I’m thrilled to share the enchanting wedding of Jessica and Ted at The Farmhouse At Redcoats in Hertfordshire, a local venue that I’ve had the pleasure of attending before. I can attest that the picturesque setting is just as stunning as these photographs suggest.
The Farmhouse At Redcoats Wedding
The Proposal
After seven years of togetherness, Ted made the bold move to ask Jess’ family for a treasured family heirloom – one of her grandmother’s rings, passed down from her grandfather. With the families’ blessing, he took the ring to Harriet Kelsall, renowned jeweler, and had it reimagined into a modern masterpiece. The stage was set for an unforgettable Christmas morning 2020, as Ted got down on one knee in front of some of Jess’ loved ones and popped the question. The festive atmosphere only added to the magic of the moment, making it a truly special way to kick off Christmas day.
The Vision
Our wedding vision was all about incorporating elements that reflect who we are as a couple. We wanted to surround ourselves with our closest friends and family, and have them be an integral part of the celebration. To achieve this, we needed a venue that could accommodate both the ceremony and reception on site, allowing our loved ones to stay overnight if they chose to. The Farmhouse at Redcoats fit the bill perfectly, offering the added bonus of an outdoor ceremony option. This setting became the foundation for our vision, which began to take shape with our shared passion for live music and festivals. We envisioned a vibrant, Glastonbury-inspired wedding that would spread joy and colour throughout the day. To bring this vision to life, we collaborated with Alice from Fleur De Lace, who was thrilled to help us bring our ideas to reality. She brought her own creative flair to the table, suggesting innovative touches like pompoms lining the aisle and colourful ribbons on chair backs – both of which we adored.
The Venue
The Farmhouse at Redcoats in Hitchin proved an ideal setting for our special day. Its proximity to home was a major plus, allowing Ted to get ready with his groomsmen in the comfort of our own space. The venue’s ample accommodation also made it easy for family members to stay on site. Moreover, being able to marry and hold the reception at the same location eliminated logistical stress. And let’s not forget the stunning surroundings that added to the overall ambiance. As we approached the big day, regular meetings with the venue’s team were crucial in bringing our vision to life. Charli was instrumental in ensuring a seamless experience, her dedication and expertise invaluable as we navigated every aspect of planning.
Your Outfits
Our wedding attire wasn’t meticulously planned, but rather discovered serendipitously while visiting my mum and nan in the Lake District. Given that Nan’s medical condition made it impossible for her to attend our special day, we wanted to make sure she got a glimpse of me walking down the aisle. That’s how we stumbled upon @edenweddingboutique, a nearby boutique where we booked an appointment with Keeley, the owner. Her prediction was uncannily accurate – it would be my one and only stop for wedding dress shopping! I fell head over heels in love with Zazzie by @wtoowatters, the second dress I tried on and the only one I chose myself, unlike the others picked out by my mum and sister. The dress boasted a stunning layer of glitter tulle, a subtle train, and intricate details that left me feeling like a true princess. In contrast, Ted’s suit was carefully selected from @hrhholmesmenswear in Hitchin, our first port of call when searching for the perfect suits to represent our local and independent vibe. When we walked into the store, Ted made it clear he didn’t want anything plain and ordinary, which is when we discovered the navy blue suit with an orange thread running through it, featuring a vibrant orange lining that stole the show. The groomsmen were overjoyed with their suits and are already looking forward to wearing them to future events.
The Ceremony & Music
Our special day began at The Farmhouse at Redcoats, where we exchanged vows beneath their historic Grade II listed grain store. Having a close family friend and registrar officiate the ceremony made it even more meaningful. To set the tone, we hired Cascada Strings to perform modern covers from the start of the celebration. I walked down the aisle to Guns N Roses’ Sweet Child of Mine, which my husband thought was absolutely epic! As night fell, we brought in The Indianas Band to keep the party going with their unique blend of sounds. We were particularly keen on the keyboard player’s ability to switch to saxophone for added depth and atmosphere.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Our wedding day was truly exceptional thanks to the incredible team that captured every moment. Adam and Kirsty from Creative Sparks Films and Bubear Photography respectively, led the way with their talented second shooters Kian and Kayley. The synergy between this fantastic quartet was undeniable, as they effortlessly put us at ease and ensured our special day unfolded with perfection.
The Styling & Decor
We turned to Alice from Fleur de Lace for most of our wedding decor needs. Her creative touch added a personal flair to our special day, as seen in the colorful pom poms on sticks that lined the aisle and the 400 ribbons tied to the backs of the chairs. To satisfy our sweet tooth, we opted for a small cutting cake and an assortment of cupcakes, brownies, and blondes from Iced Delights Cakes – each bite was absolutely divine! The flowers were expertly arranged by Julia from What the Fleur, who had previously worked with my matron of honor on her own wedding in 2019. With Julia’s help, we knew we were in good hands. In fact, she far exceeded our expectations and played a significant role in making our day truly unforgettable. To add a personal touch to our decor, we decided to get creative and do-it-yourself (DIY) certain elements. My Step-Mum Nicky, an avid crafter with her trusty Cricut machine, brought many of my unique ideas to life, ensuring that every aspect of our wedding reflected our personalities.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on a luxurious getaway, seeking the ultimate combination of warmth, indulgence, and relaxation. A 10-night Greek Island cruise with Celebrity X Cruises seemed like the perfect fit, allowing us to unwind in style after two nights in enchanting Venice. The experience was nothing short of wonderful, providing ample time for us to process our adventures and recharge together.
Memorable Moments
Those quiet moments, where we’d pause to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings, were truly cherished by us. It was wonderful to connect with one another on a deeper level, taking a moment to reflect and recharge before diving back into the day’s activities.