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Today’s dose of wedding bliss comes courtesy of Alex and Katie, who shared their enchanting Castle View celebration in Leicestershire on September 21st, 2019. The outdoor ceremony at Holywell Hall was a picturesque setting, with the surrounding grounds radiating charm beneath the clear blue skies – no wonder they chose to exchange vows there. I’m enamored by various aspects of their special day, from the unconventional attire to the exquisite flowers and thoughtful details like custom signs and a photo booth. The relaxed atmosphere, live music, and garden games ensured everyone had an absolute blast. Sally T Photography did an outstanding job capturing the magic, and I’m grateful for her willingness to share these stunning images with us.
The Proposal
As the sun began to set over Venice’s canals, Alex and I stumbled upon a serendipitous proposal on a bridge overlooking the water. The day had been filled with exploration and indulgence in cicchetti and house wine, leaving us both tired and tipsy. Our meandering stroll was punctuated by the discovery of a bar serving Belgian-style beer – a delightful surprise that sparked memories of our three visits to Bruges together. Alex had carried the ring with him all day, waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question. And so it was, as we laughed and joked our way home under the stars, that the proposal unfolded. It may not have been the most traditional or romantic setting, but for us, it was a charming and joyful celebration of love.
The Vision
As we envisioned our special day, we craved a laid-back atmosphere where we could share it with the people we cherish most. We had our hearts set on hosting the majority of the celebration outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery or bright blue skies, and filling the air with lively tunes, spontaneous dance parties, and an abundance of savory delights. Following an intimate ceremony, we aimed to kick off the party early in the day, involving everyone in the revelry from the get-go. We deliberately opted out of traditional formality, choosing instead a street food-inspired buffet that would allow our loved ones to unwind, mingle, and soak up the joyous ambiance.
The Venues
Holywell Hall, where our celebration and overnight stay took place, is truly exceptional. This stunning property sits amidst beautifully restored grounds, thanks to the thoughtful renovation efforts of its owners. Even the stables’ accommodations boast unique amenities like a bowling alley and spa for guests to indulge in.Our package included a dedicated venue coordinator who expertly handled every detail on our special day, allowing us to relax and enjoy the experience. We had an array of ceremony location options both indoors and outdoors, which added to the excitement. The opportunity to share a meal with our bridesmaids and groomsmen the night before the big day was also a highlight.In contrast, Castle View presented a blank canvas for us to put our personal touch on – a simple yet charming barn and stables with minimal frills. This allowed us to get creative with homemade decorations and stunning flowers from Paisley Flower Company, transforming the space into an intimate reflection of ourselves. The breathtaking setting overlooking Rockingham Castle, combined with the owners’ exceptional support, made it the perfect choice for our special day.
The Readings & Music
As we opted for a civil ceremony, we had the creative freedom to personalize the vows and script. We spent an evening together adapting stock phrases to reflect our unique styles and personalities. This allowed us to infuse our special day with a touch of ourselves.In search of the perfect reading, we scoured through countless romantic options but ultimately settled on an excerpt from Sandol Stoddard’s poem ‘I Like You.’ The playful, childlike verses resonated with both of us, capturing our lighthearted and carefree spirits. Alex’s groomsman Struan, a charismatic performer, brought the reading to life, expertly navigating its whimsical tone.As we stood at the altar, the ceremony began with an emotional moment for both of us. The photos from that time reveal our struggle to composed ourselves, as we appeared rather serious. However, the reading proved to be a masterstroke, as it helped us relax and brought a smile to our faces. From then on, we were able to let go and enjoy the celebration.To accompany Katie’s walk down the aisle, we requested an adapted version of Ben Howard’s ‘Old Pine’ played by Alex’s brother Phil. His classical training and ability to adapt his style made it a perfect fit. In fact, hearing Phil rehearse earlier that morning brought tears to Alex’s eyes.After the ceremony, Phil performed an instrumental rendition of ‘Prettiest Eyes’ by The Beautiful South. This song held sentimental value for both of us, as we’ve been fans since our family holidays and cassette tapes in the car. The song itself is a beautiful tribute to growing old together, making it a fitting choice for our special day.
