Kitty & Drew: A Rustic Theme with DIY Touches

Real Wedding at The West Mill Venue, Derbyshire

Your Love Story?

We met through mutual friends and our first date was at Costa. Drew lived in Oxford and moved in with me and my parents in 2014 as he was going to Derby Uni. We bought our first home in 2017, then quickly got engaged!
Drew proposed to me – unexpectedly in Oct 2017. We went on a dog walk to Dovedale and he got down on one knee at the top of Thorpe Cloud! He also brought some champagne and glasses where we sat and celebrated together. He chose the ring himself from a shop in Turkey where we go on holiday every year. 

What was your inspiration and vision for your day?

We have always loved rustic décor and wanted to get married somewhere that reflected this. We originally had in mind that we wanted to wed in an old barn, but after visiting the West Mill we fell in love with the venue, instantly. My parents said it was very ‘us’ too!

Why did you choose The West Mill Venue?

It’s beautiful grounds, views and feeling to the venue! Love how each of the rooms were on different levels and when we went for our viewing we booked our date there and then! The staff were really helpful, everyone was very organised and we just knew it was the right venue for us.

Did you do any DIY projects?

 Yes, lots!

  • Order of the day sign – made from an old crate – painted and vinyled.
  • Table signs – I did the graphics for our table signs and also the stickers on the favours. 
  • I designed and printed the seating plan graphics, although I rented the wire display from Booze Bath and Beyond. 
  • Multiple signs for around the venue, including Instagram tag signs and a selfie station one.
  • The whole selfie station was a DIY project. I used my old camera, put it on a tripod and timer and then borrowed my friends flower wall and made some props! 
  • Sign for guest book and vinyling on the guestbook.
  • Reserved signs for the ceremony chairs and booths
  • Ladder shelf to represent the presence of our family in heaven. I made signs for this and decorated it with photos of our grandparents etc
  • Place names – personalised wooden slices that were also favours as can be used for coasters.  
  • Bridesmaids bags / flower girl/ page boy/ best men gifts with personalised items including glasses, candles, bracelets, hip flasks etc

Tell us about the details…

We had a cake disaster! 2 days before our wedding our baker rang and told us she had Covid-19 and could no longer make our cake! Luckily, thanks to the power of social media, we managed to find a local baker who made our beautiful cake for us last minute! 

We had mainly roses and greenery as our flowers and our florist was amazing! She made the ceremony backdrop too.

We decided to go simple on the tables and only had a few flowers. Our tables were themes – gin and rums! Me and Drew collected gin and rum bottles for months before and these sat as our table centre pieces. 

What was on the Menu?

Chicken, salmon, blade of beef or vegetable risotto for dinner. Guests chose their main but then all had the same starter (soup) and dessert (brownie). 

We created a flavoured gin bar outside in the horse box which was very popular. Although, our most popular drink was prosecco! 

What was your favourite part of the wedding?

My highlight of the day was standing back on the dancefloor and just watching everyone having the best time dancing and singing their hearts out! Our page boy was also amazing!!!

Drew’s highlight of the day was having a prosecco in the dressing room, just me and him, straight after we said our I Do’s!

Do you have any advice for future brides & grooms?

Enjoy every second. Try not to stress , because on the day what will be, will be! It’s perfect no matter what details didn’t get done and you realise what matters the most. 

If you’ve been inspired by Kitty & Drew’s wedding and would like to know more about The West Mill, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to download a Wedding Brochure or get in touch.