Intentionally finding Moments of Calm on your Wedding Day
Today we're welcoming brilliant Louise of Taylor & Porter and Susie of Knot & Pop to share their thoughts on finding calm on your wedding day. I'll let them take it away...
This inspirational piece set within the stately home estate of Port Eliot in Cornwall, England, focuses on bringing a sense of calm and embracing mindful moments on your wedding day. Your wedding day will likely be one of the most emotionally heightened days of your life and the pressure that comes with such a profound day can leave many brides feeling emotionally vulnerable; particularly in the hours leading up to the ceremony itself when this can be most keenly felt. We wanted to tell a tale that draws on Far Eastern ideas of meditation, mindfulness and bringing a sense of well-being to the morning of your wedding and indeed the rest of your wedding day. Port Eliot, where we told this story, has been lived in for over 1000 years and is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited dwelling in the United Kingdom. The earliest written reference to this home is from the 5th century AD, Augustinian monks were there from the year 937, while the earliest remaining evidence of a dwelling on the site is a 1500-year-old glazed tiled floor, dating from the late Iron Age. In the 18th century, Sir John Sloane remodelled the Grade I-listed priory and house and landscape gardener Humphrey Repton created the gardens and park. Starting with this tranquil and beautiful safe haven of a setting, we focused on the Far Eastern art and elements found within the home. Port Eliot is full of the accumulated treasures of its long history with both the architectural details and the home’s antiquities providing us with our palette of springtime oriental colours complimented with touches of gold. We focused on a luxurious and chic bridal style, drawing on materials and textures that felt classical and opulent whilst remaining bohemian, modern and relevant. Working predominantly with the five senses we explore ideas that aim to make this day, your wedding day, one of the most memorable and enjoyable days in your life, allowing you to be as present and relaxed as possible.
Firstly, Location… A venue that you feel instantly emotionally connected to is the ideal surround to make you feel calm, excited and content. Whether that venue be a historic home like Port Eliot, with it’s eclectic, bohemian sensibility in the beautiful English country-side, or something modern and city bound, it’s important to feel your venue reflects you both as a couple, allowing you to enjoy the space and feel comfortable in it. Consider a venue where you can stay the night before and marry on site so the morning of your wedding day you are in place and can enjoy every moment without the worry of having to make a big journey to your ceremony. The more travelling you add to your day, the more panicked about arriving on time things can become, with unforeseen traffic jams never a friend of any bride.
Early to bed… The night before your wedding it may take you longer to drift off than normal so head to bed a little earlier and give yourself that time to relax. Comforting linen sheets and a calming play-list are the perfect way to set you up for a restful sleep. Guided mindfulness meditations can be downloaded onto your smart phone in advance, helping to calm you into easy rest.
First Wake… A calming infused tea and hearty, healthy breakfast, brought to you in bed for that extra indulgence, is the ideal way to start the day. Avoid greasy and fatty foods as these could make you feel queasy if nerves are heightened. Many brides say they can feel too anxious or excited to eat in the morning but it really is important. A breakfast bowl layered with colourful fresh fruit, natural yogurt and granola is a visual treat that many brides will find easy to eat and will provide that much needed boost to your energy levels for the day ahead.
Calming Scents… Consider your favourite scent as a room diffuser, or candle, so as you’re getting ready a lovely aroma fills the space to relax you. We used traditional sage smudge sticks, an ancient form of incense which are used to cleanse the air and bring peacefulness.
Calming Sounds.. Make yourself a play-list to enjoy for the morning. Pack a set of bluetooth speakers into your overnight bag and of course don’t forget your phone charger. Music has a wonderful role in emotional balance and you know the sort of music that let’s you feel positive, excited and relaxed; fill the space with these sounds and enjoy the feeling that it brings.
Pamper Time… If you’re a bath person, have a good soak the morning of your wedding with enriching bath salts and even flower petals if you wish. How often can you be this extravagant after all? Treat yourself to a dressing gown that makes you feel wonderful; we chose a luxurious silk Kimono that is beautiful to touch.
Your Inner Circle… Along with your inner circle of bridesmaids and mother(s) on the morning of your wedding, there will be others to consider on the supplier side, and it’s important to choose them carefully and make sure you have a great natural dynamic with them. Those front line in the morning are the Hair and Make Up artists, the Photographer, and the Planner, should you have booked one. Each are there to ensure you have a seamless and memorable day, taking the pressure away from you so you can enjoy your day in full. Minimise distractions by asking that last minute questions and queries are directed to your nominated trusted person, whether this is your Planner, a Bridesmaid or Family member.
Take In Your Surrounds… It’s important to connect and become present with your space. Clear yourself of your phone and if you’re getting ready in a room with a beautiful view then take a moment out to take in the vista. Notice the sounds, colours, scents, focus on your breathing. If you practice mindfulness or meditation, allow time into your morning for some practise. The aim is to connect you to the here and now, rather than your mind racing about all the details of the day to come.
Contingency Time… Most importantly, the morning shouldn’t be rushed. It’s important to build in contingency time should for any reason aspects over-run in the morning. If the day starts late, it can be emotionally challenging with stresses easily heightened. Ensuring you have a hair and make up trial not only means you are happy with the planned look for the day, but also means the time needed to achieve the look is known, and accounted for in the wedding schedule. We recommend that you aim to be ready an hour before your ceremony begins. It’s much better to be relaxed, knowing you’re ready to go, allowing you time to enjoy being with your Bridesmaids and Family rather than rushing at the last moment. Alternatively in this time why not consider a..
First Look… A great way to remove any last minute nerves is to consider a First Look session. This brings the couple together, ahead of seeing all their guests at the ceremony for some pictures with their Photographer. It fuses the strength of the couple, to lean on one another if any nerves are setting in. It’s also an incredibly personal and intimate moment to savour as one of those future all-time-favourite memories and is a great time for pictures as everything about your look and the florals is pristine.
Thank you to lovely Louise of Taylor & Porter for this beautifully thoughtful piece on finding calm on your wedding day.
Port Eliot Estate Wedding Film | Cornwall from Baxter and Ted Films on Vimeo.
Vendor Details
Photographer: Taylor & Porter | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Stylist / Planner: Knot & Pop | Floral Designer: The Garden Gate Flower Company | Dress Designer: Yolan Cris via The Wedding Club | Ring: Michaela Roemer | Earrings: Kristin Hayes | Venue: Port Eliot | Videographer: Baxter & Ted
