Wiktoria and Adrian’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, family, and personal connection. Set in the heart of an English garden, their day was intimate and warm, surrounded by the people who mean the most to them. With touches of tradition and a relaxed, joyful atmosphere, the couple created a day that perfectly reflected their personalities and their love for one another. From heartfelt vows under an apple tree to moments of laughter and celebration with family and friends, their wedding was a truly unforgettable experience.
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Style: Intimate, relaxed, joyful, personal, garden-party
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 30
Setting: Family Garden
Season: Summer
Adrian and Wiktoria’s love story began eight years ago at the University of Bath, thanks to a Tinder match that turned into something much more meaningful. “We quickly realized how much we had in common,” Adrian recalls. From sharing dreams to trying new things together, their bond grew stronger with each passing day. However, life threw its fair share of challenges at them. They faced long distances for four years due to university placements, demanding careers, the pandemic, and Adrian’s military service. Despite the obstacles, they found ways to stay connected, proving that Wiktoria was the one Adrian wanted to spend his life with.
The proposal came during a trip to Mexico, where Adrian chose a moment that perfectly captured their relationship’s simplicity and beauty.“We walked down to the shore with our coffee as the sky began to lighten,” Adrian says. “It was just us, the waves, and the sunrise.” Adrian got down on one knee as the colors painted the sky and asked Wiktoria to marry him. “It was perfect for us— a simple, beautiful start to the next chapter of our lives together,” adds Adrian.
About the Wedding
The concept and vision for Wiktoria and Adrian’s wedding were deeply rooted in their desire to celebrate love in its most intimate and genuine form. From the beginning, they knew they wanted to keep the day intimate and personal, surrounded only by those who had a profound impact on their lives. They wanted the wedding to reflect who they are—cherishing love, family, and the simple joys of life.
Close friendships and relationships mean the world to us, and it felt right to share this special moment with the people we hold dear.
Inspired by the charm of English gardens and the warmth of close-knit gatherings, the couple envisioned a day filled with greenery and the relaxed, joyful vibe of a garden party. Keeping the atmosphere stress-free and low-key was important, allowing everyone to feel at ease and enjoy the moment without the usual pressures.
To capture the magic of their intimate and personal wedding, Wiktoria and Adrian invited photographer Vanessa Olewicz, whose talent for storytelling through her lens was the perfect fit. Using digital and film cameras, Vanessa beautifully captured the essence of their day, preserving the big moments and the subtle, candid ones—the shared smiles, heartfelt glances, and the joy radiating from their family and friends. Her attention to detail was remarkable, capturing the lush greenery of the garden setting and the soft, romantic atmosphere that defined the celebration.
Wedding Day
Wedding Morning & First Look
The morning of Wiktoria’s wedding was peaceful and beautiful as she prepared for her special day. Opting to do her own makeup, she chose to stick with a look that made her feel confident and authentic. By doing it herself, Wiktoria allowed herself to feel completely at ease, letting her true self shine as she walked down the aisle, embracing the moment with comfort and grace.
The journey to finding her wedding dress was a bit of an adventure. Wiktoria found her wedding dress unexpectedly in an Oxfam charity shop. “As soon as I saw it, something drew me to it,” she recalled. The fit was perfect, but she felt it needed something extra. After seeking advice from the Reddit wedding community, she decided to make it her own.
With the help of a talented seamstress in London, Wiktoria transformed the dress from a halterneck to a strapless bodice with structured boning and added volume to the skirt. A delicate scarf made from vintage cream fabric and floral embellishments at the back completed the look. She paired it with vintage Chanel pearl earrings and modern cream pumps from Dear Frances for a perfect balance of vintage and contemporary style.
Adrian and Wiktoria chose to have a private first look, a moment just for the two of them. It was a chance for them to truly connect, away from the crowd, and embrace the emotions of the day. This quiet time allowed them to feel at ease and soak in the significance of the day without any distractions or pressure.
We made a pact before the wedding to take a few minutes alone right after the ceremony. With family and friends pulling you in all directions, it's easy to lose sight of each other. We found a quiet spot to ourselves, just to take it all in. This brief moment helped us to fully appreciate what we had just experienced together.
Ceremony
Getting married outdoors in England is always a gamble with the unpredictable weather. The day before the wedding, the forecast predicted thunderstorms, so the couple decided to try a fun tradition they’d heard about—burying a sausage to ward off rain. “Whether it was the sausage or just good luck, the weather on our big day turned out better than expected,” they shared. While the sun played hide and seek behind the clouds, the day only saw a few moments of light drizzle. Rather than dampening the mood, this brief shower added a romantic charm, giving them the true English wedding experience.
