Cotswold Woodland Glamping Wedding
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I’m delighted to share Carina and Tianne’s enchanting Cotswold Woodland Glamping experience, which took place on September 8th, 2018. This joyous celebration brought together loved ones and friends amidst the whimsical surroundings of a woodland glade. The couple glamped on-site, indulging in luxurious amenities like a shepherd’s hut with a hot tub. As they exchanged vows during a heartwarming humanist ceremony, their guests gathered around to bear witness to this special moment. Following the nuptials, the newlyweds and their loved ones revelled in fairy-lit tipis, surrounded by live music courtesy of Warble Entertainment and warm campfire sing-alongs. Carina and Tianne’s stylish attire stole the show, accompanied by picturesque flowers, rustic signs, and personalized stationery. The entire experience was nothing short of spectacular, with Elaine Williams Photography capturing every moment in stunning detail.
The Proposal
As we spent a relaxing weekend at Tianne’s Auntie Philippa and Uncle Kevin’s cozy cottage in the picturesque New Forest, our plans for a leisurely walk were set. However, my carefully laid proposal plan was foiled when Tianne opted to wear her new wellies instead of laces, rendering my cleverly crafted lace-undone ploy obsolete.
Tianne seemed perplexed as Carina expressed concern over her footwear choice, and her unusual behavior during the walk only added to my growing unease. It wasn’t until later, when I turned around to see Carina on one knee, gazing up at me with adoration, that I realized she had planned a surprise of her own.
As it turned out, she had been planning to pop the question in her own way, and the romantic atmosphere, surrounded by nature’s serenity, made it the perfect setting for our proposal. I said yes without hesitation, grateful for the surprise and the chance to start this new chapter together.
The Vision
During a family vacation in India, conversations revolved around Carina, who was back in London, with many expressing their admiration for her. As we relaxed by the pool, my partner and I started brainstorming ideas for our dream wedding. We decided it should be an outdoor celebration that honors love, family, and friends. The must-haves included live music, a roaring fire pit, a BBQ, and – a unique touch – pickled gerkins. Upon sharing these plans with Carina when we got back home, she was taken aback, as the proposal hadn’t happened yet! We wanted our loved ones to feel included on our special day, which is why it was crucial for us that they have an unforgettable experience. For us, friends and family are everything – we value their presence in our lives.
The Planning Process
C: We’re grateful that Tianne’s mom Belinda played a significant role in helping us plan the logistics of our special day. Her summer parties provided valuable opportunities for us to connect with loved ones and benefit from her expertise in planning and organization.T: Our families and parents were incredibly supportive, and we couldn’t have achieved our dream wedding without them. Their generosity made all the difference, allowing us to create a celebration that truly reflected who we are as individuals and as a couple.As we navigated the complexities of a same-sex wedding, it was essential for us to determine which traditional elements felt meaningful to us and which didn’t. This allowed us to craft a ceremony that was authentic and joyful, reflecting our unique love story.
Budget
We left our wedding celebration with a sense of wonder, grateful for the incredible support we received from loved ones. Our heartfelt thanks go out to both sets of parents – the Browns and the Stuarts – as well as stepdad Steve, Jody, Sophie, and all the members of the bridal party and friends who lent their time and talents to making our weekend unforgettable. Your combined efforts brought joy and magic to every moment, and we’re forever grateful for your presence in our lives.
Wedding Party
I chose my sister Beth and best friend Becky as my trusted bridesmaids. To ensure they felt confident and beautiful on the big day, I scoured online marketplaces like Ebay for their dresses. We settled on simple yet elegant designs that complemented their diverse hair colours and skin tones. To add a touch of whimsy, we paired these dresses with delicate flower crowns from Etsy – (BDaccesoriesco) was our go-to shop. Meanwhile, my niece Faith stunned in her white tulle dress adorned with a forest green belt from Matchimony. When it came to the groom’s party, I decided to give Best Man Steve, nephew Jackson, and ushers Oliver and Leroy the creative freedom to express themselves through their own attire choices. Each of them has their unique style, so it only made sense to provide a general guideline and let them take it from there.
The Venue
We sought to infuse our special day with personal touches, so we opted for an unconventional wedding celebration at Cotswold Woodland Glamping, near Broadway. The venue’s stunning woodland setting and rustic charm won us over, even on a rainy day – it was as if the gloomy weather only added to the atmosphere. Our ceremony would take place in a secluded clearing surrounded by trees, followed by a lively gathering in the main field featuring a BBQ, campfire sing-along, speeches, and plenty of dancing with our band. We worked closely with our Humanist celebrant, Hannah, who was recommended by the venue owners. Her warmth, inclusivity, and sincerity made us feel at ease as we planned every detail of our ceremony.Buffalo Tipi’s unique offerings caught our attention, too. We traveled to their open day in Bath to see their luxurious tipis firsthand, and it was well worth the trip. The spacious accommodations fit our 80 guests comfortably, with room for an indoor bar, dance floor, and cozy log fire – a delightful surprise on a chilly evening.The Watering Hole provided us with refreshing drinks and a beautifully rustic bar that complemented the atmosphere perfectly. Their professionalism, politeness, and friendliness made the entire process seamless, from booking to clearing away at the end of the night.We enjoyed early access to the venue two days prior to our wedding, allowing us to decorate the space ourselves, with the help of our loved ones. The result was a picturesque setting featuring ivy-draped poles, beautifully crafted table decorations, and wooden pallets – even the salad dressing bottles got a twine makeover! The venue provided us with a stunning wooden arch that our friends decorated to perfection.Once everything was in place, we spent time relaxing across the range of accommodations. I enjoyed hours soaking in the hot tub at Carina’s mom Tina’s shepherd’s hut, grooving to Reggae music with her family while Carina ensured all our guests were comfortable and settled.Our guests stayed on-site in a variety of accommodations – shepherds huts, pods, cottages, or local hotels. It was wonderful to have people staying with us, allowing us to share breakfast together the morning after.
