We’re thrilled to share the joyous union of Sarah and Jon, who tied the knot on June 2nd, 2018 at Bawdon Lodge Farm in Leicestershire. As you gaze upon the stunning images above, courtesy of Hannah Hall Photography, it’s palpable that love and happiness radiate from every frame. The entire collection of photos is a visual treat, overflowing with warmth, color, and emotional depth.The couple’s vision was to craft an outdoor celebration that reflected their free-spirited nature and showcased vibrant hues. And what a resounding success! Their barn wedding, adorned in bohemian splendor, featured a mesmerizing macramé backdrop, lush greenery, twinkling fairy lights, and a show-stopping love quote banner. It was the perfect setting to exchange vows in style.The party then spilled out into the adjacent tipi, where personalized touches and thoughtful gestures created an enchanting atmosphere. As the night unfolded, live music entertained the crowd, while guests cozied up in bell tents for an unforgettable camping experience. What a way to commemorate their love!As you continue to savor these cherished moments, keep your eyes peeled for breathtaking floral arrangements, stunning attire, and even a cake-baking competition that will leave you in awe.
The Proposal
I’ll admit, I never expected Jon to propose. In fact, when he offered to take me anywhere in the world for my 30th birthday, I didn’t even consider the possibility. My friends kept hinting that a proposal was imminent, but I just brushed it off, saying ‘it’s not Jon’s style.’ Little did I know, I’d be proven wrong on September 11, 2016. After a day of exploring Rome, we were caught in a torrential downpour – ankle-deep water, to be exact. We huddled in the doorway of our apartment building, shivering like two wet rats. Looking back, I can see the look of sheer panic on Jon’s face as I emerged from the apartment later that evening, clutching what I thought was an empty backpack. As I patted down the bag to see if it had dried out, I had no idea a little black box was hiding at the bottom – one that had somehow managed to stay dry in the storm. Jon later confessed he’d been dying inside, thinking he’d blown his chance, but fortunately, I hadn’t noticed! Later that evening, just as we were about to head out for dinner, I turned to find Jon on one knee, ring in hand. It was history in the making! As it turns out, Jon had originally planned to propose at one of Rome’s famous landmarks, but the thought of becoming a human statue or getting run over by scooters had him quickly changing plans and opting for the safety of our apartment instead.
The Vision
We opted for a non-traditional approach from the outset, seeking a celebration that reflected our unique blend of whimsy and adventure. We craved an outdoorsy setting where vibrant colors and cherished elements could converge, creating a true representation of who we are as individuals. As we look back on our special day, I’m confident that it embodies our personalities and is a testament to the love and laughter shared with our loved ones.
The Planning Process
As the excitement of finding our perfect venue grew, we knew we had to set a date for 2018 before it was too late. To ensure everything came together seamlessly, I created a budget spreadsheet and carried a dedicated planning notebook with me everywhere, jotting down ideas and inspiration as they arose. This approach proved invaluable, helping me stay organized amidst the chaos of wedding planning. In fact, I’d highly recommend this method to any bride-to-be, as it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of details to consider. For me, hours spent browsing online were a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration. Pinterest, in particular, became my go-to resource – I created board after board, filling them with must-have elements for our special day. And, of course, real bride blogs (like WWW) provided invaluable insights and advice, helping us stay on track throughout the planning process.
Budget
Our initial budget was £15k, but we ultimately exceeded it. We discovered that it’s surprisingly easy to rationalize additional expenses with the thought ‘we’re only doing this once, so what’s another hundred pounds?’ before realizing the total cost has skyrocketed. Although our wedding was truly unforgettable and worth every penny, I must admit that we got carried away and lost track of our original spending limits.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As most brides will attest, the dress you initially set your heart on often turns out to be the complete opposite of what you ultimately choose! I was no exception – I declared from the start that I didn’t want a traditional princess-style gown, nor did I want excessive bling or a dramatic train. Yet, when it came time to try on dresses, the first one I put on because I thought it wasn’t my style ended up being the one I fell deeply in love with! In all honesty, I was dreading dress shopping and only agreed to go with my mom to an end-of-line sample sale at Soar Valley Brides out of obligation. However, as soon as we arrived, I was thrilled that she had convinced me to come. The kind ladies running the sale made me feel at ease, and the vast array of dresses available allowed me to try on many different styles. My chosen dress – an Alfred Angelo from the Sapphire collection – fit like a glove, leaving no doubt in my mind that it was meant to be. To complete the look, I selected a tiara and veil from Soar Valley Brides, which perfectly complemented the overall ensemble. For daytime footwear, I opted for ballet pumps from ASOS, adorned with a subtle unicorn motif, while my dancing shoes were lilac Converse sneakers. In contrast, Jon’s attire was more formal – he chose blue suits to suit everyone and wore a three-piece blue suit with a grey tweed waistcoat, bow tie, and brown shoes. His only additional accessory was his grandfather’s pocket watch, which added a touch of sentimental value to the overall look.
