Ceremony
How To Host A Virtual Wedding
Inspiration
CS Lewis House in Oxford
Photography by
The Chamberlins
Photography by
The Chamberlins
You'll be forgiven for thinking you've stepped into Narnia because today's micro wedding ceremony actually took place in the gardens at The Kilns - a.k.a CS Lewis House in Oxford! Although there are no lions, witches or wardrobes, there is magic, family and friendship. With everyone from florists, makeup artists and photographers ensuring Yaël and Michael's wedding was just as special (if not more so) than their originally planned rustic barn wedding for 120 guests.
What Made Your Day Unique
Our day wasn't what we had planned initially. Our Plan A was to hire this big barn in the Cotswolds and have around 120 people there. But over lockdown, Michael and I really learned the significant in the small. So when we realised that Plan A wasn't going to be likely we drafted a list of our closest friends and family (we call them our people) and planned a small and intimate garden wedding. We zoomed all other guests in. Our day was so unique because everything at the wedding was made/provided by someone we love and treasure. My close friend did my makeup, my super close friend is a florist and did our flowers, our friends Will and Celle did the photography, Michael's groomsmen all helped and they are like brothers to him. My bridesmaids all chipped in (hair, bar and cake) and so everyone that was there was a close and true friend of ours.
CS Lewis House in Oxford
The gardens at The Kilns a.k.a CS Lewis House in Oxford was an idyllic spot for Yaël and Michael's outdor micro wedding ceremony. Realising during lockdown that their original plans for 120 guests wouldn't take place, they found beauty in hosting an intimate celebration with their 'people'. Everyone from their photographers, florists and makeup artist were close friends, and couldn't do enough to ensure everything was perfect.
Inspiration & Styling
The vibe was super-relaxed garden party vibes but with a soft, romantic and magical element. The open bar, the flowers, the fact that it was in CS Lewis' garden and then at my parents, really provided this free and magical feel. I wanted the day to reflect Michael and me. Our favourite moment (besides our vows) was definitely looking out over all our close friends and family and feeling incredibly blessed to be able to share this day with them.
DIY
We DIYed a lot of the wedding. Lockdown gave us the time to and it made the day so much more personal to us and also a win on sustainability as we knew where all our things came from.
Whilst we're not in lockdown anymore, we still think this article full of DIY wedding ideas to try and prep could be useful the next time you have a quiet Sunday. You may have also noticed all of Yaël & Michael's guests present sharing the wedding with guests who couldn't make it via zooms call or FaceTime. We have some tips on How To Host A Virtual Wedding.
Venue: The Kilns | Wedding Dress: Hope & Ivy | Bridesmaids: Silk Fred | Grooms Outfit: Moss Bros. | Cake: Jess | Florist: The Flower Shed Oxford | Decor & Hire: OX Event Hire | Gift List: The Wedding Shop
Written by Lorna Shaw
