We really enjoyed delving into this one! Vicky and Dan’s Autumn wedding was full of gorgeous colours, smiling faces and non-stop dancing. We can confidently say that they had the time of their life and we’re so pleased they did.
Over in the Cotswolds, this pair shared their magical wedding day with family and friends. From the start until the end, they smiled and made every moment count. They planned each element of their day and made it personal to them, from the food to the table names.
Once they tied the knot, they needed to ensure their dance floor was full. That’s where we come in! Foxland were a hit, but more about them later!
We so glad we had the pleasure of catching up with Vicky and Dan after their wedding. Read on to find out exactly why their day was quite simply the best!
Photos by Neil Hanson Photography
How did you meet?
At university in Nottingham – we were on the student magazine together but we were friends for two years before we actually got together.
How did you propose?
Dan proposed in Scotland, on a walk in the Cairngorms – it’s a special place to both of us but Dan completely took me by surprise – I had no idea it was coming.
How did you choose your venue?
It was easy to choose Caswell house – we loved it as soon as we saw it! We knew we wanted to get married in the Cotswolds near where Vicky grew up, and Caswell had everything! It’s a beautiful setting and the barn is stunning, we loved that there was plenty of space to spread out throughout the day and there are 13 beautiful bedrooms on site, so our families and friends could stay.
THE BIG DAY:
Getting Ready:
The morning of your wedding is full of nerves, excitement, butterflies and memorable moments with your nearest and dearest. Getting ready and feeling fabulous is all part of the fun. You want to feel comfortable and like yourself but it’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself.
Vicky had her hair and make up done by the wonderful Lauren Wheeler and then she put on her stunning sweetheart neckline, strapless dress, complete with tule and lace detailing.
A really nice touch was exchanging a card pre-ceremony, to share those final thoughts and giddy emotions before they become Mr and Mrs – love that!
Who joined you for your big day?
Our friends and family – 120 guests in total.
Did you have a style or theme?
The style of the wedding really came from Caswell – we were inspired by the beautiful autumn colours in the grounds as well as the elegant but rustic style of the barns. We mirrored this in the flowers which were hedgerow inspired in autumn colours and the colour of the bridal party outfits which were different shades of red, rusty orange, olive green and forest green. We wanted it to be relaxed and fun – really just about celebrating with friends and family.
The Ceremony:
Caswell House looks so glorious in fairy lights and autumnal tones for Vicky and Dan’s ceremony.
The hall was filled with friends and family, patiently awaiting the big moment of “I pronounce you husband and wife”. Holding hands in anticipation and excitement, Vicky and Dan finally did it – they tied the knot! They walked out to a flurry of orange and maroon petals for that once in a lifetime confetti shot. The smiles say it all.
Tell us about…
The Dress
Raine by All Who Wander. It was a boho leaf applique dream dress. The leaves became a bit of a motif for the day inspired by our autumnal theme!
The Suit
Dan had a bespoke burgundy three piece suit by Beggars Run in Shoreditch.
The Flowers
The flowers were such a highlight – designed by the genius Charlie of the Flower Fairies in Oxfordshire – we were blown away!
The Photographer
Neil Hanson was recommended by Caswell House and he was absolutely incredible. He worked so hard to put us at ease (we’re not big picture people) and his energy is amazing – clambering into trees and bushes to get the perfect shot, and being prepared to grab us just at the perfect moment to get sunset photos.
The Cake
We had a semi-naked three-tier sponge cake with chocolate, coffee and vanilla. It was made by Vicky’s mum and dad who are keen bakers.
How did you personalise your wedding?
1. We asked our mums to walk down the aisle together at the beginning of the wedding – we both wish we’d seen it but it was important for us to include them in the processional and to symbolise or families coming together. Vicky and her mum made lawn games for kids (and big kids) to play with during the reception as well as party packs.
2. We had two readings – “Everything I Know About Love” by Neil Gaiman and an excerpt from Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Les Mis was a perfect choice as it’s about small kindnesses being the foundation of love, and going to see Les Mis at the theatre was one of our first dates.
