James and Emma's 'Back to Nature' Welsh Wedding by Elaine Williams photography

Today I am taking you across to gorgeous Pembrokeshire in Wales for the lovely wedding of Emma and James. This outdoor loving couple wanted a wedding that reflected their love of the outdoors and water. This they found in the beautiful Slebech. Slebech sits on the edge of a river, which meant Emma and James could have some of their photos out on a boat, just the two of them. The rest of the wedding was a beautiful collection of DIY from the brides dress being made by her very talented sister, to the marquee decoration and cake. A gorgeous wedding captured perfectly by Elaine Williams photography.

Emma and James wre married on 27^th May 2018 at Slebech Park, Pembrokeshire, Wales. ‘James has spent many years visiting family friends in Pembrokeshire and sailing the Welsh coast. We both are outdoors people and wanted a venue near water and were speechless when we saw Slebech as it sits on the Cleddau river. It was the only venue that we visited as it was perfect. We had 95 guests in the day and an extra 35 in the evening, it took 2 years to plan.’

How they met
We met at Liverpool University studying Architecture 6 years ago. James proposed in Val d’Isere whilst we were on a ski holiday.

How did you choose your photographer?
We loved Elaine’s beautiful photographs on her website and her unique style. We also read that Elaine studied architecture and liked the connection. It was important to us that the photos were not too staged and captured our friends and family enjoying the day as well as elements of the venue itself.

The outfits
My dress was designed and made by my sister, as were the bridemaids dresses. (Salt&Co)

Theme or colour scheme
We wanted to avoid having a set colour theme and instead we wanted to try and bring the outside in and celebrate the Welsh countryside. Our theme was greenery and wild flowers

Flowers
Locally grown welsh flowers from the amazing Woodland Farm

Decoration
We made hanging greenery balls from embroidery hoops with local ivy and The Woodland farm provided table wreaths made from willow branches with wild flowers as well as ivy rope hanging pieces along the side of the marquee.
Hand woven table clothes from old Scandinavian patterns, made by the Brides mother
Wooden houses made by the Brides father
Handmade teepee for the children (fabric printed by our nieces)

Food
Starter: Local crab thermidor
Main: Local lamb with vegetables grown at Slebech Park

Wedding cake
Three cakes made by the Brides friends: chocolate, victoria sponge, gluten and diary free lemon cake. Bespoke cake stands made by Cara Guthrie