It feels like Christmas today, since I've been looking forward to sharing this lovely wedding with you all for a while! First featured in Wedding Collection Magazine, Helen and David's laid-back, intimate, countryside soiree is the epitome of relaxed glamour with the spectacular Rickety Bridge as its vineyard backdrop. There was a real sense of natural beauty too - from the wildflowers and wooden elements, the naked cake and greenery-bedecked arch, to the nods to eco chic, including a pre-loved Jenny Packham dress (just as breathtaking on its second trip down the aisle!). Laura Leigh 's pictures from the day captured just how intimate, romantic and joyful it all was.

The Proposal The Venue The FlowersThe Dress
My wedding dress was by Jenny Packham, a UK designer that I just love. I tried on a sample of my dress at a wedding fair here in Dubai. It was a bit over the budget brand new, but I had fallen in love with it - it summed up the 'relaxed glamour' theme perfectly. In the end I decided to look for the dress second hand. It took some vigilant searching, but eventually my mum found the right size on Miss Lemon Brides, a UK website dedicated to selling pre-loved Jenny Packham wedding dresses. I would definitely recommend considering a second hand dress if you're stretched on budget - mine looked brand new and I love that I have continued the dress's legacy! It also added to our 'eco-friendly' theme!
I always wanted wild-looking flowers to help accent the relaxed feel. I am definitely not a roses and lilies girl! I didn't stick to a specific colour palette, and allowed nature to inspire me along the way - lots of greenery, mostly white florals and a few touches of pale shades of creams as accents. I had blue flowers in my bouquet too for a pop of colour.
Rickety Bridge had stunning scenery, had a vineyard for its front garden and offered great value for money on its wedding package without compromising on quality or elegance. It offered an amazing food and wine menu and gorgeous accomodation. We knew our guests would love it as much as we did. It ticked all of our boxes!
We have spent quite a lot of time on day or weekend trips to the Musandam, the Northern tip of neighbouring country Oman. So in the New Year of 2014, we decided to do a fishing trip. It turned out that Dave had been planning to pop the question all along. We took the boat to a small secluded beach which has amazing snorkelling. After lunch, Dave proposed to me. It was so perfect and private, and very special as we have had so many fun trips there. We were married exactly a year to the day later!

You can see more from this wedding on Laura Leigh's blog.

SERVICE PROVIDERS
Venue & catering: Rickety Bridge Wine Estate | Photography: Laura Leigh Photography | On-the-day co-ordination: Michele Steyn from Passionately Weddings | Cake: Sacred Ground | Flowers, décor & hiring: Ivy Blue | Stationery: STN Stationery | Bride's dress: Jenny Packham | Bride's accessories: Steve Madden (shoes) | Rings & jewellery: Cara (Dubai, UAE) | Hair: Massimo Spazzoli | Makeup: Make Up by Michelle | Bridesmaids' dresses: ASOS | Flower girl dresses: Marks and Spencer | Groom's attire: Zara | DJ: Soundprint | Marimba Band: Ama Wolseley Marimbas