For all the little girls who wanted to grow up and get married in a castle…guess what, you can. Today’s wedding captures all the moody romance of forgotten grounds, covered in floral overgrowth and a dreamy candlelit aisle. The bride’s father was born in Wales but passed away a few years ago so they chose to travel from Canada to Wales for their wedding as a way to honor him. Emily and Jay were married at Manbier Castle, looking to local help, Hanna Bousouf of Just Imagine Weddings & Events, to design + plan the day on site.
Emily shares: We incorporated some meaningful touches: my earrings were a gift from my father and had pearls from my Nana’s wedding dress added; the veil was handmade by my mother; and Jay’s ring was originally my father’s wedding ring. We also made an effort to select music that was really meaningful and represented our journey as a couple. We certainly felt my father’s spirit there and knew we had picked the right place.
From the Daisies traveled with the couple to snap these magical photos of the day!
UNREAL. Emily was surrounded by florals created by Forbesfield, overgrown and gorgeous along the castle walls!
WOW. Could you imagine walking down this aisle, surrounded by such history?? The chairs from Megan & Claude and candles lining the aisle are the perfect touch!
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Emily: Can I pick all the moments? Our day was filled with so many beautiful memories. Just before I was to leave for the ceremony our videographer asked me to sit for some last minute filming. I sat down and was a little anxious when I heard a guitar start to play in the next room. Then I heard Jay’s voice start to sing. He surprised me with a beautiful song he wrote for our wedding day. I started balling immediately and felt so blessed to be moments away from walking down the aisle to become his wife.
Just after the ceremony we walked to a room just outside the chapel. As soon as we crossed the chapel threshold we both broke down in tears of joy. I’ll never forget that moment of pure love and happiness.
Jason: After played her a song I wrote for her on the wedding day (we didn’t want to see each other before the ceremony), I walked away and could hear her crying. I’ll never forget that moment.
When I first saw her walking down the aisle towards me it was perfect. It still feels surreal. After the ceremony, we were lead to a little room where we could be alone for a second, which was very special.
After the wedding we went back to the villa for a bit of an after-party. Someone had the idea to do a late night swim. So all the men decided to jump into the ocean. Bear in mind that it was October in Wales so it was freezing but it was great way to end the best day. Definitely a memorable way to cap the night!
Processional: Mr. Tambourine Man by Bob Dylan (live acoustic version by Timothy Tate)
Recessional: Fields of Gold by Sting
First Dance: This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody) by Talking Heads
So beautiful, so romantic…
Emily’s Carolina Herrera dress looks like it was MADE for a castle wedding. Together with the handmade veil by her mother, she’s simply stunning.
Like a modern day Pride and Prejudice…swoooon!
Hire a wedding planner, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding from afar and on a quick timeline like us (5 months!). We didn’t see either the ceremony or reception venues until our wedding day so having a wedding planner available locally was key. I honestly don’t think it would have come together without her. Our planner was worth every penny!
The naked drip cake from Blanche Bakery is a sweet addition to the day!
As everyone travelled so far, it was really important to us that our closest friends and family members enjoyed their time in Wales. We were lucky enough to spend a few days before the wedding with our loved ones sharing a villa on the ocean. We will cherish the memories from those days filled with jam sessions, dance parties, ocean swims, and pub nights. We even had a dinner to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving where everyone pitched in! After the dinner we went around the room and everyone spoke to something they were grateful for. It was so heartwarming. The whole room was in tears by the end! Those few days were filled with so much love and laughter. Our loved ones made our few days in Wales the best of our lives!
Be sure to check out their sweet video by Tu Nguyen below…
We’re certainly thankful to E+J for sharing their day with us! Congrats from all of us at GWS!
photography: From the Daisies // venue name: Manbier Castle, Tenby, Wales, UK // event design: Hanna Bousouf of Just Imagine Weddings & Events // planning: Hanna Bousouf of Just Imagine Weddings & Events // florals: Forbesfield // wedding dress: Carolina Herrera // hairpiece: veil handmade by mother of the bride // bridesmaid dresses: Jill Stuart // hair stylist: Lucie Summerfield Bridal Hair Design // makeup artist: Jessie Dallimore Makeup // groom attire: Banana Republic // videography: Tu Nguyen // paper goods: Minted // catering: The Fuchsia Caffe // cake: Blanche Bakery // furniture rentals: Megan & Claude // music: Timothy Tate // officiant: Helen Williams, Treasured Ceremonies // reception venue: Penally Abbey Hotel // place cards: Made by Fallow // bridal suite + accommodations : Waterwynch
These pictures are so beautiful! I’m Helen, the celebrant on the day from Treasured Ceremonies; you’ve reflected the atmosphere magnificently, thank you!
These are such stunning wedding photos! So authentic. These weddings pictures remind me of the decor from http://www.5thavestore.com.
These photos are amazing.
I am just in awe of this whole wedding. The photos really make you feel like you are celebrating with them. Beautiful couple, wedding location.