Charlotte and Nathan’s whimsical wedding celebration on July 26th, 2018, at East Riddlesden Hall in Yorkshire, radiated pure joy. The couple’s creative flair shone through in the vibrant décor, which featured a medley of DIY elements, including paper flower bouquets, glitter jar candles, pom poms, and confetti. Their unique attire added to the charm, with Charlotte donning a 1950s-inspired tea-length gown and veil, while Nathan sported a grey woollen suit and bow tie. The couple’s adorable transport, a breathtaking rainbow cake, and subtle nods to Harry Potter all combined to create an unforgettable day. We’re thrilled to share these stunning images, courtesy of Stevie Jay Photography, with our readers today.
The Proposal
As we enjoyed our first holiday abroad together after a decade, Nathan’s meticulous planning became apparent. Our North Carolina getaway near Lake Lure, famous for its role in the iconic film Dirty Dancing, was a perfect setting for romance. A day at Chimney Rock culminated with a visit to the base of the breathtaking 400ft Hickory Nut Waterfall. As we took in the stunning scenery, Nathan dropped down on one knee, ring in hand, with a beautiful handmade piece featuring a little bronze bee. The surprise was so overwhelming that I’m still unsure if he ever explicitly said the magic words – my memory is clouded by shock! However, I do recall asking multiple times if he was joking. We couldn’t wait to share the news with loved ones and soon informed close family members once we had internet access. To our surprise, our parents had been in on the secret for weeks, eagerly awaiting confirmation of their son’s proposal plans.
The Vision
As we began planning our special day, Nathan and I were determined to create an atmosphere of ease and joy. We envisioned a celebration surrounded by our most treasured loved ones, amidst a rustic setting that exuded character. The idea of hosting a barn wedding really resonated with us – the thought of exchanging vows beneath a wooden beam or surrounded by vintage trappings was incredibly alluring. Moreover, we were hesitant to pin down a single colour scheme, fearing it would limit our creative expression. So, we opted for a whimsical and vibrant approach: a rainbow-themed wedding that would fill the barn with an explosion of colour and merriment.
The Planning Process
As we envisioned our special day, we had already discussed costs and ideas with each other before the proposal. We were determined to make it a personal and budget-friendly celebration by taking on tasks ourselves. Pinterest became an invaluable resource, where we spent hours gathering inspiration for our big day. To involve our loved ones, we even created a dedicated wedding page for family members to share their thoughts and ideas – after all, 10 minds are better than two! Once we had secured our venue and date (two years after the proposal), we began preparing for the celebration. Our family played a significant role in the planning process, which we found incredibly helpful. We DIY-ed table decorations by decorating over 50 glittered candle jars together as a team, with my grandma lending a helping hand one day. We also took advantage of our venue visits to ask questions, take measurements, and get a better sense of what we needed to do before the wedding. Our close family members joined us on these excursions at various points. The day before the wedding, we had the opportunity to decorate the hall with the help of our willing volunteers. It was a breeze and an absolute blast! We even had relatives who flew in from California for the celebration and were able to lend a hand the day before – their height came in handy when hanging decorations off beams!
Budget
When planning their dream honeymoon, Nathan and his partner knew they needed a wedding that was both memorable and budget-friendly. To achieve this, they made conscious decisions to DIY aspects of the celebration, including decorations, which allowed them to have everything they wanted without compromise. In fact, doing things themselves enabled them to create a truly unique and personalized experience.
To make their special day even more special, the couple had been saving since the engagement and received thoughtful gifts from family members, including contributions towards the cake, photography, and venue hire.
The Venue
From the moment we stepped into East Riddlesden Hall, I knew it was the perfect setting for our special day. The venue’s unique blend of character and rustic charm immediately won me over, and I couldn’t imagine celebrating my marriage anywhere else. What’s more, I loved that our choice of venue would directly support the National Trust’s efforts to preserve Britain’s stunning natural heritage for future generations. The surrounding grounds and gardens were an added bonus, offering a picturesque backdrop for our big day. With its beautiful architecture, lush greenery, and rich history, East Riddlesden Hall truly embodied the rustic elegance we had envisioned for our celebration.
