Kickstarting the week on a high note, I’m thrilled to share Emily and Adam’s vibrant Barff House Country Wedding in Yorkshire, captured by Sarah Beth Photo on July 27th, 2019. The happy couple described their special day as ‘fun, relaxed, and definitely colourful – the best day ever!’ And it’s not hard to see why, given the stunning images that follow. A huge thank you to Sarah for sharing these breathtaking captures with us!
The Proposal
It was a Christmas morning like no other when Adam decided to pop the question. Unbeknownst to me, he had been planning the perfect proposal for months. He knew that I have a special affinity for spending time at home with family and that we share a love for the holiday season. So, on December 23rd, 2017, he convinced me to take an early morning walk with him in the village where my parents reside. Little did I know, this stroll would be the start of an unforgettable adventure. As we walked, Adam got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever partner. With tears of joy streaming down my face, I said yes! To celebrate our newfound love, Adam pulled out a bottle of champagne, and we toasted to our future together. The morning didn’t end there, as he surprised me with my favorite breakfast at my parents’ place, making the day even more special.
The Vision
As we planned our summer wedding, Adam and I agreed that family, food, and music were top priorities. While he wasn’t too fussed about the flowers (I, on the other hand, was very particular!), we both wanted to include as many loved ones as possible in the celebration. In terms of the wedding itself, I envisioned a relaxed atmosphere, filled with bright and bold blooms and thoughtful personal touches. It was actually seeing cranes online that first sparked my interest, which proved to be a good thing, considering it took some time to fold 1,000 of them!
The Planning Process
As meticulous planners, my partner and I created a comprehensive spreadsheet detailing our expenses and tasks from the onset. With 18 months to prepare, the planning process didn’t feel overwhelming. However, as the big day drew near, I did experience some jitters during the final week of preparations. I attribute this brief bout of stress to pre-wedding anxiety rather than any genuine concern about the wedding itself.
The Venue
We exchanged our vows at my parents’ local church in Etton, just outside Beverley – a special place that held meaning for both of us. Following the ceremony, we hosted our reception at Barff Country House in Brandesburton. As I had some knowledge of local wedding venues, but none really resonated with me, it was my mum who stumbled upon our chosen venue online. Upon visiting, I fell deeply in love with its picturesque setting – a blank canvas that didn’t require much embellishment to look stunning. What’s more, the flexibility to work with our preferred suppliers, from food and drink to flowers and decor, was incredibly appealing. Our host, Katy, was also an absolute delight to work with, offering invaluable guidance throughout the planning process.
Your Outfits & Accessories
My wedding dress was a stunning piece from Essense of Australia, courtesy of Limelight Occasions in Lepton. It wasn’t love at first sight, as it took four tries before I fell head over heels for this beauty. In fact, I had already booked other appointments on the same day, feeling obligated to honour those commitments. But none of the dresses that followed could compare to my beloved Essense of Australia gown. The intricate details on the back and the flattering cut and neckline at the front were absolute showstoppers. And let’s not forget the majestic train that added an extra layer of drama. To complement this detailed masterpiece, I opted for a sleek, plain cathedral veil and paired it with Rachel Simpson’s exquisite blue gardenia shoes. The finishing touches included my late nan’s breathtaking pearl and opal earrings, which I treasured greatly, as well as my mum’s thoughtful gift – a simple yet elegant silver bracelet that added the perfect touch to my overall look.
The Readings & Music
The intimate ceremony took place in my parents’ quaint village church, exuding warmth and charm. The venue was ideal for our special day, with its rustic beauty and cozy atmosphere.The ceremony itself was truly unforgettable. As we exchanged vows, the sweet sounds of Bach filled the air, setting the tone for a heartfelt celebration. A selection of hymns followed, accompanied by my mother’s gentle reading from the Bible and Adam’s sister’s poignant poem, ‘Marriages is Ugly’. The moment we signed the registers, Karen Harding’s powerful renditions of ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Higher Love’ brought tears to our eyes and joy to our hearts. My aunt’s thoughtful prayers added a personal touch to the proceedings, making the occasion all the more meaningful.
Beauty
When it came to my and the bridesmaids’ hair, we entrusted Riverside Hair and Beauty with the task. As for makeup, I had two trial sessions, but neither left me feeling entirely satisfied. Undeterred, I decided to take matters into my own hands – literally! With the guidance of my sister-in-law, a makeup whiz herself, I was able to achieve a look that was a subtle yet radiant enhancement of my everyday appearance.
Your Photographer
The Details & Décor
The wedding décor was elevated by the elegant cranes, which made a lasting impression (as seen in the photos). To commemorate the special day, we gifted each of our guests with bottles of damson gin, expertly crafted by my best friend and bridesmaid, Kate. The gesture was met with enthusiasm! Additionally, we used these same bottles as unique place settings, adding a personal touch to each table setting. A dymo writer and Kraft brown labels were employed to create the distinctive labels, which made for a striking visual effect. Every table featured beautiful flowers, while a green glass bottle with personalized table numbers added an extra layer of sophistication. The florist also cleverly incorporated some blooms into the bottles, adding to their charm. A photo booth was set up, inviting guests to capture Polaroids for our cherished guest book. As the evening drew to a close, we lit the fire pit and provided marshmallows for a sweet treat.
