I’m thrilled to share with you Laura and Aaron’s enchanting The Cider Barn wedding, which took place on October 26th, 2019 in Herefordshire. As an autumn aficionado, I must confess that there’s something undeniably magical about this season, especially when couples like Laura and Aaron infuse their special day with love, creativity, and a dash of whimsy.Their wedding was a masterclass in embracing the mystical and rustic charm of the great outdoors. Think hot drinks, pumpkins, archery, owls, live music, smoke bombs, hand-stitched felt buttonholes, and an abundance of autumnal blooms – it’s no wonder their celebration left a lasting impression on all who attended.Despite the rain, Laura and Aaron shone brightly in their attire, their joy and love radiating like a warm glow. I highly recommend reading their advice on not stressing about the weather; trust me, it’s wisdom worth heeding.Huge thanks to Electric Blue Photos and Film for allowing us to revel in these stunning captures of their joyous celebration – a true testament to the power of love and community.
Cider Barn Wedding
The Proposal
It’s a memory that still brings a smile to my face – Aaron proposed to me in a picturesque rowing boat on the River Esk in Ruswarp, near Whitby. This charming coastal town holds a special place in our hearts, as it was where we first shared an apartment together after university. Though we’ve since moved away, Whitby remains a sentimental location for us. To make the moment even more meaningful, Aaron gave me a stunning tree branch engagement ring featuring an emerald stone – a nod to the first song I ever wrote for him, titled ‘Emerald Green’.
The Vision
From the beginning, it was clear that we shared a vision for an autumnal wedding with a folksy charm, infused with music and delicious cuisine. Our preference was for an intimate gathering, ultimately capped at 50 guests, where we could celebrate the unique aspects of our relationship. We longed to create a day that felt warm, enchanting, and distinctly ours – a true reflection of who we are and what brought us together.
The Planning Process
After a year-long search, we finally found a venue that fit our budget and allowed us to plan the entire event in just 10 months. As we opted for a DIY approach, I learned firsthand the importance of starting early and seeking help when needed. My advice to anyone considering a DIY wedding is to prioritize preparation and collaboration.One of the smartest decisions we made was planning for the unexpected – namely, rain. Initially, we had planned an outdoor ceremony in the orchard at our venue, but October’s unpredictable weather convinced us to have a backup plan. Little did we know that the night before and morning of our wedding would bring biblical downpours, causing widespread flooding around the venue.Fortunately, we had hired an open-sided marquee to serve as a wet-weather alternative on the barn’s side patio. This wise decision allowed us to enjoy the beautiful surroundings without getting soaked. Looking back, it was the perfect solution, and I highly recommend planning for the unexpected to ensure your special day runs smoothly.
Budget
After tallying up all the expenses, I estimate that our total outlay was £11,000. A combination of our own savings and financial assistance from family members made it possible for us to bring the project to fruition. In an effort to keep costs under control, we took a proactive approach by completing many tasks ourselves, conducting thorough research to find affordable options, and making conscious choices about where to splurge and where to cut back.
The Venue
When searching for the perfect venue, my partner and I had a clear idea of what we were looking for. We didn’t want anything too formal or restrictive, but rather a space that would allow us to express our personalities and creativity. After considering a few options, we fell in love with The Cider Barn in Pembridge, Herefordshire. Our initial visit left us impressed by the stunning barn and its surroundings, as well as Pauline’s attention to detail and her willingness to accommodate our unique vision. We were put off by venues that wanted to dictate a specific package and timeline, insisting on champagne toasts and chair covers – it just wasn’t our style. The Cider Barn, however, was open-minded and enthusiastic about bringing our ideas to life. As a restaurant, the venue’s food is exceptional, and we opted for cozy comfort food options like tagine and chocolate brownies. On the day of our celebration, The Cider Barn looked beautiful, but it was the staff that truly made the event special – they were lovely and worked tirelessly to bring everything together.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Aaron’s wedding attire included a bespoke folky brown herringbone tweed suit from Moss Bros, which he had tailored to perfection. He paired it with brown lace-up boots from Next, although he ended up wearing his trusty wellies for most of the day. His dark green knitted tie and handmade buttonhole featuring felt leaves, acorns, and feathers added a touch of whimsy, courtesy of Aaron’s sister. As a thoughtful wedding gift, I surprised him with cat cufflinks from Hello Sunshine, which perfectly captured our mischievous felines Dexter and Luna.I took a chance on my dress, purchasing it on Etsy from the talented Russian designer Milamira. Despite the initial nervousness of buying online, the result was well worth the risk – my dream dress arrived at an unbeatable price. To complete the look, I added a dark green ribbon to match Aaron’s tie, as well as purple tights from WhiteStuff that proved reliable all day long. My brown lace-up boots came courtesy of FatFace, while my trusty black Hunters kept my feet warm and cozy. And, of course, no outfit would be complete without a thoughtful touch – I brought along a brown herringbone blanket to match Aaron’s suit, ensuring we stayed snug throughout the celebration.
