Bohemian elegance with Heidi Hudson

These savvy newlyweds planned this delightful budget wedding day without compromising on style. Here’s how they did it…

Shannon and Connor holding hands while walking out of their wedding ceremony with their wedding guests throwing confetti over them both.

Shanon and Connor first met in 2014 when she was 17 and Connor was 19. "I was working as a waitress when Connor came in with his friends,” she says. "He asked me on a date and, after a few shy no’s, I agreed. I’m so glad I did.”

Shannon on the morning of her wedding day with her friends helping to fasten her wed2b wedding dress

Close up image of Shannon putting her bridal shoes on.

Connor proposed after the couple had been together for five years. “We were on holiday in Mexico,” says Shannon. “It was my birthday and Connor told me he’d got me a birthday gift but we needed to walk along the beach after dark. No one was around and he proposed."

"Honestly, it was such a special moment.”

Connor on the morning of his wedding day waiting for Shanon to walk down the aisle for their wedding ceremony.

Connor turning round to watch Shannon and her dad walk down the aisle to meet him during their wedding ceremony.

Discovering Heidi Hudson

Shannon visited Swindon wed2b and was pleased to find it was everything she hoped it would be. “I was a little anxious about my shopping trip, as I suffer with body confidence and I’m very shy,” she says. “There was no need though, as I was made to feel amazing the second we stepped in the door. The lady who helped me find my dream dress knew exactly what to put me in and I can’t thank her enough.”

Shannon smling at Connor while walking down the aisle to greet him for their wedding ceremony.

She chose our bohemian Delphine dress, a modern A-line with ornate embroidery and a lovely lace-up bodice.

“Delphine was the last dress I tried on and I instantly knew it was ‘The One’,” says Shannon.

“It was so delicate and romantic. I loved it so much and still do. I wore it with a Mermaid underskirt as well as a Loulou veil, a glittering Nova belt and, to finish, an Alpha Art Deco-style hair comb.”

A close up image of Shannon's dad during the wedding ceremony, listeding to the celebrant.

Shannon and Connor holding hands during their wedding ceremony.

Breathtaking florals

Delphine is a fabulous choice, full of relaxed boho styling but also with a delightfully modern feel. Plus, it’s perfect for next year’s floral embroidery trend! However, if you’d prefer sleeves, get the look with breathtaking Samson or try Ffion or Emilo for dainty straps.

Shannon and Connor kissing at the end of their wedding ceremony with their wedding guests standing and clapping.

The big day

The couple married in a Wiltshire registry office on 9th September 2022 and held their reception in The Moonraker Hotel in Trowbridge, a lovely local hotel down the road from where they had their first date.

Confetti shot of Connor and Shannon walking hand in hand with confetti floating around the.

A group shot of Shannon and Connor with all their wedding guests ourside their registry office.

"I got ready with my best friend, sister, cousin and mine and Connor’s first housemate,” says Shannon. “My mum spent most of the morning with us before she shot off to the venue."

"We had a really pared-back, rustic look in a beautifully lit marquee."

"There were trestle tables, eucalyptus garlands and plenty of candles, plus lots of wine, of course.”

Black and white shot of Shannon in the wedding car with a reflection shot in the window of Connor.

"My dad walked me down the aisle and he loves Connor like his own son,” says Shannon. “He also got me a pair of personalised white wedding Crocs for the dancing part of the day. I love them!”

Shannon and Connor holding hands on the grounds of their rustic wedding venue.

A magical rustic reception

“We expected A LOT of rain so, after the ceremony, we were quickly whisked away for photos outside before we missed the opportunity,” says Shannon.

“Thankfully the sun lasted all day and we had the most magical time."

"We still would have if it had rained, but thankfully it didn’t.”

Shannon raising her wedding bourquet while holding hands with Connor.

Planning a budget wedding

“I love the understated, rustic look and have been adding ideas to my Pinterest board for years,” says Shannon. “We didn’t have much money, as we were both furloughed during Covid and also bought a house right at the start of the pandemic.”

Back view of Connor and Shannon standing in front of their wedding venue. With Shannon turning her head to look at the camera.

Front view of Shannon and Connor holding hands infront of their wedding venue with Shannon holding up the skirt of her dress.

“However, we realised you really don’t need much money for a magical venue/look and atmosphere,” says Shannon. “We had such a wonderful time and so did all our guests. We danced all night long (in my Delphine dress and Crocs) and were so thankful that every one of our friends and family mixed so well."

Shannon and Connor embracing in front of a rustic barn wedding venue.

Close up image of Connor and Shannon kissing next to a rustic barn venue.

The best bits…

“The most memorable moments were getting ready with my girls and spending the entire day with my husband,” says Shannon.

“We were so in awe of how much we loved every person in the room and thankful they wanted to spend the day celebrating us.”

Connor and Shannon raising their glass during the speeches at their wedding reception.

And for other Heidi brides…

“Don’t waste your money trying to please your guests,” says Shannon.

“Do what makes you happy, what makes you comfortable. You’ll be so pleased you did, as you’ll have the day you wanted and best day of your life. Your guests who matter most to you will love the day because you’re happy.”

If you’ve loved reading about Shannon's budget wedding as much as us, then please share your big day pictures too. We just love finding out how you’ve worn and styled your Heidi design. Click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. You can see more free-spirited Heidi weddings here, too!

With love and laughter,

The Heidi Team