Alex & Jamies, The Dreys Woodland Wedding.

All woodland weddings have a magical feel to them – something about being out in all those big, whispering trees – but Alex and Jamie’s really was very special. Not only was it on a gorgeous and sunny day in September, but their nearest and dearest were such an amazing bunch up for a party…which was good, really, because Alex and Jamie had planned for exactly that!

They fell in love with their venue, The Dreys, for its relaxed, laidback style. Set in 80 acres of private woodland, it offers the perfect place for the celebrations of your bohemian dreams! Alex and Jamie chose to hold their ceremony in a big clearing surrounded by trees, and in front of a hanging macramé backdrop. Kate and Kate led the ceremony, a joyous, personal ceremony which saw everyone laugh and cry in equal measure. Then, moments later, when everyone had cleared to grab a drink, we tiptoed back to where the magic had just happened for some relaxed, romantic portraits. That dappled sunlight, ooooh!

After some group shots, we moved onto the reception. Under a big white canopy, it was the perfect mix of all the adventure of a woodland wedding whilst feeling like a home from home, with loads of rustic wood, greenery, potted plants and an uber-cool triangular shelf stacked with books. Alex and Jamie sat in two wicker peacock chairs in front of a feature log wall, which made for an epic top table backdrop!

The tables were named after places around the world, a nod to their engagement in Cuba. Even more innovatively, the creative seating plan was a set of potted herbs, one for each table with the table names planted in them! Creative touches abounded on the day, like the hand-painted pallet sign letting guests know the order of the day – alongside the all-important timings were illustrations and shapes that reminded me a bit of Salvation Rock. The florist was Sue Davies, she used a pallet of powder blue and blush flowers with hints of deep red/ raspberry and one of my all time favourite flower, ‘cafe au lait’ Dahlias! Alex and Jamie’s friends also showed their creative streak by each making a tier of the cake.

The Greek Kitchen Brothers grilled up a storm outside for everyone to devour before speeches (and I know I’m not supposed to have favourites, but these ones really were hilarious.) Afterwards, whilst everyone busied themselves with tug of war – an excellent wedding entertainment idea, if you ask me! – I took the newlyweds off for some portraits at The Dreys. Alex had been advised by married friends to try and spend some time just with Jamie on the day, but said she hadn’t heeded it – until we went for photos! This is one of the many reasons the portraits session is such a lovely part of your wedding day, even if you don’t like having your picture taken – both Alex and Jamie don’t usually, but you can see from the photos how at ease and relaxed they were, A little birdy told me they even ended up having ‘loads of fun’ (that birdy was Alex, by the way!)

Back in time for ice cream by Fabulous Ice Fires and piñata bashing, it was time for the party to ramp up. Alex changed from her day dress into her evening outfit – both were vintage wedding dresses by Elizabeth Aley and Gilda and Pearl, and both absolutely stunning. (Did you see the celestial hair pins by Crown & Glory too? So beautiful!) Everyone piled on the dancefloor to boogie the rest of the night away, and in style too – being in the middle of it was so. Much. Fun. 

Thank you Alex and Jamie for asking me to be part of such a beautiful woodland wedding – it was the summer party of all summer parties!

Please get in touch  if you would like to booking Matilda for your "The Dreys" wedding!