DIY Garden Wedding & Homemade Wedding Dress

Photography by Gina Fernandes Photography

The best thing about this dreamy DIY garden wedding just has to be the fact bride and dressmaker Kathleen made her own wedding gown. Or perhaps the fact she made all four satin bridesmaid dresses? Maybe it's the fact her and Adam (an events planner by the way...) made 140 placements, the light up bar sign, the greenery... yes. The list is actually too long! We're also feeling pretty captivated by the florals from Recommended florist Daisy Ellen. Her beautiful pampas grass installations and moongate created a romantic backdrop as Kathleen and Adam exchanged the vows they wrote themselves. And if you thought that was magical, we can't even begin to explain the breathtaking interior of their reception marquee... So we'll leave the photos to do the talking.

Summer DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire with floral moongate and homemade wedding dress.

Kathleen's brother officiated the DIY garden wedding ceremony and married us together in the most meaningful monologue in the garden that we both grew up in. There were so many personal moments throughout the ceremony. A white butterfly even landed between us as we said our vows, which we decided to write ourselves. Adam cried his eyes out when Kathleen walked down the aisle. It was such a unique and wonderful ceremony.

Kathleen & Adam

Bride in handmade wedding dress with mixed pink rose bridal bouquet walks down the stairs before DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Bride in handmade wedding dress, veil and intricate bridal headpiece walks downs stairs holding mixed rose bridal bouquet before DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Groom in three piece beige Moss Bros. suit with floral buttonhole waits for bride with bridesmaid in orange dress during DIY garden wedding ceremony in Bedfordshire

Groom in beige three piece Moss Bros. suit with floral buttonhole wipes eyes with white handkerchief whilst he waits for bride during DIY garden wedding ceremony

Bride in homemade wedding dress holding rose bridal bouquet walks up the aisle holding arm of man in blue three piece suit during DIY garden wedding ceremony in Bedfordshire

Bride in homemade wedding dress and veil stands at floral Moorgate altar with groom in beige suit during DIY garden wedding ceremony in Bedfordshire

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress and veil laughs as groom in beige suit reads out vows during DIY garden wedding ceremony in Bedfordshire

groom in beige three piece suit with burgundy tie holds microphone whilst reading out vows during DIY garden wedding ceremony in Bedfordshire

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress and veil holding rose bridal bouquet walks holding hands with groom in beige three piece suit whilst guests throw confetti during DIY garden wedding ceremony

Various wedding guests smile and clap during DIY garden wedding ceremony in Bedfordshire

Green glass doors and floral garland open onto garden wedding ceremony with white chairs, pampas grass floral installations and floral Moorgate for DIY garden wedding

Pointed mint green heels with silver beaded strap next to homemade lace wedding dress for DIY garden wedding

Dusky orange, and blush pink roses with green foliage and dried grass bridal bouquet for DIY garden wedding

Blue silk flower with silver centre and diamond wedding ring resting on wooden chair before DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire

White clear sided marquee in garden with wooden bar and greenery for DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Interior of wedding reception marquee with clear roof, white ball lights and garlands for DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Copper frame seating plan with circular numbers and names strung across and foliage decor for marquee wedding reception

White three tier semi-naked wedding cake on tree slice cake stand with foliage decor on wooden table for marquee wedding reception in Bedfordshie

Wooden garden sign with four posts reading 'Helen's Secret Garden Come Rain or Shine' next to bush at DIY garden wedding

Bridesmaids in matching satin pyjamas and sashes have their make up done in bedroom before DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Stitching in lining of grooms beige suit jacket reading 'K & A August 28 2021' for DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress with open back has the back fastened by bridesmaid in rust cross back satin bridesmaid dress before DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Bride in white satin pyjamas sits on double bed with bridesmaids in ivory satin pyjamas and sashes as they all hold glasses of sparkling wine before DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress and floral and pearl hairpiece has her veil put on by wedding guest in blue dress before DIY garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Wedding guests stand in bedroom and smile at bride in homemade lace wedding dress and veil before DIY garden wedding ceremony in Bedfordshire

HOMEMADE WEDDING DRESS

Kathleen's wedding dress for this DIY garden wedding was made from Italian Lace and the bridesmaids from 100% Silk from Beckford Silks. Kathleen is a dressmaker and always knew she wanted to make her own dress. As a plus size bride she also knew it was important to feel comfortable on the day. She was able to create a dress that suited her figure perfectly and made her feel great. She wanted the bridesmaids to all have individual styles and colours so they felt great on the day too! We're feeling pretty floored at the talent on show here, and wondering how to get our hands on one of those silky gowns...

