Ollie and Katie's Wedding in Worcester, Worcestershire

Our Real Wedding

It was the best day of my life. The anticipation was high, but it just made the celebration more worthwhile. Due to some family health concerns, we decided to have a really small ceremony that was just family - and then have a much bigger reception in a few years' time. We opted for my home city as it was close to everyone and it was both jarring and special to be back in the place I'd grown up, just for my wedding day. Our venue was a National Trust location: a gorgeous Tudor House called Greyfriars, and it was rich with history and beauty. It felt like an honour to be part of it. My sister-in-law had created beautiful flower pieces for the venue and my bouquet so that made it even more special. It felt like our family was connecting to the families who had lived in the house before. It was magical. Our beloved dog Moose was also allowed to be present which was the icing on the cake too. He did, unfortunately, decide to speak up during the "objections" part of the ceremony; it gave everyone a good chuckle. After that, we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening drinking lemonade and eating amazing food, thanks to the team at The Danesbury. There's definitely pictures of me on some Worcester residents' phones: skirts hoisted up, white lacy trainers, making my way across town to the restaurant. Wouldn't have had it any other way. We ended the night in our rental apartment with my husband, my maid of honour, and best man, drinking sake from Japan and playing card games. It was perfect and I wouldn't change a thing. Since the big day, we've sent off my wedding bouquet to a small artist in York who is currently turning them into gaming dice. Every part of our wedding felt so completely unique to us and it didn't feel like anything was a compromise. We came in around budget and avoided so much drama by avoiding a big to-do. I can't wait for our big reception, a second chance to wheel out the fancy dress!