Natalie and Chris’ rustic chic wedding left no details unturned with a beautiful bluebell theme running throughout. It took place at Preston Court, Kent a rustic-luxe indoor barn location, with glamping on-site and the added bonus of a carousel, how could you not fall in love with this intimate and relaxed wedding? We hear from Natalie who takes us from their first meet to their first dance, and beyond!
How Did You Meet?
“Chris and I met through a friend of a friend on a trip to walk the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand where we live. We had a five-hour drive to our destination and discussed careers and Chris’ kidney illness which had resulted in him not being to work as a paramedic and deciding while waiting for his kidney transplant (from his mum) that he would like to be an anaesthetic technician. I was captivated, I looked at him with respect and realised he was actually really handsome… Whilst on the walk we stopped for a few minutes to look at the snow, Chris wanted to kiss me then, he didn’t, but the feelings were there for us both by the time we headed back to Auckland.”
The Proposal
“Chris told me to keep the whole weekend free, so it was clear he had something planned. In the morning he suggested we got the beach for a picnic. After a bit of small talk, he produced a ring box had made from reclaimed wood from his grandparent’s farm. At this point I started to sob, he got up on one knee and asked me to marry him and through my tears, I squeaked out a yes. It turned out he had been planning it for months and had designed and got the ring custom made with kiwi symbolism and a moissanite stone. The rest of the weekend had had other surprises including a night away in a forest cabin and champagne already in the fridge when we arrived.”
SEE MORE WEDDING INSPIRATION HERE; Rustic Woodland Wedding with Boho Styling
Planning the Wedding
“As we lived in New Zealand and I had a full complement of grandparents we decided to get married in the UK. We wanted it to be in wood as it is an important material for Chris as a part-time Luthier. We also wanted it near where I grew up for ease with family and in spring due to the beautiful flowers. After a little research we found out the wild bluebell season falls for only a few short weeks in April so this seemed the right time with bluebells as a theme. Living overseas we needed some help, and we worked with wedding planner Vanessa from R and F weddings, and she was amazing at finding a great venue in Preston Court in Maidstone. It was the perfect relaxed and chilled out wedding we had pictured”
The Location
“Preston Court was chosen due to its bluebell woodland area and the option of the indoor barn, but the carousel was a bonus too. Everything about this venue was just awesome, the small intricate areas to explore meant everyone was always looking around at something. Glamping onsite meant we didn’t even have to go anywhere after the party!”
The Dress
“I had an idea of what I wanted for my dress so when I saw a Jenny Packham dress online, I had to go to see it. I found it on Friday evening, tried it on, on Saturday and bought it by Tuesday. It was the only dress I tried on and it was really that easy. I had a dress that looked stunning, I could dance a ceilidh in and wear my comfy All Bird.com shoes in. I felt beautiful all day long and enjoyed being able to be myself in a special dress.”
The Suit
“Chris has a Scottish heritage so wanted to show this by getting a suit made from tweed which he imported from Scotland and got made in Auckland, he opted for blue which matched the colour theme.”
The Bridesmaids
“My two sisters were the obvious choices here. With them both still in Kent, I gave them the choice of dresses and an opportunity to go on a shopping trip and have wine! They both looked amazing and I felt supported by having them by my side.”
The Details
“The food was important to us, so we went with caterers that sourced local ingredients that were in season. Everything was designed to be shared, this was emphasised by everyone being on one huge table with us in the middle of it. We hand made a table runner of pages from books. My parents had grown some Wellington boots filled with flowers and then we had florals from Blubelle Creative, she designed a large arch, lots of wildflowers in two big bunches with ferns representing New Zealand and bluebells for England with freesias as they are my favourite flower.”
“The ceremony was a celebrant led one that we wrote ourselves, based on the wise philosophy of Alain de Botton with the idea being an honest ceremony that acknowledged the hardship of marriage, and not just the idea it would be happy ever after. We individually wrote our own vows and had not heard them before the day.”
“We didn’t want a big cake, so we asked my brother and his girlfriend to make little cupcakes for us, they were decorated in the bluebell theme with wedding symbolism. Chris and I were much more into the cheese which the caterers brought out with the cones of chips. So the evening snacks were chips, cheese and cake which after a significant amount of wine, what more do you want?”
The Best Part of the Day
“The realisation that everyone was having fun and that we had created the feel we wanted. The relaxed atmosphere meant both us, and our guests could enjoy themselves throughout the day and I am so proud we created this feeling.”
Words of Wisdom
“If you’re getting married abroad then get a wedding planner, honestly I had it so easy and was so relaxed about the whole thing. It was great not having to think about anything other than having a great time. We just had fun sorting the honeymoon which was the Trans-Mongolian Express!”
The Suppliers – Rustic Chic Bluebell Inspired Wedding At Preston Court Kent
Photographer Lina and Tom @linaandtom
Bridal – Jenny Packham @jennypackhambridal at Still White @stillwhite / Florist Blubelle Creative @blubellecreate / Makeup Lydia Rae Makeup @lydiaraemakeup / Hair Kate Atalay @kateatalaybespokehair / Venue Preston Court @prestoncourtweddingvenue / Wedding Planning, Management and Styling Rocks and Frocks @RandFWeddings / Caterers/Bars Tayberry Foods @Tayberry_foods / Ceremony and Reception Musicians Fiddlin About @fiddlinabout / Celebrant – Karina O’Donnell @simply_ceremonies_uk / Garden Games Tiggiwinkle @tiggiwinkle / Furniture Hire Anthology Vintage Hire @anthologyvintagehire / Linen Hire CMA Hire @cmahire / Crisis Ceilidh Band Tradsfolkarts
IF YOU LOVED THIS BLUEBELL INSPIRED WEDDING WHY NOT ADD IT TO YOUR WEDDING PINTEREST BOARD
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