Awesome hairstylist Michelle and fiancé James made their DIY home wedding look completely effortless - find out how!
Having your wedding at home has many great benefits! No huge venue fees, no travel, total control over costs, your home - your vibe... There can be nothing more intimate and personal but, to some, the thought may be quite daunting. I have seen first-hand just how incredible a home wedding can be and Michelle and James made it look easy…
Step 1: Set up your own amazing salon... Okay, this is not an essential part of the process I'm sure but Michelle recently started her own business (@theindepentcollective) and so has all the necessary skills required to pull off the perfect event including great style, excellent planning skills and the passion to drive a project forward. She also has a beautiful salon (pets welcome); a perfect location for bridal prep!
Michelle sourced her own faux flowers from Amazon & Shein for the bridal and bridesmaids bouquets and after creating her beautiful arrangement, guided them through the process of making their own. Being a stylist, Michelle did her own hair, Michelle's bridesmaid Claire did her makeup and with nails by @beautyboxbylauralouise it was a great team effort to get everyone ready and back to the house for the ceremony.
Step 2: Get in with the neighbours... Persuade your neighbours to have a marquee erected across their drive, close the street off for the day and put up with lots of noise. Pro tip: this is probably much easier to achieve if you invite them along to the wedding.
Michelle sourced the perfect décor and furnishings to create an elegant undercover ceremony space. Giant pink blossom trees framed the area creating a romantic summer feel and Michelle chose hot pink lighting to create a vivid atmosphere which would work on through to the evening celebrations.
James and Michelle opted for a civil ceremony at Islington Town Hall with their nearest at and dearest the day before and so could enjoy a totally personal ceremony performed by on of their friends on the day (without the cost of having to get a licence).
Preceded by her gorgeous bridesmaids in floor length, navy dresses from Asos and flower girl in soft pink, Michelle stunned in a beautiful Grecian, pleated gown by Zeus+Dione. James looked equally gorgeous and perfectly co-ordinated in navy and pink.
Step 3: Ply awesome friends with drinks...
Michelle and James' house is designed to entertain. Their beautiful garden has various seating areas , which, with a few additional lights and decorations became the perfect location for their drinks reception. Bar staff were on hand to serve guests whilst the marquee was turned around for dinner. With the sun emerging and the kids entertained with garden games, Bride, Groom and guests mingled to the sound of Ibiza classics on sax performed live by @sax.niki.
Time for a quick group shot and then to make use of Michelle's homemade confetti before guests were invited to sit down for dinner.
Step 4: Food Van
@trottandwhinny served up a fabulous selection of gourmet burgers hot off the grill whilst guests welcomed the bride and groom and enjoyed games and speeches, banquet style (tables and seating @wdtlondon). Michelle created her own table centre pieces using their favourite bottles, flowers and grasses hand picked from their local fields in cute, pink Ikea vases as well as making all her own signage and menus.
Step 5: Get everyone to pitch in.
If there do happen to be any minor mishaps, eg a broken dishwasher or an unexpected run on prosecco... allow your guests to roll their sleeves up and lend a hand.
Pro-tip: Your photographer will not be drinking so if you need someone sober to take your bridesmaid on a booze run, just ask!
Step 6: Relax and enjoy!
It was great to see such happy and relaxed guests at a wedding. Nothing beats being in your own home or being welcomed so warmly into someone else's. It was a worry that the pressure of hosting such a large event would take its toll on the bride and groom but they took everything in their stride. When the DJ kicked off his set with the newlyweds first song, 'You make my dreams (come true)', all eyes were on the happy couple who shone in the spotlight. Michelle sparkled as she danced in the street wearing her glam evening party outfit (Asos) Surrounded by fairly lights (lovingly strung by James), as the sun went down, it couldn't have been more atmospheric.
It showed that James and Michelle put their friends and family at the centre of their day with their generosity, the relaxed atmosphere they created and all the thoughtful, personal touches. From the ornamental pig who watched over the evening cheese buffet, to the selfie mirror to capture all the fun after I had left, every detail was carefully thought out and made the day extra special.
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