I’m thrilled to share the lovely story of Polly and Will, who are joining me today. I’d like to start by expressing my gratitude to them for taking the time to share their special day with us. As they say, it’s a pleasure to have them on board!Polly reveals that she found inspiration on our blog during the planning stages of her wedding. In fact, we’re delighted to hear that along with BBC News, our site is one of Polly’s go-to places for wedding ideas and inspiration – talk about a wonderful endorsement! Fast forward to their big day, which took place at Polly’s parents’ house following a beautiful church ceremony on June 22nd, 2019.The vision was clear: a relaxed, homely, and countryside-inspired celebration within a stunning celeste marquee. What made this day truly special was the collective effort of their nearest and dearest, who came together to create an unforgettable experience. Think homegrown flowers, DIY decor, and personal touches galore!I adore how Polly and Will’s wedding seamlessly blended rustic charm with bohemian flair – hello, gorgeous lace gown and flower crowns! The heartfelt readings and unique song choices also left a lasting impression on me (who doesn’t love Outlander, after all?). Do look out for stylish attire, tuk-tuk transport, and breathtaking flowers throughout.Thanks to Sarah Longworth Photography for sharing these divine images with us, and to G & A Media for allowing us to showcase the beautiful film.
The Proposal
As we sat down for dinner with our friends, my husband-to-be and I couldn’t help but notice Will’s unusual behavior. His lack of enthusiasm for dessert was out of character, and my friend was getting increasingly anxious. Little did I know that this unease wasn’t due to a distaste for pudding, but rather the butterflies in his stomach as he prepared to pop the question. And what a proposal it was – intimate, heartfelt, and perfectly suited to our relationship.
The Vision
In a heartwarming celebration, we blended a carefree countryside wedding with intimate touches that reflected our unique love story. We wanted to honor Polly’s late grandfather, whose passion for birds had been a significant part of her life. To pay tribute, we crafted ‘Bird Garden games’ – a nod to his role in establishing the Lotherton Hall Bird Garden. This led to creative activities like flamingo hoopla, hen-nga, and a table plan featuring ‘Sitting ducks.’ Guests delighted in hooking their own duck, then flipping it over to reveal their table number. We had a blast assigning themed ducks to each person, and these games became a major conversation starter, keeping everyone entertained throughout the day.
To further infuse our celebration with personal flair, we penned and printed customized limericks for each of our 90 guests, placing them at their table settings as a nod to our split time between Dublin and Leeds, as well as Polly’s dad’s Irish heritage. These humorous verses were filled with witty observations about our relationships with each person, sparking plenty of laughter! Guests adored these personalized elements, which doubled as party favors.
nThe day’s relaxed yet lively atmosphere was also fueled by steel drums, long tables, a sumptuous BBQ, and a video booth where guests offered hilarious advice for the newlyweds. As we danced under the stars, it felt like the perfect blend of our two worlds coming together in a joyous celebration.
Groomsmen
To add a touch of sophistication to our event, we opted for bespoke attire for our ushers. Specifically, we hired morning suits from the esteemed Harrogate Suit Hire, selecting grey waistcoats and navy ties from the renowned Hawkes and Curtis to create a cohesive look that would allow Will to stand out amidst his fellow ushers.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on our 10-month journey of wedding planning, we deliberately infused the process with personal touches that reflected our unique bond. Will’s love for bacon, Polly’s sweet tooth, and shared passion for travel were just a few of the aspects we wove into the celebration. The decision to host the ceremony at Polly’s parents’ home was influenced by these shared experiences, as well as the desire to create an intimate atmosphere. Evening snacks featured crispy bacon butties, while the bar offered a tantalizing selection of pick n mix treats. And, in a nod to our adventurous spirits, we even commissioned a tuk-tuk for transportation between the church and reception – a surprise that delighted both us and our guests. The steep incline meant it was an exhilarating ride for those who chose to use it, with passengers whizzing by fellow wedding-goers basking in the sunshine as they strolled. Beyond incorporating personal touches, we were mindful of supporting eco-friendly businesses and charitable causes whenever possible. This commitment to sustainability extended to our choice of steel band charity, seasonal and locally sourced flowers, award-winning caterers that prioritize recycling and providing food to the homeless, and a talented female photographer. In the end, our special day not only celebrated our love but also became a beacon for environmentally conscious and feminist ideals.
