Louise and Oliver's Intimate Autumn Woodland Wedding in Leicestershire by Lucy Long

Covid has had a massive effect on everyone, the wedding industry in particular has taken a real beating. So many weddings have had to be cancelled or postponed, with so many being pushed back from last year to this year or next. However, in between the massive restrictions, the different Tiers and the number of rules and regulations, some people actually managed to get married and what gorgeous days they had. Louise and Oliver are one of those couples who were lucky enough to tie the knot last October. They may have had to cancel their band and most of their guests but they still had a brilliant day, made even more special by the intimate nature of the day. Big thanks to Lucy Long for the delightful photos.

A very intimate wedding with only close family members which was amazing. The perfect day which was worth the wait- just passed in such a blur!

Louise and Oliver were married on 10th October 2020 at The Woodlands at Hothorpe Hall, Theddingworth in Leicestershire. ‘Initially our wedding was due to go ahead in June and The Woodlands has the most stunning outside space. It was also the perfect size for the amount of guests we had originally invited before we had to reduce our numbers to 13 due to covid. It took almost 2 years to plan, with changes due to the pandemic. Having to rearrange suppliers for the new date and then having to cancel some of them.’

How they met
We met in a pub after speaking online and have been together four years

The proposal
We had recently moved to Ireland at the time and went out on a day exploring the Donegal coast. We were walking along Malin Beg beach (in the rain!!). Ollie had been telling me all day that he was planning a trip to the Maldives. He then got down on one knee and said, “we can go to the Maldives if you’ll marry me.” I am still waiting for the trip to the Maldives!

How did you allocate your budget?
We didn’t really allocate a budget, more just went with the flow as and when.

Where did you splurge and where did you save?
We had splurged on a live band, however this had to be cancelled due to covid restrictions. Saving wise, we saved mainly by having a smaller wedding due to covid.

How did you choose your photographer?
We did the usual online search and browsed through various websites. I noticed that Lucy’s photos looked so natural and I got a lovely, friendly feel from her website and initial communication.

The dress
Dress: Mori Lee. Shoes: Monsoon. Accessories: Jon Richard @ Debenhams

The suit and bridesmaids
Suit: Marc Darcy. Bridesmaids dress: Monsoon

Theme or colour scheme
Sage Green

Flowers
Loose hand tie, quite casual flowers

Decoration
Floral centerpieces and flowers in ceremony room

Food
We gave our guests the choice of chicken or fish and chips and then dark chocolate delice

Wedding cake
We had a two tier naked cake. Our bottom tier was vanilla sponge, the top tier was chocolate with chocolate buttercream

Entertainment
We had to cancel all entertainment due to covid

Who supplied the stationery?
Hip hip hooray.com

Where are you going on your honeymoon?
We are currently still waiting to book a honeymoon. Hopefully I’ll get my trip to the Maldives!

Special moments
Walking down the aisle and seeing Ollie with our son Harry. After all the stress of postponing/ not knowing if the wedding could go ahead, it just felt so amazing to know it was finally happening!

Advice for other couples
Try not to get too stressed out about the day. It passes so quickly and everything will fall together. Just enjoy the day and completely go with the flow!

Biggest surprise
Seeing Ollie and Harry in their matching suits