As the festival season gets underway, we’re thrilled to share a truly unforgettable wedding tale. Meet Sarah and Daniel, the loving couple who exchanged vows on June 30th, 2018, amidst the picturesque Staffordshire countryside at Blithfield Lakeside Barns. Their dreamy day was all about embracing a relaxed, creative atmosphere, and they effortlessly brought their vision to life. A key element of their special day was the intimate hand fasting ceremony, where they recited their own personalized vows – a beautiful way to make their union truly unique. To ensure this momentous occasion felt just as personal, they opted for an outdoor non-legal ceremony on the big day and a legal ceremony the day prior. This thoughtful approach allowed them to savor every detail and make the experience even more meaningful. As you can imagine, being married beside the serene lake was a must-have for this lovely pair. The breathtaking scenery only added to the magic of their special day.Sarah and Daniel went all out to infuse their celebration with love, personality, and creativity. They cleverly incorporated talented loved ones into their festivities, resulting in an unforgettable experience filled with DIY decorations, personal touches, and a show-stopping tipi that stole the show. You might be surprised to learn that the beautiful bouquets and buttonholes were actually made from artificial flowers – a stunning decision that not only added to the overall aesthetic but also provided a lovely keepsake.The happy couple’s attire was effortlessly elegant, their joyous moments captured with precision by Daniel McClane Photography. We’re honored to have Daniel share these wonderful memories with us here at Whimsical Wonderland Weddings.
The Proposal
As Daniel’s work schedule typically had him away from home till Friday, his unexpected arrival on a Thursday evening caught me off guard. I initially dismissed the knock at the door, but the persistence of the second knock eventually prompted me to answer. That’s when I found Daniel standing there in casual attire, looking like he was just dropping by – which is exactly what I thought, until he revealed that he had brought our beloved cat Nala a new collar with a special surprise attached. My curiosity got the better of me, and I unscrolled the attached scroll to find the words ‘Marry Me?’ staring back at me. As I turned to face Daniel in stunned silence, he was already down on one knee, holding a stunning engagement ring. It took me a moment to process the surprise proposal after nearly 10 years of being together – but eventually, my answer was a resounding ‘Yes’. To celebrate, we popped open a bottle of champagne and toasted our new chapter together.
The Vision
Daniel and I had always envisioned an unconventional church wedding at a traditional venue. Instead, we craved a relaxed, creative celebration that truly reflected us as a couple. My brother’s wedding two years prior served as inspiration – his ceremony and reception took place in a rustic barn, offering an intimate, DIY atmosphere that we adored. As we searched for the perfect setting, our eyes landed on tipi weddings, and it was love at first sight. We met at a music festival, so why not bring that same energy to our special day? Our Pinterest boards were filled with rustic wedding ideas, which perfectly captured the essence of our festival-style celebration. When we stumbled upon Blithfield Lakeside Barns, we knew we had found our dream venue – it was the perfect blend of natural beauty and whimsical charm.
The Planning Process
As soon as I got engaged, I found myself itching to start planning our special day. The first thing on my list was a wedding planner – I couldn’t help but dive straight in! We initially decided on a date for the ceremony and reception, but when we realized our anniversary fell on June 29th, we thought it would be lovely to keep this date sacred. We actually had two separate ceremonies: our legal marriage took place at a registry office on the Friday, followed by our main wedding day at Blithfield Lakeside Barns on the Saturday. Since we didn’t want a traditional church or religious ceremony, finding a celebrant was perfect for leading our ceremony. Once we’d settled on a date, we booked the venue and tipis, and spent hours browsing wedding opening days and shows to get inspiration and learn more about what kind of wedding we wanted. I also spent a lot of time with my mom and sister (who was also my maid of honour) to gather decorations – one fun idea we had was asking guests to save their coffee jars for us! We really enjoyed getting creative and making our own decor, which added an extra special touch to the day.
Budget
Our budget for the big day was set at a range of £15,000 to £20,000. While we hadn’t anticipated receiving any monetary assistance, our parents were eager to contribute towards specific expenses, such as the venue rental, my bridesmaid’s dress, and other miscellaneous costs.
