We met at work – up in the trees! We were colleagues at first and got to know each other gradually as friends. Over time that friendship grew into something more, and before we knew it we had completely fallen for each other. It all happened very naturally

For her birthday I planned a trip to Rome. After spending the day exploring the city, walking over 20,000 steps and taking in all the sights, I was quietly searching for the perfect place to propose. Right at the end of the day, the moment presented itself in St Peter’s Square. It felt magical and completely right. Thankfully, she said yes!

The very first step was finding the perfect venue. We spent a day touring a few places around Warwickshire, starting with Swallows Nest. As soon as we left after the first visit, we both said, “I’m not sure we’re going to find anywhere we like more than that.” And we were right – nothing else came remotely close. It set the standard for everything that followed.

Our main priority was that everyone had a fantastic time. Having our closest family and friends there to celebrate with us was the most important thing. We really wanted a rural venue with the option for an outdoor wedding. We also wanted plenty of fun elements – games, great food, and lots of good drink to keep everyone entertained and relaxed throughout the day.

We found the venue after a quick Google search and arranged a visit straight away. From the moment we arrived we were greeted so warmly and given a brilliant first tour. The staff were enthusiastic, friendly, and clearly keen to help. The venue itself was beautiful, especially with the option to marry outdoors. By the time we left, we were 99% certain it was the one for us.

We felt our budget was best spent on the things that created an unforgettable experience for our guests – the venue, food, and entertainment. These were the elements that really shaped the atmosphere of the day and made it feel special for everyone.

We added lots of personal touches to make the day feel truly “us.” We had games during the reception to keep things fun and relaxed, made a memorable entrance back down the hill on a motorbike, and even had “Colin the Caterpillar” wedding cakes. It was important to us that the day reflected our personalities and sense of humor.

There were so many incredible moments, but getting married outdoors in the woodland was truly unforgettable. It felt so meaningful because we met and fell in love while working in a woodland setting. To then stand together and say our vows in a similar environment was incredibly special and emotional.

The dress was absolutely perfect – elegant, timeless, and exactly what she had always imagined. It suited the relaxed outdoor feel of the day beautifully and made her feel confident and amazing from start to finish.

The ceremony was amazing. The weather threatened to force everything indoors, but the staff were incredible at adapting and bringing everything forward to beat the rain showers. We made it up to the woodland just in time, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. We met and fell in love in a woodland, and we were able to marry in one too – it felt like everything had come full circle.

Our drinks reception was relaxed and full of laughter, with guests enjoying games, drinks, and catching up with one another. The wedding breakfast was fantastic – delicious food, great speeches, and a wonderful atmosphere. It was exactly the kind of celebration we had hoped for.

Our first dance song was At Last by Etta James. When we first started dating, it was a song we randomly began dancing to one Christmas after hearing it on a TV advert. Since then, it’s always been “our song” and something that instantly makes us want to slow dance together. It was the perfect choice for such a special moment

Don’t get too caught up in the small details – focus on what really matters: enjoying the day with the people you love. Trust your instincts when choosing suppliers and your venue, and remember that the day is about celebrating your relationship. Most importantly, take a few moments together during the day to step back and soak it all in!

Florist: The Fairways Florist

Caterer: Lemon Zest

Photographer & Videographer: Jamie Penfold Photogrpahy 

Hair & makeup : Sophie Sheridan