Get ready to be charmed! Nova and Jack are sharing their unforgettable festival wedding story with us today. On July 28th, 2018, they exchanged vows in a picturesque field in Staffordshire, surrounded by the rustic charm of their beloved tent marquee. With a DIY décor extravaganza, sunflowers stole the show, adorning everything from flower crowns to an exquisite cake. The whimsical atmosphere was palpable, as guests enjoyed tractor rides, bonfires, and sparklers under the starry night sky. A breathtaking rainbow at sunset only added to the magic. Rachel Burt Photography captured every moment in stunning detail, so be prepared for a visual treat! Take note of the stylish attire, playful signage, sweet treats like ice cream, celebratory confetti, and non-stop dancing – it’s a true party!
The Proposal
As an anniversary surprise, Jack whisked me away to Ireland, where his granny’s roots run deep. We spent a tranquil retreat at Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, a haven from our fast-paced London lifestyle. Given his thoughtful nature, I wasn’t entirely surprised by the gesture. In fact, on the eve of our special day, Jack casually asked how I’d propose to him, prompting me to jest that I’d feign to tie my shoelaces and then produce a ring. The following morning, we strolled around the hotel grounds, taking in the breathtaking views when Jack suddenly had to ‘tie his laces’ – and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Vision
We’ve always known that our wedding day was going to be a celebration like no other. The loss of both sets of grandparents in 2015 had a profound impact on our families, leaving a lasting void. As a result, we decided to forgo waiting and instead throw ourselves into planning a weekend-long fiesta with all the people who matter most to us. Our ‘festival wedding’ was born, with a focus on creating a fun-filled atmosphere that would allow everyone to come together and make some unforgettable memories. We opted out of traditional wedding practices that didn’t align with our personalities or vision for our special day, instead choosing to infuse the celebration with all things that bring us joy.
The Planning Process
As the excitement of Jack’s proposal began to settle in, my partner and I were struck with the realization that planning a wedding was next on the agenda. To facilitate decision-making and keep everyone informed, we established a WhatsApp group for our mothers and key family members. The initial step was finding a suitable venue, and after exploring options for rented fields designed specifically for weddings, we were thrilled when a generous family friend offered us his property. With 150 guests anticipated to join in the celebration over a weekend, we had to think ahead and anticipate their needs. Fortunately, my family has a wealth of DIY skills and shared invaluable advice. One of the more labor-intensive tasks was crafting our handmade invitations, which took several weekends to complete. To streamline vendor research and booking, we found addtoevent to be an excellent resource.
Budget
In a surprising turn of events, the total cost came in significantly lower than expected, with a final bill of approximately £12,000. This modest outlay belies the significant impact it had on the overall project.
The Venue
Our gathering took place at a scenic field owned by a family friend in Tamworth. To create an idyllic atmosphere, we set up stunning stretch marquees courtesy of Smart Party Marquees, which served as the main hub for our guests throughout the day. For those who wanted to fully immerse themselves in the experience, we also had lovely bell tents from Tipi and Bell Hire available for overnight stays. Alternatively, the field offered ample space for campers to pitch their own tents or enjoy a more rustic experience.
The Readings & Music
As the ceremony began, the infectious beat of ‘We’re Going to the Chapel’ by the Dixie Chicks set the tone for a joyous celebration. The atmosphere was already electric when the bride and groom exchanged their vows, accompanied by the uplifting strains of ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by the Beatles – and true to its lyrics, the sun did indeed make an appearance! The couple’s love story was further brought to life through two specially curated readings: Tiffany Carter’s poignant recitation of excerpts from JK Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series, and Shane Sweeney’s smooth delivery of re-imagined lyrics from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ hit song ‘Hard to Concentrate’. As the ceremony drew to a close, Pharrell Williams’ chart-topping anthem ‘Happy’ got everyone in the mood for celebration. And as the newlyweds made their exit, the Velvet Underground’s ‘I’m Sticking with You’ provided the perfect soundtrack to their newfound partnership.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As we navigated the whirlwind of wedding planning, I accumulated an eclectic collection of four wedding dresses – each one a reflection of my desire to stand out from the crowd. My initial attempt at a custom-made dress during our Indian escapade was a resounding failure, with two ill-fated iterations that ultimately ended in disappointment. It wasn’t until my mother’s timely intervention five days prior to the big day that I rediscovered my original love – a discontinued Phase Eight design. A last-minute eBay rescue mission saved the day, and I finally felt like myself on our special day. To complete my look, I donned a stunning sunflower-inspired flower crown, crafted by the talented artisans at Garlands in Tamworth.
