A Tara Keely Gown For A Romantic Woodland Wedding

6a0120a65f64b9970c019b0290dcfd970c pi

As we move in to December and the Christmas holiday beckons us lovingly to take a well earned rest, many of you lovely bride readers will soon be, if you're not already, shifting your focus to your summer weddings next year, or maybe even in 2015 and beyond.   We've some absolutely wonderful Summer weddings to share with you on Love My Dress® over the coming weeks and this wedding today is a treat for all of you who may be planning to tie the knot outdoors.

Greg, and IT Consultant married Julia, a Media Researcher on 3rd August at Greg’s dad’s woodside house in Camberley, Surrey. I love this wedding not just because of how beautifully it has been photographed by Claudia Rose Carter – but also because this couple clearly had a truly perfect wedding day, just how they wanted it; relaxed and fuss free.  I adore how the essence of love between these two almost leaps off this blog page! That lovely smile of Julia' and that adoring gaze of Greg's – no to mention his vows that will have you reaching for the tissues in no time.

Photography Copyright (c) 2013, Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Greg and Julia have been together for three years and Julia shares a little below about how they got together…

"I moved to London in 2010 and moved into Greg’s shared house whilst he was away at his sisters wedding in the US. When he came back I was already living in his house, so we saw each other every day from then on basically and got together after a couple of weeks."

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"The following summer Greg had to go to Washington DC for work for three months which was hard and he came back for a surprise weekend (only one of our housemates knew he was coming back and making sure I would not have plans that weekend) and proposed to me. That was on 14th October 2011."

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"We chose our venue because Greg’s dad (who passed away beginning of this year) had wanted us to and we love the house and the surrounding woods so it just seemed right.

The style of our wedding day came to us fairly easily. We wanted our wedding to be as relaxed as possible. We just wanted everyone to feel relaxed and enjoy the day. Have fun. And as we were going to have it in a garden it was just naturally going to be a bit of a tea party.  And for the ceremony we just wanted to do our own thing as we both didn’t want a church wedding. So we went to the registry office three days before the wedding to quickly do the legal bits and then we had written a ceremony together with our friend Tareq who was the celebrant at the ceremony as well as one of Greg’s best men."

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"I wore a Tara Keely wedding dress.  My friend Thais basically found this dress for me. I had my head set on getting a lace dress and then when we went dress shopping she pulled this one out and said why don’t you try it? And I just totally loved it.Unfortunately it was way to expensive for me which I only found out leaving the shop when they handed me the price in an envelope.

But I got lucky and found it on preownedweddingdresses.com and bought it from a girl who was selling it still completely new but already paid for at a Macy’s store in the US and they shipped it over to me."

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Greg wore a bespoke, made to measure suit from Jack Bunneys and a Prada tie.  Love seeing a groom in a waistcoat and well fitting suit!

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"I went with Greg and two lady friends to Longacres (a huge flower shop near Camberley) and just bought a big load of flowers. I had also ordered some David Austin Roses in advance. And we made all the arrangements and bouquets etc ourselves.  I also wore fresh hydrangeas in my hair, which was probably not so good an idea when styling the flowers myself, because their heads had already started hanging before the ceremony had started."

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

I love the idea of assisting people to their table using personalised luggage tags like below, such a lovely way to add a bit of DIY style to your day too.

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"I collected all the vintage crockery and candle holders etc from carboot sales and charity shops. And Greg wanted loads of bunting so I made about 130 meters. Which turned out to actually be a bit to much so some stayed in the box."

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"My bridemaids wore dresses from different shops but same colour code and  length. One of my bridesmaids was 7 months pregnant so they couldn’t all get the same dress anyway."

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"Our photographer was Claudia Rose Carter. What to say about Claudia? I have seen her photos on Love My Dress many times so I’m sure you think as me that she is an amazing photographer! She is just great! I showed the pictures to my friends and colleagues and they were in awe!

We received some amazing comments. Everyone loved how they didn’t even notice when she was taking their picture."

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"We called and immediately booked Claudia as our wedding photographer over a year before the wedding and had a great experience the whole way. She even came round to the venue before hand to have a look around. And the results from the pre wedding shoot and the wedding itself are amazing."

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"My Dad walked me down the aisle – the song was 'Dawn' from the film Pride and Prejudice." 

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"We both wrote our own vows. We gave them to our friend Tareq beforehand to check they were approximately the same length etc.  My vows to Greg are as follows…."

'Greg, ever since I have met you, you’ve made me so unbelievably happy.
You are the most kind and crazy romantic person I have ever known.  When I’m with you I feel completely at home wherever we are. Not only in your lovely gestures and thoughtful surprises but your everyday gentleness, your cheerful spirit and of course your amazing eyes I see what a truly awesome person you are and I know that being your wife is going to be the easiest and most natural thing ever.

