Rhiannon and Nick’s rustic romance was a perfect match for the stunning Lapstone Barn in the Cotswolds, where they exchanged vows on April 20th, 2019. The couple chose this picturesque venue to celebrate their love after exchanging rings at a church dear to both of them.
The bride’s joy was evident in her beautiful flower arrangements, which featured lush greenery and whimsical fairy lights suspended from hoops. The bouquets for Rhiannon and her bridesmaids were equally stunning, adding a touch of elegance to the festivities.
It seemed that the entire day was filled with laughter and merriment, capturing the joy and love shared by the newlyweds. This special moment was beautifully captured by Lisa Carpenter Photography, who also took breathtaking portraits at the atmospheric Broadway Tower. We can’t wait for you to see these amazing shots!
The Proposal
Nick and I have a tradition of celebrating our birthdays with trips away together. He surprised me with an unforgettable weekend in Paris for mine, which just so happened to be a romantic getaway like no other! Despite eight and a half years together and many adventures under our belts, I had learned not to read too much into Nick’s thoughtful gestures. Little did I know that he had been carrying the ring around all day, searching for the perfect moment to pop the question. His initial plans to propose in front of the Eiffel Tower or on a Seine River boat were foiled by the uncooperative winter weather in late October.
The Vision
Nick and I share a deep connection with our childhood village, where we grew up together. Although not frequent church attendees, the local church holds sentimental value as it’s the final resting place for Nick’s father and my mother. This shared history played a significant role in our wedding planning process. We sought a reception venue that would allow us to fully appreciate the picturesque Cotswold countryside. To achieve this, we opted for a simple yet elegant approach, focusing on a neutral color palette with white roses and lilies serving as the primary accents. A touch of blue and grey flowers added a delightful contrast to the overall aesthetic. Our loved ones played an invaluable role in making our special day come together. Jayne, in particular, has been a constant source of support since I was 18. She generously dedicated her days off to accompany me on dress and flower shopping excursions (complete with girly lunches and champagne toasts). Additionally, she designed and printed the Order of Service and menu cards, seamlessly integrating local landscape photographs to make them truly unique.
The Planning Process
As a seasoned Project Manager, the prospect of planning my own wedding was both thrilling and daunting. The proposal sparked a two-week whirlwind of venue visits, with me finding the perfect dress along the way. Despite being impressed by several options, we hadn’t quite found the ideal spot – until fate intervened. While browsing online late one Saturday evening, I stumbled upon Lapstone Barn, which just so happened to be hosting a wedding fair the very next day! As soon as we stepped into the venue, we knew it was meant to be. With its rustic charm and convenient location just 20 minutes from our church, we were sold. The only available Saturday in April 2019 was the 20th – a double bank holiday that would allow for an extended celebration. This coincided perfectly with my anniversary (April 22nd) and the fact that our wedding date was less than five months away. After agonizing weeks waiting for the Reverend’s return from holiday, we finally confirmed our church ceremony on Easter Saturday. The congregation’s enthusiastic approval sealed the deal. Once venue, date, dress, and invitations were settled, everything else slowly fell into place. I spent countless hours on Pinterest gathering inspiration for table decor, hair and makeup ideas, wedding transport – you name it! Social media platforms also became essential tools, helping me find suppliers and read reviews. And, of course, a trusty spreadsheet kept track of costs, schedules, and responsibilities, ensuring a stress-free (well, relatively) planning experience.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I’ll never forget trying on my wedding dress at Daisy B Nell Bridal in Evesham. The first dress I tried on was a game-changer – it was love at first sight! Although I did try on other dresses, nothing compared to the charm of this one. When I put it back on for the second time, I felt an even stronger connection and took comfort in Helen’s reassuring words that she had discovered the dress on the mannequin floor the night before only to find it still there in the morning – a sign that I was meant to wear it! Despite my initial reservations about its simplicity, Helen worked her magic by adding a stunning sparkly belt piece around my waist and sourcing matching buttons to replace every fourth ivory button. This thoughtful touch gave the dress just the right balance of sparkle and sophistication. As for accessories, I had four beautiful bridesmaids who had all already experienced married life, which meant I was spoiled with gorgeous gifts. The headpiece was a stunning find that only the fourth bride (me) got to wear, while the elegant veil was reserved for the second bride. Jayne gifted me delicate pearl droplet earrings and my brother Oli presented me with a matching bracelet. My Rainbow Club shoes were incredibly comfortable, allowing me to dance into the early hours – the perfect ending to an unforgettable day!