Your Outfits & Accessories
The bespoke nature of our wedding attire was a reflection of the unique bond we share as husband and wife. I (Charlotte) had always dreamed of wearing a custom-made wedding dress, just like my mother’s 30 years prior. The dressmaker, a family friend, brought my vision to life with a stunning tea-length gown featuring an open back, pockets, and pastel-hued underskirts that perfectly matched our whimsical theme. Each visit to the atelier was an exciting experience, as I got to choose the fabric, accessories, and intricate lace details that adorned the bodice. The result was a dress that sparkled with hints of magic, thanks in part to the addition of an aura gem belt that caught every ray of light. On my wedding day, I truly felt like a woodland fairy, radiating beauty from within.Nathan, on the other hand, had a clear vision for his attire – a woollen suit that exuded timeless elegance without being too flashy. We (he and the groomsmen) set out to find the perfect suits at Cheshire Oaks, where we discovered a range of styles to suit our tastes. After trying on various options over pizza, we settled on grey woollen suits from Jeff Banks for myself and the best man, and Moss Bros. for the two groomsmen. The subtle botanical pattern on my shirt added a touch of personality, while my grey bow tie with speckles tied everything together nicely. A thoughtful gift from my mother-in-law – an enamel Mickey and Minnie Mouse badge – added a playful touch to my lapel.Throughout our preparations, Charlotte showed her thoughtfulness by gifting me a watch with the wedding date inscribed, which perfectly matched my suit and featured a Harris Tweed strap. It was these little details that made our attire not just functional but an integral part of our overall celebration.
Beauty
I was thrilled to have my hair and makeup transformed by Kirsty and Melissa from Rouge Noir salon in Manchester, who came to the venue to pamper me, my bridesmaids, and our mothers. As the bride-to-be, I wanted to look like the best version of myself, and these talented ladies delivered! With their expertise, I felt like a princess, exuding confidence and glamour as we prepared for the big day.
The Readings & Music
We chose Sigur Rós to set the tone for our special day, opting for relaxing and calming music that would help us feel more at ease given our nerves. The same artist’s entrance and exit music provided a sense of continuity, as we had previously enjoyed their live performances twice. The rest of the ceremony’s soundtrack featured piano instrumentals, beloved tunes from favorite bands, and romantic classics. To make the readings even more personal, we asked family members to take part. My mum, Wendy, delivered ‘A Lovely Love Story’, while my brother, Joshua, brought ‘Love Is Friendship On Fire’ to life. Finally, my mother-in-law, Michele, concluded with ‘Union’, adding an extra layer of meaning to the proceedings.
Your Photographer
Our photographer, Stevie Jay, was the perfect choice for our special day. From the start, she put us at ease, which was important since Nathan and I aren’t exactly comfortable in front of cameras. But Stevie made the experience enjoyable and relaxing. The package we chose included an engagement shoot as well as two photographers: one followed me and my groomsmen, while another captured the morning preparations with me and my bridesmaids. We’re thrilled with all the photos taken and struggled to narrow down our favorites for the wedding album.
One of the things I love about the photographs is that they capture moments we might have otherwise missed or treasured. For instance, there’s a shot of me helping Nilay with his tie because he forgot how to do it himself! And then there’s the unexpected moment when the RAC showed up to help a guest whose keys were locked inside their car.
Groomsmen
Nathan’s most trusted and loyal friend was his older brother, Sam. With a lifelong bond between them, it was only natural that Sam would be chosen as best man. The brothers had never been ones to argue or clash, and their relationship was built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. When Sam and Diane tied the knot abroad a few years prior, Nathan was honored to give a speech at their reception party when they returned to the UK. Now, it was Nathan’s turn to take center stage.
Nathan’s groomsmen were Nilay and Zain, both of whom he had shared unforgettable university experiences with. Although Zain now resides in Manchester and pursues his career, the two remain close friends, regularly meeting up for social gatherings. Nilay, on the other hand, makes a conscious effort to travel from London whenever there’s a celebration or special event, ensuring their friendship endures despite physical distance.
Bridesmaids
I opted for an unconventional approach to choosing my wedding party – instead of having one maid of honour, I surrounded myself with three wonderful bridesmaids: my sisters Rachael and Rebekah, and my sister-in-law Diane. What I thought would be a straightforward decision turned out to be a challenging process, as I struggled to decide whether they should wear matching dresses or have their own unique styles.
In the end, I asked each of them to share their favourite designs, which allowed us to curate a collection that reflected their individual personalities. The best part? Each dress was crafted by the same talented seamstress who made my own gown, ensuring a perfect fit for every bridesmaid. While they chose different colours and styles, the similarity in materials resulted in a visually stunning and harmonious group of ladies.
