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
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