After 11 years together, Rosie and Tom planned their wedding in just three months! Their ceremony was held at a local registry office and their joyful, laid back party was in Rosie’s parents’ garden. Both the bride and groom wore suits and the entire day cost less than £5,000. “From the start, we knew we wanted a relaxed garden party vibe,” Rosie explains. “Loads of flowers, colour, fun, and good food and drink—that was the dream.”

Rosie and her brother arrived at the ceremony in a rare vintage Alvis car, generously lent by a family friend. Rosie walked in to the ceremony with her dad and brother to Nick Drake’s Northern Sky and, after exchanging vows, the couple exited to Talking Heads’ This Must Be the Place while being showered in rainbow confetti! “Tom is usually so stoic, but it was amazing seeing a tear in his eye during our vows”, Rosie said. “Its only the second time in 11 years I’ve ever seen him cry!”

After the ceremony, guests gathered at Rosie’s parents’ garden, which they had lovingly transformed with DIY decorations. Borrowed vases overflowed with flowers from their garden (and some from their neighbours, too). They also had paper bunting and handmade signs, and a photo wall celebrating their parents’ weddings was in pride of place. “So many people pitched in to help decorate, and it really felt like a group effort,” Rosie said.

Rosie’s parents also devised a wedding quiz to see who knew the couple best, “This went down a treat and there were some hilarious answers after a few drinks!” she continued. “However, I think most people’s favourite moments was when the ice cream van we’d booked turned up playing the ice cream van jingle! Who doesn’t love the chance to order whatever you want from the ice cream van for free?!”

Reflecting on their experience, Rosie emphasises the importance of staying true to your vision. “You can do whatever you want, everyone will have an opinion but at the end of the day it’s YOUR CHOICE. Our only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner!”