As we step into the new year, I’m excited to see eco-friendly weddings continue to gain momentum. Han and David’s June 30th, 2018 celebration in Northumberland is a prime example of couples embracing sustainability without sacrificing style. The couple exchanged vows in a church ceremony, followed by a reception in their own backyard, surrounded by a picturesque marquee. Both venues held sentimental value, which will be revealed in their comprehensive wedding report coming up. What struck me most was the couple’s commitment to reducing waste and reusing resources. Loved ones played a significant role in making the day special, contributing to an unforgettable summer countryside festival vibe. Imagine vintage campervan transport, locally sourced blooms, artisanal ice cream, and a lively Ceilidh band setting the tone for a memorable evening. The attire was stunning, with floral themes woven throughout – think bridesmaids donning floral-adorned dresses, groomsmen rocking floral-print shirts, and Han herself looking breathtaking in her mother’s 1970s wedding outfit, perfectly reworked and accessorized with a delicate flower crown. Special thanks to The Stag and the Doe for sharing these incredible images with us.
The Proposal
We had been looking forward to a ‘mystery weekend’ for some time, and David’s cryptic instructions – including my request for a day off work – only added to the excitement. As I suspected, the ‘mystery’ was revealed when we arrived at the Isle of Eigg, where we spent two unforgettable days in the sustainably powered ‘Sweeney’s Bothy’. The eco-friendly accommodation featured an outdoor shower and composting toilet, providing a unique experience that blended perfectly with the island’s unspoiled natural beauty. David, who hails from the Isle of Man, had chosen this special place to propose to me, just as he had done on the Calf of Man – a small nature reserve island off our home in the Isle of Man. The proposal took place at the summit of An Sgurr, where David presented me with an exquisite Australian Black Opal ring, symbolizing my connection to my mother’s homeland and my birthstone. Despite being utterly alone on the mountain top, I couldn’t help but feel a touch embarrassed by David’s romantic gesture – not least because his knee was getting wet in the process! The entire experience was nothing short of extraordinary, with David having arranged for chilled champagne to await us at the bothy, and even stashing an extra bottle in his bag as a precaution. It was truly a getaway that neither of us would ever forget.
The Vision
From the outset, our vision for the special day was to hold it at my parents’ home in Northumberland, where we would welcome all guests to pitch their tents. We aimed to be as self-sufficient as possible, striving to create a vibrant and joyous atmosphere with minimal environmental impact. This ethos guided many of our decisions, from planning the menu to selecting the entertainment, with the ultimate goal of hosting an unforgettable celebration that was also sustainable and low-waste.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on our wedding planning journey, we found ourselves based in Fife, Scotland, which influenced many of our decisions. Our first priority was the food, and it was a serendipitous discovery that led us to Sweeney’s Bothy. The owner reached out, sharing a fascinating story about another couple who got engaged at her bothy, only to discover that they had started a catering business. We were thrilled to learn that Wild Rover Food, based in Fife, utilized locally sourced ingredients and operated from a trusty Land Rover accompanied by an army field cooker – a setup that resonated deeply with David’s passion for Land Rovers. This chance encounter proved to be the perfect catalyst for planning our special day. With their flexibility and willingness to accommodate my dietary needs, we crafted a menu that was both delectable and safe for me to enjoy. The end result was an unforgettable culinary experience that exceeded our expectations.
The Readings & Music
As we began our special day, we were serenaded with a beautiful instrumental piece from Act 3 of Solomon – specifically, ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’ by George Frideric Handel. This was followed by two meaningful readings delivered by our dear friends and neighbors who had been an integral part of our lives in Scotland. The passages, which included ‘The Blessing of the Apaches’ and Song of Solomon, Chapter 2, verses 10-13, added a touch of warmth and intimacy to the proceedings. Our celebration was also punctuated by three heartfelt hymns: ‘Love Divine’, ‘All Loves Excelling’, and ‘Have You Heard the Raindrops (Water of Life)’. Meanwhile, David’s friend Thomas wowed us with an incredible tenor solo as we signed the register. To cap it all off, we departed to the enchanting sounds of Finale from Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks.