Bride Outfit
I began my search for the perfect wedding dress with trepidation. As a petite 5ft frame, I was conscious that many designs might not suit me. I started by browsing Pinterest and booking appointments at local shops to get a feel for what I wanted. My mum and sister joined me for support. Initially, I visited a few shops that I had previously been to with my sister, and it reinforced my decision to avoid big, poofy princess dresses in favor of something simple and comfortable (I wanted to be able to dance). Considering the possibility of an outdoor wedding in September, I also thought about opting for a dress with sleeves. After a few unsuccessful visits, I booked appointments at local shops recommended by friends and friends of friends. The process was overwhelming at first, but I eventually found the right fit after trying on dresses twice before making a final decision. I settled on Savannah by Wtoo from Dress Me Pretty in Hinckley, which felt perfect for my size and figure, had a bardot neckline and intricate lace that I loved. It was also easy to move around in, making it a good choice for dancing.For alterations, I worked with Kerry Arnold Ltd Hair & Beauty, who was amazing with her attention to detail. She even called me back for an additional appointment to ensure the perfect fit. The dress ended up fitting like a glove, and she even coated my shoes so they wouldn’t stick to the lining of my dress.When it came to choosing shoes, I knew I wanted something unique and not your typical silk white shoes. As a size 3 or sometimes 2.5, many shoes just don’t fit right. I’ve always loved Irregular Choice and tried on multiple pairs, but the higher heels were just that little bit too big. I took a chance and ordered an older design online from eBay, which arrived and I just loved. As they were flatter than usual, they fit much better.I also had a local jewelry maker create custom earrings for myself and the bridesmaids as gifts, as well as a necklace to match. This was a lovely experience, as I was able to design the jewelry myself and thank you gifts for the girls. Again, it was another personal touch.My mum lent me her bracelet to wear on my big day, and my Auntie lent me her garter, which she had also worn on her wedding day.
Bridesmaids & Best Woman
When selecting the dresses for Alex’s bridesmaids, comfort and danceability were top priorities. The lunge test became an essential factor during try-on sessions to ensure the girls felt at ease. Additionally, we considered Kim, who was being hailed as ‘best woman’, and wanted her to stand out in the groom’s party while still fitting within the overall theme and maintaining a feminine touch. To achieve this, we decided on colour themes for both boys and girls: sage green for Alex’s party and purple for the bridesmaids. Given the same dress would be worn by multiple girls, finding options with versatile colour selections was crucial. After visiting numerous shops and trying on hundreds of dresses, the final selection came from Dress me Pretty, where Katie had previously purchased her own gown. We even sourced a matching sage green dress for Imogen, Katie’s niece, to serve as a flower girl, mirroring Oliver in his suit.
Groom Outfit
I was determined to opt for a stylish yet relaxed outfit that fit with the wedding’s laid-back vibe. A tweed suit seemed like the perfect choice, and I was keen on getting one that fit me like a glove. After considering a few options, including a bespoke tailor in the Cotswolds and some chain stores, we stumbled upon Duncan James Menswear in Walsall, which offered an impressive selection of suits for hire. The shop had a unique charm, with its old brick building and trendy atmosphere reminiscent of Peaky Blinders. I ended up choosing a dark grey tweed suit, which my groomsmen and both dads also wore, matching it perfectly with sage green ties that complemented the best woman’s dress. To add some personality to our outfits, we opted for pocket chains and tie clips, while I went for a unique U-neck waistcoat to stand out from the others. We even got tiny versions of our suits for Katie’s four-year-old nephew Oli.As with any wedding, there are always some personal touches that make it extra special. For us, it was a tradition of sorts – my dad, brother, and I would often try to incorporate our beloved football team, Sheffield United, into family weddings. On this occasion, my dad presented me with a pin badge on the wedding day morning, which I was thrilled about. It added a subtle yet meaningful touch to many of the photos. I also got to wear some awesome 80s-style robot cufflinks that really made my outfit pop.Like Katie, I have a weakness for statement shoes. While shopping for her in Irregular Choice stores, I fell in love with their men’s shoe range and ended up choosing a pair of brogue-style Edwin shoes with a stunning rainbow silver sheen. Although I was initially nervous about pairing them with the suit, they turned out to be a fantastic choice that generated plenty of comments on the day – almost stealing the show from the bride! One of our favorite photos is actually just a shot of our legs, showcasing both pairs of shoes in the ground at Holywell Hall.
