Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship?
I'm Lauren and my new Hubby is Dan. Dan works in Business Protection and is a Semi-Professional Footballer and I am a Mortgage Broker. We live in Hampshire in the beautiful English countryside near Jane Austin's house, with our gorgeous cockapoo Bonnie! We love to go for long walks in the woods and fields surrounding our home. We knew we wanted to get married somewhere in the south of England because we both love it so much. Deer Park Country House was the first venue we visited and even though it was December and the gardens weren’t in bloom, we knew it was for us the minute we got there! We met at work and have been together for 5 years, we are best friends and couldn't be happier, I’ve truly found my person.
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details.
I love to host, am a perfectionist and love the finer details in life so I was in my element planning our wedding day! I have so many favourite details it’s hard to choose but here are a few; the bar feature with his and hers cocktails, the calligraphy on my personalised napkins and stationery, paper parasols and fans. Plus my wedding logo.
The lemon bridesmaid dresses that complimented the pale blues and greens throughout the fruit and bow detailing.
Our florist was amazing and produced the most beautiful flower arrangements.
Of course, the beautiful Meeka personalised pale blue robes my bridesmaids wore in the morning!
The theme of the day, taken from our style guide which was designed by Verity of The Fior Collective, was english countryside, elevated contemporary, trendy, romantic, modern and summery. I think that sums it up!
How did you spend the morning of your wedding? How did you deal with the nerves leading up to the wedding?
Tell us about your main outfits of the wedding day
I didn't want to spend thousands on a wedding dress I was only going to wear once! I prefer to spend elsewhere, on things I would use again like shoes! I knew the style of dress I wanted, something elegant and timeless for my day dress, but still modern and sexy. I found the dress of my dreams on House of CB and I could not have been happier. When I showed my photographer, Katie, she said to me “Oh my god is it a Vivienne Westwood.”It totally gives that feel but without the ££££! It's SO easy to get caught up in spending lots of money when it comes to weddings.
Initially, I wasn't too fussed about having a second dress. I was very much in the mindset of - if i find one that's right then great but I’m ok with doing just one look! I saw the dress online, also from House of CB, and thought wow! Such a contrast to the day dress and how fun would it be to do something lacey for the evening! I know most people do a short dress for the evening but that just didn't feel like me! I’m not a short dress kind of girl!
What items or services did you think were a waste of money? VS what are you so glad you splurged on?
Any advice you would like to give to future brides
photography: @katierogersphotography
design + styling: @thefiorcollective
venue: @deerparkcountryhouse
videography: @richardsonvideo
florals: @beacon_bloom
textiles: @drap.d
stationery: @samanthacollingcreativestudio
second shooter: @fayemendesphotography
linens: @alba.tableware
hire items: @virginiasvintagehire
tableware: @optionsgreathire
HMUA: @by.theedit / @makeupbymelissaj & @emilyleesehairstylist
cake: @carscottcakedesign
entertainment: @bluelionband
dresses: @houseofcb
shoes: @jimmychoo
bag: @simonerocha_