The Venue
As nature enthusiasts, my partner and I sought to infuse our special day with an outdoorsy essence. Traditional venues didn’t quite fit our vibe, so we began exploring unconventional options. Pinterest quickly became a treasure trove of inspiration, featuring stunning tipis that stole my heart. When the opportunity arose to tour a local site for pitching these beauties, I jumped at the chance! Bawdon Lodge Farm, which I’d often passed on drives, truly came alive when we arrived. We were smitten with every aspect of the property and knew we had found our haven. The venue’s willingness to license their barn for ceremonies sealed the deal. From our first meeting, Lynn, Richard from Bawdon, and Jodie from Sami Tipi demonstrated exceptional dedication and attention to detail. Their genuine passion for our wedding, matched only by ours, was a deciding factor in choosing them as suppliers. On the big day, the team at Bawdon worked wonders, expertly coordinating every aspect of our celebration. We were also honored to be the first licensed ceremony at Bawdon Lodge Farm, and our pride in taking those inaugural steps down the aisle knows no bounds.
Beauty
My dress and hairstyle were intricately connected – I wanted to showcase the beading on my dress, so I opted for an updo. As usual, I entrusted my locks to Sheardesire, who has been styling my hair for years. I’m quite particular about my hair, so I only let her touch it! For makeup, I chose Ruby J Beauty, whose work I admired after seeing a friend’s wedding look she created last year.
The Readings & Music
We incorporated two readings into our ceremony, with extracts from An Awesome Book of Love by Dallas Clayton and That Still and Settled Place by Edward Monkton. Unfortunately, our friend Derick, who was scheduled to read the latter, ran a bit behind and missed his initial slot. However, he took it in stride and ended up doing his reading during the speeches as a forfeit, which added some much-needed humor to the day. His good-natured attitude helped to diffuse any tension that may have arisen from the unexpected turn of events. For our ceremony and reception, we had Mango Acoustic Duo perform live music. They played a song for our entrance and exit, as well as two songs during the signing of the register – which we had carefully curated beforehand. Their presence added a relaxed and intimate atmosphere to the proceedings. Following the ceremony, they moved outside and set up their jukebox, allowing guests to request their favorite tunes. In the evening, we opted for a DJ and live music by Monroe. From the moment we discovered them at a charity event six weeks prior to our wedding date, we knew they were the perfect fit. Their exceptional performance left us completely blown away, and we’re thrilled that they were available on our special day.
The Flowers
We chanced upon Maria, the talented florist from The Flower Patch, at a Sami Tipi open day event. Her infectious passion for her craft was palpable, and I was struck by the fact that all the flowers were seasonal, locally sourced from her own garden, and meticulously hand-picked with love. We decided to go with her buckets and bouquets package, which allowed us to create our own arrangements on the day. I requested a focus on bright colors, leaving the rest up to Maria’s creative expertise. The end result was nothing short of breathtaking – our table decorations and buttonholes were truly stunning!
The Cake
We decided against the traditional cutting of the cake and instead hosted a thrilling Great Wedding Bake Off! The rules were simple: each of our day guests was invited to bring their favorite cake, bake, or dessert to be judged for a chance to take home the title of champion. We were blown away by the response – 26 entries in total – which showed us that we have incredibly talented friends! To ensure a fair and expert judging process, we assembled a panel consisting of Thomas the Caterer, Richard from Bawdon Lodge, and Jon’s two brothers, Rob and Ed. To make the experience even more special, we hand-painted a custom cake stand at our local paint-a-pot studio for the champion, while I created handmade fimo lay star baker magnets as a token of appreciation for all participants. The event was an absolute blast and a fantastic way to engage our guests in a fun activity.
The Details & Décor
As a self-proclaimed hoarder, I spent months accumulating everything that caught my eye or seemed potentially useful. This strategy backfired when Jon suddenly realized the sheer volume of wedding-related items I’d collected – I had even taken over his man shed! We were fortunate to have Bawdon Lodge arrange for Tara at Tickety Boo Events to style the barn, and she did an incredible job. Seeing the transformed space was a highly emotional moment. The tipis provided a blank canvas for us to bring our vision to life. We arranged three giant hat tipis in an arc formation, allowing us to create distinct areas for eating, drinking, and dancing. While the tipis were impressive enough, we kept decor simple, relying on DIY elements and thrifty finds. My mum spent hours crafting 150 meters of stunning bunting, which I’ve never seen replicated, and she also made all the table runners. I personally created handwritten signs, including my favorite – an order-of-the-day sign written on an old eight-pane window. A vintage tea trolley rescued from a skip served as the perfect display for the post box we hired. As a fitting gift, we offered two flavors of fruit-infused gin as favors, given that Burleigh’s Gin distillery happens to be located on-site at Bawdon. We also incorporated a ‘draw the outfit’ RSVP element (designed by my incredibly talented friend Emily Cole Illustrations), which allowed us to dedicate an area on the dance floor for displaying all the submissions. Outside, we created cozy seating areas with hay bales and fire pits. To keep guests entertained, we set up space hoppers, giant Jenga, hook a duck, and a ring toss made from garden flamingos. We hired bell tents from Bell Bliss as accommodations for ourselves and our guests to stay in, and I even repurposed one to create a kids’ play area that was a huge hit.
