WWW readers Helen and Maarten were married in South Africa in April, but headed to the UK for a blessing on the 20 ^th June 2014 on a gorgeous summers day. They wanted an English country garden fete feel to their day and chose The Bells Of Peover pub to host their reception.

With fete games, a bake off and thoughtful personal touches their guests had a whale of a time.

I adore Helen's pretty boho bridal look, with her floaty dress and flower crown she looked gorgeous. Such a wonderful day.

Thanks so much to Emma Boileau Photography for sharing her lovely images today.

THE PROPOSAL | At the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam. We're both avid distance runners, so this was fitting.

THE VISION | 'English country garden fete'

THE PLANNING PROCESS | Since we live is South Africa there wasn't much of a planning process. We only arrived in the UK 10 days before the wedding, so although the venue, flowers, photographer, church etc were booked... that's about as far as we'd been able to get! In hindsight that's probably a good thing. The stress would probably have been too great otherwise.

BUDGET | Let's say this was supposed to be a relaxed low key party with a low key budget, but that was blown out of the water as the small party became a full on celebration.

THE VENUE | St Oswalds Church, Peover, Cheshire (dating back to the 13 ^th century) with obligatory bell ringers. We then had a very short walk into the Bells of Peover restaurant and pub, known for its role in the planning of the D day invasion. Jane the vicar, and Jose and the team at the Bell,s couldn't have been more helpful!

THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES | A Joanna August dress from the US. Few accessories other than a flower halo to fit in with the theme and some pearl earrings courtesy of my mum and sister. The shoes I already had from a previous wedding... and I knew I could walk in them (I'm not so used to heels!!)

FINDING THE DRESS | This was interesting! I couldn't find anything I liked in the typical wedding dress stores. I wanted something simple, a bit vintagey, comfortable... but all I could find were 'toilet roll covers' or dresses which were either heavy, or where you were so strapped in you couldn't even breath or have a drink. I saw 'the' dress online in the US and decided to take a chance and order it on the basis I could always tailor it/sell it if it didn't work out. Fortunately it worked out! It was a little big, and was strapless, but I added small spaghetti straps myself and did have to have it shortened and taken in.

GROOM'S ATTIRE | Maarten had a fantastic suit hand made by Grant at Frank Bespoke in South Africa.

THE READINGS & MUSIC | Music was provided by Sale Brass Band, much better than getting people from all different nationalities to sing hymns they may not necessarily know. We had our own playlist for the afternoon/evening.

Readings were provided by Helen's good friend and thespian Mark Winstanley, who read a Shakespearian sonnet to perfection. Helen's sister Clare then read a Pam Ayres poem on marriage which suited her style too. Oh, and Jane the vicar also threw in some Dutch for the Dutch visitors which was great fun. All were brilliant!

BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS | Helen's sister Clare. Relying on her good taste, I left her to choose her own dress.

THE FLOWERS | Provided by Rachel Hall. She did an amazing job with seasonal flowers for our bouquets, my flower halo, the church and table decorations which fit in with the theme perfectly. Again, she couldn't have been more accommodating.

THE CAKE | We weren't into the big cake cutting thing, so friends baked their signature cakes which we had on a cake table a la 'Great British Bake Off'. This was more personal and went down a treat!

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER | Emma Boileau of Emma Boileau photography. Again we were super lucky with Emma. Despite not being able to meet up before the big day, she worked wonders and made us feel completely at ease. Everyone commented on how nice she was!

THE DETAILS & DÉCOR | Fortunately the church and The Bells were already fantastic venues and didn't need too much 'dressing up' so to speak. In keeping with the theme we just added bunting and flowers outside, along with garden games for guests to enjoy. Apart from one non lethal head injury from a flying giant connect four piece, this worked perfectly. Inside we just dressed up with a little more bunting, vintage tablecloths and accessories such as wine crates, chalkboard signs, board games, candles, flowers in jam jars or tins, vintage suitcases for decoration and for cards to go in etc. Much of this came from raiding the attic, charity shops, hobbycraft and ebay. Fortunately I have some very creative friends who helped, and who also designed and created the invitations and thank you cards.

THE HONEYMOON | Due to our crazy travel schedule, this will come later!

MEMORABLE MOMENTS | So many.... Just having all our family and friends come together from all over the world was amazing! We also enjoyed lots of 'photobombing' (not mentioning names.. Joe & Liv!), guests getting to know each other playing our home made 'bridal bingo' game, a stealth like interception of the bouquet toss, late night Jagerbombing and cigars.... Oh, and of course the ceremony itself and seeing each other for the first time of course!

ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES | We had no choice but to leave a lot of things to chance and do away with a lot of formalities. This worked for us. Stay true to yourselves and try not to worry or panic (things can be done in relatively little time if need be). Relax, take some time for yourselves and enjoy the ride.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE |

Reception Venue | The Bells Of Peover, Peover, Knutsford, Cheshire

Photography | Emma Boileau Photography

Flowers | Rachel Hall [email protected]

Dress | Joanna August

Suit | Frank Bespoke

Music | Sale Brass Band

How pretty?! A beautiful summers day.

Thanks so much to Helen and Maarten for sharing their lovely wedding story with us XOXO Lou