Emma and Ashley’s whimsical summer wedding, held at Cannon Hall in South Yorkshire on July 28th, 2018, is a true celebration of love and joy. The couple chose to exchange vows in a church ceremony, followed by a lively tipi reception that sparkled with festoon lights, lanterns, and vibrant florals. The rustic charm was amplified by Ruby the Morris Minor, sunflower-adorned bouquets, and a glitter station that added an extra layer of magic. Guests were treated to a vintage photo booth, live music, and a fire pit where they could toast marshmallows under the stars. This enchanting celebration was made possible with the help of Neil Jackson Photographic, whose stunning images we’re thrilled to share with you. Prepare to be delighted by the eclectic mix of DIY details, festival vibes, and radiant outfits that fill this whimsical wonderland.
The Proposal
As we embarked on our Jamaican adventure, the last thing I expected was a surprise proposal! It was day five of our holiday, and after climbing a stunning waterfall, we embarked on a private bamboo river rafting journey through the jungle with rum punches in hand. The perfect moment arrived when the sun shone down upon the crystal-clear turquoise water, illuminating the lush surroundings. That’s when he pulled out a small box containing the ring I’d been dreaming of for ages and asked me to be his wife. My initial response was a mix of shock, laughter, and tears, followed by an overwhelming ‘YES!’ We kept it under wraps for 48 hours before sharing the news with our loved ones back home.
The Vision
Envisioning the perfect blend of whimsy and romance, our bohemian-inspired wedding celebration combined the mystique of Glastonbury Festival with the enchantment of a fairytale wonderland. The ceremony took place within a picturesque church setting, where rustic tipis were transformed into an intimate corner reminiscent of the iconic festival’s magical atmosphere. Fresh flowers and soft candlelight infused the air with warmth and elegance. As we feasted on delectable eats and sipped refreshing drinks, the sounds of live music filled our ears. To pay homage to the place where our love story began, subtle Jamaican influences were woven throughout the celebration, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on the journey of wedding planning, Emma took the reins (pun intended!), and I have to say, we had a blast researching, organizing, and coordinating every detail. But let’s be real, the planning process can quickly become overwhelming if you’re not careful! We encountered a few hiccups along the way, but our laid-back nature helped us stay chill and come up with alternative solutions on the fly. When it all came together on the big day, seeing everyone having a great time was the ultimate reward. The late nights spent responding to vendor emails or dealing with last-minute cancellations were totally worth it in hindsight. My advice? Enjoy the ride and don’t stress too much about the planning – you’ll wish you could relive those moments again once it’s all said and done!
Budget
In the initial stages, we established a budget for our project, only to find ourselves deviating from it in the pursuit of our desired outcome. As a result, every available resource was meticulously saved and allocated towards achieving our goals, with the understanding that if we couldn’t afford something, it simply wasn’t in the cards.
The Venue
All Saints Church in Darton, a picturesque location in Barnsley, offers a serene atmosphere for any occasion. Meanwhile, Boutipi, a trusted tipi supplier, brings its expertise to create unforgettable events under the stars. Closer to home, Cannon Hall in Barnsley provides a unique setting for gatherings and celebrations alike.
The Readings & Music
In keeping with tradition, we opted for classic choices during our ceremony. The Bridal Chorus, ‘Here Comes the Bride,’ accompanied me down the aisle, while ‘The Wedding March’ played as we exited. A more modern touch was added with Masterplan by Oasis during the register signing.We chose a meaningful reading from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, ‘The Value of a Friend.’ The lyrics resonated deeply with us and served as a beautiful reminder of the importance of our relationship.The first dance, set to Bob Marley’s iconic ‘One Love,’ was a special moment for us. As we arrived at the reception, the infectious rhythms of CCC Steelband, a Caribbean steel band, got the party started. Their lively performance perfectly captured the essence of our Jamaican-themed welcome.Later that evening, The Fallen took the stage, delivering an incredible set that seamlessly blended genres without ever resorting to cheesy fare. We specifically chose them for their ability to create an atmosphere perfect for our blend of live music and carefree dancing – no cha-cha slides or YMCA’s in sight!
