Lauren & James

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a lesson in how to make a DIY wedding look stylish. Although their venue is rustic and the couple sourced or made the vast majority of their decor, the whole day looks beautifully put together and not at all home spun or twee. I think that's down to two things - Lauren's eye, her and James are both creatives, running their own wedding videography company and also, Benjamin Wheeler's incredible photography which always makes every occasion look even more special. Their festoon light filled venue will have you swooning and you know you're all partial to a beaded Anna Campbell dress, so I have a feeling this wedding is going to be rather popular. Enjoy lovelies, it's a good'un...

The Venue & Decor

We chose Captains Wood Barn for our venue, hiring furniture from Anthology Vintage Hire and festoon lights from Dreamwave Lighting. The table plan and wooden signs were handmade by Lauren and her dad using an old picnic bench and bunk bed. The stationery - place names, menu's and framed/card signs all handmade by Lauren and the crockery and cutlery was collected from various charity shops and car boot sales by Lauren and close family. Tables were laid by bridesmaid Meghan, and friends Holly and Grace.

The Flowers

Flower crown, bouquets, buttonholes and top table were by The Flower Arranger. Other table arrangements - vases collected by Lauren, flowers bought and arranged by the mothers! The large wicker hearts and flowers were created by barn owner Sally, from flowers found around the barn. The confetti was made by Lauren's mum Ann who raided her rose bushes all summer and then dried all the petals herself.

The Ceremony

We had our ceremony in woods, created and officiated by family friend Richard with a little help from James's dad, Steve. We wrote our own vows and had beautiful readings by bridesmaid Gabrielle and James's Auntie Pat. Stables played our favourite song 'Meet You' for the bridal entrance and our exit. Our first dance was to Take the World by Johnnyswim, we love the meaning behind the words.

The Entertainment

Band - old friends of James's, folk duo Stables, provided live music during the ceremony and played a set after the first dance. DJ - family friend, Tom, who came all the way from Holland provided a house music mix to close the night. Bonfire and Trailer rides around the wood - barn owner Bob Untraditional speeches - We had a second round of 'speeches' - a poem written by the mums, Cindy and Ann; a song written and performed by James's dad Steve, Stables and family friends; a short speech from James's friend Adam; and then a song written and performed by the Dutch family to Uptown Funk.

The Food

Wedding cake - lovingly handmade and decorated by James's auntie Julie after Lauren tasted her Easter cake! Wedding Cake Topper - 3D printed by friend Andrew Sausage roll and cheese pastry canapes - made by James's brother Adam and Aunties Pat and Mary Afternoon tea - scones and sandwiches made by an army of family and friends (with strawberry jam homemade by family friend Karen) Hog Roast - Boss Hogs Great Wedding Bake Off - many contributions from family and friends Beer - over 500 bottles home brewed by James's youngest brother Adam, label artwork by James's mum Cindy and her friend Hazel.

The Videography

The amazing Benjamin Wheeler took our beautiful photographs and as we own a video production company (including wedding films, Jay Films), we decided to do something a bit different. We wanted capture the day incorporating as many perspectives as possible, so we gave out a number of old school home video cameras and asked people to record on their phones. James will then edit it all together to create a totally unique wedding film.