Budget
Polly’s parents’ unwavering efforts provided us with a unique wedding venue that boasted breathtaking gardens, greatly facilitating the planning process. We also decided to incorporate personal touches, which became a family affair, instead of opting for more extravagant and expensive options.We dedicated numerous hours in our garage to crafting the signage, substituting dessert with a delectable cake, setting up a self-serve bar, and employing a professional bar staff company to ensure seamless service. We even took on the task of doing our own makeup, creating stationery from scratch, and repurposing hay bales we had lying around for seating.To keep our costs in check, we meticulously managed our finances using an excel spreadsheet, ultimately staying within our original budget of under £18,000.
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids’ attire perfectly captured the free-spirited essence of our bohemian-themed celebration. To achieve this, we opted for flowy, loose-fitting dresses from Debenhams – a practical choice considering there were only four available, and to our relief, they fit each of our lovely maids! To show our appreciation for their role in bringing us together, the bridesmaids adorned themselves with beautiful flower crowns, complemented by elegant gold knot earrings and bracelets. This thoughtful touch served as a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for their part in helping us seal our love.
The Venue
Our special day began with an intimate ceremony at the charming village church in Bardsey, surrounded by lush greenery and warm sunlight. Following the vows, we made our way to Polly’s parents’ residence, where a stunning celeste marquee awaited us. This picturesque setting became the perfect backdrop for our joyful reception, filled with laughter, love, and celebration.
The Readings & Music
As the steel drums played a lively mix of modern and classic tunes, including our beloved Outlander theme song, we set the tone for an unforgettable celebration. Our first dance to ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ from Toy Story was a heartfelt choice, with lyrics that perfectly captured our love story. The organ accompanied us down the aisle with Canon in D, during signing of the register with Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, and as we departed with Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – each piece beautifully complementing the emotional moments.The highlight of our day was hearing three heartfelt readings from dear friends. First, we heard Colossians 3:12, followed by a poignant poem written by a World War II soldier, ‘To My Wife’, which had recently been rediscovered in the back of a prayer book. The words resonated deeply, especially given its historical context and the fact that it was written for his wife in Yorkshire, where Polly is from and we now call home. Many friends have since asked if they could borrow this beautiful reading for their own weddings.Lastly, we shared the moving ‘Blessing of the Hands’, a popular choice that still leaves us tearfully moved by its final line: ‘And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch’.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Polly’s desire for a comfortable dress in harmony with the setting was fulfilled by the exquisite creation of family friend Gill Ford, a skilled dressmaker in Knaresborough. The stunning ensemble featured silk and lace that flowed seamlessly together, with supplementary Rime Arodaky materials adding an extra layer of sophistication. To complete her look, Polly wore a flowing two-tier veil designed by Gill herself, paired with borrowed diamond studs from her mother, a sparkling diamond bracelet gifted by Will, a fresh flower crown, and Georgia Rose T-bar heels that added a touch of elegance. Meanwhile, Will opted for a morning suit rental from Harrogate Suit Hire, selecting a buff waistcoat and a cornflower blue tie from the esteemed Hawkes and Curtis. His look was further enhanced by personalized Badger and Brown cufflinks and a Longines watch gifted by Polly, exuding a sense of refinement and style.
Your Photographer
We were fortunate to find Sarah, an exceptional photographer who rose to the challenge of capturing our special day despite being given only five minutes for photos. Her ability to produce stunning images, even under time pressure, was impressive, as she managed to capture not only beautiful moments but also genuine, heartfelt interactions between us and our guests. What’s more, Sarah’s photography skills are truly outstanding, and her calming presence on the wedding day made her a joy to have around.
Beauty
Amy from Westrow, Roundhay worked her magic by crafting intricate hairstyles that perfectly complemented the flower crowns worn by each guest. The bohemian-inspired looks featuring curls and plaits were not only stunning but also remarkably resilient, enduring throughout the day despite the unpredictable weather. What’s more, Amy’s warm personality and calming presence made her an invaluable addition to our morning gathering. In contrast, we opted for a natural, effortless approach to makeup, allowing each of us to shine in our unique way.
Your Filmmaker
We initially deemed a wedding video an indulgence, but after receiving one as a gift from friends, we were convinced of their value. Fortunately, G&A Media, the talented team behind the film, exceeded our expectations. Their recent marriage has clearly influenced their approach, evident in their understated yet meticulous filmmaking style. They seamlessly adapted to our needs, showcasing a deep understanding of storytelling and a keen eye for capturing life’s most precious moments. The end result was nothing short of phenomenal, leaving us utterly speechless. We’re convinced that few, if any, could surpass the artistic quality they brought to our special day. Their video has inspired tears and laughter in equal measure among family, friends, and even colleagues who weren’t there to witness it firsthand. To this day, people continue to rave about it, and we wholeheartedly recommend G&A Media – extraordinary is an understatement.
