Ashleigh and John, two WWW readers, tied the knot at Cressbrook Hall on March 10th, 2018. The venue’s natural beauty meant they didn’t feel the need to overdo it with additional decorations, opting instead for a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere that perfectly captured their rustic charm. A dash of purple and an abundance of lush florals added subtle yet striking touches throughout. Ashleigh’s impeccable style shone through her two dress choices – one a carefree dance option for the evening, and the other a show-stopping gown with a sweetheart neckline and full skirt for her daytime look. Meanwhile, John’s dapper attire from Ted Baker perfectly complemented his elegant bride. The couple met their photographer Paul Joesph Photography at a friend’s wedding, knowing they’d found the perfect match to capture their special day. Cressbrook Hall’s breathtaking surroundings were beautifully showcased by Paul and Kelly, who effortlessly captured the misty atmosphere and magical landscapes.
The Proposal
Located amidst the picturesque coral reefs, the Recif Attitude Hotel in Mauritius offers an idyllic setting for relaxation and adventure alike. The serene ambiance of the beachside surroundings creates a perfect blend of tranquility and excitement, making it an ideal getaway spot.
The Vision
Imagine a tranquil atmosphere where warmth and sophistication blend seamlessly. Picture yourself enveloped in a soothing ambiance that whispers relaxation, all within the grandeur of a country manor or stately home. The essence of calmness wafts through the air as you’re surrounded by the gentle hues of purple, transporting you to a state of serenity.
The Planning Process
The team at Bespoke Weddings came through with an unexpected surprise when Ashleigh won a competition, earning a discount on our venue rental. This prize allowed us to plan our special day with even more ease. To make the most of this opportunity, we worked closely with Louise from Bespoke, who not only helped us secure meetings with Cressbrook Hall but also contributed to the development of our website and offered valuable insights for selecting the perfect vendors. While we did put in a significant amount of time ourselves, it was great to have Louise’s expertise to guide us through the process.
Budget
The Venue
Imagine stepping into a serene paradise, where rolling hills and lush greenery unfold before your eyes. Cressbrook Hall in the Peak District embodies this tranquility, making it an idyllic setting for any occasion. Instead of attempting to convey the venue’s breathtaking beauty through words, the photos speak volumes. What truly sets Cressbrook apart, however, is its exceptional staff – warm, welcoming, and effortlessly accommodating. Their relaxed demeanor perfectly complements the natural ambiance, creating a sense of ease that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The Dress & Accessories
With a focus on effortless elegance, the bride chose to dress down during the daytime hours in a beautiful ensemble from Wed2Be. As the sun began to set, she transitioned into an evening look featuring a stunning piece hand-dyed by David Bridal’s Ashleigh. The finishing touches came in the form of carefully curated accessories, including a delicate veil also crafted by Ashleigh. Daytime shoes were provided by Melissa in the form of purple wedges, while customised glittery lilac Vans trainers took centre stage for the evening proceedings – all to ensure maximum comfort. A sleek leather jacket from River Island added a touch of sophistication, and it was left to the bride’s trusted bridesmaid, Sophia, to work her magic on everyone’s makeup.
Groom’s Attire
John’s attire was a perfect blend of style and thoughtfulness. His suit from Ted Baker stood out thanks to its unique purple trim and playful lining. The shoes that accompanied it were a pair of oxblood Loakes, a gift from Peter, the owner of Peters Shoes in Nottingham and Sheffield. Peter’s thoughtful gesture added a personal touch to John’s overall look. Meanwhile, the ties worn by John and his groomsmen were crafted by Anee Karimi, Ashleigh’s long-time friend who had just begun her tie-making journey. We were both impressed when we learned about Anee’s new venture, and it was clear that she had outdone herself in creating the perfect accessories for the occasion.
Finding the Dress
Ashleigh’s search for the perfect wedding gown took her and her friends, based in Sheffield, on a journey to several local boutiques. As her London-based bridesmaids and those from The Ribble Valley were unavailable to join her, Ashleigh sought the input of her patient friends who shared her vision. One friend’s suggestion led them to Wed2Be, where they discovered the dress that stole Ashleigh’s heart on their second visit together, accompanied by her mother. It was the subtle leaf design on the underlay that won her over, ultimately influencing her choice of Evening dress style, which offered the freedom to move and dance with ease.
The Cake
In our search for the perfect wedding cake, we stumbled upon Philippa at Cakes by Cherrypie in Sheffield and were blown away! We had initially sent over some inspiration boards and flavor profiles to get a sense of what she could create for us. Philippa took our ideas and ran with them, crafting a stunning four-tiered semi-naked masterpiece. The cake featured layers of vanilla sponge and cherry filling, honey and spice sponge with salted caramel filling, lemon drizzle cake with raspberry filling, and carrot and walnut sponge with vanilla filling. To add an extra layer of elegance, we incorporated fresh rosemary, lavender, lilac roses, and eucalyptus leaves from Plantology into the design.