Your Outfits & Accessories
The bride’s attire was a beautiful blend of elegance and whimsy. The Pronovias dress and veil, purchased from Bridal Rogue Gallery in Harrogate, provided the perfect foundation for her overall look. Adding a touch of laid-back charm were her Doc Martens shoes, which added a playful contrast to the more formal aspects of her ensemble. Her jewellery, featuring stunning Le Vian rings, was complemented by borrowed pieces from her Nannan, adding a personal and sentimental touch. The flower crown, courtesy of Wickham and Taylor, completed her look with a delicate yet vibrant flourish.
As for the groom, his attire exuded sophistication and charm. A tailored tweed suit jacket and waistcoat from Moss Bros were paired with matching chinos and a crisp shirt, all also sourced from Moss Bros. The pièce de résistance was a knitted bow tie, adding a touch of whimsy to an otherwise classic look. His Base London shoes rounded out his stylish ensemble.
Beauty & Grooming
The wedding party’s beauty was a collaborative effort, with Bride and her bridesmaids turning to the expertise of Bow and Blush for their hair and makeup looks. Meanwhile, the groom entrusted his grooming and hair styling needs to JLG Jack Lodge Grooming, ensuring he looked his absolute best on his big day.
The Details & Décor
A tipi wedding’s unique charm lies in its whimsical atmosphere and creative freedom to bring personal visions to life. We indulged our imagination, combining the best of Boutipi’s and Wickham and Taylor’s offerings with DIY flair to craft a truly one-of-a-kind celebration.
Boutipi played a significant role in shaping the décor, providing us with their stunning lantern walkway leading up to the tipis, as well as the Kung Tipi, complete with fire pit, blankets, furniture, and more. Wickham and Taylor’s Woolly Mammoth hanging flowers added a touch of elegance.
To further enhance the ambiance, we incorporated candles – plenty of them! – courtesy of Starchild Glastonbury. The rest of the décor was a labor of love, with DIY elements accumulated over 18 months. We scavenged for treasures, which ultimately enriched our experience. Our collection included dream catchers, empty gin bottles and jars, a polaroid photo display on a dressing screen for our table plan, a glitter station, fairy lights, bunting, ribbon-draped trees, handmade wooden signs, blackboards, and even marshmallows for toasting by the fire pit.
Other notable features included multi-colored vintage deckchairs from Sophie Likes in Harrogate and a vintage photobooth courtesy of Viva La Booth. Our wedding car, Ruby – a charming Morris Minor convertible – added a playful touch.
The Flowers
Our floral arrangements played a significant role in our special day, as we wanted everything to exude a sense of wild, freshly picked beauty reminiscent of a meadow. We deliberately avoided anything too neat or tidy, opting instead for a more organic, whimsical look.
At the heart of our design was the sunflower – we had a single stem placed on every pew in the church, incorporated into our bouquets and adorning the woolly mammoth centerpiece. This impressive hanging hoop was custom-created by Boutipi and meticulously styled by our florist to create an unforgettable focal point.
The venue itself was transformed into an enchanting haven, with milk churns, crates, and jars overflowing with flowers in every direction. While this undoubtedly contributed to the magical ambiance, it did pose a challenge for those with hay fever – we kindly provided antihistamines that proved to be a lifesaver (and a welcome treat!) for our guests.
The Cake
The focal point of the celebration was a bespoke white chocolate drip cake with rich chocolate sponge, adorned with intricate designs featuring white chocolate skulls and delicate blue roses – a subtle nod to the iconic Sheffield Wednesday crest. The phrase ‘Til Death Us Do Part’ was elegantly inscribed across the front of the masterpiece, sparking vibrant conversations among the guests as they marveled at its beauty and indulged in its scrumptious taste. This extraordinary confectionary creation was the brainchild of Ashley’s sister, Vicki, who undoubtedly outdid herself with this show-stopping dessert.
Bridesmaids
The wedding party’s attire was carefully curated to reflect their unique styles. The bridemaids looked stunning in dresses sourced from ASOS, while the jewellery worn by all was provided by Thomas Sabo. Meanwhile, the Mother of the Bride (MOB) chose Snooty Frox Harrogate for her dress, shoes, and accessories, adding a touch of elegance to the proceedings. Additionally, Ian Stuart created the MOB’s elegant hat, further enhancing her overall look.
