I’m thrilled to share Emily and Richard’s charming village hall wedding, which took place on August 18th, 2018 at Broughton Parish Rooms in Staffordshire. The couple’s bohemian flair shone through in every detail, from the lush floral arrangements created by Emily herself – a talented florist – to the whimsical banner decor that added a playful touch to the hall. And who could resist the rustic charm of repurposed gin bottles serving as vases? It’s clear that this loving couple wanted their special day to reflect their unique personalities and style. Love & Bloom did an excellent job capturing the joy, laughter, and romance of the occasion, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share these lovely images with you today.
The Proposal
As they strolled beneath the iconic steps of Sacre Coeur on their last night in Paris, Rick seized the perfect moment to propose. The January 2017 trip had been Emily’s birthday present, a surprise getaway that neither of them had planned with proposal in mind – although, in hindsight, Rick probably would have spared himself some anxiety if he’d popped the question sooner. Emily, oblivious to the impending question, was thrilled for the break from their busy lives and grateful for quality time together. The day’s wandering through Montmartre’s artistic quarter had been idyllic, and the sunset at Sacre Coeur only added to the romance. As the evening drew to a close, Rick turned to Emily with the question on his lips – leaving her momentarily stunned, her initial response a skeptical ‘Are you being serious?’ before giving way to an enthusiastic YES! The perfect proposal, perfectly timed, in the City of Love.
The Vision
After weighing the pros and cons of various options, we ultimately chose a weekend summer wedding that would be easily accessible for our loved ones to attend. This choice also allowed us to have more control over the logistics, granting us flexibility in terms of suppliers, decor, and even welcoming our furry friends to join in on the celebration.
The Planning Process
As our wedding date approached, we felt the pressure to stay within budget for our big day. To avoid financial strain and have a more memorable honeymoon, we aimed to get married within two years of our engagement. This timeline presented some challenges, as it didn’t leave much time to save up. After exploring various venue options and factoring in costs, we realized that a weekend wedding with all the bells and whistles would require a DIY approach to stay within budget.
We ultimately decided on a ceremony at a local church that held sentimental value for Rick’s family, followed by a reception at a nearby Village Hall about 20 minutes away. The planning process became a year-long project, as we relied heavily on the talents of our friends to help with design, catering, and other aspects.
Throughout this journey, we were incredibly fortunate to have a supportive group of friends who lent their skills and expertise to make our special day come together.
Budget
With a budget of £10,000 in place, we were prepared for some flexibility – ultimately, we estimate that our expenses ended up being slightly higher, likely totaling around £12,000 by the time everything was said and done. And that’s not even counting the additional cost of our dreamy honeymoon getaway!
The Venue
We felt incredibly fortunate to have our special day take place in a picturesque church that dates back to the 11th century. Our connection to Rick’s family allowed us to celebrate this momentous occasion within its historic walls, where multiple christenings, weddings, and funerals had previously taken place.The reception was held at the charming Broughton Parish Rooms in Eccleshall, approximately a 20-minute drive from the church. This vibrant venue boasted an expansive field at its rear, which we were thrilled to utilize by setting up a tipi courtesy of Chase Tipis. It wasn’t until later that we discovered the field didn’t belong to the village hall; however, the kind-hearted farmer who owned it graciously allowed us to use his property for our wedding celebration.The outdoor space proved to be an absolute hit, allowing guests to escape the summer heat and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The Estate Boys provided an impressive bar setup within the tipi, accompanied by benches and hay bales for comfortable seating. This clever layout created a seamless flow of people moving between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and we were blessed with perfect weather on our special day.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I stepped into Frock & Soul, a bohemian boutique in Saddleworth, I had no idea that my wedding dress would be a game-changer. It was my bridesmaid Jess who spotted the stunning lace top and silk georgette skirt combo by Theia, and her persistence paid off – I fell head over heels for it. The skirt’s layers of beautifully cut silk were mesmerizing, with just the right amount of movement (it was so swooshy!) and comfort. When you’ve found ‘the dress,’ you don’t want to take it off, and that was exactly my experience. I knew in that moment that it was meant to be.Not only did I find my dream dress at Frock & Soul, but also a breathtaking cathedral veil by Linzi Jay. The entire planning process revolved around getting the perfect dress, and Bekka, the boutique’s owner, was an absolute gem throughout. Although she has since moved on from bridalwear and transformed the store into Suki’s Wardrobe, a luxury womenswear boutique, it remains a must-visit destination.As for my shoes, I knew I wanted flats but struggled to find the perfect pair – until I discovered these adorable gold strappy flat sandals from Topshop just two weeks before the wedding. On the big day, I also wore a heartfelt gift from my maid of honour and borrowed a black leather jacket from one of my bridesmaids.But the real showstopper was my fresh flower crown, crafted by local florist Helen’s Flower House. It was a stunning combination of roses, thistle, and foliage that added a touch of whimsy to my overall look.Meanwhile, the groom and best man suits were petrol blue wool blend Herringbone from ASOS, with the groom’s shirt coming from Zara and the groomsmen ties from DickieBow.co.uk. There was no specific preference for suit, as long as it complemented the bridesmaid dresses and decoration palette. The wool blend material worked beautifully, but I have to admit it got scorching hot on the day!
