori sent us a few photos from the wedding the very next morning, which are wonderful to look through, we are so excited to get back the rest of the photos from the day!
What’s your fondest memory of your wedding?
Looking across the garden and seeing all our friends and family enjoying themselves together.
Tell us about your venue – what made this place special for you?
The ceremony and reception took place in the orangery, which was so bright, I fell in love with it as soon as I walked in. We especially liked the views over the garden, which made it feel a bit like being outside without any risks from the weather. But above all this the best thing about the venue was actually the staff, they were so friendly and relaxed, it really set the tone for the whole wedding.
Did you love wearing your outfits? How was your shopping experience, was it fun to find your wedding gear?
We both went to choose Ben’s suit from Waterers in St Albans, a local tailors. We wanted something lightweight and not necessarily a typical ‘wedding suit’ look. It was so comfortable on the day, Ben loved wearing it. I found my dress at Heritage Brides, it was the first one I tried on and helped me to decide the theme for everything else.
Did you hire a florist? Tell us about any floral amazingness 🙂
We got our flowers from Sam at Perfect Moment Florist in Welwyn Garden City. She absolutely blew us away with her creativity and totally surpassed our expectations. I wanted loosely arranged, fairly untraditional wedding flowers and I struggled to find photos as examples, but Sam listened carefully when I tried to explain, and she really cared about what I wanted.
The result was the most colourful, eclectic displays and bouquets which were central to creating the whole ambience of the day. Somehow Sam created, delivered and set up bouquets, boutonnières, wedding combs and a bridesmaid’s flower crown, cake flowers, table displays, 2 huge flower stands for the ceremony, a staircase garland and a fireplace display. Phew! She must have worked so hard and yet she turned up full of smiles on the wedding morning with my bouquet. We had so many compliments about the flowers.
As cake lovers here at English Wedding we’d LOVE to know who made your cake, and how delicious it was?
We often have birthday cakes made by Chloe from Chloe’s Cakeaway in Potters Bar and they are the best cakes we’ve ever eaten! Chloe mainly makes birthday cakes, but we were so pleased we persuaded her to make a wedding cake, it was beautiful and of course as yummy as usual.
Wedding childcare recommendation
There were a lot of children at our wedding, so the first thing we booked after the venue was All Events Childcare They entertained the children during the wedding breakfast and speeches and then put on a film and stayed until the last child had gone to bed (about 11pm). We had so much positive feedback about them from our guests and it gave everyone a bit more time to relax and enjoy themselves.
Tori Deslauriers Photography is a member of English Wedding
