DIY Marquee Wedding in Norfolk

Photography by Carrie Lavers Photography

There are DIY weddings...and then there is this DIY marquee wedding!! This couple poured their heart and souls into their special day and boy did it pay off. From the stationery design (the bride is an illustrator - handy!) to the flowers and table decor including the napkins, every inch of this wedding had been carefully crafted with love. After the traditional church ceremony, the 165 strong wedding party made their way to the bride's beloved Granny's garden where they enjoyed outdoor speeches, an oyster bar and danced the night away.

Personal Touches at DIY Marquee Wedding in Granny's Garden

I or someone we love made almost everything at our DIY marquee wedding. We wanted to make sure that every inch of the day felt like us. Doing everything ourselves meant we needed loads of help from friends and family the week before, we had around 20-30 of our closet people there helping and getting to know one another in the run-up towards the wedding. This created such a wonderful sense of togetherness on the day of the wedding which was contagious. I was worried that our different groups of friends wouldn't necessarily click but they totally did.

Storm & Richard

Bride and groom at church service before DIY marquee wedding

Bridal makeup preparations for DIY marquee wedding

Church wedding ceremony for bride in Jesus Peiro wedding dress

Groom in navy wedding suit and patterned tie for church wedding

Beautiful bright wedding bouquet for bride

Bride hugs wedding guest at church ceremony

Bride and groom share a moment outside church

Jesus Peiro wedding dress with bow detail

Bride and groom walk down the aisle at church wedding

Bride walks down the aisle wearing veil carrying floral bouquet

Bridesmaids in white dresses carry bride's dress

We didn't have a specific theme in mind used Pinterest to whittle our millions of thoughts down for our DIY marquee wedding. Some of the words that spring to mind when I was designing the day: Colourful, bright, wild, homemade, pagan, foraged, chic. We didn't use a florist to save on costs so with help of my amazing creative bridesmaids and family we did most of the flowers together.

Storm & Richard

Shell illustrated table names with bright candles

Polka dot plate with flower stem place name

Bride and groom in sunset portrait at garden wedding

Bright florals and candles for DIY marquee wedding

White bridesmaid dresses and suit for the bridal party

Bride and groom listen to outdoor wedding speeches

Bride in Jesus Peiro wedding dress with bow detail

Bride and groom hug best man after wedding speech

Bride and groom share a moment during wedding speeches

Illustrated wedding stationery and table signs

DIY marquee wedding with foliage decor and lanterns

Best Piece of Advice for Planning Couples?

Family & friends are not allowed to talk about the weather. There is nothing you can do about the weather so don't waste energy on it. The best wedding I've ever been to was practically in a typhoon. Things will go wrong on the day. It doesn't matter, laugh it off and move on.

Storm & Richard

Although usually camera shy this bride looks sensational in the photos at the DIY marquee wedding captured by Carrie Lavers Photography and video shot by Rolta Films, suppliers that the couple found through our Recommended Suppliershere at Rock My Wedding. If you haven't checked out our suppliers you really need to, there are some absolute gems.