A WHIMSICAL

woodland wedding A WHIMSICAL Laura and Michael’s woodland-themed wedding was breathtaking

Images courtesy of Tara Gillen Photography

Online dating is a popular way to meet new people and that’s precisely how Laura and Michael fi rst met. She says, “After a week of talking on an app called Plenty of Fish, we decided to go out for a drink and the evening went so well! As soon as I got on a bus home, I messaged Michael asking ‘how long is socially acceptable to ask for a second date? Is now too soon?’.

“I was attracted to his humour; he always manages to make me laugh at his cheesy jokes. We didn’t have much in common, apart from our love of Star Trek and all things sci-fi , but that was enough for us!”

Mike fell in love with Laura’s confi dence and enthusiasm; he realised he wanted to spend the rest of his life by her side.

On the couple’s 4th anniversary, Mike proposed during a weekend away to Center Parcs. His original intention was to pop the question during a romantic moonlit walk around the lake, but things didn’t go to plan. Laura says, “Mike went down onto the shore and called me over, but I refused to join him in fear that the geese on the man-made beach would chase me.”

After trying to think of a new plan, Mike decided to propose back at their hotel instead. Laura comments, “It took me completely by surprise; I was on the way to the bathroom in my pyjamas, desperate for the loo at the time! Classic us really, we’re such a goofy and laid-back couple – it’s a story we can look back on and laugh about.”

Here Laura shares details about their special day…

We instantly fell in love with South Farm, the staff were so helpful and made us feel at home.

The beautiful bouquets included green foliage with succulents and white lisianthus. The venue’s accommodation was brilliant; our friends and family loved staying in the traditional caravans.

A frame was used for our table plan with names and table numbers supported by twine and mini heart pegs.

We had moss, ivy, tree stumps and white lanterns on the middle of each table to match our woodland theme. of each table to match our woodland theme.

We added a white backdrop to the ceremony space which featured fairylights, ivy and foliage.

We had one vegan menu and one with meat options to cater for all our guests – the sage and pumpkin ravioli was amazing! We had a burger bar in the evening which went down a treat with guests. After searching for the perfect gown, I fell in love with Dante by Pronovias which highlighted my curvy fi gure perfectly. It featured beautiful white pearl beads and delicate silver thread – I felt so sexy and confi dent.

Walking down the aisle was such an emotional moment; the whole thing went in slow motion! I accessorised the dress with a plain veil, vine-inspired jewellery from Karen Forte and blue satin shoes from the Rainbow Club.

Our top tip for other couples would be to take a 10-minute break when needed with close friends or family.

Mike is a big car enthusiast and during the best man’s speech, it was announced (to my surprise) that he’d secretly bought a new car the previous week and had been hiding it from me! That announcement certainly got them both into trouble; luckily the photographer captured the moment.

We hired Chris, a master of ceremonies, to help keep everything organised, he was so helpful with our older guests and made sure they were comfortable and found their seats quickly to avoid standing for too long.

The groom looked dapper in a blue three-piece suit and white and blue fl oral tie. The bridesmaids wore elegant teal dresses from Asos. It was an emotional day as Mike’s mum passed away in 2010, and couldn’t witness us getting married.

LAURA AND MICHAEL’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue, www.south-farm.co.uk | Photographer, www.taragillenphotography.com | Bride’s dress and jewellery, www.karenforte.com Bride’s shoes, www.rainbowclub.com | Hair and make-up, www.bespokebridalbyvalentina.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, www.asos.com | Groom’s suit, www.chimneymenswear.co.uk | Cake, www.facebook.com/acsbakery | Flowers, www.cambridgefl oraldesigns.co.uk | Entertainment, www.boogie.pro | Doughnuts, www.theicedvegan.co.uk | Venue styling, www.facebook.com/nutsaboutevents