Inspiration

We're musicians so music from our friends was really important to us and a big part of the day. From opera singers singing Harriet down the aisle to a choir singing during the signing of the register. We also had Rory's early music lute band during the canapés , a pre-dinner musical theatre cabaret, and a 12-piece band for the party! A connection with family and history was also important. Harriet wore her grandmother's veil from 1946 (which had been smuggled into the country in diplomatic bags!)! We also had honey from Harriet's parents' bees as favours, and Rory's father delivered the ceremony address.

The vibe of the day was romantic wilderness; it was a winter countryside wedding at Oxnead Hall so we didn't want to fight it! We really wanted suppliers we could trust. Harriet had been obsessively listening to the Rock My Wedding podcast, so RMW was a natural fit. Carrie (photographer) and Rich (videographer) were too good to resist, even though they were on the other side of the country!

The church ceremony felt really special as we felt very 'in the moment' with all our closest friends and family. Rory's father gave a wonderful address and all our friends sang for us. We also had sex-neutral language instead of the traditional CofE wording for the ceremony ("marriage is between a man and a woman", changed to "two people") so all our guests felt included. Our vicar has spoken to the bishop after, and it will now be used in all ceremonies in the area going forward. We're really pleased.