image source
image source
image source
Imagine a wedding that perfectly blends rustic charm with sophisticated elegance – welcome to Aimee and Jonny’s countryside celebration! Held on April 7th, 2018, at the picturesque Chiltern Open Air Museum in Buckinghamshire, this special day was made possible by the unique venue’s flexibility. The couple opted for a relaxed atmosphere, exchanging vows in a rustic barn ceremony before dancing the night away under a starry sky in a magical tipi reception, courtesy of Country Tipis.The attention to detail is stunning – think vintage decorations, breathtaking florals, and a semi-naked cake that’s almost too beautiful to eat. As the sun sets, the festoon lighting adds a touch of whimsy, while the fire pit area becomes the perfect spot for cozy gatherings. A flower wall backdrop provides an Instagram-worthy moment for guests, and the adorable guest book by Norma & Dorothy (WWW Suppliers) is a lovely keepsake.The happy couple and their wedding party looked stunning in their attire, while the delicious Mexican cuisine kept everyone satisfied throughout the day. As the night unfolds, the dance floor fills with loved ones grooving to Aimee and Jonny’s favorite tunes. Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography and Film Studio captured the joy and magic of this unforgettable day – a truly dreamy experience.
The Proposal
As Valentine’s Day approached in 2017, Jonny orchestrated an unforgettable treasure hunt across London, guiding me through a series of handcrafted puzzles and challenges. Our adventure took us from the iconic embracing couple statue at St Pancras station to Soho for brunch, then up to the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral, behind-the-scenes at the British Film Institute, and finally, to the enchanting St Dunstan’s in the East, a former church now transformed into a stunning Grade I listed open-air churchyard and gardens. It was here that Jonny dropped down to one knee, presenting me with an exquisite diamond and green sapphire ring, carefully designed by the talented team at Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery. With tears of joy in my eyes, I eagerly accepted his proposal!
The Vision
Our wedding vision was one of effortless elegance, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that celebrated the beauty of nature and the rustic charm of the countryside. We considered hosting our special day in London, but ultimately decided on a more laid-back approach, opting for a festival-inspired celebration amidst rolling hills and wildflowers. The idea of incorporating wooden structures like barns and tipis, along with fairy lights, fire pits, and whimsical touches, really resonated with us.
The Planning Process
We embarked on wedding planning shortly after our engagement, pouring over online venue options and setting a date. My sister, a skilled photographer and videographer, had already booked up her schedule for the year ahead, forcing us to explore alternative dates that didn’t conflict with another couple’s special day. The previous April in 2016 had been unusually warm and sunny, so we took a chance on an early April 2018 date, only to discover that the Beast from the East was forecasted to strike just in time for our big day! Fortunately, the snow melted away just as quickly, allowing us to bask in the sunshine. With just over a year to plan, we found it was just enough time, thanks to our ability to make informed decisions.
Budget
From the start, we had a clear idea of our budget constraints and managed to stay within it by prioritizing specific aspects of our celebration. We splurged on must-haves like mouthwatering burritos courtesy of Cantina Carnitas’ expertise in Mexican street food, bespoke cocktails from Coxtails’ vintage bar selection, and an awe-inspiring two-hat tipi rented from the talented team at Country Tipis.
The Venue
We opted for the Chiltern Open Air Museum as the backdrop for our special day. This picturesque working farm in Buckinghamshire’s countryside boasts two charming vintage barns, both licensed for intimate wedding ceremonies. We chose Skippings Barn for its rich history, unique character and breathtaking minstrels’ gallery and staircase, which are listed Grade II. The adjacent field played host to our tipi reception, connected to the barn by a meandering walkway illuminated by festoon lighting. A fire pit nestled between the structures added warmth and ambiance to the entire celebration, evoking a sense of cozy festival atmosphere.