DIY GARDEN WEDDING DECOR

They decided to make almost everything themselves. Kathleen is a dressmaker and Adam is an events planner so they felt they could take on the challenge! Kathleen made her wedding dress, along with the four satin bridesmaid dresses. They made 140 placements - a bridesmaid and MoB ended up helping with these as well! They made the hanging wreath above the bar, the light up rustic bar sign, the flowers & greenery ceiling in the marquee, 140 napkins, stationery, succulent favours, invitations, signage etc. Adam's sister (who was his best woman) also made the cake! Talented family or what!?

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress with mixed rose bridal bouquet and curled hair hugs groom in beige suit with floral buttonhole at DIY garden wedding ceremony

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress with pearl floral hair pin smiles at groom in beige suits trousers and waistcoat as they stand in garden after wedding ceremony

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress holding mixed rose bridal bouquet with curled hair smiles at groom in beige suit with floral buttonhole at DIY garden wedding ceremony

Plus size bride in homemade lace wedding dress with train holding mixed rose bridal bouquet stands in garden after wedding ceremony

Smiling bride with long curled hair in homemade lace wedding dress and pearl necklace holds mixed rose bridal bouquet as she stands in garden after wedding ceremony

Birde in homemade lace wedding dress with train holding mixed rose bridal bouquet walks through field with groom in three piece beige suit, burgundy tie and floral buttonhole after DIY garden wedding ceremony

Copper frame wedding sign reading 'Welcome to the wedding of Kathleen and Adam August 28 2021' with foliage decor

Interior of marquee wedding reception with stage, large wooden light-up letters, chairs, garlands hanging from the ceiling and white paper lanterns for garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Pink velvet sofa and two blue velvet occasion chairs with various wooden furniture in corner of marquee at wedding reception with garlands and pampas grass for garden wedding

Wooden pot full of mixed white, red and green foliage on table at marquee wedding reception in Bedfordshire

Small potted aloe vera with stick sign reading 'You had me at aloe' on table at marquee wedding reception in Bedfordshire

Interior of clear-roofed marquee in garden with white paper lanterns and garlands hanging from the ceiling over white tables and chairs with plant decor for home garden wedding

Various photos pegged to string across interior side of marquee with wooden wedding sign reading 'when two became one'

Bride in lace homemade wedding dress with train is twirled around dance floor by groom in beige waistcoat and suit trousers inside wedding reception marquee with garlands, paper lanterns and fairy lights at garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress holds hands with groom in beige three piece suit as they walk with groomsmen and bridesmaids through field whilst holding orange and white smoke bombs

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress holds hands with groom in beige three piece suit as they stand with groomsmen and bridesmaids in field whilst holding orange and white smoke bombs

Groom in beige suit kisses cheek of bride in homemade lace wedding dress whilst bridesmaids gather around them and groomsmen smile holding orange and white smoke bombs at outdoor wedding in Bedfordshire

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress and veil stands with bridesmaids in assorted silk bridesmaid dresses as they all hold mixed rose wedding bouquets for outdoor wedding in Bedfordshire

Trays of champagne flutes filled with sparkling wine at garden wedding in Bedfordshire

Birde in homemade lace wedding dress with pearl and floral hair pin holding mixed rose bouquet smiles at groom in beige suit at outdoor wedding reception

Bride in homemade lace wedding dress holding mixed rose bridal bouquet walks into marquee decorated with garlands holding hands with groom in three piece beige suit for garden wedding reception

Four bottles of personalised ale reading 'Celebration Ale' for outdoor wedding in Bedfordshire

Bride in lace homemade wedding dress with train and open back with curled hair and groom in beige waistcoat and trousers walk into marquee with garlands at outdoor wedding reception

Man in blue three piece suit with burnt orange buttonhole makes speech during marquee wedding reception inn Bedfordshire

Bride in lace homemade wedding dress and curled hair holding toy swan smiles during marquee wedding reception

Groom in beige suit and white shirt holds dunk in the air as wedding guests raise their glasses during marquee wedding reception

Having DIY decor is a great way to make your wedding look and feel uniquely you.

Definitely do not sweat the small stuff. The small details do add up to create a beautiful looking day, but it really is all about the people you have there with you. The ceremony shouldn't be forgotten - it is the reason you are there after all!

Kathleen & Adam

This DIY garden wedding featured homemade dresses, homemade decor and well, pretty much homemade everything! We are convinced at this stage there is nothing Kathleen and Adam can't do. If a DIY wedding is on the cards, we've got a podcast full of DIY ideas you'll love. Or a whole range of wonderful DIY weddings which are sure to have something that will catch your eye!