We’re thrilled to share the enchanting wedding of Scarlett and Rob, two passionate individuals who tie the knot amidst a picturesque backdrop. As a professional in the wedding industry, Scarlett brought her expertise to create an unforgettable celebration with her beloved. Held at the Gamekeeper’s Inn in Yorkshire on June 9th, 2018, their special day was all about effortless elegance, romance, and whimsy. The venue was transformed into a fairytale setting with lush florals, twinkling fairy lights, and flowing ceiling drapes, providing an idyllic atmosphere for the couple to exchange their vows in style. A highlight of the day was undoubtedly the stunning bridesmaid dresses, featuring a charming mix of plain and printed fabrics that perfectly complemented Scarlett’s show-stopping feathered gown. Rob looked dashing in his checked suit, making them a picture-perfect pair. We’re grateful to Fairclough Studios for capturing these breathtaking moments, which we’re delighted to share with our readers.
The Proposal
As we celebrated my 30th birthday and our friend’s wedding during our first family holiday in Cala D’or in June 2016, Rob surprised me with an unforgettable gesture. We decided to start the day at the marina for breakfast, where Rob suggested opening cards after we’d found a spot to eat. With glasses of fizz in hand and plates piled high with full breakfasts, I began to unwrap my gifts. That’s when Rob pulled out a card with a handwritten message inside that read, ‘I just have one question to ask…’ My heart racing, I looked up to see him holding a sparkling ring! The surprise was nothing short of stunning, making it undoubtedly the most memorable birthday celebration I’ve ever had.
The Vision
Our vision for the wedding was an intimate, laid-back celebration that showcased our unique personalities and shared it with our closest loved ones. Since we’re not religious, we didn’t feel the need for traditional readings or a formal three-course meal. Instead, we wanted to infuse the day with our own special touches and make it a truly personal reflection of who we are as a couple. The color palette was always burgundy and pink, with subtle pops of white and gold – a delicate balance that would set the tone for a romantic yet relaxed atmosphere. To achieve this, I envisioned an abundance of candles nestled within soft fabrics, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that would make everyone feel at ease.
The Planning Process
As soon as our venue was booked, we shifted our focus to securing the key players who would bring our special day to life – photographers, videographers, and florists. Given their popularity, we didn’t want to take any chances and risk missing out on our preferred dates. I thoroughly enjoyed brainstorming creative ideas for our wedding and loved seeing them come together with the help of Sam Williams Flowers. Our visits to the Gamekeepers Inn became a regular occurrence, providing us with the perfect excuse to grab lunch and celebrate with a glass of bubbly. As someone who works in the wedding industry, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting numerous talented professionals along the way. This made the planning process not only enjoyable but also relatively straightforward as we got to pick our dream team.
Budget
We are deeply grateful to our incredible parents for their unwavering support. Their guidance and encouragement enabled us to make the most of our special day. Without a fixed budget in mind, we focused on prioritizing the essential investments that would truly matter – namely, our talented photographers and videographers. As these professionals captured the memories we’ll treasure forever, it was crucial for us to invest in their expertise. After all, the moments they preserved will be relived and cherished long after the wedding celebrations have passed.
Beauty
Charlotte Laskey, our talented MUA for the day, was instrumental in ensuring a flawless finish. Her expertise went beyond just makeup artistry – she became an integral part of the team, helping us navigate last-minute hiccups and offering valuable advice. I opted for a natural, effortless look, which we nailed during our trial session. For my hair, I wanted to complement the relaxed atmosphere with a loose, undone updo from Loved by Ashley, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with previously. Their attention to detail is impressive, and Ashley knocked it out of the park on her first attempt! Meanwhile, the bridesmaids opted for stylish gold feather slides adorned with fresh flowers courtesy of Sam Williams Flowers – a beautiful touch that added to the overall aesthetic.
The Venue
The Gamekeepers Inn, nestled in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, boasts a charming atmosphere that combines rustic charm with modern comforts. The venue’s natural beauty, featuring exposed oak beams, stonework, and serene gardens, provided the perfect setting for our event. What really stood out was the warm hospitality of Stuart and Claire, who went above and beyond to ensure our stay was memorable. From the start, we appreciated their relaxed demeanor, which created a sense of ease and allowed us to fully enjoy the experience.
The Flowers
As the year went by, working with Sam Williams was nothing short of incredible. Her creativity and passion left me constantly amazed, and I entrusted her fully to surprise me on our wedding day. The morning my flowers arrived, I was utterly blown away by the breathtaking bouquet she had crafted for me. With a mix of King Protea, Peonies, Roses, French Ruscus, Eucalyptus, Asparagus, and sword fern, Sam’s masterpiece exuded both wild and romantic charm. Feeling incredibly fortunate to have her as my go-to ‘flower queen’, I knew that having her on board made our special day all the more unforgettable.