The Readings & Music
In a surprising turn of events, I accidentally walked down the aisle to the wrong song – but it ended up being serendipitous. Our brother-in-law Dan was in charge of the music and chose ‘I’ll Be Your Girl’ by the Decemberists, which just happened to be one of our pre-selected songs for the signing of the register. It wasn’t until later that we realized Jonny hadn’t even noticed! To complement the ceremony, two close friends performed heartfelt readings – a humorous piece about falling in love being like owning a dog and a poignant poem by Neil Gaiman that had everyone’s emotions running high. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter and tears mingling throughout.Come evening, we hired the exceptional Eddie from Indie Wedding DJ to get the party started. With our first dance song ‘Strangers’ by The Kinks, Eddie set the tone for an unforgettable night. He seamlessly transitioned into a tailored playlist featuring all ten of our must-play songs – much to everyone’s delight. His expertise at getting people on the dance floor was unmatched, and we danced the night away with no intention of slowing down. In fact, we ended the night in perfect harmony, with everyone dancing to The Killers’ ‘All These Things That I’ve Done’. It was truly a night to remember.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I opted for Aimee’s stunning tea-length dress, ‘Dora’, designed by Lou Lou Bridal and sourced from the enchanting Heritage Brides in Hertfordshire. This independent bridal boutique is a treasure trove of unique gowns with boho, classic, or vintage flair, perfect for the bride who dares to be different. The owner, Sam, along with my sister, mum, and mother-son-to-be, helped me narrow down the selection, and I felt an emotional connection when I slipped into ‘Dora’ and gazed at myself in the grand mirror. It reminded me of my late nan’s tea-length dress from her wedding in the 1960s – I knew she would have loved it! To complete the look, I added a slender beaded belt with champagne-coloured ribbon and matching glittery T-bar shoes by Jenny Packham. For earrings, I chose peach vintage-inspired flowers from Lola & Alice, sourced from notonthehighstreet.com.Jonny’s attire was just as thoughtful, with a blue tweed suit in a herringbone pattern hired from H R H Holmes & Son in Hitchin. The suits were warm and practical for the chilly spring wedding while providing the desired vintage edge. My suit was paired with a simple white shirt from T M Lewin, light brown brogues by Gucinari, purchased from T K Maxx, a yellow knitted tie selected from HRH Holmes, and a floral pocket square from ASOS. To add a personal touch, I wore my grandad’s cufflinks, completing the look.
The Flowers
We were fortunate to have Jonny’s mum, a trained florist, create the breathtaking arrangements for our special day. Her expertise was instrumental in bringing our vision to life. She crafted not only two exquisite bouquets and five corsages and buttonholes but also filled jam jars with delicate posies inspired by wildflowers. Her Superwoman skills were on full display! To ensure our floral vision aligned with her artistic flair, we visited a flower wholesaler together, where she guided us in selecting an array of flowers in soft blush and peach hues, complemented by lush greenery like ferns and eucalyptus leaves.
Your Photographer & Videographer
Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography and Film Studio, the creative force behind Terri & Lori, effortlessly captured our special day, weaving together film and photography to produce a stunning visual narrative. With their expertise, our couples portraits flowed seamlessly, while the ceremony shots were artfully punctuated by snippets of footage. The partnership between Terri & Lori is truly remarkable, as they share an intuitive understanding that allows them to anticipate each other’s creative instincts. Their collaborative approach resulted in breathtakingly beautiful images and captivating film that will allow us to relive our wedding day for years to come.
The Honeymoon
As our wedding celebrations came to a close, we decided to delay our honeymoon until the summer holidays, when Jonny’s teaching schedule allowed for a proper break. We opted for the stunning Yucatan peninsula on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, which offered an idyllic blend of relaxation and adventure. The three days were filled with lounging on pristine white sand beaches, indulging in local tequila tastings, and getting up close and personal with green turtles and stingrays in their natural habitat. We also had the opportunity to explore ancient archaeological sites, striking a perfect balance between unwinding and embarking on exciting experiences.
