Reunited ten years after dating as teenagers, Ellis and Bekki’s paths crossed again at a nightclub, and as Bekki told us, “That was that!”. They married at The Barns at Lodge Farm in Epping, with a wedding that was totally in line with their laid back country lifestyle, but with a touch of glam. Defying wedding traditions, the couple did their day their way, with no first dance, no cake cutting, and elements that reflected their characters, with lots of music and a laser pigeon shoot.
Ellis and Bekki used the venue to influence their theme and colour palette. Neutral tones and natural fabrics accentuated the boho vibes, with a stunning macramé backdrop by The Knot Tribe as the centrepiece of the ceremony.
With a budget of £15,000, they borrowed props from their own and friends’ homes and used vintage bottles with sprays of gypsophila as well as candle sticks, vases and table linens. Pampas grass displays were made by Holly & Ivy Flowers, and a friend loaned some rugs to create an aisle. Bekki placed all the décor with help from a friend, to ensure the room was exactly how she has envisioned it. She told us, “It was an absolute mish mash of borrowed items and charity shop purchases. We pulled in loads of favours and saved thousands.”
Although they were keen to have a relaxed theme and make savings where they could, there was no compromise when it came to Bekki’s dress. A custom Bowen Dryden, Bekki’s dream gown was inspired by the movie Labyrinth. Bekki explained, “There’s a ballroom scene with one of my favourite songs by Bowie playing, As The World Falls Down. She is in the most fantastic dress. Although my dress is very different, the momentum is strong.” Odd coloured Rogue Bis shoes by Sarah Jessica Parker and gold family heirloom jewellery completed the look. Ellis and his groomsmen went for country tweed suits which perfectly complemented the country theme.
The couple has faced a lot of challenges along the way, with Ellis battling liver cancer for some years. This meant that in addition to the uncertainties brought about by Covid, Ellis and Bekki wanted to make sure their wedding was as safe as possible. They asked everyone to do a lateral flow test, to ensure the day stayed Covid-free. With the pandemic keeping so many apart for so long, seeing familiar faces again was extra special. Bekki explained, “Our memorable moment was looking around the room and seeing our friends and family together in celebration after not seeing so many for so long because of Covid. It was very emotional as it was the first time for many to come together”.
Family played a big part in Ellis and Bekki’s day, with Bekki fronting the band alongside her dad, brother, cousin and uncle, her dad’s company creating the place cards and the couple’s daughter Florence was their flower girl, although at the age of two, Florence had other ideas. Bekki told us, “Florence refused to wear her dress and wouldn’t walk down the aisle. It was stressful at the time but funny looking back. She arrived with her Grandma with freshly tear stained cheeks begging to go home!” A tearful toddler wasn’t enough to spoil the day, as Bekki explained, “We loved every minute, the chaos and stress, the challenges. The collecting of little ornaments, finding my dream gown, the little details, creating a dream day”. And her best piece of wedding advice? “As everyone always says, try to relax and enjoy the day. What’s the worst that could happen?”
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