Beauty
I entrusted Socio Hair & Beauty to take care of my hair and makeup on my big day, while also styling the locks of my bridesmaids. They created a stunning loose chunky halo braid for me, incorporating my flower crown into the design in front. The bridesmaids, meanwhile, sported side braids with elegant updos, adorned with delicate rose and thistle stems. For my own makeup, I opted for a natural look with a subtle nude lip color. Becky, the salon’s owner, worked her magic to bring my vision to life. The bridesmaids’ makeup was handled by Lauren from Bronze & Beautyful, who brought their unique styles to the forefront. Finally, my trusty nail technician, Lauren, treated me to a gorgeous pale pink with gold strip manicure.
The Readings & Music
As I walked down the aisle to the iconic sounds of Fleetwood Mac’s Songbird, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of emotional connection. The choice of song was no coincidence, as it held a special place in my heart. In preparation for our church wedding, we carefully curated a selection of hymns that would set the tone for our ceremony. We opted for ‘Morning Has Broken’, ‘One More Step Along The World I Go’ and ‘Give Me Joy In My Heart’, which added a touch of timelessness to the proceedings. As we exchanged our vows and signed the register, Fleet Foxes’ If You Need To, Keep Time on Me provided the perfect accompaniment. The highlight of the ceremony came when Rick’s sister Sophie, also an honored bridesmaid, took the stage to deliver a poignant reading from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, beautifully capturing the essence of love with her recitation of ‘Love is a temporary madness…’. As we made our exit from the church, Fatboy Slim’s energetic beat on Praise You got us moving and set the tone for the celebrations that lay ahead.
Bridesmaids
From the outset, I was determined to incorporate a mauve colour palette into my wedding aesthetic, but I also wanted to ensure that my bridesmaids had their individuality reflected in their dresses. Given the diverse shapes, heights and personal styles among them, I believed it essential to involve each of them in the selection process. After exploring numerous options, we ultimately found the perfect combination at ASOS. Each dress was a unique find, and when paired with their own strappy high sandals, my bridesmaids looked stunning.
The Flowers
As the owner of Wilderness Floral Design, I wanted to take a hands-on approach to my own wedding florals. To achieve this, I partnered with Helen’s Flower House to create my floral crown and the bridesmaids’ hair flowers – a decision that proved to be an excellent one! The resulting look was truly stunning. For my bouquet, I chose a mix of roses in various shades, thistle, and daisies, including antique mauve roses that perfectly matched the bridesmaids’ dresses. While I did stick to a general color scheme, I also made sure to incorporate bright pops of color to reflect the summer festival vibe. To add texture and movement, I used an abundance of foliage, such as seeded eucalyptus. The resulting bouquet was big, unstructured, and full of life. The bridesmaid bouquets were smaller versions of my own, while we created petite posies for the flower girls. For the groomsmen and parents/grandparents, we crafted buttonholes from thistle, astilbe, and asparagus fern. In line with our festival-inspired theme, we added a touch of whimsy to the reception venue by placing brightly colored flowers in unusual gin bottles on rustic log slices. At the church, we kept things simple due to another wedding taking place later that day. We opted for a more minimalist approach, featuring an eucalyptus garland around the pulpit and pew ends adorned with eucalyptus and thistle tied with rustic raffia ribbon. Two vases behind the altar held roses, thistles, and stocks – a beautiful touch that completed our wedding’s floral story.
Groomsmen
When it came to coordinating attire for my six groomsmen, including two best men, I encountered a challenge. Without wanting to put extra financial burden on my friends or myself, I decided to take a middle ground approach. I purchased the suits for the two best men that matched mine, with them contributing towards the cost. For the remaining four ushers, I suggested dark blue suits paired with white shirts and shoes, which allowed for some individuality while still creating a cohesive look. One of the ushers, coincidentally, had recently purchased the same suit as ours, ensuring a seamless match. To further emphasize our connection, I selected seven ties in three complementary colors, carefully designing button holes to subtly tie everything together.
Your Photographer
The experience with Love & Bloom Photography’s photographers on our wedding day was truly exceptional. They created an atmosphere that made us feel at ease, allowing them to capture some stunning candid moments that perfectly reflected our desire for more natural and less posed photographs.