Beauty
I had the pleasure of working with Leah from Belles Beauty to create stunning hair and makeup looks for myself, my sister, and mom. From start to finish, Leah was an absolute delight to collaborate with, crafting looks that perfectly complemented our wedding while making us feel confident and radiant. The makeup was subtle yet elegant in shades of brown and pink, and I opted for a relaxed low bun featuring woven plaits. My sister’s updo was similarly styled, finished with delicate floral combs designed and crafted by my talented mother-in-law.
Bridesmaids
In a thoughtful touch, we opted for a custom-made bridesmaid outfit for my sister, commissioning a stunning mauve-and-pink two-piece from Timeless Couture’s Astra, a renowned bespoke wedding dress workshop situated within a charming converted mill in Derby. The elegant design seamlessly complemented my own lace gown, featuring a matching silhouette and flowing midi-length tulle skirt that perfectly mirrored the overall aesthetic.
The Details & Décor
As we navigated the day with Gemma from The White Emporium’s expert styling guidance, her exquisite vintage props elevated our entire wedding experience to new heights. From carefully curating her collection to selecting the perfect pieces for our celebration, to her meticulous morning-of-the-wedding preparations, we felt completely at ease knowing we were in capable hands. On the big day itself, Gemma transformed our step-ladder cake table into a visual masterpiece, set up the enchanting festoon lighting outside our tipis, and ensured every detail was meticulously attended to. With complete trust in her vision, we had no doubts whatsoever that everything would be nothing short of breathtaking – and were utterly blown away by the stunning results.
The Cake
We were truly blessed when it came to our wedding cake. My mother had always dreamed of creating the perfect dessert for her child’s special day, so when we suggested a homemade cake, she jumped at the opportunity. Her hard work and dedication paid off in spades, as the final product was nothing short of breathtaking. The layered masterpiece featured a refreshing lemon drizzle top tier, a classic Victoria sponge middle layer, and a moist carrot cake base. A generous dollop of creamy buttercream and an assortment of fresh berries added to its visual appeal, while a delicate rose-gold calligraphy topper, crafted by Fira Studio and sourced through Etsy, added a touch of elegance with its romantic ‘You & Me’ sentiment.
Memorable Moments
The wedding celebration was a true masterpiece, masterfully blending humor and sentimentality in Lee’s heartfelt best man speech. The evening’s festivities were further enhanced by expertly crafted classic cocktails, lively dancing, and meaningful reunions with old friends from far-flung corners of the globe. Meanwhile, we cherished quiet moments amidst the revelry, finding solace in warm conversation and crackling fireside camaraderie.
Advice For Other Couples
To create an unforgettable and personalized wedding ceremony, our top recommendation is to prioritize the elements that truly matter to you as a couple, discarding any traditional aspects that don’t align with your vision for the big day. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and opt for something truly one-of-a-kind. By focusing on these key elements, everything else will fall into place naturally.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography and Film Studio captured the essence of Aimee and Jonny’s special day at Skippings Barn within Chiltern Open Air Museum. The rustic charm of the venue was complemented by Country Tipis, a Wedding Directory member for marquee solutions. The White Emporium provided styling and prop hire expertise to create a unique atmosphere. Cantina Carnitas handled catering duties, while Coxtails added a touch of sophistication to the cocktail bar. Indie Wedding DJ ensured an unforgettable entertainment experience.
Aimee’s stunning outfit was found at Heritage Brides design by Lou Lou Bridal, with the groom and best man sporting hired suits from HRH Holmes & Sons. Belles Beauty took care of hair and makeup for the happy couple. The bridesmaids’ handmade gowns were designed by Timeless Couture, and Aimee’s robe was crafted by The Kimono Shop alongside her bridesmaid’s. Rings were bespoke designs by Chloe at Harriett Kelsall.
The guest book was a heartfelt keepsake from Norma & Dorothy, a Wedding Directory member for stationery. Fira Studio created the beautiful cake topper. To keep guests dry, Brolly Bucket provided an array of colorful brollies. Lastly, Lou’s warm sentiments in her message to Aimee and Jonny expressed the joy she felt in capturing their unforgettable day.