The Dress & Accessories
As soon as I entered White Rose Bridal Shop in Stafford, I had a sense of what I was looking for: a flowy, comfortable dress that didn’t cling too tightly. During my first visit, I was encouraged to explore and try on different styles without feeling pressured to stick to any particular trend. It was during this process that I caught sight of an ivory dress in the corner – its crepe material top and tulle-layered bottom finish seemed to whisper ‘this is it.’ When I slipped into the Essense of Australia dress, I felt a deep connection. The boat-neck design and low back finished with a belt created a sense of effortless elegance. As I tried on other dresses afterwards, I couldn’t help but compare them to this one. It wasn’t until I put it back on (just to be sure!) that I knew for certain – this was the one. And in a moment of serendipity, Daniel surprised me with a beautiful silver bracelet to wear on our wedding day, replacing my planned necklace.
The Venue
As we scoured the countryside for the perfect venue, our must-haves included ample outdoor space for tipis, comfortable accommodation for us to get ready and decorate, and of course, pet-friendliness. Blithfield Lakeside Barns ticked all those boxes and more. The breathtaking reservoir views took our breath away, and the cottages that allowed our feline friends to stay were the icing on the cake. The owners’ warm welcome and promise to let us decorate as we pleased sealed the deal. We rented the entire weekend to ensure a stress-free setup and teardown. As an added bonus, the 6 cottages provided ample space for our families and bridal party to stay together before the big day. Our ceremony took place in a picturesque tree-lined area overlooking the reservoir, while the tipis, photobooth, pizza van, and hog roast were situated near the cottages. The views left our guests agog, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather – it was a glorious sunny weekend. The Elite Tents opening day convinced us to book their stunning tipis on the spot. Seeing them in person, surrounded by fairy lights and the warm glow of log fires, was an unforgettable experience. We opted for 3 giant hats and a festoon walkway, which we adorned with fairylights, a bar, and even a disco ball! The team’s exceptional support and guidance made all the difference – they were always available to answer questions or alleviate concerns, and flexible in their approach to help us realize our dream wedding.
The Readings & Music
We chose to forgo a traditional church wedding and instead opted for a celebrant-led ceremony, which allowed us to infuse our special day with a personal touch. The encounter with Justine from Just Celebrations at an Elite Tents event was the catalyst for this decision. Prior to the big day, she met with us to get a deeper understanding of who we were as individuals and as a couple, which helped her craft a ceremony that truly reflected our love story. To make it even more meaningful, we decided to write our own vows and opted for a hand fasting ritual. Justine created a custom robe in our wedding colors, which would serve as a keepsake long after the day was over. The robe’s design featured a knotted cord that would remain tied, symbolizing the eternal bond between us. During the ceremony, Justine beautifully recounted our love story and the significance of love to us, making the experience truly unforgettable. As part of the ceremony, our rings were passed around among the bridal party, accompanied by heartfelt wishes and words of encouragement. To further personalize the moment, we asked Aide, partner of my aunt Nicola, to perform a guitar rendition of ‘Everything I Do’ by Bryan Adams as the introduction and ‘All The Small Things’ by Blink 182 as the outro, both in an acoustic instrumental style. This special moment will forever be etched in our memories.
Groom’s Attire
When planning Daniel’s groomsmen attire, we sought a look that blended seamlessly with the rustic, laid-back theme of his wedding. Drawing inspiration from Pinterest and our own website, we opted for a waistcoat-only approach, sans blazers, which added to the informal charm. The grey tweed suits we chose further emphasized this relaxed aesthetic. To ensure the suits were accessible to Daniel’s 7 groomsmen, we avoided traditional formal wedding suit stores, instead finding the perfect fit at Next. The overall look was rounded out with dark brown leather shoes and belts. With Mauve and Dusty Pink being the wedding colors, we complemented the suits with Mauve ties from TiesRUs and bespoke flowers with hessian wrap for the buttonholes.
The Cake
To achieve our desired rustic charm, we drew inspiration from Pinterest for a buttercream finish adorned with real flowers in our wedding colours, complemented by gypsophila. Our experience with Imperial Cakes in Willenhall was nothing short of delightful, thanks to the owner’s exceptional talent and warm personality. We opted for a three-tiered masterpiece featuring Victoria sponge cake for the top and bottom tiers, with lemon cake taking centre stage in the middle – it truly was scrumptious! To make the occasion even more special, we offered guests small cake boxes with ‘thank you’ stickers, allowing them to help themselves to a slice of our delicious creation.