The Music
As I strolled down the aisle, the soothing sounds of Mumford & Sons’ ‘There Will Be Time’ filled the air, setting the tone for a memorable ceremony. The excitement continued as we made our way out to American Authors’ upbeat track, ‘Best Day of My Life’, which perfectly captured the joy and elation of our special day. Later, during our first dance, John Legend’s romantic ballad, ‘You And I’, played softly in the background, creating a serene atmosphere that allowed us to savor the magic of the moment.
Bridesmaids
We had six attendants, including four bridesmaids and one flower girl. The bridesmaids made a stunning ensemble in their Chi Chi London tea-length dresses, which were perfectly complemented by their blush and gold Jenny Packham stilettos. The combination of the dresses with Sam Williams’ exquisite flowers was truly captivating.
I embarked on an extensive search to find the ideal bridesmaid dresses, determined to avoid traditional options and instead opt for a unique, mixed-and-matched look. When I finally found the perfect attire, it was like all my efforts had been rewarded.
Our flower girl, Lila, stole the show in her one-of-a-kind tutu dress crafted by Eleven Handmade. She completed her outfit with burgundy and velvet Converse shoes and a matching balloon wand to carry down the aisle. Additionally, she wore a personalized mini leather jacket from Born to be Wild Bridal.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I strolled into the local boutique with my wedding party, I was immediately captivated by a show-stopping dress – Leonie from Enzonai. What struck me most was its uniqueness; it didn’t conform to traditional white wedding dress expectations. When I tried it on, I knew it was meant to be mine! The intricate details, the feathers, and the colour all combined to create a sense of perfection. To complete my look, I paired the dress with Dune’s nude gladiator heels. For sentimental value, I incorporated personal touches: an old sixpence as something old, a tree of life bracelet from my mother for something new, borrowed earrings from my stepmother, and ‘I do’ inscribed on the bottom of my shoes – my something blue. For the ceremony, I opted for a champagne and pearl headpiece, complemented by a flowing champagne veil. I wanted to present different looks throughout the day, so later on, I swapped the pearls for a stunning flower crown that added an extra touch of whimsy. To round out my bridal experience, I indulged in Jo Malone’s signature scents – Rose Velvet and Oud fragrance, combined with Peony and Blush body creme. Shopping for a special scent at Jo Malone was an unforgettable treat. As the day unfolded, I donned a custom-painted leather jacket courtesy of Alex from Born to be Wild Bridal. My flower girl and I rocked these unique pieces, and later, I took my leather and flower crown on our romantic honeymoon getaway!
Groomsmen
For the wedding party attire, Rob opted for Scott by Marc Darcy from Bridgewater Menswear, choosing a stylish yet understated look for himself and his groomsmen. To ensure they were comfortable throughout the celebration, they donned plain white shirts, trousers from Next, and matching ties. This relaxed approach to formal wear allowed the men to feel at ease while still looking sharp.Meanwhile, Maxwell, the page boy, added a touch of youthful charm to the proceedings with his dapper ensemble. His attire consisted of a crisp white shirt, matching blue pants, traditional braces, a trilby hat, and a pair of burgundy Vans, which gave him a playful and modern flair.
The Cake
Our encounter with Laura from Sugar Fancies Bakery left us smitten with her designs and impressed by her meticulous attention to detail. Following a delectable sampling session, we opted for a two-tiered cake featuring coconut and lime flavors on one tier and chocolate salted caramel on the other. With full creative freedom, Laura brought our vision to life, and we were thoroughly thrilled with the final product. Additionally, she crafted special treats for the bridesmaid boxes – including Oreo chocolates, chocolate-covered strawberries, and macarons – as well as those that would sweeten our bridal preparations.
The Details & Décor
As someone who’s deeply passionate about the wedding industry, I wanted our special day to perfectly reflect my style and attention to detail. The décor and flowers were absolutely crucial in bringing that vision to life. Sam Williams did an incredible job transforming the room into a breathtaking oasis with burgundy drapes, lush greenery, candles galore, soft fabrics flowing like a river, and floral garlands adding pops of color throughout. Walking into that space before saying ‘I do’ was truly magical.One of my favorite touches was our revamped dessert table dresser, which I’d found in a charity shop and knew had untapped potential. With the help of my younger brother Frazer and family friend Bernard, we gave it a fresh new look, transforming it from shabby to chic. We then filled its drawers with beautiful blooms courtesy of Sam Williams, paired with delectable treats from Sugar Fancies.To top it all off, I’d surprised my partner by booking the ‘It was always you’ neon sign from Brides Little Helper – it became a stunning backdrop for our photographs and added an extra layer of romance to the atmosphere.Outside on the terrace, we created a whimsical setup featuring giant 3ft balloons in burgundy and pink, tied off with matching ribbons. The overall effect was simply breathtaking.Throughout the day, we kept our guests entertained with a photo booth, tattoo station, games – you name it! And for the kids, we set up a ‘No Adults allowed’ Teepee, which became an instant hit (though let’s be real, the adults couldn’t resist sneaking in a few selfies themselves).