The Readings & Music
Our priest provided invaluable support throughout the ceremony, offering a wealth of suggestions for readings and hymns. Ultimately, we chose to feature 1 John and Songs of Solomon as our scriptural selections. To complement these choices, Ashleigh took charge of selecting musical pieces, opting not to use pre-recorded music from a CD. Instead, she expertly curated the atmosphere with Jeremiah Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary serving as her processional entrance piece, Claude Debussy’s Arabesque 1 providing a contemplative backdrop during the signing of the register, and finishing with Widor’s majestic 5th Organ Symphony as we concluded the ceremony.
Beautiful Bridesmaids
Ashleigh had always known who she trusted implicitly, Sophia – her childhood friend and voice of reason since primary school days. Rhiannon, Ashleigh’s new sister-in-law, was also a constant source of support. As the big day approached, Ashleigh felt at ease discussing the bridesmaids’ outfits with them. She presented them with three shades of purple and gave them creative freedom to choose their dresses from Wed2Be, as long as they kept within reasonable boundaries. Mirroring her relaxed attitude, the bridesmaids selected their dresses, two coincidentally opting for the same design while John’s sister went for a slightly different take on the purple theme.
The Flowers
During our initial consultation with Plantology in Sheffield, a year prior to the big day, we had the opportunity to explore the wide range of plants and flowers available in March. We also discussed our colour scheme and preferences with their expert florists, who skillfully crafted stunning bouquets for Ashleigh, the bridesmaids, and the groomsmen’s buttonholes. For the mothers’ buttonholes, they chose simple yet fragrant combinations featuring lavender, rosemary, and roses.
Your Photographer
We first encountered Paul and Kelly from Paul Joseph Photography at a close friend’s wedding in October 2017, where their warm demeanor instantly put everyone at ease. As we mingled with the guests, they effortlessly struck up conversations, even busting out some impressive dance moves that got everyone laughing. It was then that we were blown away by their stunning photography work. What truly impressed us about Paul and Kelly was not just their exceptional talent, but also their extraordinary commitment to providing top-notch service. They went above and beyond to ensure our every need was met, making them an absolute pleasure to work with.
The Details & Décor
At Cressbrook Hall, the stunning interior provided a perfect backdrop for our wedding decor, which we intentionally kept simple and rustic in style. To add a personal touch, we chose wooden table names from Confetti Print, which our guests greatly appreciated and took home as a memento. In addition to these thoughtful details, we placed homemade drink favors – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – on each table. To encourage conversation among our loved ones, small floral centerpieces provided by Plantology were strategically placed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Honeymoon
As a teacher, Ashleigh’s schedule constraints influenced our travel plans. Despite these limitations, we managed to squeeze in an unforgettable trip to Bali during the summer holidays, which proved to be a lush and welcoming oasis. Interestingly, we visited during a period of seismic activity, but the thrill-seeking spirit prevailed, and we made the most of our adventure, undeterred by the occasional tremor.
Memorable Moments
Our first dance was an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter and joy. Ashleigh had been dancing since childhood, while John, on the other hand, lacked coordination on the dance floor. As we twirled to Bondax’s energetic tune ‘Giving it all’, our clumsiness only added to the charm. In fact, the whole day was peppered with humorous moments – like when we referred to the celebratory drinks as ‘Wickham’s wedding water’ and enjoyed them in copious amounts. And who could forget the priest’s slip of the hand during the ceremony, resulting in John’s ring landing precariously close to a grate? Fortunately, Ashleigh’s dress saved the day, and we all had a good laugh about it. Despite our lack of finesse on the dance floor, our special moment was made even more magical by these lighthearted moments.
Advice For Other Couples
While it’s true that wedding planning can be overwhelming at times, there’s no need to let that anxiety carry over into the big day itself. In fact, experts suggest that tackling the most stressful aspects of wedding preparation well in advance can actually help reduce overall stress levels and allow you to truly enjoy your special day.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
For their special day, Ashleigh and John enlisted the expertise of photographer Paul Joesph Photography to capture every romantic moment. The picturesque Cressbrook Hall provided a stunning backdrop for their celebrations, which were further elevated by the beautiful attire worn by the couple. The bride’s elegant dress was courtesy of Wed2B, while her groom opted for a stylish suit from Ted Baker and paired it with Loake shoes from Peters. The floral arrangements that added to the venue’s charm came courtesy of Plantology. To give their reception a personalized touch, Ashleigh and John chose bespoke table names designed by Confetti Print. A sweet treat was in store for guests with Cakes by Cherry Pie providing the delicious dessert. For his finishing touches, the groom selected a stylish tie from Anee Karimi. It’s clear that every detail was carefully considered to make their day truly unforgettable – just gorgeous! Rachel x