Beauty
I’m not typically one for makeup, so donning it on my wedding day was a bit of an anxious experience. Thankfully, my sister’s skillful hands made me feel more at ease as she kept the look understated yet elegant. I still felt like myself, but with a lovely touch of glamour. On the hair front, I was blown away by October Hair’s expertise. Not only did she craft the most stunning wedding hairstyles for me, but she also proved to be a calming presence when my nerves began to get the better of me amidst the flooding chaos. Her talent is undeniable, and her warm demeanor made her an absolute pleasure to have around on what was already an emotional morning. As an added touch, my sister created exquisite fabric leaves and acorns that October deftly pinned into place, while I sported colorful ribbons flowing from a braided masterpiece at the back of my ‘do.
The Flowers
I stumbled upon Jo of Issy and Bella’s Instagram page, captivated by her enchanting designs. Her unique approach to bouquet-making resonated with me, as she sources materials from nature. I commissioned an autumnal woodland fairy arrangement, which she skillfully crafted. The result was a stunning collection of autumn hues, berries, and feathers that I wished could have been mine forever. To add a personal touch, I incorporated ribbons and a locket containing my grandfather’s photograph, gifted to me by Aaron on the eve of our wedding.
To create an immersive atmosphere within the venue, we opted for carnations, which are my all-time favourite flowers, alongside dried poppy seed heads from our garden and ivy that we foraged just a day prior. The harmonious blend of these elements brought our vision to life.
The Cake
Sarah of Applebox Cakes exceeded our expectations with a woodland-themed masterpiece that captured the essence of our special day. The intricate details included oak leaves, acorns, and ivy meticulously arranged on three wooden slices, each bearing our names carved in the top tier. A pied wagtail perched on Aaron’s symbol and a robin sat proudly on mine, adding a touch of whimsy to the design. The cake boasted an impressive three flavours: rich red velvet, creamy white chocolate, and sweet raspberry and carrot. Throughout the entire process, Sarah’s dedication to her craft was evident, and her exceptional attention to detail shone through in every aspect. The end result? A truly delectable masterpiece that left us utterly delighted.
The Details & Décor
We took a hands-on approach to decorating, opting for DIY projects that allowed us to incorporate personal touches into our autumnal woodland theme. We repurposed items we already owned, such as my vintage typewriter, to save money and add sentimental value. Our love for the outdoors was reflected in the use of natural elements like pumpkins, apples, moss, and toadstools.To pay homage to Aaron’s passion for birds, we incorporated table names and bird-themed decorations throughout the venue. I drew inspiration from Victorian vintage aesthetics, incorporating lace tablecloths, old postcards, black candlesticks, and vintage bird illustrations into our decor.My friend Ginny did an incredible job with the hand lettering on our signs, which were crafted from repurposed palettes that we found for free. Aaron and I created the handfasting cords ourselves, using a color palette that reflected the wedding’s autumnal theme.One of my favorite details was the stunning silver birch piece that Aaron spent a year carving with our initials, leaves, and Celtic knots. We now display it proudly on our mantelpiece as a treasured memento from our special day.To save time and effort, we asked our guests to bring their own carved pumpkins, which were then judged by us in the evening. The results were truly impressive, and they added a beautiful ambiance to the venue when lit up at night.Following the ceremony, we served hot cider and hot chocolate to warm everyone up. During the reception, we surprised our guests with birds of prey and archery demonstrations in the field. Both activities were huge hits, and it was an unforgettable experience for me to shoot a bow and arrow on my wedding day!
Your Photographer
After an exhaustive search that left me feeling defeated by my own limitations, I finally found the perfect photographer in Electric Blue. Her remarkable skills behind the lens, coupled with her unique editing style that blends vibrant hues with a subtle darkness, were exactly what I envisioned for our enchanting autumnal wedding. Charlotte, the photographer’s talent and dedication shone through on the day of our celebration, as she braved treacherous floodwaters to capture every moment and detail with precision and artistry. Her second shooter, Katy, proved to be a stealthy ninja behind the camera, capturing countless precious moments and breathtaking details that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. The resulting photo gallery exceeded my wildest expectations, leaving us absolutely thrilled and grateful for the beautiful memories we now possess.