Beauty
For my wedding day, I opted for something different from my usual hairstyle – a low bun with curled strands framing my face. This was made possible by the talented Kat of Sparkle by Kat, who paired beautifully with Nikki of Cheltenham Beauty Bar to create a stunning look. It wasn’t just my hair that got a makeover; Nikki worked her magic to give me a natural, dewy finish with plenty of highlighter on my cheekbones. The addition of silver eyeshadow and false lashes added a touch of glamour to the overall look. With seven of us to get ready in total, it was a bustling morning starting at 7am! Despite the chaos, Nikki and Kat kept their cool and ensured everything ran smoothly – even when our schedule deviated slightly from my meticulously planned spreadsheet.
Groomsmen
The attire of the groomsmen, comprising navy suits and waistcoats, was complemented by subtle pops of colour courtesy of light blue ties and matching pocket squares. Interestingly, these accessories harmonized perfectly with the bridesmaids’ dresses, creating a visually appealing cohesion that added to the overall aesthetic of the wedding.
The Readings & Music
As I entered the church, the familiar strains of The Wedding March filled the air, setting the tone for a traditional yet joyous celebration. Our choice of hymns, Morning Has Broken and Lord Of The Dance, held special significance, with the latter being a cherished favorite of my mother’s. The thoughtful reading from I Corinthians 13, delivered by my dear friend Emma, served as a poignant reminder of the power of love on our special day.In between the ceremony and the reception, we enjoyed a delightful afternoon of music courtesy of our talented DJ, who also happened to be a close friend. He spun a mix of tunes that kept the party going strong throughout the evening. The highlight of the night, however, was undoubtedly the performance by Live Wires, an incredible band that effortlessly transitioned from the romantic strains of ‘Grow Old With Me’ by Tom Odell – the perfect accompaniment to our first dance as husband and wife – to their impressive repertoire of floor-fillers spanning decades. Their energetic sets kept the crowd enthralled, earning them rave reviews from our delighted guests.
The Venue
Lapstone Barn, an 18th century gem nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds near Chipping Campden, boasts a unique charm that makes it an ideal wedding venue. The high ceilings and spacious layout create a sense of grandeur, while the rustic character of the barn adds to its allure.One side of the Northwick barn is dominated by floor-to-ceiling windows, which seamlessly merge with the secluded courtyard beyond. This feature allows for effortless transition between indoor and outdoor celebrations, even on less-than-ideal weather days. The Northwick barn serves as the perfect backdrop for the Wedding Breakfast, freeing up the adjacent Stone barn for a seamless flow of events. Whether the evening reception is indoors or outdoors, the band or DJ can set up without disrupting the festivities.The beautiful outdoor spaces are tailor-made for receptions, complete with lawn games and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Our springtime wedding allowed us to fully appreciate the vibrant yellow fields that surrounded the barn, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our special day.Throughout the planning process and on the big day itself, the staff at Lapstone Barn demonstrated exceptional helpfulness. From coordinating timings to ensuring every detail was taken care of, they treated us like royalty, keeping us informed and happy throughout.
