Inspiration

Sometimes, we all need to step back and remind ourselves what is truly important in life. If your wedding planning journey is starting to feel overwhelming or stressful – and we’ve all been there – then please take some time today to read this beautiful and brave account of one of the most incredible weddings we’ve featured on these pages. Our words cannot do justice to what it means to marry your beloved in this manner, so we will leave you in the hands of amazing Elle, a bride who epitomises what your wedding really is all about: everlasting love. (Trigger warning: please have tissues to hand.)

What Made Our Day Unique

James and I met in 2011 and got engaged in December 2017, shortly after James was given the all clear following a tough year of cancer treatment. We started wedding planning for July 2019 but, in a cruel twist of fate, we found out that James’ cancer was back and he only had a few months to live. It’s hard to describe the events that happened next, but at the forefront of my mind were James’ words that he wanted to die a married man, so we made it happen – and we made it happen in four days! We managed to book Hambleden Church, and one of my best friends Emma was able to offer us her quirky pub, The Bounty, for our reception. Although I had found my dream dress, I knew it wasn’t going to be ready in time so instead found a sale dress from the incredible shop Luvu in Lane End, Buckinghamshire. The team there worked all day and night to get it to fit and, on reflection, it was perfect. My mother took charge of the flowers and went to the superstars at Foxglove Studio in Marlow. They were utterly amazing and nothing was too much for them. They created beautiful arches, a wall of greenery and the extra special meadow walk for the church aisle.

Elle & James

Pub Wedding

Looking at these photos, you would never know that Elle & James organised their wedding in only four days. Every divine detail just oozes thought and love. Although The Bounty was not where they had originally intended to tie the knot, this pub wedding venue proved to be the perfect location for their reception, and a particularly memorable moment for the newlyweds was sharing their first dance under the setting sun at the water's edge. This special suggestion from RMW recommended photographer Jason Mark Harris clearly meant a great deal to the couple, with James writing in his blog, “The photos show some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen at sunset, along the river”. Elle admits that James looked over the wedding photos and breathtaking video produced by Jason every day in the hospital and that she now does the same at the end of each day to remember the light of her life and the happiest day they shared together.

Favourite Moment Of Our Day

Our wedding day was perfect. The sun shone, the church and flowers were indescribably beautiful, and my goodness, a lot of people dropped everything to turn up at short notice! James and I were married in front of all of our favourite people and it was phenomenal. We then drove our stunning E-Type to the venue, where my family surprised us with a gorgeous boat across the river to The Bounty. Another surprise came in the form of Angel, my lovely pony, who my friends had brought along for me to ride. Galloping across the moor, with my new husband and our little dog watching, was the highlight of my day. We then chatted, played beer pong, danced, shared amazing memories in the speeches and sat down to eat a delicious buffet. We never thought we would enjoy ourselves as much as we did, but not a moment went by where James and I weren’t simply relishing in the beauty of this incredible day as husband and wife.

Elle & James

“Hopefully our story reminds people that a wedding day isn’t about the linen, the bridesmaid dresses, the canapés or plus ones, it’s quite simply about love. Do not worry about the little things, and take time to enjoy your day with the people you hold most dear. Our lives are precious and love is the most important thing we have.” – Written by Elle, with fond memories of her darling husband James.

Victoria Honan

Written by Victoria Honan

Venue (Ceremony): Hambledon Church | Venue (Reception): The Bounty | Bridal Boutique: Luvu Bridal Boutique | Flowers: Foxglove Studio

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