With forest green sashes and green bow ties, this Earth Day wedding was the carefree day our couple wanted!
Tell us about the proposal. How and where did it happen?
Karl proposed on New Year’s Eve 2023, under the fireworks in London. We usually celebrate New Year with friends at someone’s house, but that year, Karl suggested we head into London for dinner, drinks, and the iconic fireworks. As the first burst lit up the sky, he got down on one knee, surrounded by our closest friends. It was the most magical surprise and absolutely perfect.
What was your first step in planning your wedding?
Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok became my holy trinity for wedding inspiration. I was constantly saving ideas, from dress styles to table décor, and used them to figure out what I liked (and didn’t!).
What was the first thing you booked or bought?
The very first thing we booked was, of course, the venue! The moment we stepped into the Library at Gosfield Hall, we just knew. We went for dinner straight after our visit and decided there and then to book it. Fast-forward 18 months, and we’re saying “I do” in the Grand Salon.
What were your wedding “must-haves”?
We wanted the day to feel carefree, joyful, and like one big celebration. Music plays a huge part in our lives (we’re constantly going to gigs, festivals and always have music playing at home), so the soundtrack for the day had to be spot-on.
We had a saxophonist playing during cocktail hour and into the evening, and I gave our DJ a very specific set list. It created exactly the party vibe we were going for.
How did you organise your wedding budget?
Honestly… we didn’t! Not strictly, anyway. We had a sense of which aspects we were happy to spend on and where we wanted to be more budget-conscious. The total cost came in well under what we’d mentally prepared for, so we must’ve done something right!
How did you find your venue?
Gosfield Hall popped up on my Facebook as a sponsored post (for once, great targeting!). I was instantly obsessed and booked a viewing for the next day.
What made you choose the venue?
It was love at first sight! The grounds, the interiors, the sheer fairytale feel. Gosfield Hall ticked every box.
How did you personalise your big day?
We chose deep forest green as our accent colour. Karl and I are both earth signs, we got married on Earth Day and we’ve always loved the richness of green. My bridesmaids and flower girl wore green while the groomsmen and pageboys had green bow ties.
Our wedding cake was a one-tier, heart-shaped beauty baked by my maid of honour. She also made our adorable cookie and Apple Sourz favours. We chose the Blossom Tree package for the ceremony and the Indoor & Outdoor Candle Package throughout, so the whole place glowed with warmth.
Did the venue provide any memorable extras or nice personal touches that stood out?
Ellie, our Personal Wedding Manager, was nothing short of an angel. She seemed to anticipate what I needed before I even said it, from arranging for me to try both starters (yes, both!) to topping up my drinks. She made everything seamless and fun. Every guest adored her.
Describe your wedding dress and favourite accessories
I found my dress on Instagram years ago and saved it without thinking much of it. After we got engaged, I went to Grace & Lace in Chelmsford with my mum and grandmother to try it on (along with six other dresses for good measure!). As soon as I stepped into it, we all agreed it was “the one”.
The dress is sleek and minimalist with a soft train, a low back and a boned corset for structure. I paired it with a fingertip-length embellished veil for the ceremony, which didn’t last long as it kept falling out!
My favourite accessories were a diamond bangle from my mum, a diamond ring from my grandmother and the pair of diamond earrings that Karl had made for me as a wedding gift.
What did Karl wear?
Karl wore an ivory tux, and wow, he looked so good that I actually gasped when I saw him at the end of the aisle. Sharp, elegant and entirely him.
Tell us about your wedding party and their outfits
Our wedding party was a vibe! I had two men of honour, two maids of honour, a bridesmaid and a flower girl. The girls wore different styles and shades of green to keep it cohesive but unique. And a shout out to my mum who stole the show in her iconic cape jumpsuit.
What was your ceremony like?
It was everything. Calm, joyful and full of love. I felt so relaxed beforehand, laughing with my bridal party and waiting for our cues from Ellie. My mum walked me down the aisle, smiling all the way, while my grandmother and aunties walked ahead of us, which felt incredibly special.
Karl and I wrote and read our own vows, which made everything that much more meaningful.
Tell us about your drinks reception and wedding breakfast
We served pink Champagne, Cosmopolitans, and Peroni for our welcome drinks – an instant hit. Add in glorious sunshine and live saxophone music, and you have the ultimate relaxed party vibe.
Dinner was phenomenal (special mention for the duck main course). Afterwards, our sons Reuben and Ralph stood up and sang us a song they’d written with my mum’s help, “Happy Wedding Day to You”. Not a dry eye in the room.
What music did you have at your evening reception?
We had Gosfield Hall’s own DJ, who was joined by our saxophonist for the first part of the night.
What song did you choose for your first dance?
Our first dance was Work Song by Hozier. After a minute, the sax burst into Jubel and that’s when the party really started. Everyone hit the dance floor. It was magic.
Based on your own experience, please give us some top tips!
Plan your day around you. It’s your day: remember you’re not the hosts, you’re the guests of honour. Own it, enjoy it and be present.
Did you go on a honeymoon or a mini-moon?
Straight after the wedding, we had a mini-moon at Lifehouse Spa which was very needed. Our proper honeymoon was three weeks in the Caribbean and Miami.
“If we could do it all again, we’d…”
…soak it in much more. People say that your wedding goes by so quickly, and that really is true. Treasure every moment.
Tell us about your suppliers
Wedding dress: Grace & Lace, Chelmsford
Groom’s suit: Abigail’s Room, Colchester
Wedding rings: Greg Johnson Jewellery
Wedding cake: Wonderland Bakery
Photographer: Matt, Visions of View
Content Creator: Jasmine Clarke Content
Videographer: Rob Moore
Music: Alex Rimmell Sax
Make up: Emily Chantal
Hair: Bridal Beauty by Megan
Flowers: Elegance of Essex
Toastmaster: Paul Deacon