Groomsmen
While often overlooked, the role of dads and best men is just as important as that of the groom on a wedding day. In fact, they can be seen as honorary grooms in their own right, with one key difference: they don’t wear a jacket. This subtle distinction aside, their responsibilities are similar to those of the groom, and they play a vital role in supporting the happy couple.
Your Photographer
When it came to capturing the essence of our special day, we knew we required a photographer who could convey the raw emotion and authenticity that would make our memories truly unforgettable. Neil Jackson Photographic immediately stood out for his unique ability to tell a story through his photographs. We were drawn to his style, which effortlessly captures the candid moments and unscripted emotions that made our day so memorable. With no videographer in sight, we relied heavily on our photographer to document every moment, from the tears of joy to the laughter and smiles. And Neil did not disappoint – his photographs are truly breathtaking, speaking volumes about the love, excitement, and happiness that filled our day. We can’t help but rave about the incredible experience he provided us, and we’re thrilled with the amazing photos he took!
The Honeymoon
In pursuit of a unique cultural experience, relaxation, and rejuvenation, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to explore uncharted territories. With Audley Travel’s expert guidance, we crafted a bespoke itinerary that perfectly balanced cultural immersion with R&R. Our adventure began in Ubud, the cultural heartland of Bali, where we spent five enchanting nights soaking up local customs and traditions. The pièce de résistance was our nine-night stay at a serene Spa Village, where we indulged in pampering treatments and allowed ourselves to unwind in tranquil surroundings.
Memorable Moments
There are countless special moments that stand out from our big day, but a few that really take the cake are: walking into the ceremony for the first time and seeing my dad’s face light up with pride. Or standing just outside the church door, about to walk down the aisle, hearing the organ play ‘Here Comes the Bride’ and feeling an overwhelming surge of emotions – but somehow managing to keep it together! Ashley’s tears as I made my way down the aisle are also etched in my memory. And let’s not forget the excitement of arriving at our reception, where we indulged in rum punch, jerk chicken (tofu for Emma and veggies), and grooved to the steelband’s rendition of ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ from Toy Story – it was the perfect blend of fun and relaxation. We were also thrilled when the rain rolled in, and we got to dance in it! Sitting back at our top table, watching all our loved ones having the time of their lives, was truly special. And who could forget the surprise green smoke bombs that added an extra layer of magic to our photos? Or our first dance as a married couple, swaying to Bob Marley’s tunes and then letting loose with the party that followed – it was truly unforgettable!
Advice For Other Couples
Focus on your own happiness rather than trying to please others. Your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment, not a competition with anyone else. Instead of worrying about what others might think, prioritize your own joy and fulfillment.Remember that last-minute dropouts are just that – last-minute. They won’t detract from the overall magic of your special day. What’s most important is the love you share with your partner, not the number of guests in attendance.If you’re planning a tipi wedding, be sure to factor in additional costs such as toilets, power generators, land hire, insurance, catering equipment, security, and glassware. Don’t let these details stress you out – just plan ahead and prioritize what’s truly important: your love and happiness. And above all, remember to have the time of your life! ☺
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we celebrate the love of Emma and Ashley, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible team that brought their special day to life. Behind the lens was Neil Jackson Photographic, capturing every tender moment in stunning Tipis-esque fashion (courtesy of Boutipi). The bride herself shone bright in her beautiful bridal attire from Bridal Rogue Gallery, while the groom looked dashing in his tailored suit from Moss Bros. Wickham and Taylor Ltd brought a touch of elegance with their exquisite florals, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Aperyer Catering kept the guests satisfied with delectable eats, and Mix and Twist served up creative cocktails at the bar. The Yorkshire Wedding Car Company ensured Emma and Ashley’s grand entrance was nothing short of regal, transporting them to the picturesque Cannon Hall venue in style. Viva La Booth brought laughter and joy with their photobooth antics, while Bow and Blush pampered the happy couple with expert beauty treatments. The evening’s soundtrack was provided by CCC Steelband and The Fallen, getting everyone on the dance floor. To add a touch of whimsy, Starchild Glastonbury lit up the night with their mesmerizing candles, and Sophie Likes kept things cozy with her deckchairs. Last but certainly not least, Audley Travel helped Emma and Ashley plan their dream honeymoon getaway. A heartfelt thank you to this incredible duo for allowing us to share in their love story – Lou