The Flowers
As I prepared for my special day, I was fortunate enough to have Chrissy from the Enchanted Florist guide me through the process. With a Pinterest board full of ideas, I had a clear vision of what I wanted my bouquet to look like, but I was open to her expertise in choosing the perfect flowers. I knew I wanted lilies to be included as a tribute to my mum, who loved them, and Chrissy helped me select a stunning combination of blooms that incorporated white oriental lilies, double white rose lilies, blousy peonies, antique pink roses, and Hypericum berries. The Ranunculus added a pop of seasonal charm, while the Eustoma and Hellebore brought beauty to the arrangement. Foliage from Senecio and Eucalyptus added texture and depth.The bridesmaids’ posies were miniature versions of my bouquet, with blue thistle flowers replacing the white lilies to complement their dresses. The church arrangements featured oriental lilies and Eucalyptus on both high and low pew ends, while a pedestal at the altar matched my bouquet’s floral selection. A elegant arrangement served as both the registry table centerpiece and top table centerpiece.The groomsmen wore simple buttonholes featuring white roses, Hypericum berries, Hellebore, and Cinerea Eucalyptus. Chrissy also created beautiful remembrance arrangements for my mum’s and Nick’s dad’s graves, reflecting the flowers in our bouquets.I was keen to add height to the tables without obstructing conversation. Chrissy’s creative solution involved using gymnastic hoops decorated with ruscus, roses, Snap Dragons, Freesia, Lisianthus, Ranunculus, and ferns, finished off with hanging tealights. She also added hoops to some of the stone barn walls, complete with fairy lights, to unite the two spaces.Working with Chrissy was a dream – she’s warm, imaginative, and always made time to meet me at the venue to discuss ideas. Her arrangements exceeded my expectations, and I felt like she truly understood my vision and brought it to life.
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaid contingent presented a harmonious visual cohesion, their attire consisting of a soft, pale blue hue that elegantly complemented the subtle sparkle of my own wedding gown. Specifically, they wore dresses from Monsoon’s bridal collection, which were further enhanced by understated pearl jewelry in the form of earrings and a necklace.
The Details & Décor
As guests arrived, a whimsical table plan tree took center stage, its twigs, fairy lights, and spray-painted details brought to life by my dad’s creative endeavors. Having struggled to find a pre-made solution for this purpose, it became a labor of love for him, utilizing materials from his Christmas decoration business. This unique approach not only served as a functional table number guide but also added a touch of personality to the overall ambiance.As the self-proclaimed ‘Prosecco Princess,’ I couldn’t imagine a wedding reception without a ‘Pimp your Prosecco’ station. A thoughtful loan from one of my bridesmaids, who had purchased it for her own special day, allowed us to elevate our drinks with fresh fruit and liqueurs. This simple yet effective idea brought an air of excitement to the evening’s festivities.Building upon this theme, I conceived the notion of utilizing prosecco corks as place names. Friends and family eagerly collected them on my behalf, providing a delightful excuse to indulge in plenty of Prosecco at my hen party! After gathering inspiration from Pinterest, I discovered a charming way to adorn these corks with minimalist bows and pins, adding an extra layer of charm to the overall aesthetic.
The Honeymoon
We had always envisioned ourselves basking in the romantic glow of our honeymoon getaway, savoring every moment without the pressures of reality creeping in. With only five months to plan our special day, we felt a tad ambitious planning a trip on top of it all. To escape the chaos and indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience, we opted for an 11-day tour of Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The grand finale was a well-deserved week-long retreat on a secluded island off the southern coast, where we could unwind and rejuvenate. This clever combination allowed us to soak up the best of what Vietnam has to offer while still allowing for quality downtime.
Memorable Moments
As I look back on that unforgettable day, several moments stand out as particularly special. One was when Jayne, in a spontaneous move, crawled under my dress to adjust the layers – not something she’d planned, but it brought us all laughter! My dad and brother’s surprise visit to see me in my dress was another highlight. They beamed with pride, and Oli presented me with a beautiful pearl bracelet, an unexpected yet touching surprise. Standing at the church entrance with my dad, waiting to take our vows, was a poignant moment, too. As we stepped inside, I felt overcome with emotion, surrounded by loved ones showing their support. Of course, marrying Nick was the culmination of all those emotions! During the first hymn, I showed him a locket in my bouquet featuring photos of his dad and my mum – a special touch for our special day. Seeing Nick for the first time (although he didn’t turn around until I was right beside him) was also memorable. The real showstopper, though, was when we arrived at the venue and saw all our ideas come to life. I’d kept Nick in the dark about most aspects of the wedding, including the decorations, so his reaction as we peered through the barn curtains was priceless. The wedding breakfast was another highlight – Oli did an amazing job as Master of Ceremonies, keeping everyone entertained with games and competitions. My dad’s speech was also a real tear-jerker (although I’d expected it to be emotional!). His heartfelt words were followed by a stunning video montage of my childhood, set to poignant music. It was truly magical, and I think even the most stoic guests would have been moved. And let’s not forget the impromptu dance routine with my hen party – we choreographed our moves to Wannabe by the Spice Girls and brought the house down! It was a fantastic surprise for everyone (including Nick!), and the perfect way to kick off the party. The ‘first dance’ of the night, minus the Groom, was also unforgettable.