Beauty
As someone who doesn’t typically wear a lot of makeup, I was nervous about having my look professionally enhanced. Despite reaching out to several artists, I ultimately decided to go with my trusted hairdresser and her close friend, who works independently. The trial process helped alleviate some of my concerns, as I had the opportunity to work with Kat, the makeup artist, and get a feel for what she could do. In fact, I even had my makeup done for a friend’s wedding as an additional test run. My sister and I also took advantage of hair trials to ensure that our styles would be perfectly coiffed on the big day. When the actual wedding arrived, Katie, the hairdresser, and Kat were incredibly calm and composed, which helped put everyone at ease – especially me, who was starting to feel a bit anxious. The end result exceeded my expectations, with all of us looking radiant and feeling confident throughout the day. And let’s not forget the finishing touches: additional flowers from the florist that added the perfect touch to our hairstyles.
Your Photographer
We prioritized exceptional photography for our special day, seeking natural and candid shots that captured the essence of our celebration. Given our aversion to posed photography, we were keen on finding a photographer who could seamlessly blend into the background while still capturing memorable moments. After researching local photographers and receiving recommendations from friends, we came across Sally, whose work had impressed us through her stunning photos of Holly and Stephen’s wedding in the North East. A Skype interview with Sally convinced us that she was the perfect fit for our needs. We were particularly drawn to her stop-motion videos, which showcased her ability to tell a story through photography. Sally proved to be an ideal choice, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and organization to our wedding day while remaining unobtrusive. As we sped around Holywell Hall’s grounds on a golf cart, taking photos after the ceremony, we felt at ease with Sally’s guidance. Her dedication paid off, yielding some of our favorite shots that perfectly captured the joy and playfulness of the day. The welly-wanging shot remains one of our most cherished memories. Upon receiving our photos, it was clear why Sally had been so effective in capturing the day’s magic – she’d been busy snapping away at all the guests, capturing their laughter and excitement. Working with Sally was a delight, and we were thrilled to receive hundreds of remarkable photos that allowed us to relive our special day. The stop-motion video provided a three-minute highlight reel of our celebration, while the bound album showcased exceptional craftsmanship. We would wholeheartedly recommend Sally to anyone seeking exceptional photography services.
The Cake
When Kelly, a skilled baker and Alex’s school friend, was approached about making their wedding cake, she initially expressed some hesitation. However, after a tasting session where they discussed flavors and design, Kelly agreed to take on the project. The couple opted for a three-tiered naked cake with distinct flavors for each tier – ginger, lemon-poppy seed, and chocolate orange – all of which were personal favorites. The end result was nothing short of amazing, exceeding their expectations in terms of both taste and appearance. They ended up with enough leftovers to enjoy for months to come.
The Details & Décor
At Castle View, we created distinct areas by utilizing separate stables. One was transformed into a children’s play zone, stocked with toys generously donated by my sister. Another stable became a fancy dress and photo booth haven, where Katie’s idea of a polaroid guest book came to life. We combined our love for fancy dress (inspired by years of festival-going) with the photobooth concept. Laura, Katie’s bridesmaid, spent hours setting it up the day before, and it proved to be an excellent addition. Not only did this provide fantastic shots for the guest book, but it also contributed to the overall atmosphere and fun as some items even made their way onto the dance floor and stage.To further enhance the experience, we organized outdoor games – Katie’s dad crafted a giant Jenga set – and hired additional activities and treats from a local company. This ensured that guests of all ages had plenty of options for entertainment and exploration throughout the day.We chose picnic benches and hay bale seating in the courtyard and dressed them with blankets and cushions gathered from charity shops and family donations, adding a touch of warmth and coziness to the space.Alex spent considerable time spray painting signs under Katie’s guidance. These personalized touches not only added to the overall ambiance but also allowed us to keep many as mementos.