The Venue
The ceremony took place at St Andrew’s Church, Bolam, an Anglo Saxon church just a quarter of a mile from my parents’ home. With family ties to the church, I’ve been attending midnight services on Christmas Eve since I was six years old. Following the ceremony, we indulged in local Northumbrian ice cream from Morwick Dairy, served from their vintage ice cream bicycle. The guests then made their way across the fields to the reception at my parents’ house.The reception was held in a stunning marquee in our backyard, designed and created by Curious Tent Hire, a Northumberland company known for their unique and beautiful tents. Tables and chairs were provided by Virginia’s Vintage Hire, with the exception of the top tables and chairs, which were kindly borrowed from our own home. To accommodate our overnight guests, my father set up a shower block in the nearby woods. My sibling Clair and her partner Carli even transformed an old childhood shed into a photo booth.As for us, David and I converted the old horse trailer that once belonged to my beloved pony Domino (a nostalgic reminder of my childhood) into ‘Domino’s Gin & Tonic Bar.’ The stock trailer became ‘The Keg Inn,’ featuring a keg each of Bushy’s Castletown Ale from the Isle of Man and Cumbrian Ale, which we enjoyed during David’s stag do in the Lake District. The name ‘The Keg Inn’ was inspired by David’s middle name, Keggin (his mother’s maiden name).
Bridesmaids
Needle & Thread’s designs stood out among the rest, as two of the most stylish attendees chose to make a statement with their exquisite dresses from this renowned fashion house.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I stepped into my mother’s iconic 1976 wedding attire, beautifully reimagined by Glory Days Vintage and Couture Bridalwear in York. The discovery was a result of serendipity – my mom’s work colleague recommended Hayley at Glory Days, where she had previously worked with the studio’s owner. My mother’s Frank Usher evening suit, an exquisite all-lace ensemble, had been carefully preserved since her big day. Hayley skillfully recreated the dress into a bespoke creation for me, incorporating new undergarments and separate skirt and top pieces, seamlessly integrating my mother’s original lace. The chapel veil was also sourced from Glory Days. To complete my look, I donned a stunning flower crown crafted by Susan, who had handled all our wedding flowers.To complement my vintage ensemble, I opted for green heels from Top Vintage Boutique and pearl earrings that belonged to my mother – the same pair she wore on her wedding day. David, meanwhile, looked dashing in his lightweight Donegal light blue tweed suit from Gibson London Vintage, paired with a Liberty Mabelle shirt and Oliver Sweeney shoes. He added a touch of whimsy with jazzy socks from Seriously Silly Socks. As a thoughtful gesture, I gifted him cufflinks bearing the dates we met and got married – a sentimental keepsake for our special day.
Beauty
To create a laid-back atmosphere, each of us took care of our own makeup. Meanwhile, Ella – one of my closest friends since childhood – impressed me with her hairstyling skills. She’s incredibly talented and I was thrilled to have her on board for the day. Additionally, Bernadette, another member of my inner circle, brought her expertise in nail art to the table, painting my nails to perfection.
Groomsmen
Two of the most stylish gentlemen opted for grey tweed suits, expertly crafted by The Savile Row Tailor on the Isle of Man. For their dress shirts, they turned to Zara, where they found perfect complements to their tailored attire. Meanwhile, their footwear added a playful touch, with jazzy socks reminiscent of David’s own flair, sourced from the eclectic Seriously Silly Socks.
The Flowers
Local florist Susan from Bride and Bloom of Belsay, Northumberland, brought a touch of natural elegance to our special day. I requested that she source vibrant wildflowers grown exclusively in the region, and her creativity truly shone as she curated a stunning selection. The colours were perfect, reflecting the beauty of Northumberland’s lush landscapes. What’s more, Susan was able to incorporate my wish for an arch adorned above the gate, while ensuring it remained oasis-free, respecting our shared commitment to environmental sustainability.
Your Photographer
Lindsey, owner of The Stag and The Doe, proved to be an exceptional photographer when she worked with Luke and I. Despite neither of us being fond of having our pictures taken, Lindsey’s unobtrusive approach made it feel like having a close friend behind the camera. Her professionalism was on point, and we’re thrilled with the final results – so much so that we can’t recommend her enough.
The Cake
Harriet, my talented cousin, went above and beyond to create our dream wedding cake – a three-tiered masterpiece that exceeded all expectations. The bottom tier featured a delicious lemon drizzle, while the middle tier was a moist carrot cake. But the crowning glory was the top tier: a gluten-free and dairy-free lemon drizzle marvel that defied the odds by traveling safely from Brighton to Newcastle via plane. To add the finishing touches, we incorporated Northumbrian wildflowers from our florist into the design.
