I’m thrilled to share another real wedding that embodies the essence of joy and love – Carl and Emily’s vibrant farm celebration! As a confessed colour enthusiast, I was smitten by their whimsical bohemian woodland vision, which came alive at Furtho Manor Farm in Buckinghamshire. The rustic barn and picturesque surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for their special day on May 5th, 2018. With the sun shining brightly and a live band setting the tone, the atmosphere transformed into a lively festival vibe as the evening unfolded.What I adore most about this couple is their creative flair and desire to make their wedding truly personal. Alongside family and friends, they crafted every detail with love, from the rainbow-hued decorations to the intricate ribbon work. Emily’s radiant bouquet, tied with a vibrant ribbon, takes my breath away! It’s a testament to the power of DIY spirit and the joy it brings.Ben Cotterill Photography did an exceptional job capturing the essence of this loving couple and their unforgettable celebration.
The Proposal
I had been planning the perfect proposal for quite some time. Emily wasn’t one for grand gestures, so I decided to keep things intimate and relaxed. Initially, my plan was to pop the question during our week-long getaway in the UK, but as the trip approached, I felt it would be more special to surprise her at home with our dog Ben. After a patient wait, I found the perfect moment to ask for her hand in marriage. The subsequent celebration quickly turned into an unforgettable night, marked by a visit to A&E after one too many celebratory drinks. In fact, this wasn’t the first time I had ended up in the emergency room as a result of my enthusiasm. This particular evening would go down in our relationship history as a spectacularly memorable and chaotic experience!
The Vision
Emily’s vision for the day was one of vibrant hues and eclectic charm. Drawing inspiration from the colorful and textured surroundings of her home, she aimed to create an atmosphere that reflected the unique personality and flair of her family and closest circle of friends. Determined to stray from traditional wedding norms, Emily enlisted the help of her creative kin to craft a celebration that was at once playful, whimsical, and utterly personal.
The Planning Process
With an ample preparation period of almost two years, Carl and his team meticulously planned every aspect of the event. Following the selection of a suitable venue, they embarked on a thorough examination of the various elements that would bring their vision to life, from the decorative bunting to the atmospheric lighting. This meticulous planning allowed them to tackle each task with precision and attention to detail.
The Flowers
As the wedding celebrations unfolded, Carl and Em entrusted Brig at Brig’s Flowers to create stunning bouquets and buttonholes for their special day. In keeping with the whimsical theme, Brig crafted vibrant, natural yet wild flower arrangements that added a touch of magic to the event. Meanwhile, Em’s mum and grandma went above and beyond by growing and drying hundreds of colorful flowers to adorn the tables and bar area in the rustic barn. The result was an enchanting atmosphere that perfectly captured the couple’s free-spirited nature.
Em, ever the detail-oriented bride-to-be, initially envisioned a fresh flower crown but soon realized it might not withstand the evening’s festivities. She opted for a handmade silk crown instead, skillfully crafted by Emma at Lulu in the Sky. The resulting masterpiece was so convincing that many guests were left wondering if they were gazing upon real blooms! To complete her look, Em added matching ribbon to the girls’ hair bands, ensuring a cohesive and charming visual effect.
The Readings and Music
The church ceremony featured an intimate reading by Em’s brother Luke, followed by a thoughtful sermon from the vicar. To add to the celebratory atmosphere, Luke also organized a 7-piece brass band that played throughout the service, transitioning seamlessly into an ‘Oompah’ band for the reception’s welcome drinks – a truly unique and memorable touch.
As we transitioned to our evening celebration, a talented three-piece acoustic band known as the T Set got us in the mood with our first dance song, ‘Baby I’m Yours’, followed by two 60-minute sets of our favorite tunes. The beautiful sunny bank holiday weekend provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxed pub garden/festival vibe that carried through into the night.
Your Photographer
As we sought out the ideal photographer to capture the essence of our special day, we were on a mission to find someone who could seamlessly blend staged photos with candid moments. Enter Ben, the perfect fit for the job. Not only did he bring a touch of sophistication and expertise to the proceedings, but his affable nature made him a joy to work with. His willingness to go above and beyond, sticking around to capture those unforgettable dance floor shots, was the icing on the cake.
The Venue
Carl’s choice of Furtho Manor Farm was largely driven by the barn’s unique blend of freedom, flexibility, and scenic beauty. The venue offered an ideal setting for them to bring their own vision to life, with ample time to plan and decorate according to their exact specifications. It wasn’t long before they made a decision to book the space after just one viewing, captivated by its rustic charm and picturesque surroundings.