The Flowers
Inspired by the vast creative possibilities offered by Pinterest, Charlotte embarked on a unique floral adventure for her special day. Seeking multicolored blooms that would withstand the test of time, she turned to an unexpected medium: paper. After scouring online tutorials and supplies, Charlotte and her bridesmaids devoted countless evenings and weekends to crafting their bouquets from scratch. The result was a stunning arrangement of intricately designed petals, elevated by the addition of sparkling gems at their centers. As they took center stage on the wedding day, the couples’ handiwork garnered widespread acclaim, with friends and family alike marveling at the innovative, yet elegant, creations.
The Details & Décor
As we had envisioned, the decorations were a vibrant representation of our desire to create a fun and festive atmosphere. The sunshine that graced us throughout most of the day only added to the joyous vibe. To accommodate our guests, we set up hay bales in the outdoor area, providing a cozy spot for them to relax. For the younger attendees, we had bubbles and hula hoops available, which proved to be an instant hit! We also set up a glitter station where guests could get creative with their face decorations during the evening.When it came to food, we partnered with Nomad Catering’s James Brown. We opted for a family-style Sunday roast beef dinner, complete with each table carving their own slices of beef. For dessert, we had chocolate brownies and ice cream. In the evening, we served burritos, which were met with rave reviews from our guests. The food was not only delicious but also perfectly suited to our celebration.Top tip: Having a few pescatarians at your table can be a game-changer – you get extra beef, of course!
The Cake
Inspired by a Pinterest discovery, our wedding cake’s unique design emerged from a desire to combine two beloved flavors – lemon and coconut – into separate layers. The outside of the cake featured a tasteful, muted rainbow theme, with striped icing creating a subtle yet charming visual effect. A sprinkle of meringue kisses adorned the top of the cake, boasting delicate rainbow hues. The talented team at Vintage Cupcake Kitchen in Uppermill ( Instagram handle: @thecakekitchen41) brought our vision to life, crafting a truly stunning confection.
The Honeymoon
After exchanging vows, we embarked on a two-week adventure across Tennessee and Kentucky for our Honeymoon. Our journey was marked by stops at various locations, each lasting two to three nights. We indulged in the local flavor by attending the Kentucky state fair, savoring mouthwatering BBQ, and taking in the breathtaking scenery. To cap it off, we explored the world of Bourbon and Whiskey. Meanwhile, Nathan found himself enamored with Louisville, praising its unique charm.
Memorable Moments
As Charlotte reflects on her special day, she’s reminded of the numerous memorable moments that made it so unforgettable. Among them is the poignant walk down the aisle with her dad, who surprisingly exuded a mix of emotions – his nerves visibly subsiding as he handed her over to Nathan. The newlywed couple also cherished the emotional connection they shared during their first dance, which had been meticulously rehearsed in secret. When they finally got to perform it at the wedding, the roar of applause from their loved ones served as a triumphant reward for all their hard work.For Nathan, the day’s highlights included the breathtaking moment when he first laid eyes on Charlotte, his emotions overwhelming him to the point where he struggled to maintain eye contact throughout the ceremony. He also cherished the opportunity to bond with his baby nephew Teddy during a pre-wedding visit from his sister-in-law Diane, who dropped off the little one in their room while the ladies got ready. This heartwarming interlude helped calm his nerves before the big day, allowing him to focus on his duties and enjoy the celebration that followed.
Advice For Other Couples
When the big day finally arrives, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of planning a wedding. But here’s the thing: it’s YOUR celebration! It’s not about meeting anyone else’s expectations or trying to impress others – it’s all about you and your partner, and commemorating your love story together. So, take a deep breath, relax, and focus on what matters most: having an amazing time with the person you’re meant to spend forever with. And trust us, if you’re both having fun, that energy will be infectious – your guests will pick up on it and join in on the joy too!
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With the perfect blend of creativity and expertise, Charlotte and Nathan’s special day was brought to life through the lens of Stevie Jay Photography, a member of our esteemed Wedding Directory of Photographers. Behind-the-scenes magic also unfolded courtesy of Rouge Noir Salon, who worked their hair and make-up wonders. Meanwhile, Nomad Catering skillfully crafted each culinary delight, while Vintage Cupcake Kitchen sweetly satisfied guests’ sweet tooth cravings. In the midst of it all, Charlotte and Nathan’s love shone bright, with a heartfelt thank you to Lou for sharing their enchanting wedding story.