The Honeymoon
After exchanging vows, we embarked on a romantic getaway to Italy, where we spent a night in Pisa’s historic city center and three enchanting evenings in Florence’s cradle of Renaissance art. This brief escape allowed us to relax and relive the magic of our special day before returning to reality. A few months later, we jetted off to New York for the grand finale – an unforgettable honeymoon adventure that exceeded all expectations!
The Food
Thomas the Caterer truly outdid himself by crafting a bespoke menu that perfectly captured our unique personalities and quirky preferences, including my confessed love of cheese! His team’s dedication to bringing our creative vision to life was impressive. The menu featured an eclectic mix of offerings, from afternoon tea-inspired canapés to a show-stopping entirely cheese-based starter, followed by a picnic-style main course and a decadent cheesecake that set the bar for all future desserts. To round out the culinary experience, Thomas also treated us to a fudge kitchen at the coffee station and an evening food option of fish and chips served in NYC-style takeaway boxes.
Bridesmaids
For my special day, I was fortunate to have three close friends – Josie, Zara, and Laura – serve as my trusted bridesmaids. Without a predetermined color scheme to guide their attire, I opted for a neutral approach, allowing them to choose dresses that complemented the overall aesthetic without being too matchy-matchy. Their Jenny Packham No.1 Mayfair gowns in pale pink with delicate rose gold beading on the bustle and straps proved to be a stunning choice. And the best part? I was able to snag these gorgeous dresses at an incredible 70% discount from Debenhams, making them an absolute steal!
Groomsmen
Jon’s brothers, Rob and Ed, served as best men, with no ushers in sight. They all donned suits from Jon Paul Menswear, opting for a mix-and-match approach that allowed each of them to stand out while still sharing a cohesive style. This variety was made possible by the menswear shop’s range of options, which catered to individual tastes and personalities.
Your Photographer
We sought a photographer who could capture genuine moments with ease, rather than stiff, posed shots. Our chance encounter with Hannah Hall Photography at a Sami Tipi event led us to fall in love with her warm personality before even seeing her work. The connection was instantaneous – it felt like we were reuniting with an old friend. This rapport put us at ease, making the experience seamless and enjoyable. Professional, discreet, and fun-loving, Hannah’s approach made our collaboration a breeze. To add another layer of magic to our day, she brought along fellow photographer Steve as our second shooter, ensuring no moment was left uncaptured. We always knew our photos would be exceptional, but the final product exceeded our expectations – they’re truly breathtaking! By reliving those moments through Hannah’s images, we’ve been granted a lasting sense of emotion and gratitude.
Memorable Moments
We cherish the memory of exchanging vows in front of our closest loved ones, as it marked the start of an extraordinary chapter in our lives. The fact that our ceremony took place at Bawdon Lodge Farm, making us the first licensed couple to do so, only added to the significance of the occasion. Every moment from that day feels like a treasured keepsake, with the entire celebration unfolding under one roof – or rather, within the three majestic tipi hats that served as our wedding canopy. The joy and love that filled the air was palpable, making it impossible to pinpoint any single highlight. For us, the whole day was truly the best of our lives, thanks to the presence of everyone we hold dear.
Advice For Other Couples
As I delved deeper into wedding planning, Pinterest – my go-to platform for inspiration – became a double-edged sword. The endless streams of ideas and pins had me feeling overwhelmed, so I learned to curate my thoughts, allowing them to evolve organically as the planning progressed. Ultimately, it’s your special day, and no one else’s, so don’t be afraid to inject your personality and do things your way. For us, that meant incorporating all our favorite elements, from decor to music, which resulted in a truly unforgettable celebration. A huge part of what made our journey so memorable was the incredible team of suppliers we worked with – talented individuals who not only shared our vision but also provided unwavering support throughout. The key is to find the right people to collaborate with and trust them enough to let your imagination run wild. As the big day approaches, remember that it’s all over before you know it, so make sure to savor every moment – even if it means taking a few minutes to step back and soak it all in.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With a picturesque backdrop of Bawdon Lodge Farm, Hannah Hall Photography captured the magic of Sarah and Jon’s unforgettable celebration. The rustic charm of Sami Tipi provided an intimate setting for their special day. Thomas the Caterer brought his culinary expertise to create delectable dishes, while The Flower Patch adorned the space with lush blooms. The sweet melodies of Mango Acoustic Duo & Monroe filled the air, as Ruby J Beauty and Sheardesire added a touch of glamour with their makeup and hair styling services. Soar Valley Brides helped Sarah look stunning in her dress, complemented by Jon’s dapper attire from Jon Paul Menswear. The couple exchanged vows amidst the beauty of Bell Tents, surrounded by loved ones and the warmth of Bell Bliss. Their rings, crafted with love by Nottingham Wedding Ring Workshop, served as a symbol of their eternal commitment. Tickety Boo Events brought the vision to life through expert barn styling, while Bybrook Furniture and Event Hire, along with In My Life, provided top-notch hire services. Emily Cole Illustrations designed the couple’s beautiful stationery, which was just one part of the unforgettable experience they shared with Lou.