The ceremony took place in a family garden, right beneath the branches of a beautiful apple tree. Wiktoria’s mother walked her down the aisle, a deeply meaningful moment for her. “Raised by a single mom, I couldn’t imagine anyone else by my side for this important walk,” Wiktoria shared. Instead of a traditional officiant, the couple chose a close friend to lead the ceremony, adding a personal significance that brought warmth and intimacy to the day. Adrian and Wiktoria also wrote their own vows, making the ceremony even more emotional.
As they exchanged promises in front of their loved ones, it was difficult to hold back the tears. Afterward, they were filled with an overwhelming sense of joy, knowing the day had been everything they dreamed of—intimate, emotional, and brimming with love.
Moment Alone
The festivities began at 2 PM as guests arrived and were warmly greeted by Adrian in the garden, offering glasses of prosecco and a stunning croquembouche—an homage to Wiktoria’s love for French pastries. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and conversation as friends and family mingled, creating a sense of togetherness and joy before the celebration began. It was heartwarming to watch everyone come together, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.
The newlyweds decided to break tradition and have their first dance before dinner. After three months of practice (and a few stepped-on toes along the way), they danced to “Until I Found You,” creating a truly magical moment. “It was a magical moment, and I’m glad we got it out of the way early,” they shared, “so we could fully relax and enjoy the rest of the evening!” The early dance set a joyful tone, allowing them to savor every moment of the celebration that followed.
Wiktoria and Adrian shared some personal moments together, beautifully captured by the talented photographer Vanessa Olewicz. The couple’s connection and love were perfectly reflected in each shot, preserving their memories in the most authentic and natural way.
Reception
Wiktoria took great joy in planning their wedding, from gathering inspiration and crafting mood boards to carefully selecting vendors who understood their vision. The goal was simple: to create a celebration that felt unmistakably “them.”
Their color palette drew inspiration from the vibrant beauty of an English garden in full bloom. Pastel pinks mingled with electric pinks and lush greens, creating a whimsical yet elegant backdrop for their special day. The bold yet soft hues added a touch of playfulness and charm, perfectly complementing the joyful celebration they had envisioned.
Wiktoria and Adrian’s dinner was a nod to their love of Italy, their favorite travel destination. The evening began with an antipasti spread, followed by a spinach and ricotta ravioli starter that was a hit and a perfectly cooked sea bass main. Choosing dessert was no easy feat for this sweet-toothed couple, so they opted for three indulgent treats: a zesty lemon tart, rich affogato, and a creamy cheesecake instead of a traditional wedding cake.
The evening was filled with memorable moments, especially when Adrian’s father brought out a military sword passed down through four generations of military officers, adding a touch of drama and laughter to the speeches. The newlyweds kept the energy alive as the night wore on with late-night pizza, a silent disco, and wedding games like the shoe game and a custom silent disco guessing game. Guests were in stitches, dancing and laughing into the night, creating an unforgettable and fun-filled celebration.
One of the most memorable moments from Wiktoria and Adrian’s wedding day was the presence of Wiktoria’s grandparents, who traveled from Poland to be part of the celebration. Their attendance was deeply meaningful, as Wiktoria spent much of her childhood with them and shares an incredibly close bond. “Getting them here was no small feat,” Wiktoria shared. “They had only flown once before, so convincing them to make the trip from Poland to England was quite an effort. But having them there made the day even more special than we could have imagined.”
Adding to the significance, Wiktoria’s grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary around the same time, turning the wedding into a dual celebration of new beginnings and enduring love. “While the entire day was filled with wonderful moments, I have to mention the food – particularly the lemon tart we had for dessert. It was so rich and tasty that I could have easily devoured the whole tart myself! It’s a taste I still find myself thinking about long after the wedding day!”
We have always done things our way, and our intimate garden wedding was no different. It was a perfect reflection of who we are as a couple—personal, meaningful, and filled with the love of those we cherish most.
Advice from the couple:
• Cherish moments together: One of the most beautiful things about your wedding day is having all your closest friends and family in one place. But amidst the excitement and joy, don’t forget to carve out some time just for the two of you.
• Have a wet weather plan: If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, make sure you have a solid Plan B. This will save you stress on the day and ensure you know exactly what to do if the weather turns. But remember, even if it does rain, embrace it!
• Comfort is key: For all the brides planning to wear a strapless dress, consider getting invisible straps for later in the evening. I put them on once we hit the dance floor, and it made all the difference.
• Don’t forget to eat! With all the excitement and activities, it’s easy to forget about the food. Make a point to actually sit down and enjoy your meal. Trust us, you’ll need the energy, and you don’t want to miss out on the delicious food you’ve carefully selected.
PHOTOGRAPHER Vanessa Olewicz | FLORALS Gloria Studio | CATERING In The Frame Catering | MARQUEE Boutique Marquees | DRESS ALTERATIONS Design & Alter | CAKE Vanilla Pod Bakery | CROQUEMBOUCHE The Cotswold Guy | SIGNAGE B Phillipps Art
