I’m thrilled to share Craig and Elisabeth’s breathtaking bohemian wedding, which took place at The Barn At Upcote in the picturesque Cotswolds on September 2nd, 2017. The atmosphere was relaxed, informal, and untraditional, with a mini festival vibe emerging thanks to the outdoor reception drinks, perfect weather, and plenty of entertainment. Their day exuded style, partly due to their impeccable outfit choices. Elisabeth stunned in her lace strapless gown, Betty by Wtoo, while Craig looked dashing in his pale blue jacket, chinos, and bow tie. The bridesmaids added a touch of whimsy with their mismatched white frocks, while the groomsmen completed their looks with braces and bow ties. It was too cool! The decorations were understated yet effective, featuring copper pipe signage, eucalyptus throughout, and a show-stopping modern grey and gold cake creation that left me speechless. I’m grateful to Kerry Diamond Photography for sharing these incredible images with us.
The Proposal
It’s not every day you meet your soulmate through online dating, but that’s exactly what happened to Craig and me! We had mutual friends, but it wasn’t until Craig asked me out on a date via message that our paths crossed. Initially, I was hesitant (partly due to his unconventional mode of transportation – a van!), but my mum convinced me to take a chance. And boy, am I glad she did! Seven years have passed since we got together in November 2011, and we’ve shared countless memories along the way. One of our most memorable milestones was buying our dream home in its original state – a fixer-upper that kept us busy for the first year or so. Fast forward to today, and we’re proud owners of not one, but three furry family members: two cats and our lovable French Bulldog Louis, whom Craig gifted me on Christmas day 2017.Our proposal story is another tale of nonconformity! Craig originally planned a romantic Tatton Park getaway for the big ask, but my nephew’s hunger pangs had other plans. Undeterred, Craig proposed in the comfort of our own kitchen that night, just as we were about to head out for dinner – with me only wearing one shoe at the time, no less! It may not have been the most conventional proposal, but it was genuine and showed Craig’s softer side. I’ll always cherish the memory of his nervous energy and the way he melted my heart that day.
The Vision
As we embarked on our wedding planning journey, we knew we wanted an unconventional celebration that embodied our relaxed and carefree nature. We deliberately steered clear of traditional church weddings, opting instead for a laid-back atmosphere that would allow us to mingle with our loved ones in a more fluid way. The idea of hosting a mini festival at the reception was particularly appealing, complete with outdoor drinks and plenty of entertainment options to keep everyone engaged. Ultimately, we aimed to craft an unforgettable experience for our guests, many of whom traveled from Manchester to join us in the Cotswolds. To ensure their comfort and enjoyment, we spared no expense on entertainment and refreshments. In terms of aesthetics, I envisioned a bohemian-inspired wedding with an abundance of white and green flowers – no specific color theme was required! This approach is reflected in the bridesmaid dresses, which eschewed uniformity for a more eclectic look.
The Outfits
I was determined not to opt for a conventional big fluffy white dress. Moreover, I was unimpressed with the fabric used in most dresses – it just didn’t resonate with my personal style. After some careful searching, I discovered a designer whose aesthetic aligned with mine and then found a local stockist that carried their collection. Although they didn’t have the specific dress I had fallen in love with, they were kind enough to obtain a sample for me to try on. As soon as I slipped it on, I knew it was meant to be – my Watters Wtoo Betty dress was perfect. What’s more, it felt like a gown fit for a red-carpet event rather than a traditional wedding dress, making it easy to envision wearing it again in the future. For my six bridesmaids, I wanted them to feel comfortable and radiant in their attire, with the freedom to choose individual dresses as long as they were white and floor-length. I encouraged them to select styles that would allow them to wear the dresses again, and each of them opted for a unique design from a high-street retailer. As for the groomsmen, we decided against traditional formal suits and instead chose a relaxed yet stylish ensemble consisting of beige chinos, casual white shirts with bow ties and braces. Craig stood out from the rest by adding a light blue blazer to his outfit. I sourced the bow ties from an online boutique.
