… and suddenly it feels like summer! Today we’re sharing this wonderful country style wedding in Kent. With a stunning boho bride and dapper groom, dried flowers and really special personal touches, this truly is a perfect day! Huge congratulations and thanks to lovely couple Iona & Ed for sharing their story and reviewing all their amazing suppliers for us. Their recommended Kent wedding photographer is Benjamin Toms, who we’re delighted to say is a member of English Wedding (and one of our top 100 bloody lovely wedding photographers too!) – do check him out if you’re looking for a wedding photographer, won’t you!

We wanted the day to feel very personal so included lots of friends and family in the whole day. We had a family friend, Nigel, carry out the service at St Clement’s Church in Sandwich, which made it really special for us. The church itself was also significant to us as Iona’s parents also got married there and Iona was christened there.

Wedding photographer’s website

Benjamin Toms – https://benjamintomsphotography.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

Ben did an amazing job capturing not only the fun of the day but all the special moments too. Ben put us and our guests at ease and worked around us to the point we weren’t aware he was there half the time! The photos he sent over are beautiful and we couldn’t be happier with them.

Your best moment or memory

Iona – My favourite memory is singing to The Greatest Showman on my husband’s shoulders with absolutely everyone on the dance floor! It was such an amazing atmosphere. Oh, and also watching my husband climb up one of the poles of the marquee being assisted by the vicar of our service.

Ed – riding in with Iona on my Vespa, Giovanni. Our guests weren’t expecting it and it added another element of fun to the day whilst summing us up well.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

We drove from the church to the reception in a 4×4 Jeep that needed a step ladder to get into! We definitely got some interesting looks driving down the country lanes. When introduced into the marquee by our MC, we rode in on Ed’s vespa. It went down very well! One of Iona’s best friends Tabitha sung a slow version of I’ll be there for you (Friends edition) during the signing of the names at the wedding service – there were many tears!

Venue name + review

The venue was a marquee in a farm belonging to a friend of Iona’s Dad. It had never been used as a venue before but it worked perfectly. It was a beautiful summer’s day and the views look over the countryside of East Kent and to the sea.

Our marquee was provided by Maypole Marquees. They were brilliant at answering all our questions in the lead up to the wedding. The marquee was set up a few days before the wedding so we had time to decorate it. It was a stunning marquee which was opened up down one side. It also came with a luxury toilet block, a vintage bar, tables and chairs, lighting and flooring! We would highly recommend them for big events.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Iona – It was important to me that I either bought a second hand dress or a dress made from recycled materials. I ended up buying a three piece dress all made from recycled materials from Bridal Boutique of Jules in Deal, Kent. All three parts were Catherine Deane and I loved the modern style with a twist. The skirt was so soft and comfortable and I loved how it floated (although I forgot there would be so much straw on the farm so the end of the skirt definitely suffered a little!) The bandeau and lace top were perfect. I felt relaxed and comfortable yet also like a boho bride! Having an extra lace layer on top meant that I could take that off for the dancing later!

Ed – A navy three-piece Hugo Boss suit from Moss Bros. I’m not quirky enough to pull off anything out there and anything more formal wasn’t “us” (and plus, I can use it again!) They were really helpful with suggesting options for me to try on in my style. The whole process was incredible quick and easy!

Florist name + review

Jane’s Country Roses – We got our flowers from one of my best friend’s mum, Jane. I absolutely loved our flowers! We went for dried wild flowers which were pastel colours so complimented the bridesmaid dresses perfectly. Jane did an incredible job and creating such beautiful bouquets as well as button holes, centre pieces and hair clips! The most amazing part is that they last forever so we still have my bouquet and many of the centre pieces in our house (looking as incredible as they did on the day!)

Cake maker name + review

We went for a bit of an alternative option for this. Two of Iona’s closest friends (Izzy and Lauren) made a cake each for our wedding. We weren’t interested in having a big three tiered cake and actually, these went down a treat!

Our caterer was Tim Wilson, a friend of my Dad’s. The food was simple yet delicious and we made sure we had extra canapés as we know how much everyone loves them! We were very impressed with all the food and Tim and his team did such an excellent job.

Stationery maker’s name + review

Iona’s sister Kirsty made our wedding invites and we did the rest!

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

We created our own table names using photos of us from places we’ve visited together as well as our table plan and a palette with the order of the day!

Ed’s mum created our menus and Iona’s sister produced some lovely drinks menus for our vintage bar.

A close friend of Ed’s (who is a blackboard artist) made a Welcome to Iona and Ed’s wedding sign.

Wedding readings?

Corinthians 13 v 1-13 I’ll Be There For You – Louise Cuddon Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

The luckiest – Ben Folds

Wedding planner name + review

Iona – the bride! Highly recommend 😉

Hair + makeup name + review

Natasha Quinton Bridal – http://www.natashaquinton.com/ Tasha is a good friend of Iona’s and is incredibly friendly and professional.

She did my hair and makeup and also styled all my bridesmaid’s and my mum’s hair. She was amazing at keeping everyone calm on the wedding morning and adapted when anyone wanted slight changes to their hair do’s.

I am someone who doesn’t feel comfortable wearing too much makeup and I was so pleased that Tasha made me feel natural (but better!) I loved my relaxed hair look which made me feel confident on the day.