Laura and Josh’s Norfolk barn wedding was an unforgettable celebration of love and beauty! The rustic country festival theme set the tone for a whimsical and romantic affair, with earthy jewel tones, smoke bombs, and divine flowers adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Held at Happy Valley Norfolk, their special day unfolded amidst the woodland’s serene surroundings, culminating in a barn reception and picturesque woodland portraits. With gorgeous outfits, playful glitter makeup, and cowboy boots making an appearance, there was no shortage of memorable moments – including a very special first dance story that will leave you smiling. Thyme Lane Photography, a trusted wedding supplier member and favorite among our readers, skillfully captured every detail of their magical day, showcasing its beauty in all its glory.
Barn in Norfolk Wedding
The Proposal
As we strolled through York city centre on Christmas 2021, bathed in its enchanting festive lights, it was hard not to be swept up in the romantic atmosphere. Our leisurely walk took us around the iconic York Minster, and as we walked, Laura couldn’t help but notice that we were making repeated circuits of the magnificent structure. Initially, Josh’s wandering gaze had me thinking he might actually be lost, but as the minutes ticked by, I began to suspect there was more to it. It wasn’t until we’d been walking in circles for about 15 minutes that Laura asked the question on my mind: ‘Why are we circling the Minster?’ Josh’s sheepish grin gave away his secret: he was searching for something specific – a heart-shaped window embedded in the stunning stained glass of the west facade. Our joint quest finally led us to the sought-after treasure, nestled beautifully within the intricate design. As we gazed upon the breathtaking sight, Josh launched into the legendary tale that ‘all couples who share a kiss beneath the heart-shaped window will remain together forever’. The romantic gesture left me breathless, and as we turned back from our reverie, I spotted Josh dropping to one knee, a stunning ring in hand. With tears of joy welling up, he asked me to be his forever partner – and of course, I said yes!
The Vision
Our vision for our special day was all about embracing the free-spirited joy of love and laughter. As country music lovers, we knew we had to incorporate that passion into our wedding celebration. The thought of exchanging vows surrounded by lush greenery, lively tunes, and warm sunshine was truly irresistible.
We wanted our big day to be a reflection of our playful, adventurous personalities. Think rustic charm, outdoor games, and delectable ‘el Familia’ style feasting that would bring everyone together in the spirit of merriment and togetherness. As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, we envisioned a magical atmosphere filled with glittering moments that would leave our loved ones beaming with delight.
More than just a beautiful ceremony, we hoped to create an unforgettable experience for our friends and family. After a challenging few years, we wanted to give everyone a reason to smile, to feel grateful for the new relationships we’ve formed, and to celebrate the love and unity that brought us together.
The Venue
Tucked away in nine acres of enchanting woodland and open space lies Happy Valley Norfolk, a serene sanctuary operated by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. This idyllic haven has a special allure, as it was once affectionately referred to as ‘Happy Valley’ by Katy & Scott’s grandfather, who felt the essence of magic during his time here. Our initial visit left us with the same sense of wonder and joy that we now associate with this special place, where love and laughter flow freely – making it the perfect setting for our unforgettable day.
Your Outfits
As we exchanged vows, I wore a bespoke Blue Marc Darcey Tweed Suit that exuded rustic charm, perfectly complementing my beloved’s fondness for his iconic braces. Meanwhile, Laura stunned in her beautiful boho lace ensemble from Adriana Alier at Bridal Rogue Gallery in York, her hometown and the same city where Josh proposed to me. Both of us were adamant about being comfortable on our special day, which is why we chose our trusty Ariat cowboy boots as our go-to accessory. With these boots, we could dance the night away without compromising our true selves – Laura being the kind of girl who prefers comfort over high heels!
The Ceremony & Music
As guests arrived at Happy Valley, they were warmly welcomed by Tennessee twin, the country duo. The courtyard’s rustic charm was set amidst a picturesque backdrop of a willow tree, where family and friends gathered on hay bales, awaiting the bride’s arrival. The air was filled with excitement as Laura made her way down the aisle, lined with vintage rugs, to the sweet serenade of Steve Martin and Dolly Parton’s ‘Pretty Flowers’, a favorite of Josh’s late father. The intimate setting was complete when Laura reached Josh’s side at the top of the island. After exchanging their vows, the registrar concluded the ceremony with a heartfelt reading from Luke Combs’ hit single ‘Better Together’, leaving everyone in stitches. With the formalities out of the way, the newlyweds walked hand-in-hand to celebrate their new life together, accompanied by the upbeat tune of Bright Eyes’ ‘First Day of Our Life’.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
As soon as we got engaged, we found ourselves scrolling through the internet, curating our dream wedding board on Pinterest. A few months later, at a Wedding Fair, we stumbled upon a stand that showcased almost 80% of the images we had pinned. We were immediately drawn to Thyme Lane Photography, whose style, color palette, energy, and love-filled captures resonated deeply with us. It was as if their visuals embodied our ideal wedding aesthetic. The instant connection we felt with Noemi and Pal’s work led us to book them for our special day. For us, it was crucial to find a photographer who could transport us back to the exact moment in time when looking at the photos. We yearned for an artist who could capture not only the visual beauty but also the emotions, laughter, and love emanating from each scene. Seven months after our wedding, we still indulge in our photo album every day, reliving that same euphoric feeling we experienced on our most unforgettable day. We’re eternally grateful to Thyme Lane Photography for gifting us with a treasure trove of memories.
The Styling & Decor
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, we remained committed to bringing a rustic country festival theme to life at the Winward Festival. Our natural earthy colour palette served as a guiding principle, and we adapted our approach to ensure that guests felt immersed in a fun-filled celebration, even without camping on-site. The idyllic rustic barn with its charming courtyard provided the perfect backdrop for an outdoor music experience. We simply needed to add a few finishing touches, including themed outdoor furniture, to create an inviting atmosphere that complemented the stunning venue.For dinner, we transformed the barn into a cozy setting by naming tables after our favorite country songs about friends, family, and love. One of these was ‘Family Table’ by Zac Brown Band, which featured lyrics on one side and a unique wedding logo created in collaboration with Laura’s sister, who painted watercolor wildflowers that could be digitally arranged to match the festival’s colour scheme.The flowers stole the show for Laura, perfectly capturing the earthy tones of our wedding colour palette. Thatch & Roses did an outstanding job, bringing Laura to tears when presenting her with the bouquets and flower crown – a beautiful tribute to her niece.
The Honeymoon
As the COVID-19 pandemic restricted our movements, my partner Laura and I embarked on an impromptu adventure, commandeering a pick-up truck that had previously chauffeured her to a special ceremony. We decided to take the scenic route, driving the entire North Coast 500 in Scotland – a picturesque route that weaves through some of the country’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. To make the experience even more memorable, we brought along an acoustic guitar and camping stove (although we ultimately opted for luxurious accommodations instead). As we cruised along the winding roads, the sound of music filled the air, accompanied by nostalgic reminiscences about our enchanting wedding celebration.
Memorable Moments
Josh’s romantic gesture was nothing short of extraordinary! When Laura and Josh met, they came from different musical worlds – Josh was into alternative music, while Laura had been a country fan since childhood. However, their shared love for the band Striking Matches brought them closer together. They attended multiple concerts by the guitar sensations, with the plan to always have ‘When the Right One Comes Along’ as their first dance song. Six years of relationship later, Josh surprised Laura in the courtyard, announcing their first dance – but with a twist! A homemade projector screen came to life, featuring Striking Matches performing their special song live. As we danced together in front of our friends and family, it was clear that this was more than just a romantic gesture – it was a testament to the power of love and shared experiences.