The Readings & Music
As we prepared for our special day, I devoted four months to crafting the perfect pre-ceremony playlist for our guests’ arrival and enjoyment during the Prosecco service and BBQ that followed. It was essential to curate songs that reflected our love story as a same-sex couple. The playlist is available on Spotify for anyone interested in listening.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I surprised myself by falling in love with a straightforward online wedding dress purchase, which unfortunately turned out to be from a now-defunct website. The affordable £100 price tag was an added bonus, and trying it on for the first time felt like a perfect fit – I didn’t bother trying on any other dresses! To add some flair to my understated gown, I opted for a stunning off-white floor-length veil from Britten Weddings, which offered swatches for me to choose from and ensured a seamless colour match. My overall look was completed with Silver Emerald earrings from TheHirstCollection on Etsy and a silver bracelet – a thoughtful gift from my dad, made especially for me a few years prior.On the other side of the aisle, I wore a River Island suit, which I complemented with unique silver buttons for my waistcoat, handcrafted by Tim, Jody’s dad. These bespoke buttons featured butterflies and foxes, cleverly matching our wedding’s whimsical theme. My best woman, Jody, took it upon herself to create a special pin featuring a photo of my late grandparents – a heartfelt gesture that left me touched.
Beauty
Kari, our talented make-up artist, was a true professional. Despite my busy nursing schedule, she made time for us during her social visits to London, where we met to discuss my wedding beauty needs. I immediately felt at ease sharing my vision with her, and she offered valuable advice on pre-wedding hair care that I still follow today. Her expertise was in high demand on the day of our trial, as many members of the bridal party wanted either hair, makeup, or both. Kari expertly managed her time to accommodate everyone’s requests, alleviating my morning anxiety. She made me feel like a glamorous version of myself while still honoring my personal style.Carina and I also wanted to create a unique wedding scent that reflected our love story. We attended a free consultation at Jo Malone, where we discovered the perfect fragrance combination: Wood Sage and Sea Salt with English Pear and Freesia. Wearing this scent together on our special day was a beautiful way for us to complement each other. Whenever I wear it now, it instantly transports me back to that joyous day and fills my heart with love and happiness.
The Flowers
When it came time to plan the flowers, I opted to work with a local florist instead of Beth, who was based out of Warwickshire. I selected some arrangements and sent them over to her for feedback and recommendations. She skillfully combined my ideas with her expertise to create the perfect blend of beauty and availability. Beth’s handiwork included crafting bridal party bouquets, buttonholes, table decorations, and a stunning arrangement for the ceremony site that was placed in vintage glass jam jars – which we had been collecting for years! I also asked Beth to incorporate yellow roses into the arrangements as a tribute to my late biological mother, who passed away when I was younger. We displayed them alongside a cherished photo, serving as a poignant reminder of her memory.
Your Photographer
We initially opted out of hiring a photographer to keep costs down, assuming that our friends and family could capture the day’s moments on their phones. However, a colleague at work convinced us otherwise, saying it would be a regrettable decision. I took her advice and researched local photographers, eventually finding Elaine whose portfolio stood out for its storytelling ability and natural aesthetic. Her exceptional talent and lovely personality sealed the deal. It turned out that not only did we get stunning photos but also some cherished memories to treasure.Elaine recommended a ‘first look’ experience, which we had never considered before. I’m grateful we took her suggestion. Not only did it give us a chance to relax and capture some intimate moments before the ceremony, but it also allowed us to spend quality time with each other without being away from our guests for too long.The first look idea worked out beautifully, allowing me to present Carina with a thoughtful wedding gift – a pocket watch. Elaine’s photography skills truly captured our special day, capturing moments we thought had gone unnoticed. Having a photographer also meant we could ask our guests to refrain from taking photos during the ceremony, ensuring they wouldn’t miss anything. I wholeheartedly recommend hiring a photographer for your big day; it will result in beautiful, lasting memories that you’ll treasure forever.
The Details & Décor
My mom’s keen eye for design helped bring our Pinterest-inspired ideas together, creating a cohesive vision for our special day. For about a year, her house was filled with all sorts of decorations – massive bundles of ivy, wooden crates, and jugs galore. We received countless compliments on the decorations, and some guests even took home the flower-adorned jugs as mementos. It’s heartwarming to know that pieces of our wedding day are still cherished by those who attended.