The Food
We were delighted with Orchard Catering’s services after they emerged as a recommended supplier during our barn viewing process. Their exceptional adaptability in menu choices and competitive pricing truly impressed us. We opted for an informal, three-course menu featuring our personal favorite dishes, which didn’t pose any issues for the team at Orchard. In fact, when we decided to deviate from their initial offerings, they showed no hesitation in accommodating our requests. The result was a culinary success, with many of our guests praising the food and some even requesting seconds – which were happily granted due to Orchard’s flexibility.
The Flowers
When it came to selecting flowers for my wedding, I wanted to make a thoughtful yet budget-friendly choice. I opted for six foliage bouquets for my bridesmaids, all crafted from eucalyptus leaves, which not only added a touch of greenery to the overall aesthetic but also reflected our outdoor, rustic theme. To complement this look, I had a show-stopping foliage bouquet featuring some vibrant tropical flowers. The result was truly breathtaking, and I was thrilled that Beth at Go Wild Flowers was able to bring my vision to life with precision and attention to detail. In fact, she went above and beyond to ensure that every element, from the giant eucalyptus bouquet to the lush runners adorning our long trestle tables in the barn, exceeded my expectations. What struck me most about Beth was her genuine enthusiasm, warm personality, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service. She’s a true gem, and I’m grateful for her role in making my special day truly unforgettable.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
As I envisioned my own wedding, I knew I’d want a photographer who embodied the same laid-back charm as Kerry Diamond from Glossop, whose work I admired after seeing her capture my friends’ special days. She brought a sense of ease and comfort to our celebration, making it a joyous experience for all involved – we shared countless laughs together. The videographer, hailing from the picturesque Lake District, was equally impressive. Before the wedding breakfast, the four of us slipped away to capture some unforgettable moments, including Craig’s hilarious pursuit of those feisty fowl. When the final products arrived, we were left utterly speechless by both the stunning photos and captivating video.
Memorable Moments
One of the most memorable moments from the entire day was Craig’s speech, which had us all in stitches. Despite his nerves, he decided to ditch the script and keep everyone laughing – a true showman! The relaxed atmosphere of the day really allowed for some special moments to unfold. Take, for instance, Alex Early’s fantastic guitar playing during our reception drinks – it really set the tone for a fun and celebratory vibe. We also had two first dances, each with its own unique charm. The first was to a funky house Saxophone version of Klingande’s Jubel, which is one of my all-time favourite summer jams. My bridesmaids even joined in, making it an unforgettable moment for me. Craig then chose a truly romantic first dance song – Gavin James’ The Book of Love – which, despite initially feeling a bit embarrassed by its soppiness, now holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of our enchanting wedding day.
Advice For Other Couples
When reflecting on my own wedding planning experience, I realize that decision-making was a significant challenge for me. The sheer number of options available can be overwhelming, making it difficult to pinpoint what’s truly important. To mitigate this, I would recommend creating a visual reference point – perhaps a board or scrapbook – featuring your top preferences and must-haves. This strategic approach can help keep your focus on track and prevent decision fatigue.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photography team at Kerry Diamond Photography expertly captured the love-filled moments of Craig and Elisabeth’s special day. The stunning florist arrangements were courtesy of Go Wild Flowers, which perfectly complemented the beautiful bride dress designed by Wtoo Betty. The bridesmaids looked elegant in their attire from ASOS, Jarlo London, and Boohoo, while the groomsmen donned stylish outfits from Zara. The talented hair and makeup artists, Kayleigh and Becky Derwent, ensured everyone looked their absolute best. Stationery was handled with care by I Made Myself, cake was indulgently provided by Anita B Cakes, and catering expertise came from Orchard Catering. Entertainment duties were skillfully taken on by Sarah Sax, The Rook and Ravens, and Alex Early. It’s clear Craig and Elisabeth had an unforgettable day, as their friends Lou exclaimed, ‘Goodness me, so gorgeous!’