The Details & Decor
At Furtho’s rustic barn, my partner and I enjoyed the ultimate blank slate. This allowed us to meticulously plan every detail of our special day. With months spent collecting an array of colored glass jars and bottles, we transformed the tables into a visually stunning display. The exposed beams seemed to beg for bunting, which after some family prep time, my dad skillfully crafted using a sewing machine. I was thrilled that he took on this task, as sewing isn’t exactly my forte! To add a personal touch, Carl, with his hidden talent for pyrography, designed and created custom wooden signs featuring our woodland-inspired table names and seating plan. My brother also lent a hand by creating large letters that we decorated to match the bunting’s whimsical charm. The finishing touches included an abundance of ribbon, fairy lights, flowers, pompoms, and personalized elements, making my envisioned reality finally take shape. We opted for a leisurely afternoon tea as our wedding breakfast and a mouth-watering hog roast in the evening, which harmoniously complemented the relaxed atmosphere of the barn.
The Cake
A show-stopping three-tiered masterpiece was crafted by Jamie Bakes Cakes, perfectly capturing our desire for simplicity and great taste. We opted for a semi-naked, salted caramel and vanilla sponge cake, which was elegantly adorned with dried flowers reminiscent of those used in the barn’s decor. The result was a truly scrumptious treat that exceeded expectations.
Flower Girls & Page Boys
As we welcomed the little ones into our celebration, it only felt right to involve them in the festivities. We were thrilled to have my cousin Sophie serve as chief bridesmaid, while Carl’s twin nieces brought their own unique energy as bridesmaids. Meanwhile, Carl’s tiny niece Esmé – just five years old at the time – stole hearts as our adorable flower girl. Accompanying them down the aisle was none other than Carl’s dashing nephew Charlie, who donned a stylish suit from H&M and added a touch of flair with his burnt orange bow tie and button hole. The girls’ attire consisted of Yumi dresses from Debenhams, with Sophie sporting a stunning French Connection dress from ASOS. To complete their looks, each girl wore handcrafted flower and ribbon hair bands and carried vibrant ribbon wands in lieu of traditional bouquets.
The Dress and Accessories
I embarked on an extensive online search, convinced I knew exactly what I was after. I yearned to exude my true self, feeling both comfortable and uniquely stylish. Classically bridal attire didn’t resonate with me. Alongside my Mum, we visited ‘Once in a Lifetime’ in Stony Stratford, where I tried on roughly five distinct dresses before stumbling upon the perfect one. Ultimately, I fell for a breathtaking lace gown boasting a flowing train – undoubtedly bridal – yet infused with a bohemian charm courtesy of an appliquéd lace pattern and open back. It was as if everything I had been searching for unknowingly converged in this dress.
Groom’s Attire
When envisioning the rustic theme, I knew traditional attire wouldn’t suffice. Initially, I sought to capture the essence of a ‘country gent’ and experimented with various outfits until finding the perfect fit. I opted for a navy wool-blend suit from Marks & Spencer, paired with a grey waistcoat that complemented the earthy tone. To add a pop of color, I chose burnt orange ties for myself and my groomsmen from Next. As a thoughtful touch, Emily gifted me a pocket watch with my initials engraved, which I proudly wore on the big day.
The Honeymoon
We opted out of international travel and instead focused on enjoying a well-deserved break in Hope Cove, Devon following our special day. A week-long getaway provided the perfect opportunity to unwind, reflect on the joyous celebration, and indulge in our favorite foods and drinks – a welcome respite from the stress of wedding planning.
Memorable Moments
As I recall, my own wedding experience was a serene blend of tradition and joy. The memory of walking down the aisle, hand in hand with my spouse, is etched in my mind like the warm glow of sunshine on a radiant day, accompanied by the sweet melody of church bells tolling in harmony.
Advice for Other Couples
When planning your special day, prioritize making it a true reflection of you as a couple, rather than conforming to societal expectations. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an experience that’s uniquely yours, so don’t be hesitant to incorporate elements that showcase your personalities and tastes. We found that embracing this approach resulted in a celebration that was truly one-of-a-kind, despite some initial confusion from those expecting a more traditional color scheme. Ultimately, the key is to stay true to yourselves and let your love shine through.
Credit Where Credit is Due
The photography aspect of Carl and Emily’s special day was expertly handled by Ben Cotterill Photography. The picturesque setting of Furtho Manor Farm provided a stunning backdrop for the celebration. Creative Event Services took care of the catering, ensuring that every guest had a delicious meal to remember. The sweet treats were courtesy of Jamie Bakes Cakes, which no doubt impressed with its delectable offerings. McGee’s provided the bar, along with fairy lights and furniture that added to the whimsical ambiance. Carl and Emily’s dress was a showstopper, courtesy of Once in a Lifetime. Music played a crucial role in the festivities, with The T Set and Der Huffunpuffers keeping the party going on both the evening and daytime segments. A vintage car from Wedding Car added a touch of elegance to the proceedings. Brig’s Flowers brought a pop of color to the event with its beautiful arrangements. LuLu in the Sky Hairband had Carl and Emily looking radiant, and it’s clear that they felt like royalty on their special day. As the happy couple said in their heartfelt message to Lou, ‘thank you both so much for sharing your wonderful wedding with us.’