The Details & Décor
The outpouring of support from loved ones and local community members played a significant role in bringing our special day to life. From setup to teardown, friends and family lent a helping hand, allowing us to focus on the joy of celebrating with David.A dear friend’s mother kindly loaned us her beautiful handmade bunting and hessian bows, which she had created for her own 60th birthday celebration and her son’s wedding. Her generosity didn’t stop there – she also helped us decorate the tent and campground. Additionally, this same family gifted us straw bales to use as seating and to keep our refreshments cool.A local farmer went above and beyond by relocating his cows to allow us to utilize his field for campers, while our neighbors graciously allowed guests to park in their fields. The sense of community was palpable throughout the day.Bernadette, our best lady, took it upon herself to create stunning napkins from unique fabric she had acquired during a trip to London – a thoughtful gesture that served as a gift for our wedding party and guests alike.John, part of the dynamic duo making up our best man’s team, brought his own special touch by collecting sloes in Cornwall, which we combined with our own finds from Northumberland and the Isle of Man. Alongside David, Richard, and I, we crafted 20 liters of sloe gin, carefully pouring it into miniature swing-top bottles to serve as favors. For the youngsters, we offered apple and elderflower juice in their special treats.Tom at Alexander Nurseries in Douglas, Isle of Man, generously grew and potted succulents for us to use as additional decorations and favors – a total of 135 tiny terracotta pots filled with greenery.Our table names were inspired by the Calf of Man’s beautiful landscapes. To create an intimate atmosphere, we used a scanned map of the island to design our seating plan, which guests followed upon entering the wedding tent.Recognizing that children would be joining us, we set up a designated ‘kids area’ or play paddock, complete with tents and toys – thanks in large part to my sibling Clair’s creative efforts. Their handiwork included signs and maps designed in a festive style, adding to the overall ambiance.As we mingled and savored the delicious canapés, our friend Lee Brooks serenaded us with his smooth gravelly voice and guitar skills, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration.Later in the evening, Clair and their partner Carli took to the stage as Lunatraktors, playing a set that got everyone moving. I even joined in on ‘Maggie May’, a special song that holds meaning for David and me – we met while singing this very tune on the Calf of Man.Finally, our amazing ceilidh band, recommended by my parents’ neighbors, brought the house down with their infectious energy.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on an exhilarating two-week adventure, cruising through the rugged landscapes of northern Scotland in a campervan kindly lent by my mother’s friend, Francois. Our journey took us from the mainland to the idyllic Outer Hebrides, where we set up camp along the shoreline and indulged in impromptu champagne toasts and midnight dips in the sea under the starry sky. The experience was nothing short of divine.
Memorable Moments
David’s cousin Jeremy stole the show during the ceilidh, his antics bringing laughter and joy to all in attendance. The post-church festivities continued with a trip to Bolam Lake Country Park, where we were joined by friends Sam and George, along with their two dogs Max and Gus. The latter duo donned Manx tartan bandanas as we set up for some lake-side photography on the pontoon. Meanwhile, the best men and ladies of the group took to my dad’s foldable rowing boat, expertly navigating it out onto the water. The atmosphere was electric, thanks in large part to the fantastic music provided by Lunatraktors, which perfectly captured the carefree spirit of the occasion. The following day brought a chance for everyone who had camped to unwind with a group yoga session, skillfully led by our dear friend Aga – the perfect way to ease into the morning after the previous night’s revelry.
Advice For Other Couples
As the big day unfolds, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activity. But take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and absorb every detail. The initial rush can be overwhelming, but as the day progresses, everything falls into place seamlessly. Remember, there’s no need to push yourself beyond what feels comfortable – nor should you feel pressured to participate in anything that makes you anxious. I opted for a speech instead of David, who confessed he’d rather avoid public speaking altogether. We also had some wonderful best man and lady speeches, plus my dad chimed in with his own heartfelt contribution. Our approach was refreshingly simple: keep it short, sweet, and genuine.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Photography played a significant role in capturing the essence of Han and David’s special day. The picturesque moments between the stag and doe, as well as the talented second shooter Luke Bennett Photography, ensured that their love story was immortalized. Meanwhile, sweet treats like cake from Harriet Tamsin and delectable food by Wild Rover Food satisfied the couple’s guests. A unique tent provided by Curious Tent Hire added to the whimsical atmosphere, while vintage furniture rentals from Virginias Vintage Hire brought a touch of nostalgia. The lively performance by Lunatraktors, a talented ceilidh band, had everyone dancing and celebrating the newlyweds. Han and David also made sure to incorporate personal touches, such as customized cufflinks from Amber By Design and wedding dress alterations with magic from Wedding dress Alteration Magic at Glory Days York. It was an unforgettable experience for all involved, with heartfelt thanks from Lou, who exclaimed it was ‘inspirational’ and ‘beautiful’.