Your Photographer
Fairclough Studios left an indelible mark on our lives, their exceptional work and infectious passion setting them apart from others in the field. We had the pleasure of meeting Katie and James over a casual coffee gathering in Lytham St Annes, their hometown, and were immediately drawn to their unique approach to capturing life’s moments. Their dedication to natural, unscripted shots resonated deeply with us, and we coveted their ability to freeze time and preserve the joyous essence of our special day. Our pre-wedding shoot, just weeks prior to the big event, allowed us to break the ice and build a rapport with Katie and James, ultimately yielding not only stunning wedding photographs but also two dear friends.
Your Filmmaker
After witnessing the impressive work of S and S Videography at a few friends’ weddings, we were convinced that they were the right choice for us. The concept of having a same-day edit played during the evening reception was incredibly appealing – our guests would get to relive the day’s highlights in a 4-minute video featuring moments from the bridal prep, heartfelt speeches, and the day’s most memorable moments. What truly set their work apart was the use of a drone to capture breathtaking aerial shots that added an extra layer of depth and visual interest to the final product. We’re thrilled that we had a talented videographer like S and S Videography to help us preserve the memories of our special day.
The Honeymoon
As we soared to Barcelona for our honeymoon, we checked into the H10 Marina, reveling in the joyous aftermath of our wedding day. The excitement and euphoria that follow a union are indeed intoxicating. We indulged in a sunset cruise, savored Michelin-starred cuisine at a fine dining establishment, and explored the art of wine tasting within an esteemed bodega. This luxurious getaway was a far cry from our daily routine or typical vacation – but precisely what made it so unforgettable.
Memorable Moments
As the wedding day unfolded, Rob and his groomsmen gathered at the Gamekeepers Inn for a pre-wedding meal, while I spent time with my bridal party at a local restaurant. We all reconvened at the Gamekeepers later that evening, only to be serenaded by the local choir, who had earlier been hosting an event at the pub. The impromptu performance was nothing short of surreal, with the crowd of strangers-turned- wedding-well-wishers singing three songs in our honor. It was a truly special and memorable way to kick off the celebrations.The morning after the ceremony, we managed to sneak away for some intimate wedding photos. It was wonderful to have that moment to ourselves, savoring the excitement and joy of being newlyweds.My older brother Andrew pulled off an incredible surprise on the day – hiring the talented magician Mark Waddington. His performance was a huge hit with our guests, adding a touch of magic to the proceedings.As I sat at the top table, taking in the sea of smiling faces, I felt overwhelmed with love and gratitude. It truly was the happiest day of my life.Our evening reception featured a fantastic mix of music, entertainment, and activities – including a DJ, sax player, and bongo player. We also brought in glitter artists to add some sparkle to the night and a DIY tattoo station for our more adventurous guests. These unique elements really helped create the lively party atmosphere we had envisioned.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace unconventional thinking and seize control of your life by breaking free from societal expectations. It’s time to prioritize your own happiness and make decisions that align with your values and passions. By doing so, you’ll create a unique path that’s authentic and fulfilling.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Scarlett and Rob’s big day was a true celebration of love, with every detail thoughtfully curated to reflect their unique style. Behind the lens, Fairclough Studios captured the joy and romance of the occasion at the charming Gamekeeper’s Inn. The couple chose Scarlett Envy Events to handle the logistics and décor, which included stunning flowers by Sam Williams Flowers. S and S Video was on hand to capture the magic from a different perspective. For sweet treats, Sugar Fancies brought their A-game with delicious cakes and other tasty delights. Loved By Ashley Hair worked her magic to make sure Scarlett looked radiant, while Charlotte Laskey MUA ensured her makeup was flawless. Ava Rose Hamilton’s stunning wedding dress was the perfect complement to Rob’s dashing suit and groomsmen ties from The Bridgewater. Stationery and a custom neon sign by Brides Little Helper added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings. Scarlett’s headpiece, designed by Dreamcatcher Bridal, was a showstopper, and her bridesmaid dresses by Chi Chi London were the perfect accompaniment. The flower girl dress by Numbereleven was adorable, while River Island provided a stylish page boy look. A custom-painted jacket from Born To Be Wild Bridal was a unique touch, and Adam Apple’s confetti added to the festive atmosphere. Polka Pops’ cake pops and Brownie Treats’ brownies were a hit with guests, while Mark Waddington’s magic tricks and Saira Clegg’s sax playing kept everyone entertained. The bongo player from AdBongo brought an infectious energy to the party, and Kev Riley’s DJ skills ensured the dance floor was always full. Hashtag Printing handled all the stationery needs, while Doris Loves’ tattoo station was a one-of-a-kind experience. Creative Events took care of the seating arrangements, ensuring everyone had a comfortable spot to enjoy the celebration. Thanks, Scarlett and Rob, for sharing your special day with us – it was truly unforgettable!