Bridesmaids
I’m grateful to have had five fabulous bridesmaids and two lovely flower girls by my side on my big day. The group consisted of my best friends from school and university, as well as Adam’s two sisters and my sister-in-law. My adorable nieces, Eva and Edith, stole the show as my flower girls, exuding a sense of innocence and charm.I opted for dresses from ASOS for my bridesmaids, which proved to be an excellent choice. Initially, I had envisioned pleated midi skirts, but after struggling to find the perfect tops, I decided on these stunning dresses instead. The intricate embroidery details and subtle pleats added a touch of elegance, making each one look radiant – even Megan, my maid of honour, who had given birth just two weeks prior, looked absolutely breathtaking!
Groomsmen
Adam’s attire for the special day was effortlessly put together, comprising navy blue mix blend three-piece suits from Next and burgundy ties from TM Lewin. Given Adam’s tendency to leave things until the last minute, these purchases were made a mere two-thirds of the way into the wedding planning process! While Adam took the reins when it came to choosing his suit, I was happy to lend a helping hand – we even went shopping together. As for his trusty best man, Kyle, he surprised Adam with a thoughtful tie clip featuring the date of our big day, which was proudly worn on the occasion.
The Flowers
I opted for a more free-spirited, bohemian-inspired bouquet that featured an abundance of lush foliage alongside vibrant pink peonies, delicate September blooms, and subtle hints of sunshine yellow. I was absolutely smitten with the result! To further set the tone, we created a whimsical flower bower along the archway as guests arrived at the venue, while also adorning each table with additional floral accents. The pièce de résistance, however, was the stunning meadow arrangement that ran the length of our top table, its natural beauty truly taking center stage. I had the pleasure of working with The Beverley Flower Company to bring my floral vision to life.
The Cake
Our wedding dessert spread was a true labor of love, courtesy of our best man who took on the task of crafting a stunning three-tiered masterpiece. The semi-naked design featured a beautiful combination of eucalyptus and flowers, while the accompanying brownies, blondies, and caramel shortbread added a delightful variety to the table. As we savored each bite on the night of our celebration, we also saved one tier for a special brunch the following day, courtesy of my parents who invited our loved ones over for an afternoon tea and cake gathering.
Entertainment
As we mingled over canapés and welcome drinks, a familiar face from the past, Adam Lynch, took to the stage for an impromptu performance that set the tone for the night ahead. Later in the evening, Young Soul (Johnny Ross Music) brought their unique energy to the party, delivering an impressive rendition of our first dance, ‘Love Come Down’. As the night wore on, Adam’s cousin joined the festivities with a soulful saxophone solo, while Karen Harding’s powerful vocals kept the party going strong well into the early hours.
The Honeymoon
Our three-week odyssey took us to the vibrant lands of Thailand, Singapore, Borneo, and Bali, an experience that left us in awe. Initially, we were torn between various destinations but desired a mix of cultures and landscapes. Drawing from our past adventures in South East Asia, we opted for this selection of places. This itinerary allowed us to immerse ourselves in diverse experiences while still enjoying relaxation time.
Memorable Moments
As I walked down the aisle, a mix of emotions hit me – excitement, nervousness, and overwhelming joy. Adam’s beaming face is etched in my memory forever. The heartfelt speeches that followed only added to the emotional intensity. My dad’s words were particularly moving, filled with love and warmth. And then there was Adam’s speech, which left a lasting impression on me. I’ll treasure the memories of that special moment for years to come.
Advice For Other Couples
The journey of planning an unforgettable experience can be a challenging one, but it’s essential to remember that the pace at which time passes often catches us off guard. To make the most of this opportunity, it’s crucial to take your time and truly savour every moment – from start to finish. Additionally, embracing each step in the planning process with an open mind and a willingness to adapt can lead to a more seamless and enjoyable experience.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With a picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery, Emily and Adam’s special day was nothing short of breathtaking. Behind the lens, Sarah Beth Photo masterfully captured every tender moment, ensuring that their love story would be preserved for years to come. The enchanting setting of Barff House Country Wedding provided an idyllic atmosphere, where the couple exchanged vows surrounded by lush flowers courtesy of The Beverley Flower Company. Emily’s stunning dress, designed and crafted by Limelight Occasions, perfectly complemented her radiant beauty, while Riverside salon added a touch of elegance to her locks. As the big day drew to a close, Tribus Digital beautifully wrapped up the celebrations with their exquisite wedding stationery. And in a heartfelt gesture, Lou expressed her gratitude for being a part of this joyous occasion, sending Emily and Adam off into their new life together with love and best wishes.