3. We had a bespoke Indian menu from Caswell’s partner caterer Ross and Ross – it was inspired by Dan’s Indian heritage and our favourite meals. We were thrilled Ross and Ross made the menu bespoke! It was delicious and great to have sharing dishes to get tables chatting.
4. We did a speech together before the meal – both of us wanted to speak but didn’t want death by speeches after dinner so we decided to go first so we could fully relax during the meal. We planned the first part together then secretly wrote sections where we could talk about each other – it was a really special moment.
Evening Reception:
Heading into the evening, everyone’s said their hellos, and caught up with friends they’ve not seen for a while and they’re ready to celebrate like no one is watching, strutting their stuff on the dance floor and letting their hair down.
Vicky and Dan anticipated the party-atmosphere that everyone would be after, so they secured an amazing wedding band, Foxland, to make sure their evening was nothing short of extraordinary!
Who did you pick for your wedding entertainment and how did you choose them?
We love live music and festivals so we knew we wanted a band. We ended up on Entertainment Nation – it was really easy to search for bands in our area and listen to their style all in one place.
We spent a really fun afternoon listening to lots of different bands at home and deciding who would be right for us. We picked Foxland as we loved the mix of instruments (the sax especially!) and the amazing vocals, as well as the energy of their performance.
What was your First Dance:
We chose ‘Call Me Maybe’ by Carly Rae Jepson – it was a huge hit the year we met and we always joked it would be our first dance. When it actually came to choosing we knew it would make us happy! We were thrilled that Foxland agreed to learn it for our special day and the arrangement was perfect!
What was your wedding playlist:
- Processional: When We’re Older by James Blake
- Signing the register: You Make Loving Fun by Fleetwood Mac
- Recessional: Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield
- First Dance: Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepson
- Last Song Of The Night: Wonderwall by Oasis
What did your entertainment bring to your big day?
The dance floor was a massive hit and so much fun – I think its when you get to really relax and feel like ‘we did it!’ we just get to have fun now. It really brought the celebration together and it was amazing to see our friends and family mixing on the dance floor.
How was it booking entertainment through Entertainment Nation?
Very easy – speedy responses – great communication from EN and the band – we almost forgot we’d done it was so straight forward!
Wedding Bands For Your Wedding Reception!
On Reflection:
What was your favourite moment?
The confetti line and the moment after the ceremony when we had our first drink as a married couple, just the two of us.
Anything you’d change?
Nothing!
Any funny moments?
Seeing our families singing and dancing along to ‘500 miles’ by The Proclaimers in rival groups was amazing!
What tips do you have for other couples planning their wedding?
Do everything you can to enjoy it – the day goes fast so the build up is all part of it. From shopping trips with friends and family to the food and drink tasting – relish it.
And with that, we’d love to thank Vicky and Dan for letting us into their wedding planning brains and allowing us to share their wonderful day!
We are so pleased that Foxland could bring such a magical and memorable atmosphere to your wedding reception and thank you for choosing them to be part of your day.
Suppliers to mention!
- Venue – Caswell House
- Caterers – Ross and Ross
- Flowers – The Flower Fairies (Charlie Quartley)
- Lighting – Oakwood
- Band – Foxland via Entertainment Nation
- Photographer – Neil Hanson Photography
- Cake – Vicky’s parents!
- Hair and Make Up – Lauren Wheeler
- Bride’s Dress – All Who Wander from Angelica Bridal in Angel, London
- Bridesmaid Dresses – Rewritten
- Brides-man Suit – ASOS
- Grooms suit – Beggars Run
Find out more!
If you’d like to explore more about Foxland and see why they’d be perfect for your wedding too, then head to their profile using the link below!
For more wedding entertainment advice, tips and recommendations, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team of experts. Call us on 0800 53 000 35 or email on info@entertainment-nation.co.uk and we’d be happy to discuss your wedding music requirements!