Beauty
My sisters played a significant role as my bridesmaids, and with numerous horror stories surrounding makeup, we opted for a benefit makeup lesson instead of relying on others. This experience allowed us to learn the art of applying our own makeup, which turned out to be absolutely fantastic! The stress factor was significantly reduced come wedding day.To complement our beauty routine, Jade and Becky from Head to Toe in Tamworth took care of our hairstyles, while Megan Wells, a talented professional, handled our manicures and pedicures. It was an unforgettable experience that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Groomsmen
Jack’s choice of attire was a perfect reflection of his personality, and the presence of his brothers as groomsmen added a touching personal touch to the ceremony. The dashing dark green suit with golden bow-tie that he wore was a deliberate nod to his favorite color, while the simple yet elegant outfits of the groomsmen – white shirts, navy chinos, and matching dark green bow-ties – complemented Jack’s attire beautifully. Moreover, the use of linen bow ties from BelfastBowCompany, handmade in Belfast using locally-sourced materials from Banbridge, where Jack grew up, added a meaningful layer of Northern Irish heritage to the overall aesthetic.
Bridesmaids
When planning a sunflower-themed event, I sought out green dresses that would complement our theme’s unique charm. With two distinct personalities, I knew the perfect attire would be crucial in making them feel special. Despite my efforts to find suitable options, it seemed like green wasn’t ‘in’ for 2018. After an extensive search, we eventually decided on their own dress and shoe choices from high-street retailers, which surprisingly came in at under £30 each! To add the finishing touches, they also opted for stunning flower crowns from Garlands, further elevating our sunflower-inspired celebration.
The Cake
The Flowers
As we exchanged vows, our lovely flower crowns were a true masterpiece, crafted with care by Garlands florist. However, the remaining sunflowers that adorned the wedding scene were actually sourced from local supermarkets just the day prior. A thoughtful touch came from my step-dad Mark, who went above and beyond to grow the pots of live flowers specifically for our special day.
Your Photographer
We initially thought it would be overwhelming to have a photographer at our wedding, given our reservations about being comfortable in front of a camera. However, as we approached the big day, we realized that the memories and photos would ultimately be for us to treasure, not just for our guests. So, we decided to treat ourselves to this special memento. It was one of the best decisions we made!
After scouring through social media, we stumbled upon Rachel’s stunning work on Instagram, showcasing her unique blend of candid, colorful, and fun photography that resonated with us. Her style was a stark contrast to other photographers we had looked at, and we instantly fell in love with her work.
I nervously submitted our inquiry on her website, holding my breath in hopes she wasn’t booked – thank goodness she wasn’t!
Rachel and Becky made our special day even more unforgettable. Rachel’s calm demeanor helped ease my morning jitters, while their bubbly energy throughout the day was a huge highlight. And let’s not forget the breathtaking wedding album we now have to cherish.
The Details & Décor
Our homemade treats were largely crafted by family members, including mom, sisters, and us, under the warm sunshine in our garden. The theme was to create as many treats as possible using sunflowers as the central ingredient. Thankfully, our family is known for its creativity, which helped us achieve a impressive array of goodies.
The Honeymoon
Following our wedding celebration, we embarked on a rejuvenating getaway to Thessaloniki, Greece, indulging in delectable cuisine and basking in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. As we look ahead to our main honeymoon adventure, we’re excitedly planning a scenic road trip along the Pacific Highway for summer 2019, with preparations already underway.
Memorable Moments
As I reflect on those carefree days, one particular moment stands out – being transported up the field in the back of a tractor, surrounded by my sisters. The gentle pace and serene atmosphere created a sense of calm before the chaos of the day unfolded. It’s a memory that still brings a smile to my face. Another cherished memory is the first time I saw Jack wearing his lovely green suit – a special moment because he refused to show me his outfit, just as I was keeping my dress under wraps.
Advice For Other Couples
To ensure a seamless planning process, consider sharing a joint email account with your partner or other key stakeholders. When it comes to photography, don’t settle for just anyone – invest time in finding someone who truly captures your unique love story. This will not only make your big day more enjoyable but also provide cherished memories to cherish after the wedding. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed; many people take pride in contributing to your special day and it’s a great excuse to connect with loved ones. On the actual wedding day, prioritize enjoying every moment – try not to let stress from the planning process consume you. Remember that it’s just one day and it will fly by before you know it. To make the most of your newlywed status, have something to look forward to after the ceremony. This could be a dream honeymoon, a relaxing weekend getaway or simply quality time with loved ones.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we relive the magic of Nova and Jack’s special day, it’s clear that their wedding was truly unforgettable. The seamless blend of photography, courtesy of Rachel Burt Photography, and the expertise of Second Shooter Becky Payne Photography, captured every moment with precision and beauty. Amidst the joyous atmosphere, the majestic marquees from Smart Party Marquees added a touch of sophistication to the proceedings. The infectious energy of the band, The Junos, got everyone moving, while the sweet treats from Bluebell Events satisfied the sweet tooth of the guests. The stunning dress, courtesy of Phase Eight, was the perfect canvas for Nova’s radiant smile and elegant hairdo, courtesy of Head to Toe. Meanwhile, Megan Wells added a pop of color with her gorgeous flower crowns and garlands. As for Jack, he looked dapper in his attire, complete with a stylish bow tie from BelfastBowCompany. We’re honored to have been a part of their celebration and wish them all the best as they begin their new life together.