Groomsmen
We opted to rent the groomsmen’s suits from Vintage Suit Hire, which provided exceptional service and flexibility. To create a stylish contrast, we chose a lighter brown tweed for the groomsmen that subtly differentiated them from Aaron’s attire while still harmoniously complementing each other. The addition of green knitted ties and handmade buttonholes added a touch of elegance to their overall look.
Bridesmaids
My only bridesmaid was my big sister, Sarah. Recognizing that I’d be anxious on the morning of the wedding, I deliberately kept the number of people around me to a minimum. While many brides thrive with a large entourage, I simply wanted my sister by my side. For Sarah’s attire, I chose a dark green dress from ASOS, which she paired with purple tights and ballerina pumps. Her accessories included a matching herringbone blanket and tiny oak leaves woven into her hair. She exuded a whimsical charm reminiscent of a woodland fairy queen! Meanwhile, our niece and three nephews, affectionately dubbed the ‘Apple Tree Elves,’ added to the festivities. Dressed in autumn-inspired outfits from Sainsburys, they looked utterly precious as they walked down the aisle with their pixie bonnets and star wands, minus the bonnets which we sourced from Etsy.
The Honeymoon
As newlyweds, Aaron and I embarked on a minimoon to Cornwall, a place that held special meaning for us. We first met while studying at the University of Falmouth, so it seemed only fitting to spend our post-wedding days in this picturesque corner of England. Our cozy cottage in Gunwalloe provided the perfect retreat from the world, despite the rain that poured down for the duration of our stay – a minor detail considering Cornwall’s inherent charm is unaffected by the weather. The region’s mystique only added to the romance of our minimoon, as we spent lazy days exploring and rekindling our love in this idyllic setting. To formally seal our union, we visited Helston Registry Office and exchanged official vows, surrounded by just two witnesses. Following this intimate ceremony, we returned to our university stomping grounds, where we reminisced about old times and celebrated with a hearty meal of big-ass burritos in Falmouth, marking the culmination of an unforgettable minimoon experience.
Memorable Moments
The journey to the wedding was filled with unexpected twists. We’d rented a VW campervan to take my sister, dad, and me to the Cider Barn, but torrential rain and 1950s vehicles don’t mix well. A breakdown in the middle of a flooded lane left us stranded until Lisa and Guy, a lovely couple, passed by in their 4×4 and towed us to safety. The unconventional arrival became one of my favorite memories from the day. It was a far cry from the expected calm entry, but it’s now a cherished memory.Another highlight was Faith’s triumphant arrival after battling through floodwaters all day to reach the wedding. Her presence meant everything to me, and seeing her face as she walked in felt like the best feeling ever. And then there was Jack’s misadventure – he accidentally drove into the orchard, got stuck in the mud, and needed a tractor to rescue him…
Advice For Other Couples
When it comes to planning a wedding, it’s natural to worry about the weather. But as someone who has shot numerous rainy weddings, I can confidently say that on the day of the celebration, the rain becomes irrelevant. My advice would be to prepare for the unexpected and make the most of your outdoor ceremony by being prepared with wellies and umbrellas. And if it does rain, don’t stress – just get out there, embrace the moment, and let the memories unfold. Ultimately, a wedding is about celebrating the love and memories that bring two people together. It’s essential to remember that it’s not just about checking off every item on your Pinterest board, but rather embracing the unique qualities that make you and your partner who you are. So, go ahead and wear ribbons in your hair, have pumpkins at your wedding, or do whatever makes you feel special – after all, the day will fly by, and it’s crucial to hold onto those fleeting moments with all your might. And speaking of moments, I must give credit where credit is due to the incredible team that made Laura and Aaron’s big day so unforgettable. From Electric Blue Photos and Film capturing the magic, to Kate Jackson Photography as their second shooter, every detail was meticulously planned to perfection. The Cider Barn provided a cozy and romantic setting, while Applebox Cake Studio and Issy & Bella Floral Design brought the couple’s vision to life. October Hair styled Laura’s locks beautifully, Miracle Cure got everyone on the dance floor, and Agnia by MilaMira created her stunning wedding dress. Finer Detail took care of the dress alterations, Tartan Blanket Co. provided the perfect blanket wrap, ASOS designed the bridesmaid dresses, Moss Bros suited up Aaron, and Aigle kept his wellies dry. Hello Sunshine added a touch of whimsy with their hair accessories and buttonholes, while Hilltop Birds of Prey brought in the birds, Really Rural handled the archery, Tents 4 Elements set up the fire pits and festival flags, Dollz provided the confetti, and Rust designed Laura’s stunning ring. It was truly an epic celebration, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.