With ever-changing laws, guidance, and restrictions, the wedding industry is going through unprecedented and confusing times. Couples are facing tough choices (Thanks, Covid!). For some, it’s really made them consider what is most important about their wedding. The answer for many has been ‘you and me’. This garden micro-wedding is inspired by the idea that all a couple needs is each other. So, why not elope to your own back garden?
Elopements and private ceremonies have always been an attractive option to couples who want to avoid the grandeur of a traditional wedding. Now, thanks to the huge emotional effect the pandemic has had on all of us, there’s something else about elopements that appeal. It’s the simplicity, the raw, honest, stripped back nature of a day crafted by the two people, FOR the two people, to be remembered between them always. No rules apply!
Words and photos by Holly Driver Photography
Relaxed, Garden Micro-Wedding - Handfasting & A Picnic!
We decided to portray a handfasting ceremony between our couple for our garden micro-wedding shoot. Handfasting ceremonies can be conducted anywhere, with your closest friends and family, or intimately in a private ceremony. The wording the celebrant uses is personalised to the couple. This is perfect for a small and personal ceremony! Many couples do their paperwork at the registry office unceremoniously and save all the romance for this moment. Planning your vows together is about as romantic it can get! The handfasting rope is also kept by the couple, as a momentum to be hung in the home, which they can add little trinkets to over their future years together.
The handfasting was followed by a simple afternoon picnic using vintage china to just make the occasion that bit more special.
You might also love: Our Ultimate Guide To Wedding Celebrants
Keeping it simple - romantic elopement bridal looks
Our brides wore faux flower hair accessories that can also be kept forever – these little details made their casual dresses feel more romantic and ceremonious. Their hair and makeup were inspired by a simple, vintage, romantic aesthetic.
Other little details were the bouquets, which really gave the feel of a garden micro-wedding and doubled as lovely decoration for the picnic blanket. We also had a simply decorated arch to perform the ceremony under.
For stationery, the concept was to really focus on what the core feeling of a union is. ‘Love Lives Here,’ ‘You And Me,’ and ‘Nothing Fancy, Just Love,’ were written in beautiful calligraphy and framed to be kept as a reminder of their commitment.
Garden Micro-Wedding - A dreamy first dance
To finish off the garden micro-wedding, the greenhouse was filled with candles and the couple had their first dance by candlelight. Candles are such a simple and easy way to create an atmosphere that is warm, sweet, memorable, and dreamy. This is one of the most important parts of an elopement or private wedding/ceremony; crafting memories for the two of you to treasure always. So many couples dread dancing their first dance in front of a staring audience – why not scrap tradition and just have this moment to yourselves?
A photographer you have met beforehand and know well can capture your private ceremony or elopement discreetly and allow you to keep the precious memories of your day always. Most photographers LOVE the romance and excitement of an elopement, so they will be excited for the privilege to be there with you!
Note: This blog was written in November 2020 in the UK. Do check coronavirus restrictions in your area and do your own research on legalities.
Want more elopement inspiration? Check out: How To Elope In Style
The team behind this garden micro-wedding
Photography – Holly Driver Photography
Stationery – Wedding Calligraphy By Rachel
Flowers – Flowers By Becky
Celebrant – Emma Louise Celebrant
Wedding arch & props – Lemon Moon Events
Hair flower clips – The Felt Meadow
Flower crown – The Custard Cat
Makeup – Abbie Spurge
Over on the blog - more simple wedding ideas
Colourful Bohemian Wedding – 70s Vibes!
This wedding is for the wild at heart! This 1970s inspired elopement shoot is care-free, fun-loving and groovyyy baby! These colourful bohemian wedding vibes were captured by Photography By Vicki and coordinated by Vintage Camperbooths. Keep reading for long floaty grass, hazy summer sunshine, funky flowers, mirrored glitter balls, sequins
Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Wedding in Cappadocia
We have some super dreamy elopement inspo for you today! Alyssa and Michael headed out to the breathtaking Cappadocia in Turkey and tied the knot mid-air with a hot air balloon wedding! The free-spirited couple found this unique way to celebrate, combining their love of exploring with their desire to
Luci & Alex’s Simple Winter Elopement
Happy Friggin’ New Year! 2021, baby. We made it. We’re back from our mulled wine induced hibernation! Our first blog of the year is a beautiful winter elopement captured by Freeformimages. Luci & Alex’s simple wedding demonstrates how you can still have a super special day despite restrictions (screw you,
Alternative Farm Wedding At Sydenham Barn
Who says a farm wedding has to be pretty and rustic? Not us! Shot at Sydenham Barn by our awesome members Steel & Oak Photography, this alternative farm wedding is BADASS. The elopement-style photoshoot is giving us all the edginess, with a sprinkle of fun for good measure! Keep scrolling
Sparkly Mermaid Wedding At The Beach!
This one’s for the water babies! We love a little bit of magic here at Unconventional Wedding. When we were sent this mermaid wedding by Captured by Chrissi, we just had to share it! The seaside elopement vibes, the sparkly pastel decor and the festival face glitter… we are in
Summer, City Elopement – A Cardiff Bay Wedding
Who doesn’t love a sunny summer day in Wales?! This city elopement portrait session took place in Cardiff Bay, a unique urban area in the Welsh capital city filled with cool playful elements, including a fairground carousel! Big love to our directory wedding supplier member Molly Hanlon for sending in