The Details & Décor
Polly’s mum and nana played a crucial role in crafting unique elements for the wedding. They filled vintage jam jars and intricately designed vases with an array of flowers, which were carefully arranged on tables to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bunting was handmade by them, using eco-friendly petal confetti that added a touch of whimsy to the overall aesthetic. The couple also repurposed their own plant pots for use in the marquee and got creative with DIY signage, incorporating pallets and frames to add a rustic charm. Additionally, they scavenged second-hand stores and online marketplaces like eBay for essential items such as floral china plates, napkins, and glasses. This not only saved them money but also allowed them to keep or resell these items after the wedding. The couple’s stationery featured bespoke illustrations by Andrew Finnie, a talented friend with expertise in graphic design. To add a personal touch, they designed and printed their own orders of service, invitations, and place settings using online printing services. These were then tied together with twine and a sprig of rosemary from their garden, creating a beautiful and meaningful keepsake.
The Flowers
The blog post highlights our appreciation for natural English flowers, which played a stunning role in the event’s decorations. Polly’s mum and nana kindly contributed the majority of the floral arrangements, carefully gathering blooms from their own gardens just the day prior to the celebration. To add an extra touch of elegance, Claire from Flowers from the Farm in Ilkley created our beautiful flower crowns, bouquets, and button holes, bringing a pop of color and fragrance to the occasion.
The Cake
A sweet treat was shared among loved ones when Polly’s grandmother, her friend Wendy, and sister came together to create an exquisite three-tiered Victoria sponge cake. The moist layers were complemented by a rich homemade jam, which added an extra layer of flavor to the dessert. Fresh raspberries provided a delightful contrast in texture as we savored each bite.
The Honeymoon
The journey began in Hong Kong, proceeded to Flores in Indonesia, and ultimately concluded in Bali, with each destination playing its own unique role in shaping the story.
Memorable Moments
The memories of our special day are a treasure trove of joy, with moments that stand out like a stunning ceremony, an energetic wedding reception, delectable cuisine, and unforgettable evening dancing. If forced to narrow it down, we’d select the blissful feeling of leaving the church as husband and wife after a perfect ceremony, beaming as we greeted our loved ones spilling out of the church into the glorious sunshine. We also cherish the thrill of racing up the hill in our tuk-tuk as newlyweds, savoring those first moments just the two of us. Other highlights include watching friends and family react with delight to their limericks at their tables, the emotional and hilarious speeches that left us all in stitches, and Polly’s spontaneous decision to twirl Will during our first dance, sending the crowd into fits of laughter.
Advice For Other Couples
As we bid farewell to the screens of our camera phones, it was wonderful to see people’s faces light up with joy instead. The absence of digital distractions allowed for a more present and joyful atmosphere. We incorporated some unconventional elements into our celebration, without feeling pressured to conform to traditional norms. For instance, at our joint ‘sten’ in Poland, we prioritized genuine connections over a typical stag/hen do. This led to meaningful interactions, heartfelt speeches before dinner, a sweet treat instead of dessert, and a laid-back approach to transportation and dining. The key is to choose what brings you happiness, rather than feeling obligated to check boxes of expected norms.As we welcome new experiences into our lives, we’d like to express our gratitude to videographers, particularly G&A Media, for helping us capture priceless memories that will be cherished for years to come. Whether it’s reliving special moments or watching family members share heartfelt speeches, these recordings are truly invaluable.To further prepare ourselves for the big day, we recommend starting with a calming morning routine, such as yoga or meditation, to combat pre-wedding jitters and cultivate mindfulness.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photography was a stunning aspect of the wedding, captured by Sarah Longworth Photography. The filmmaker, G & A Media, also played a crucial role in preserving the special moments. Steel drums added a lively touch, courtesy of CCC Steelband. As the party got underway, DJ Blue Duck Events kept the energy high. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed rides on the colorful Tuk Tuks provided by Lovetuktuks. The florist, Pear Tree Farm Flowers – Flowers From The Farm, brought beauty to the celebration with their farm-fresh blooms. Caterers Happy Hogs Catering ensured everyone’s bellies were full and happy. Marquees from Celeste Marquee and Florida Marquees added a touch of elegance. Grooms wore suits courtesy of Harrogate Suit Hire, while bar staff from Bar Events UK kept drinks flowing. Hair was styled by the talented team at Westrow, Roundhay.