My aunt Maria, an accomplished illustrator, created exquisite woodland-themed invitations, table plans, place cards, and thank-you letters – a labor of love that added an extra layer of meaning to the day. And, as if by magic, our rabbit Bun even made a cameo appearance!
Jody, our best woman, crafted beautiful heart-shaped plaques with inspiring quotes, which we hung along the path leading to the ceremony site – a thoughtful touch that left a lasting impression. We also incorporated cutouts of Piglet, a running joke between my parents and me, adding an extra layer of personalization to the day.
Sophie, our friend and talented artist, created a stunning hand-crafted wedding guest book, complete with handmade paper – a treasured keepsake that we’ll always cherish.
The Cake
One of the most poignant moments for my husband and me occurred when we visited our ailing grandmother Cynthia in hospital. We decided to bring a cake and recreate our wedding day, complete with bouquets, just 24 hours after tying the knot. The experience was bittersweet, as we knew Grandma’s time was limited. Sadly, she passed away a few months later, but that special moment remains etched in our memories.
Our dessert menu featured crepes with an array of toppings, courtesy of the same company that provided our BBQ. In hindsight, it’s no surprise that the Baileys were the clear winner! As the night wore on, we served wood-fired pizzas to keep everyone’s energy levels up after all the dancing to the live band. It was a much-needed boost after an action-packed day.
The Band
After an exhaustive search, my partner and I finally found the perfect band for our special day. It took some time, but we were determined to get it just right. Our choice was a talented 5-piece group called ‘Live on Stage’, booked through Warble Entertainment. They brought an infectious energy to the party, with everyone dancing at one point – not a single person remained seated! The band’s musicianship was impressive, and they received numerous compliments from our guests. What made them truly stand out was their ability to curate a setlist that catered perfectly to our tastes. We were treated to a wide range of songs spanning multiple eras, making the performance feel like it was tailor-made for us. To top it all off, they even delivered an outstanding cover of ‘She’s Royal’ by Taurus Riley for our first dance – if only we had recorded it!
Your Filmmaker
My cousin Tom, a skilled filmmaker with a background in studying film at university and currently working for ITV, did an incredible job capturing our special day on camera by filming our wedding. His expertise truly shone through in the final product.
The Honeymoon
Our honeymoon in The New Forest was nothing short of wonderful. We spent our days relaxing as newlyweds and indulging in some much-needed pampering. A visit to SenSpa was the perfect way to unwind, complete with an incredible couples massage that left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The Rhassoul mud treatment was a highlight, offering a sense of pure luxury. As we entered this new chapter in our lives together, it was wonderful to have some quality time to relax and recharge after the excitement of the wedding. In addition to our spa day, we also visited the New Forest Wildlife Park, where we had the chance to see the adorable otters up close. We learned that these charming creatures are often found in pairs, much like us, and were inspired to bring a new furry friend into our family. Meet Pip, our lovable rabbit companion!
Memorable Moments
As I reflect on our special day, one moment that stands out is when I turned to Carina behind Elaine and blurted out ‘do you come here often?’ It was a random question, but it broke the ice and we both laughed. The connection we shared in that instant was truly wonderful.
Another unforgettable moment was Grandad Geoff’s impromptu speech, where he quoted Erick S. Gray’s wise words, ‘Whatever you give a woman.’ Our friends still recall this heartfelt moment with great fondness.
As the night wore on, I found myself floating in our private hot tub at 4am with my new wife, munching on crisps and giggling about our whirlwind adventure. The stars twinkled above, casting a magical spell.
Our ‘promises’ ceremony was another highlight. We had written our own vows, and our guests were invited to hold our wedding rings, filling them with their love and well-wishes before passing them on. I adore this tradition, as every time we look at our rings, we’re reminded of the countless friends and family who care deeply for us.
The sing-a-long around the fire pit was an absolute delight. We printed out song lyrics, and everyone joined in, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Advice For Other Couples
When unexpected hiccups arise, humanist Hannah Hart’s words of wisdom often come to mind: ‘one thing will go wrong.’ And indeed, it did on the day of Carina and Tianne’s special celebration. But instead of panicking, the couple giggled and thought to themselves, ‘Hannah was right!’ As it turned out, the slight deviation from their original plan added an extra layer of magic to their day. They made sure to cherish every moment together, holding hands as they greeted their loved ones, ensuring that the time spent with each other was well-spent. With friends and family understanding the importance of this special bond, Carina and Tianne were able to bask in the joy of being surrounded by those who mattered most. As Hannah Hart officiated their union, a range of talented individuals contributed to making their day truly unforgettable. From photographer Elaine Williams Photography to makeup artist Kari, and from Cotswold Woodland Glamping’s picturesque setting to Buffalo Tipi’s unique charm, each element came together to create an atmosphere that was nothing short of enchanting. As the sun began to set, Carina and Tianne shared a dance under the stars, surrounded by the people they loved. And as they gazed into each other’s eyes, it was clear that their love had conquered all. If you’re looking for more real wedding stories featuring LGBTQI+ couples, be sure to explore our archives.