I want to thank you for all the love you give me,
For the patience you show me when I’m going a bit mental,
For all the crazy parties as well as little dates we have had together,
For all the support you give me when I’m feeling down
And for amazing cuddles that never make me want to leave bed in the morning.

I thank you for being the reason that coming to England was the best idea I have ever had and that because of you I start every day with a smile and I know whatever happens you will be there for me.
These past two and a half years have been a crazy and beautiful journey and through you they have been the best of my life. I sometimes wonder if you have any idea how happy you make me but I hope that you know how much I love you and that I would do anything to put a smile on your face.
So here are my vows:
I promise to respect and support you and always be there for you when you need me.
I promise to share all your hopes and dreams and help you fulfil them.
I promise to try and do the cryptic crossword with you, to always let you watch the Premier League and do my best to be less cluttery!
I promise to share with you whatever good and joyous things life will bring us. And bear with you whatever trouble and sorrow it will lay upon us.
But most of all I promise to always love you and be your friend, today and for all the days that will follow.'

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Greg's vows to Julia were as follows;

'My darling Julia
I stand before you today
To give myself to you
Everything I am
And everything I will become
Is yours

As your husband
I promise to love you
Be loyal to you
Respect you
And be there for you
Through all of the highs and lows
Of our future lives together

Just a few years ago
I never would have predicted that I would end up
Marrying an absolutely perfect bride
In an absolutely stunning setting
But then you waltzed into my life
And changed everything

Before you came along
I was floating through life
With no real direction
But you brought me meaning
Purpose
A reason to live
And a reason to be the best man I can possibly be
For you

I will do everything in my power
To keep you happy
Healthy and fulfilled
I want to spend my life with you
Experience the world with you
Have a family with you
And grow old with you

I feel so lucky that fate
Brought us together
Two and a half years ago
I knew almost immediately that you were the one
That I had to spend the rest of my life with
And I thank you so much
For coming my way

Julia Kausch
My love you for you is never-ending
Overarching
Transcending anything I ever could have possibly imagined
I will love you until my last breath
And I am now yours
For always.'

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

"David, one of the best men read the Shakespeare sonnet 116.  And this is our translation of a German poem that my dad read at the ceremony. When we were lighting our wedding candle which they had made for us.

'On your wedding day,
Let this candle burn; it is a radiant symbol.
May it remind you in years to come what you have promised one another today!
Its flame was there when you joined your hands,
And its flame was there when you gave your hearts away. It is more than just a candle.
It is a silent witness in the presence of your love
and will forever be with you.
On days when the sun is shining, You need not light it.
But when you are overjoyed,
If a child is on its way,
Or some other blessing falls upon you, Light it.
When it gets dark, When a storm is brewing, When the first fight happens, Light it.
When you need a change, But you don’t know how. When you need to talk, But you can’t find the words. When you want to embrace, But your arms are tied. Light it.
It is your wedding candle.
Its light is a sign for you.
It is a universal language, one that everybody knows. Let it burn as long as you need it,
Until you can both together,
Hand in hand,
Extinguish it.'

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

Words of Wedded Wisdom…

"Enjoy the day as much as you can and forget about little things that might go wrong. Just relax, you can’t change anything now anyways. Have a few moments where you just take in the atmosphere and realise that this is your wedding day. It will go by in a blink."

Tara Keely 2161, woodland wedding, outdoor wedding, Summer wedding, Photography by Claudia Rose Carter

What a simply wonderful day – total lack of fuss, just romance, smiles, love and one heck of a pretty princess style dress.

Readers if you love this style of photography, you can see more from Claudia Rose Carter on Love My Dress here.  You might also want to explore our woodland weddings, summer weddings and Tara Keely pages.

Love Annabel

Heart

Photographer – Claudia Rose Carter
Venue – The groom's fathers home
Brides Dress – Tara Keely 2161
Veil/Headpiece – Fresh flowers
Brides Shoes – Ballerina flats from Debenhams
Bride's accessories – Earrings via Ohkuol on Etsy
Groom's Suit – Jack Bunneys bespoke + Prada tie
Bridesmaids – Various, high-street
Flowers – The bride, using flowers from Longacres + David Austin Roses
Cake – Victoria sponge via Waitrose with sugar flowers made by the bride
Rings – Wedding Rings Direct
Catering Company – Beaton Caterers
Entertainment – The Groove Merchants
Stationery – the bride & her Dad

Love My Dress® on Google+

Annabel

Annabel View all Annabel's articles

Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.

2 thoughts on “A Tara Keely Gown For A Romantic Woodland Wedding

  1. Such a beautiful way to begin my day! I love this wedding, the woodland setting is just perfect. Julia looks fabulous – the best bit for me is the 5 year guest book idea. That’s brilliant!
    Claire x

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Close
Top