OURS Simply Carys and Ryan had a modern, understated celebration filled with thoughtful details and heartfelt moments at Sant Ffraed House Images courtesy of Jodie Hurd Photography Carys and Ryan met at work after they both moved to Cardiff, and it wasn’t long before their relationship began to blossom. Ryan proposed during a romantic break away in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, where the couple were staying in a charming cottage complete with a patio firepit and a cosy fireplace that helped set the scene for such a special moment. When it came to planning their wedding, the couple visited Sant Ffraed House and instantly knew it was the one. “The music playing and the scent of the candles at the venue definitely won us over – they really added to the atmosphere,” says Carys. “We loved them so much that we chose to have them burning on the day as well.” They opted for a modern, understated theme, using a palette of white and green with subtle hints of mauve. This was woven throughout the day, from the bouquets, arch, centrepieces and bridesmaids’ dresses to the finer details. Their cake continued the theme beautifully: a three-tier white design featuring acrylic initials and delicate sugar paper flowers on one side, with the bottom tier inspired by the corset detailing on Carys’ dress. Guests were gifted small boxes of chocolates tied with black ribbon and finished with personalised covers displaying the couple’s initials and wedding date. The stationery tied everything together with a black-and-white design accented with gold leaves. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and canapés, before sitting down to a wedding breakfast and later indulging in pan-Asian inspired dishes in the evening. Carys wore the Wrenley gown by Casablanca Bridal, from All About Eve Bridal. The sleeves were custom-made by Rhiannon J Ltd – Cardiff Alterations, using material ordered directly from the designer. “The sleeves were a last-minute addition and Rhiannon absolutely smashed it – they were perfect,” explains Carys. “I knew I wanted an A-line skirt and originally thought I wanted a completely plain Mikado dress, but when I tried Wrenley on, I fell in love with the corset shape and the delicacy of the beadwork. It was the opposite of what I’d been looking for, but it just felt right.” Ryan and the groomsmen wore classic tuxedos from Dyfed Menswear, paired with floral pocket squares created by Tina at Forever Green Blooms to match the bouquets – a modern and stylish alternative to traditional buttonholes. The bridesmaids were free to choose designs they loved, all in the same colour, from Ever Pretty. To keep their guests entertained, the couple hired Woo Illustrations to create live drawings throughout the day. “This was such a lovely addition,” says Carys. “We also had an Ultramirror from UltraBooth later in the evening, and garden games outside provided by Sant Ffraed House.” Reflecting on their wedding day, Carys and Ryan describe it as everything they had hoped for. “It’s so difficult to choose just one favourite memory,” shares Carys. “Seeing all of our family and friends together was incredibly special, as was meeting some of Ryan’s friends who live far away, and spending time with his mother and sister who flew over from Goa. But my favourite moment was having a little time just for the two of us, walking through the field at sunset and taking it all in together.” After planning such a memorable celebration, the couple shared their advice for future newlyweds. “My top wedding tip would be not to stress about the small things – it all falls into place,” says Carys. “Stress only takes away from the enjoyment of the journey. My biggest blessing during planning was my mum, who could easily give professional wedding planners a run for their money. She helped pull everything together beautifully, although I never want to see another Excel spreadsheet ever again!” REAL WEDDINGS 17
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