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Meadow magic: twinkling trees and beautiful blooms

Jess and Matt filled their outdoor wedding in the heart of Kent with pretty florals and personal touches

By Samantha Harris

Launch Gallery

In the beginning — In the beginning – After a chance meeting on a night out with friends, Matt immediately knew he and Jess were meant to be together. Jess took a little more convincing but after six months of Matt’s persistence (despite numerous refusals) she finally saw the light. Seven blissful years on, Matt popped the question while on a sailing trip around the Greek Islands, and their wedding planning began. Photography by Chloé Browne at caughtthelight.com

Going bespoke — Going bespoke – It was all about the great outdoors for Jess and Matt’s big day. Both being averse to the word ‘venue’, it took a while to find the right setting but eventually it was The House Meadow at Worsenden Farm near Rye that ticked all the boxes. “They said we could do absolutely anything we wanted and be as creative as we wished, so it was perfect,” explains Jess.

Tying the knot — Tying the knot – The couple said ‘I do’ under an oak tree at The House Meadow, with an aisle marked out by tubs of cloud-like gypsophila. “Nothing feels more spiritual than being in the open air surrounded by nature,” says Jess, “so we had a humanist ceremony, full of literary quotes and music.”

Outside thinking — Outside thinking – The al fresco fun continued just up the bank from the oak tree, in a stretch tent decorated in pale, washed-out shades, local lavender and lots of fairy lights. “We didn’t have a theme in mind, but it seemed all the inspiration we took came from New England-style weddings and being outdoors – white-washed chairs, music and lots of sunshine.”

The look of love — The look of love – Jess was inspired by the ethereal style of the floaty dresses and light textures on album covers of the Seventies for her bridal style. “I wanted to look feminine, young and carefree,” so when she found her polka-dot Sweetpea dress from Ivy & Aster, it matched her ideas perfectly.

Finishing touches — Finishing touches – She teamed her dress with Rachel Simpson Tilly heels (“because they looked like dancing shoes”), a beaded cape from Ivy & Aster and a beaded headband from Gillian Million.

Pure thoughts — Pure thoughts – While her bouquet was a simple arrangement of white hydrangeas – five heads and nothing else.

Looking sharp — Looking sharp – For his own look, Matt chose a blue suit and white shirt from Reiss with a made-to-order burgundy and navy houndstooth bow tie from Turnbull & Asser.

Maid up — Maid up – As for the bridesmaids, they rocked the al fresco aisle in dresses from Topshop and carried small bunches of chamomile. “I wanted them to look like their gorgeous selves and they all have amazing legs so we showed them off,” says Jess.

Flower power — Flower power – Katie Mackintosh created mismatched table displays of peonies, hydrangeas, sweetpeas and roses. “Her flowers were so beautiful,” says Jess, “they were the first thing to make my mum cry on the day.”

Do me a favour — Do me a favour – The couple went to town with inspired ideas including collecting cut glass vases for the centrepieces, then giving them to guests as favours…

Tree of love — Tree of love – And the oak tree featured as the logo on their stationery by Pirrip Press.

Let's go outside — Let’s go outside – They even created an outdoor lounge area with old library-style armchairs surrounded by festoon lights. “As we were in a field there wasn’t a fixed space for reception drinks so it gave a point of focus.”

Beverages in bloom — Beverages in bloom – The creative touches extended to the drinks, too. “My mum picked and distilled 500 elderflowers to make a cordial,” says Jess, “and our caterers sprinkled edible flowers in the glasses to make them extra celebratory.”

Your place or mine? — Your place or mine? – While place cards were simple luggage tags with a sprig of lavender from the local lavender farm.

I’m game — I’m game – For fun pre-dinner entertainment, the couple introduced a game. “Matt has great hair and I have big lips so we made hair and lips cards on old-style straws. The bridesmaids shouted questions and everyone had to hold up the card they thought the question related to, and the last man standing won a bottle of champagne,” laughs Jess. “It was great fun and really got everyone in the mood.”

Going dotty — Going dotty – The personal touches continued with the cake. “My godmother’s daughter has a cake decorating company called Crumbs – she made a traditional three-tier cake but with polka-dots to match my dress.”

Driving with dad — Driving with dad – For wedding transport, Jess’ dad drove her in his vintage Mark 2 Jaguar. “I sat upfront with him like I used to as a child. It was one of the day’s highlights for me.”

Light hearted — Light hearted – To complete the romantic scene the couple wrapped fairy lights around the all-important oak tree so it twinkled in the dark. “When I looked at everything on the day it was such an overwhelming feeling. All the little elements we’d put together were all there and it looked incredible.” Photography by Chloé Browne at caughtthelight.com

Real proposals: your special moments revealed Real wedding: garden glamour in France Mood board: shades of autumn Hair how-to: Kelly Clarkson’s bridal look

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