Beauty
I entrusted my aunt, Nicola, a skilled hairdresser, to style my hair alongside that of my bridesmaids. I envisioned a half-up, half-down look with a crown braid and loose strands framing my face, while the girls would have their locks swept up into sleek buns adorned with matching braids on one side, evoking a festival-inspired aesthetic. Without a veil to conceal our hairstyles, we incorporated tiny bridal hair beads between the plaits of mine and the bridesmaids’ tresses, mimicking the delicate beauty of gypsophila. Meanwhile, my close friend Megan King, whose sister was an accomplished makeup artist, brought her expertise to the table. With a keen understanding of what works best for each individual’s features, she guided me through a natural-looking makeup trial, starting with a minimalist approach and gradually building up until I felt confident in my appearance. The bridesmaids opted for a similarly understated look, leaving it to their discretion whether to add a touch of glamour via false eyelashes.
The Flowers
As we deliberated over flower options, we opted for artificial blooms to serve as sentimental keepsakes. Initially, we considered crafting our own arrangements, but after discovering Blooms_Wedding_Studio on eBay, we were impressed by the photorealistic quality of their artificial flowers. We placed an order for a bouquet featuring dusty pink and mauve hues, accompanied by gypsophila and lush greenery to complement my ivory dress. The finished piece was topped with a hessian wrap and white ribbon, cascading from a delicate bow. These stunning arrangements left me thrilled to be able to preserve them as mementos – inspired by this success, I subsequently ordered the bridesmaids’ bouquets and buttonholes. For the girls, I selected gypsophila arrangements that harmonized with their dress colors. Meanwhile, the gentlemen’s buttonholes featured dusty pink blooms, foliage, and gypsophila, finished with a hessian wrap. To bring our vision to life for the table decorations, we sourced real flowers at Sainsbury’s and Aldi in hues matching our wedding colors, aiming to create a rustic ambiance and inviting aroma for our guests. Additionally, we visited multiple stores to acquire an ample supply of gypsophila, which would fill out the arrangements and adorn coffee jugs inspired by Pinterest ideas.
Bridesmaids
When selecting dresses for my six bridesmaids, we opted for multi-way designs that allowed each girl to customize her top half according to her comfort level. My favorite color combinations were Mauve and Dusty Pink, which I discovered paired elegantly together after scouring Pinterest. The search for the perfect dresses was challenging, but our visit to the National Wedding Show in Birmingham led us to Victoria Lou Bridal, where we found the exact styles I had envisioned – multi-way dresses in both colors. One dress featured a stunning tulle finish at the bottom, which perfectly matched my own wedding gown. We divided the bridesmaids into three groups of two, with three donning mauve and the other three wearing dusty pink. To ensure comfort, we asked each girl to purchase her own shoes, requesting that they all opt for nude heels to maintain a cohesive look. For the flower bouquets, I turned to Blooms_Wedding_Studio on eBay, whose owner was incredibly accommodating and helpful. I commissioned gypsophila bouquets with hessian wrap handles, which I then finished off with white ribbon. On the big day, my bridesmaids looked absolutely stunning, their beauty and comfort radiating from every angle.
Groomsmen
The friends opted for a suit combination similar to Daniel’s, selecting just the waistcoat and trousers from Next. To complete their outfits, they chose crisp white shirts paired with a mauve tie from TiesRUs and a custom-made dusty pink flowered buttonhole, crafted by Blooms_Wedding_Studio via eBay. Their attire was rounded out with dark leather brown accessories, including belts and shoes.
Your Photographer
We’ve had the pleasure of knowing Daniel McClane for several years, and it was an easy decision to choose him as our photographer. We’d seen his work firsthand at my brother’s wedding, as well as on his social media platforms, and we loved how he effortlessly captures the essence of each moment throughout the day. His dedication to his craft is impressive, and the stunning photographs he delivers leave you feeling like you’re reliving those special moments all over again. Before the wedding, we discussed our priorities with Daniel, but ultimately, the venue and weather provided a treasure trove of opportunities for unique and memorable photos. Following the ceremony, Daniel presented us with a beautifully crafted wooden USB stick containing all the photographs. We’ll have a wonderful time selecting our favorites (a task that will surely be challenging!), after which we’ll work with him to create a beautiful wedding album. In addition to his exceptional photography skills, we also hired ‘Dusty’, a charming VW Campervan photobooth from Vintage Inspired Wedding Hire, for the evening’s festivities. This delightful experience allowed our guests to get creative and add their own flair to the photos using provided props. Each guest gets to keep a photo-strip as a memento, while we’ll receive a duplicate copy to include in our guest book. The end result is a cherished wooden USB stick filled with happy memories of everyone having an incredible time.