The Cake
Emily’s friend Abi is a remarkable baker who generously offered to craft our wedding cake. We were overjoyed by her generosity and the thought of a bespoke, three-tiered lemon-flavored masterpiece adorned with lush flowers resonated deeply with our rustic theme. As fate would have it, the cake topper was an impromptu purchase from Hobbycraft, adding an element of whimsy to the overall presentation.
The Details & Décor
As the big day approached, we started decorating the hall two days prior with the help of loved ones. The scene was set with ivory voile draping from the ceiling beams, where fairy lights twinkled between them like stars. Three artificial floral hoops were suspended from invisible wire, adding a whimsical touch to the space.
The long tables were arranged in three rows and transformed into a picturesque setting with wild flowers in gin bottles and candles placed upon yew tree log slices. The pièce de résistance was behind the top table, where a custom-made banner featuring a meaningful song lyric from our church exit song hung majestically. Pretty Pricks, a local florist and stylist, kindly created the banner for us. We also added two giant helium balloons flanking the banner, with ivy garlands flowing down each side.
In the fields, we drew inspiration from our beloved music festivals, incorporating festoon lights, hand-painted signs, hay bales, space hoppers, and games for the kids – which, of course, were quickly commandeered by the older crowd.
Meanwhile, the tipi decor was masterfully styled by Chase Tipis. Inside, fairy lights sparkled like diamonds, a fire pit invited toasty marshmallow roasting, and seating options included benches and plush Chesterfield sofas in dark green – the perfect blend of rustic charm and whimsical flair.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on a luxurious getaway to the Yorkshire Dales immediately after our wedding, opting for a high-end yurt experience at Wensleydale Experience. Nestled within a secluded woodland setting, the yurt boasted breathtaking views of Bolton Castle and its surroundings, which we grew accustomed to waking up to or gazing out from the wood-fired hot tub. The yurt was comprehensively equipped with a BBQ, gas stove, and mini kitchen area, while our hosts ensured we felt at home throughout our stay. Our initial honeymoon hiatus allowed us to save for a more extensive celebration, which took place over Christmas and New Year. During this extended getaway, we ventured to New Zealand, Fiji, and Hong Kong, exploring the regions’ unique charms over approximately four weeks. In New Zealand, we split our three-week adventure between the North and South islands, before spending six nights at Serenity Island resort in Fiji and concluding with a three-night stay in Hong Kong on our return journey.
Memorable Moments
While some minor glitches occurred, the day unfolded relatively smoothly despite running behind schedule. The experience was filled with unforgettable moments, such as Stella the Staffordshire Bull Terrier making a bold entrance down the stairs during Sophie’s reading, and Becky accidentally removing Emily’s veil. Josh also had a momentary lapse in judgment when he forgot to stop the music while they were signing the register, resulting in Fatboy Slim’s energetic beats filling the church. Of course, the speeches added to the day’s emotional intensity. For Emily, the most memorable part was walking down the aisle to Rick at the church, feeling an overwhelming mix of emotions – excitement, nervousness, and gratitude for being surrounded by loved ones. As she approached the altar, she thought she’d composed herself, but the entire congregation bursting into song during their first hymn brought tears of joy to her eyes once again. It was a truly special moment, filled with happiness and love.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the freedom to create your own unique celebration by breaking free from traditional wedding norms. Let go of any stress or pressure to stick to a rigid timeline, and instead, focus on soaking up every moment with loved ones. When planning a DIY wedding, designate a trusted friend or family member as the emcee to help keep things flowing smoothly. Ultimately, remember that your special day is about celebrating love, joy, and memories – don’t be afraid to let go of expectations and simply enjoy the ride.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
In the world of weddings, there’s nothing quite like a tipi to set the scene for a memorable celebration. And when it comes to dressing the part, Love & Bloom has got you covered from head to toe. The photographer behind this beautiful shoot is none other than Chase Tipis, who brings a unique eye to capturing the magic of special moments. For the bride, we find a stunning wedding dress by Theia that’s perfect for the bohemian bride-to-be. Meanwhile, the bridesmaid dresses are sourced from ASOS, offering plenty of options for the girls to feel like their best selves on the big day. Groom and groomsmen can also look sharp with suits from ASOS, while a dapper tie from Dickie Bow adds a touch of elegance. The bride’s stylish sandals come courtesy of Topshop, providing a comfortable yet fashionable way to get through the festivities. As for florals, we’re treated to some gorgeous arrangements courtesy of Wilderness Floral Design and Helen’s Flower House. And let’s not forget the banner, designed by Pretty Pricks, which adds a playful touch to the overall aesthetic. For transportation, the happy couple opted for a charming VW Camper Van from Blue Pumpkin, providing a one-of-a-kind experience that guests will never forget. It was our pleasure to share this lovely relaxed day with Emily and Rick here at WWW – thanks again to both of them for sharing their special moment with us. Rachel x