Kat and Sam had a clear vision for their wedding: they wanted warmth, relaxation, and a vibe that everyone could connect with. Steering away from tradition, they opted for a cozy and informal affair. Choosing a venue tucked away in the countryside, enveloped by ancient woodland, they set the stage for their Marshwood Manor wedding. Overflowing with dreamy flowers, charming decor, and a romantic color palette, their day was nothing short of enchanting. Despite the rain catching them off guard–with the help of wedding planner Katie Avis–their plans fell into place effortlessly.
Underneath a canopy of woodland boughs, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by their nearest and dearest. As raindrops fell gently around them, it felt like a scene from a romantic movie. Following their rainy “I dos,” they moved on to a reception filled with rustic charm. The venue was adorned with lush greenery and elegant pampas installations gracing the charming tablescapes. String lights overhead tied everything together, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Even with a bit of rain, they didn’t let it dampen their spirits. Thanks to Laura Dean’s expertly captured photos, you can witness how the rain added an extra layer of sweetness to their wedding memories.
The Couple:
Kat and Sam
The Wedding:
Marshwood Manor, Bettiscombe, Bridport, United Kingdom
Exchanging Vows Amidst Woodland Rain
Our ceremony was set in a woodland bower with a stream and logs for seating, so it was very unique and picturesque. We had a violinist who created a lovely atmosphere as guests arrived and throughout the ceremony. However, being a British wedding, even in July, you cannot guarantee a sunny day. Ten minutes before the ceremony started, the rain began to fall, and the whole ceremony was conducted in the rain. This made the moment memorable and even more special, with our first kiss being in the rain, something like out of a movie.
The Importance of Booking Suppliers Early
Start planning as early as possible! Book vendors as early as you can. If they are good, they will likely get booked up very quickly. Create a wedding timeline with key deadlines and to-do lists for when payments are due, etc. Get creative and make it your own day. Do it however you want, and don’t feel obliged to follow a stereotypical wedding.
How They Added Personality to Their Marshwood Manor Wedding With Small Playful Details
We spent so much time planning the wedding and added many little details that we loved. We had temporary tattoos for guests to show their support for us on our big day. All the guests, young and old, got involved, and it was a great conversation starter. My second outfit included personalized gloves embroidered with “Till Death Do Us Part – The Freemans.” We also added elements that were only noticeable for us but made it extra special, such as the band learning a lesser-known song that was special to us and Sam’s speech subtly including quotes from my favorite movie. Even the inflatable props for the dance floor just added to the experience and got everyone involved.
How DIY Touches Made Their Marshwood Manor Wedding Day Extra Special
We created our own wedding newspaper, “The Daily Veil,” and handed it out to all our guests on arrival. It included a timeline of the day, menu, and some fun facts about the bridal party. This was a really unique keepsake for all of our guests. One of the bridesmaids kindly arranged the bridal flowers on the day. We also created our table plan and place cards and provided our own centerpiece vases, which we thrifted and painted.
Making the Most Out of Their Wedding Budget
Our budget was £25,000 – £30,000. We were strict about the number of guests and DIYed some items to save on supplier costs. Guests staying on-site paid a small amount for accommodation. We opted for a dessert buffet rather than a cake, as a wedding cake is costly and wasn’t a big deal for us. We didn’t provide wedding favors to all guests, only the bridal party. Sam wanted to be able to wear his suit again, so he opted for a high-street brand.
Investing in Their Dream Wedding Venue
Our most significant spend was on the venue itself, which was the most important. The bridesmaid dresses were also a signficiant spend, as I wanted a range of colors to be in keeping with the style of the day. It was an exclusive-use venue, which you could utilize from Friday to Sunday, and accommodated half of our wedding party in the cottages on site. We always wanted the wedding to be stretched over an entire weekend. The venue was also perfect for having multiple areas where we could have different parts of the day, so guests had new experiences throughout the day in different parts of the grounds. My previous role in the wedding industry meant I had experienced many weddings in our local area. This venue was a little further away and new to me, but it was close enough that it wasn’t too far for our local family.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Laura Dean
Event Planning + Floral Design – Katie Avis
Venue – Marshwood Manor
Catering – Asado Fire Kitchen
Officiant – Dorset Council
Live Music – The Small Things
Videography – Hedgehog Videos
Invitation Design – SC Design Studios
Makeup Artist – Emma Tatchell
Wedding Dress – Chameleon Bride
Bridal Accessories – The Glove Girl
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Six Stories + Coast
Groom’s Apparel + Groomsmen’s Apparel – ASOS
Congratulations to Kat and Sam on their unforgettable Marshwood Manor wedding, rain and all! A massive thank you goes out to the incredibly talented Laura Dean for beautifully capturing every magical moment of their special day.
Even the most meticulously planned weddings may encounter a hiccup or two. Sometimes, Mother Nature decides to join in on the festivities. However, with a positive mindset, a willingness to adapt, a team of reliable experts, and perhaps even a sprinkle of rain on the big day, the experience can transform into something truly enchanting and unforgettable.
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