The Details & Décor
We drew inspiration from Pinterest, aiming for a rustic and festival vibe. With our creative juices flowing, we rallied our families and friends to help with decorations – it was amazing to see everyone’s talents come together! We scoured stores like The Range, Amazon, eBay, and Hobbycraft for supplies, transforming our office, garage, and parents’ homes into a DIY decoration hub. We even asked loved ones to save coffee jars, which we transformed into rustic centerpieces with hessian and lace, then adorned with flowers or lights. Grandparents got in on the action too, crafting signs for around the venue and leading up to it, adding to that festival feel. They also built an enchanting wigwam for our ceremony area – perfect for the setting.We took DIY decorating to new heights by asking family members to bake homemade cakes for our dessert table, even crafting our own candy bar for guests to indulge in. We decked out the table with crates, fairy lights, and – yes – coffee jars! As a sweet thank you, we placed cute favor boxes at each guest seat, filled with mini eggs and a personalized jar-shaped tag. My brother Leigh lent his design skills to create our stationery, including invitations, seating plans, and cocktail menus. He also masterminded our DIY DJ setup with Spotify on his laptop, which we amplified through Boutique Recordings.For sustenance, we brought in Mike and Sarah’s Family Butchers from Bridgenorth for a post-ceremony buffet, followed by ‘Hettie’, a vintage 1974 Citroen HY Pizza Van and Pig Out Hog Roast for our reception – the food was absolutely divine! Since the venue wasn’t licensed to serve alcohol, we purchased a limited amount and encouraged guests to bring their own if they desired. We also hired glassware from Waitrose, adding cute tags to each glass that doubled as seating place cards and reminders of what glass belonged to whom. Behind the bar, we offered a mix of spirits for guests to craft their own cocktails or follow our recipes – even using cocktail names that tied in with me and Daniel’s love story! As we monitored the weather (it being an outdoor wedding), we prepared for the heat by providing little white paper fans during the ceremony, then hired a walk-in fridge trailer from Polar Refrigeration to keep drinks cool. We even stocked the Posh Potties loos with sunscreen lotion – just in case!
The Honeymoon
As our excitement grew for our upcoming trip to Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival, we seized the opportunity to unwind with a mini-moon at Forest Holidays’ Forest of Dean log cabin retreat. Our cozy hideaway featured a serene hot tub, providing the ultimate romantic and rejuvenating experience. It was the perfect haven after an unforgettable wedding celebration.
Memorable Moments
We cherished every second of our special day, from the heartfelt speeches to the joyous moments with loved ones. The father of the bride’s words, accompanied by those of the two best men, were particularly poignant and left a lasting impression on us both. As we sat at the top table, taking in the atmosphere, it was as if all the love and support in the room came together to create an unforgettable experience. Even our photo shoot provided a welcome break amidst the whirlwind of the day, allowing us to reconnect with our bridal party. And who could forget the hilarious finale – a rousing Harlem Shake during ‘Turn Down for What’ that had everyone dancing into the night?
Advice For Other Couples
Savor each instant, as they collectively form a memory that’s sure to be etched in your heart forevermore. It’s crucial to pause and drink in the magic of your special day, as time tends to fly by at an alarming rate. With so many moments to cherish, make it a point to slow down and absorb every detail, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the joy that surrounds you.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The star-studded lineup of vendors that brought Sarah and Daniel’s special day to life included photographer Daniel McClane, who captured the magic of the evening. The picturesque setting was set against the stunning backdrop of Blithfield Lakeside Barns, where a beautifully designed Tipi from Elite Tents served as a cozy gathering spot for guests. As the celebrant Just Celebrations officiated the union, Sarah shone in her exquisite white wedding dress from White Rose Bridal Shop. Makeup artist extraordinaire Megan King worked her magic to ensure the bride looked radiant on her big day. Adding a pop of color and whimsy were artificial bridal party flowers courtesy of Blooms Wedding Studio. When it came time for sustenance, guests enjoyed an array of delicious eats and treats from Mike & Sarah’s Family Butchers and ‘Hettie’ Pizza Van from Artisan Pizza Company, as well as a savory hog roast provided by Pig Out. Meanwhile, ‘Dusty’ VW Campervan Photobooth from Vintage Inspired Wedding Hire kept the merriment going with its quirky charm. The newlyweds also cleverly incorporated a DIY DJ sound system and Fridge Trailer courtesy of Polar Refrigeration Hire to keep the party vibes alive. And as a testament to their love and commitment, they’ll always have these unforgettable memories to cherish.