The Flowers
The Paisley Flower Company was recommended by a colleague who had used their services for her wedding the year prior. They were highly impressed with the large floral displays that lined the props at the marchee, so Katie decided to contact them for a quote when planning her own big day. Vicky, the florist, was warm and welcoming, and it seemed like she understood exactly what we wanted to achieve. Her prices also seemed competitive. We opted for several larger-than-life floral displays to fill the space at Castle View and tie in with our rustic theme. This included a show-stopping flower arch at the entrance, a garland up the stairs in the barn, and corner displays on the stable archways. To further enhance the atmosphere, we chose milk churns and pallet stacks that fit perfectly with the stable theme. On the day before the wedding, Vicki and her team came to put everything in place, leaving us in awe of their attention to detail and dedication to delivering a high-quality result. The following morning, Katie was overcome with emotion when she saw the stunning bouquets – exactly as we had discussed months prior. A mix of purples, whites, and greens with plenty of texture, including thistles, made them truly special. We also received a cute little flower wand for Alex’s niece Imogine. Meanwhile, Alex’s mum put in some extra effort to create simple yet beautiful decorations for the ceremony venue, using gypsophila and rosemary in glass jars to line the aisle. The natural beauty of the surroundings and gardens meant that little else was needed to complete the atmosphere.
The Honeymoon
Following our special day, we enjoyed a leisurely stay in Bruges for a couple of nights before embarking on an extended holiday adventure. Over the festive season, we spent three weeks exploring the vibrant cities of Hong Kong and Australia, taking in the sights of Sydney, Melbourne, and the surrounding areas.
Memorable Moments
As the wedding preparations came to a close, memories began to unfold. The night before, laughter and joy filled the air as friends and family gathered for a meal and game of bowling. In the morning, tears of happiness flowed as Katie shared tender moments with her bridesmaids, while Alex’s emotional connection with his mother was palpable during their heartfelt moment. Nature cooperated perfectly, with the sun shining brightly and the sky radiating a deep blue hue – a welcome change from the months of worrying about rain. Struan’s reading brought laughter to the crowd, and the golf cart adventures through Holywell’s grounds added a touch of whimsy. As the venue transformed into a lively festival atmosphere, the music flowed, speeches touched hearts, and pies satisfied sweet tooths. Welly-throwing, dancing, and merriment filled every moment, including the surprise hit of the silent disco – with videos capturing the joyous singing voices at their loudest. The creative fancy dress entries added an extra layer of fun. But as the night drew to a close, reality hit when we discovered we’d been locked out of our B&B – and the next day, Katie’s emotions overflowed once more. These cherished moments from the perfect day will forever be etched in memory.
Advice For Other Couples
Forget about what others might think is perfect. Make your wedding day all about you and how you want to celebrate it! By focusing on personal decorations that truly reflect your unique style, you’ll create a memorable experience that’s authentic and meaningful. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, Alex’s mum can hook you up with some amazing bunting ideas. Meanwhile, opting for a casual street food-style meal will give you more time to mingle and enjoy the company of your loved ones – a definite win-win in our book.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Sally T Photography brought together the perfect blend of traditional and modern elements to create a truly unforgettable wedding experience. The picturesque settings at Holywell Hall and Castle View Farm and Stables, expertly coordinated by Cara at Katrina Otter weddings, provided a romantic backdrop for the celebration. As Alex and Katie exchanged their vows, they were surrounded by lush blooms courtesy of Paisley Flower Co, while elegant dresses from Dress Me Pretty and dress alterations by Kerry Arnold Ltd Hair & Beauty ensured the bride looked stunning. The groom’s attire was handled by Duncan James Menswear, with Irregular Choice providing unique his and hers shoes. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed post-ceremony drinks and canapés courtesy of Clark Catering and Castle View Food, which included a decadent offering of caviar and chips. The ceremony took place on beautifully appointed chairs provided by Stamford Marquees. For entertainment, Absolutely Vintage brought outdoor games and sweet treats to the party, while No Limits Street Band and Silent Disco from Silent Noise Events kept the dance floor filled all night long. Travel was made easy with mini bus hire courtesy of Lawson’s of Corby, ensuring that all guests could relax and enjoy the celebration. It was truly an unforgettable day, and Alex and Katie are grateful for the wonderful memories they’ll always treasure.