Your Photographer
I still remember the thrill I felt when I discovered Lisa Carpenter’s website. Her portfolio and blog posts were a breath of fresh air, showcasing a level of skill and passion that was missing from other photographers’ work. When we met in person, I was delighted to find that Lisa had an equally impressive personality, making it clear that she was the right photographer for our special day. Fast forward to the wedding itself, where I was treated to the perfect weather – a bright, sunny day with nary a cloud or shadow in sight! This might have been a nightmare scenario for some photographers, but not Lisa, who effortlessly guided us through the poses and captures to maximize the natural light. As we exchanged our vows at Broadway Tower, I felt like a true princess standing amidst her castle walls, surrounded by my Prince Charming. The formal photos wrapped up, and everyone settled in for the Wedding Breakfast, I knew that the real fun was just beginning. And boy, was I right! Our wedding was more animated than I ever could have imagined – with laughter, rivalry at the tables, and even a few tears. But what really made it special was Lisa’s ability to capture every moment on camera, from the smiles and jokes to the love and emotions that filled the air. Her hard work went unnoticed by us, but it paid off in spades when we reviewed our photos – she had done an incredible job of telling our story through her lens. And then, as if the day couldn’t get any better, Lisa found time to whisk us away to a yellow rapeseed field, where she snapped some romantic shots as the sun dipped below the horizon and gave us a chance to steal a few moments together before the evening festivities began. The evening photos were just as impressive as those from earlier in the day – capturing the essence of our party with some truly stunning light effects. In the end, we couldn’t have asked for a better photographer or more perfect photos of our special day, which we’ll treasure forever.
The Cake
As I often joke, my love for cheese borders on an unhealthy obsession, so it’s no surprise that our wedding cake was a masterpiece from The Cheese Works in Cheltenham. While it may not have been the most refined or visually stunning confection, we prioritized flavor over form and opted for a rich, cheesy delight that reflected our shared passion.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace your individuality and make decisions that align with your unique vision. It’s your special day, and it’s essential to stay true to yourself. Create a comprehensive budget breakdown to guide your spending decisions. This exercise helped us conduct a thorough cost comparison for various venues we visited, but more importantly, it enabled us to manage our expenses in line with our budget. By setting up a detailed spreadsheet early on, you can identify all the costs associated with planning your wedding (you might be surprised by how many there are!) and prioritize what matters most to you versus the monetary cost. This approach keeps you focused and minimizes the likelihood of impulsive spending as the big day approaches.
Savor the experience! Make time to enjoy the build-up to your wedding, including the days leading up to the ceremony and the morning of the special day. Try not to let stress consume you on the actual day; remember that you’re the only ones who know what’s supposed to happen. If you’re having a great time, everyone else around you will too.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to share the joyous celebration of Rhiannon and Nick’s special day with our readers. The talented photographer behind the beautiful memories was Lisa Carpenter Photography, who perfectly captured the magic of the occasion. The picturesque venue that played host to the happy couple was Lapstone Barn, a stunning setting that complemented their love story perfectly. Rhiannon looked absolutely radiant in her stunning wedding dress, courtesy of Daisy B Nell, while makeup and hair were taken care of by Cheltenham Beauty Bar and Sparkle by Kat respectively. The talented band, Live Wires, kept the party going all night long, and the lovely florist at The Enchanted Florist added a touch of elegance to the proceedings with their gorgeous arrangements. No celebration would be complete without a delicious cake, and The Cheese Works did not disappoint in this regard. Rhiannon and Nick’s special day was also made extra special by their trusty chauffeur, Jonny Rocks, who ensured that they arrived at every event feeling like royalty. We’re so grateful to have been able to share in the happiness of these two amazing people, and we wish them all the best for a lifetime of love and happiness together.