We’re thrilled to welcome Ellie and Jamie as they share their unforgettable wedding celebration, The Den At Four Acre in Cumbria. This joyful occasion was overflowing with personality, evoking a lively festival atmosphere through its vibrant colors, vegan menu, and eclectic decor. A DIY approach added to the charm, featuring a tented reception area and live music throughout the day. I’m particularly fond of their stylish attire, the stunning sustainable florals, and the breathtaking clifftop portraits that capture the beauty of this special day. We’re grateful to Lauren May Photos for capturing these incredible moments and sharing them with us.
The Den At Four Acre Wedding
The Proposal
As I reflect on my journey with Jamie, one milestone that stands out is the day he proposed to me when I was just 23 years old. It was a moment I’ll never forget – he got down on one knee, ring in hand, and asked for my hand in marriage without saying a word. My initial reaction was surprise, but as soon as I realized what was happening, my response was an enthusiastic yes! Little did I know at the time, Jamie had also conspired with my parents to bring over a special family heirloom – my great-grandmother’s ring – making the proposal even more meaningful.Fast-forwarding to Jamie’s 30th birthday in 2022, I decided to return the favor and plan a surprise proposal of my own. I created a puzzle pyramid that he had to solve, hiding a clever twist inside – a ring measurer! It was the perfect way to come full circle from our initial whirlwind romance to our more settled life today. As we look back on our journey, it’s clear that our love has only grown stronger with time.
The Vision
When planning our wedding, we deliberately steered clear of traditional event formulas. With shared experience in the events industry, we were determined to create a unique celebration that reflected our personal style. The perfect venue was crucial in bringing our vision to life, and once found, it solidified our plan for an unforgettable day.
We envisioned an outdoor setting teeming with music, vibrant colours, and delectable cuisine – a true festival atmosphere! To ensure our guests’ comfort, we carefully orchestrated the day’s schedule behind the scenes, while maintaining a relaxed tone overall. The result was a seamless celebration that allowed us to enjoy every moment alongside our loved ones.
Budget
In the beginning, our budget stood at £20,000, although we had no intention of exhausting it entirely. Generous gifts, however, pushed the total up to approximately £28,000, which we ultimately spent most of. As it often does, the increased cost was largely a result of taking on many tasks ourselves, such as hiring separate services for each aspect of the project. This approach led to unexpected expenses accumulating from small details that, while not necessarily huge, added up quickly.
The Ceremony & Music
As we embarked on our new life together, just a few days removed from exchanging our vows in a legally binding ceremony. Our thoughtful celebrant, Jayne, played a crucial role in ensuring that our special day aligned with our personal preferences. In keeping with the theme of togetherness, we opted for an unconventional approach where friends and family took center stage. The godmother delivered a heartfelt prayer, while our dear friends contributed stirring readings that added depth to the proceedings. Amidst this celebration of love, we incorporated a meaningful hand-fasting ceremony, accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful Irish Blessing sung by Jamie’s mum and sisters. As we processed down the aisle, the unmistakable sounds of Ben Howard’s ‘Old Pine’ on guitar and violin, courtesy of our uncles, added an unforgettable touch. And finally, with the crowd swaying to the rhythm of Johnny Flynn’s ‘Detectorists’, we made our way to seal our love with a first dance as husband and wife.
The Venue
Our first wedding at Dry Hire was an unforgettable experience! One of the things that made it so special was the ability to personalise every aspect of the event. We had the freedom to tailor the decorations, music, and overall atmosphere to our liking. In fact, they even went above and beyond by building the outdoor ceremony area a week in advance. To take the celebration to the next level, we also rented a few bell tents for us and some of our guests to stay overnight, which added to the festival-like vibe.
Your Outfits
Jamie’s attire consisted of a tailored suit from ASOS, which he had adapted to fit his style. He opted for the plum colour, which complemented our overall aesthetic, although it wasn’t readily available elsewhere. To complete the look, Jamie paired the suit with a custom-ordered shirt featuring gold buttons from Charles Tyrwhitt. His shoes and belt came from Will’s Vegan store, while the tie, pocket square, and socks were sourced from Victory and Innsbruck to match the champagne hue of the bridesmaids’ attire. The groomsmen, on the other hand, wore inverse colours to Jamie’s ensemble.Meanwhile, Ellie chose a stunning Kayla dress by Rebecca Ingram. Having tried various designs, she ultimately opted for the lightest style, knowing that the hot summer day would be better suited to a breathable and comfortable dress. To complete her look, Ellie paired the dress with a coordinating hair vine from Bobby Pin and hoop earrings from PS With Love. Her shoes were custom-made by Beccis Bridal Designs on Etsy, which catered to her wide feet and prioritized comfort above all else.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Lauren May, the photographer behind the stunning visuals of our wedding day, played an integral role in its success. Her exceptional people skills and kind nature made her a joy to work with from start to finish. She took the time to understand us as a couple, which allowed her to capture every moment, big or small, in vivid color. Despite neither of us being comfortable in front of the camera, Lauren’s warm demeanor put us at ease, resulting in beautiful, natural-looking photos that we cherish to this day. Her ability to seamlessly blend in with our wedding guests yielded fantastic candid shots that we loved reliving, including moments we didn’t get to experience on the day itself. The online portal she provided made managing the planning and sharing information a breeze, while allowing us to privately share select photos with loved ones. We’re eternally grateful for Lauren’s dedication to making our special day unforgettable. On a separate note, our friend Owen, who captured our wedding on film as a thoughtful gift, is currently pursuing his passion at film school in New York – we eagerly await the release of his masterpiece!
The Honeymoon
Memorable Moments
As we exchanged our vows, the music swelled and the anticipation was palpable. In that moment, gazing into each other’s eyes felt like a scene straight out of a romantic comedy – it was impossible to put into words. The rush of emotions as we prepared to embark on this new chapter together was overwhelming, but in a good way. It wasn’t until the day after, cruising home with the radio playing our favorite tunes and both of us overcome with happiness and relief, that the true magnitude of what we had just accomplished hit us. We sobbed uncontrollably, basking in the glow of an unforgettable day that exceeded even our highest expectations. The celebration continued late into the night, with Jamie’s parents’ band bringing the house down and family members joining in on stage for a rousing performance. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and good vibes. And let’s not forget the food – incredible, all-vegan spreads that even won over some of the most skeptical uncles. It was truly a night to remember.