As we celebrate the enchanting autumn harvest wedding of Charlotte and Martin, our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude. The couple’s creative vision, which blended gothic romance with fairytale whimsy, resulted in a truly magical celebration. Trailing flowers, a rustic barn venue, and the golden glow of autumn sunlight all combined to create an atmosphere that was nothing short of spellbinding. Guests were treated to divine attire, pumpkins, velvet accents, and even sparklers, as the sun dipped below the horizon. The pièce de résistance, however, was the lovely confetti-filled moments that filled the air with laughter and love. We’re thrilled to share these breathtaking images, courtesy of Three Flowers Photography, which capture the essence of one unforgettable autumnal day.
Autumn Harvest Wedding
The Proposal
It was a chilly winter morning on December 5th, 2021, when Martin suggested we visit Polesdon Lacey, a National Trust property we had yet to explore. As national trust members and garden enthusiasts, the idea of discovering a new historical building and its surrounding greenery was too enticing to resist. Little did I know that this trip would be etched in my memory forever. As we drove down, Martin mentioned some exciting new camera feature on his phone, but I was too preoccupied with the prospect of seeing Polesdon Lacey’s famous rose garden to give it much thought. Upon arriving at the property, we stumbled upon a stunning gated rose garden, complete with a picturesque wishing well in its center. To our delight, we had the entire area to ourselves. Martin took advantage of this serendipity, instructing me to lean over the wishing well, make a wish, and remain perfectly still while he experimented with his new camera feature. I obliged, never once suspecting that this was merely a ruse for something much more extraordinary. When I turned back around, I found Martin down on one knee, holding out a beautiful engagement ring. It was then that the reality of our situation hit me – Martin had been planning this momentous occasion in secret, and I was about to become his forever partner.
The Vision
As the leaves began to change colors and the crisp autumn air set in, Charlotte and her partner knew they had found their perfect wedding season. Both sharing a fondness for the cooler months, they also drew inspiration from their shared love of horror movies and Halloween festivities. As someone born in October, the couple’s choice of seasonal wedding wasn’t hard to understand. However, they were determined to avoid a full-blown Halloween theme, instead opting to draw influence from harvest, Thanksgiving, and Guy Fawkes celebrations. They yearned for an atmosphere that felt like stepping into a gothic romantic fairytale, complete with overgrown flowers and pumpkins, evoking the sense of mystery and enchantment found in abandoned, overgrown buildings they often visited.
The Venue
From the moment we laid eyes on The Barns at Lodge Farm in picturesque Epping, Essex, we knew we had found our perfect match. This charming venue exudes a warm, rustic charm that feels completely authentic – not staged or contrived in any way. As a working, family-run farm, the atmosphere is genuinely down-to-earth and inviting. We were particularly impressed by the welcoming nature of the team, who went above and beyond to ensure our special day was everything we dreamed it would be. The surrounding views are simply stunning, and the fact that the barns are essentially blank canvases waiting for us to bring our unique vision to life was incredibly liberating. It meant that our wedding didn’t have to conform to any predetermined aesthetic – we were free to make it our own, with no constraints or expectations.
Your Outfits
As I searched for the perfect wedding attire, I had mixed emotions about finding my dress at Angelica Bridal in Islington. Their dedicated plus-size collection made me feel seen and valued as a bride-to-be. My goal was to find an off-the-shoulder design that showcased my tattoos while also incorporating a flowing train reminiscent of overgrown leaves. With some trepidation, I had been worried about finding the right fit due to my size, but ultimately, I left feeling confident and radiant in my Justin Alexander dress.On the other hand, Martin’s search for the ideal suit was a different story altogether. The options available for big and tall men are notoriously limited, and our initial quest for a green velvet suit proved fruitless. That was until we stumbled upon Abitto, a brand that not only offers stunning tweed suits but also prioritizes size inclusivity, affordability, and exceptional customer service with speedy delivery. Adding the perfect touch to Martin’s ensemble was a velvety bowtie, completing his stylish look.
The Styling & Decor
When I began planning our wedding, I knew that I wanted a stylist who could help me bring my unique vision to life. Hayley Clements, whose work I had previously admired at the barns where she created an autumnal wonderland, was the perfect fit. Her experience and creativity immediately put me at ease as we collaborated on our special day. With her guidance, I shared my ideas with other suppliers, ensuring everyone understood the tone and aesthetic we were aiming for. The result was breathtaking – a whimsical fairytale setting that transported us to an abandoned world, complete with lush foliage, vibrant flowers, pumpkins, gourds, and touches of velvet. But the crowning jewel was undoubtedly my stunning, flowing bouquet, which perfectly complemented my dress and photographed beautifully.
The Ceremony & Music
As the ceremony unfolded, simplicity reigned supreme. Accompanied by the soulful melodies of Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, I made my way down the aisle. The tender atmosphere was further enhanced by a poignant reading from ‘The Amber Spyglass’ performed by one of my esteemed bridesmaids, adding an air of intimacy to the proceedings.
Your Photographer
Charlotte Kitchenside’s photographs from Three Flowers Photography are nothing short of breathtaking! Our wedding album is a constant reminder of the unforgettable experience we shared with her. Her exceptional talent left us speechless – the pictures perfectly capture the joy, love, and emotion of that special day. What’s more impressive is how effortlessly she captures the essence of each moment without staging a single shot. Charlotte is not only an incredibly talented photographer but also a kind and unobtrusive individual who makes you feel at ease in front of her lens. As I revisit our wedding album, it’s like reliving that day all over again. Having shared this experience with her has left us eager to work with her once more in the future.
The Honeymoon
Just three days after exchanging our vows, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Iceland, a destination that had long been at the top of our bucket list. The breathtaking landscape exceeded our expectations in every way, with its otherworldly beauty leaving us awestruck. November proved to be an ideal time to visit, as the tranquil atmosphere was free from the chaos of peak tourist season. Moreover, Iceland’s crime rate is practically non-existent, and the streets are immaculately clean. The icing on the cake was the warm hospitality extended by its friendly locals. Our honeymoon was nothing short of idyllic, with the blue lagoon retreat proving to be an indulgent treat that added a luxurious touch to our already serene getaway.
Memorable Moments
I’m fortunate to recall several cherished moments from my wedding day, including the electric atmosphere when I stood outside the barn with my dad, listening to the music start and feeling a lump form in my throat before even making my way down the aisle. Another standout moment was surprising Martin with his thoughtful gift – a personalized leather jacket that showed just how much I cared.What made our special day truly unforgettable, however, were the quiet, intimate moments we shared as a couple. Our portrait shoots allowed us to steal away and cherish those tender moments together, whether it was watching the sunset or sneaking off for a guilty pleasure like pulled pork burgers. But perhaps the most meaningful moment of all was when I decided to give a speech celebrating Martin’s many wonderful qualities. As you can imagine, I got emotional, but having him by my side and offering support helped me power through – it was a truly unforgettable experience.