The breathtaking sunshine in Jason Williams Photography’s image above sets the tone for a truly unforgettable wedding celebration. We’re thrilled to share this stunning event with our readers, particularly since every detail was meticulously planned by WWW readers Alice and Will. Their big day took place on July 21st, 2018, at Gorwell Farm in Dorset, against the picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery. The couple’s decision to hold their outdoor ceremony and barn reception was a masterstroke, allowing them to make the most of the beautiful weather. With Jason Williams Photography capturing every moment, including stunning portraits amidst the golden fields, it’s no wonder this wedding is an absolute treat to relive. Even more delightful were the pre-wedding festivities, which included a pizza party at their tipi village on the night before the big day. The atmosphere was electric as friends and family gathered to celebrate Alice and Will’s special bond. As you read through the report below, get ready to be inspired by this joyous celebration, marked by cool attire, playful decor, and heartfelt touches like place name cards written by Alice’s class – pure bliss!
The Proposal
As the autumn air crispered, Alice and Will found themselves at Corfe Castle, a place dear to his childhood heart. Amidst the ruins and chaos of excited children, they slipped into a quiet moment. Will, desperate for some solitude, knelt down beside a medieval window, his back against the stone wall as he tried to steal away from the commotion. It was there, surrounded by history and the sounds of laughter, that Alice said yes.
The Vision
Our primary objective was to ensure that our friends and family had an unforgettable experience above all else. The concept was to create a weekend extravaganza, commencing with a Friday night gathering around the bonfire at our tipi tent village, where we served pizza to get everyone in high spirits. This laid the foundation for a Saturday packed with entertainment, joy, and laughter, allowing everyone to let loose and make memories that would last a lifetime.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on the planning journey, a sense of excitement and anticipation grew. Our favourite part? The meticulous process of bringing together every detail. We convened with caterers, florists, and other key players to ensure every aspect of our special day aligned with our unique vision. Drawing inspiration from memorable weddings and scouring the internet for innovative ideas, we carefully crafted a celebration that would leave a lasting impression on our loved ones.
The Venue
Nestled within a picturesque valley, Gorwell Barn boasts a serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush green rolling hills that exude tranquility. The warm hospitality of Mary and John, the proprietors, was truly exceptional, as they strived to make our day an unforgettable experience that exceeded our expectations.
The Readings & Music
As we looked for ways to make our special day truly one-of-a-kind, two readings stood out as particularly fitting. Alice’s childhood friend from Secondary School delivered a captivating performance based on Dr Seuss pieces that resonated deeply with us both. In a bold departure, Will’s Uncle Michael brought the house down with an unforgettable reading of ‘Songs of Hiawatha’, donning a feathered headpiece and incorporating clever wordplay. The audience was even treated to some impromptu participation. With music woven seamlessly throughout the ceremony, we kicked things off with a beautiful instrumental guitar rendition of ‘Kiss from a Rose’ by Tom Spence, a family friend. This was followed by an eclectic mix of tunes, including ‘High from the Lighthouse Family’ and ‘Ho Hey’, setting the tone for our evening celebration. Later, as guests mingled during the reception drinks, we got the party started with some lively Scottish airs courtesy of our Dorset Ceilidh Band, laying the groundwork for the joyful chaos that would soon unfold.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As the wedding day arrived, I donned a stunning beaded gown from ‘Blush’ in Leigh-on-Sea, having found my perfect match on only my second dress-hunting excursion with my Mum and Nan by my side. The relaxed, country charm of our special day was beautifully complemented by this enchanting dress, one that I couldn’t have imagined fitting me any better. Meanwhile, the groom – after a marathon 12-hour shopping spree at Westfield, West London, with some of his groomsmen in tow – settled on a navy, chequered suit jacket and matching waistcoat from Hammond and Co (Debenhams) for the daytime attire. Paired with a crisp white shirt, tan chinos, and a spotted bow tie, this look struck the perfect balance between smart and casual, allowing us to blend in seamlessly with our guests.
The Flowers
As we scoured Pinterest for inspiration, a clear vision for our flowers began to take shape. However, it wasn’t until we stumbled upon Leann, the owner of ‘Little Strode Flower Farm’, that our vision became a reality. We had discussed our ideas with her and entrusted her with growing our flowers, which she delivered on Friday. Our team of flower arrangers sprang into action to create stunning arrangements, while Leann took care of the larger displays, button holes, and even crafted an breathtaking bouquet – truly a masterpiece!
The Details & Décor
The incredible team at Taddle Farm played a pivotal role in bringing our wedding vision to life. As a family business, they went above and beyond to decorate the barn with vibrant lanterns and twinkling lights, providing rustic tables, oak barrels, a fire pit, and stunning lighting for the tipi village. Their enthusiasm for new ideas was palpable, and they worked tirelessly to make the space truly ‘us’.
One unique touch was the personalized name cards created by Alice’s primary school class. Each guest received their own beautifully decorated card, adding a charming personal touch to the proceedings.
The rustic charm continued with the signs leading to the venue, designed and hand-painted on wooden pallets by our friend Andy. These expertly crafted signs set the tone for an unforgettable wedding weekend, guiding guests along the winding track to Gorwell Barn.
Of course, no wedding would be complete without exceptional cuisine. Bea Atkinson of Holway Kitchen wowed us with a delectable menu featuring vibrant salads, succulent local lamb, and decadent eton mess. Meanwhile, Jalopy Pizza’s expertly cooked pizzas in traditional wood-fired ovens on the Friday night provided a much-needed fuel stop for our guests after their long journeys.
Bridesmaids
I felt incredibly fortunate to have a group of amazing bridesmaids who were more than willing to wear whatever I wanted them to try on. Given that one of my bridesmaids was living in California at the time, we needed a convenient solution for her to receive dresses being sent from out-of-state retailers. We kicked things off by ordering a few dresses from ASOS, and with some bubbly to keep us company, three of my bridesmaids and I spent a fun-filled afternoon trying on various styles. After much deliberation, we finally settled on grey, beaded mid-length dresses that perfectly captured the look we were going for. And the best part? It was an effortless process that left all five of us feeling thrilled with our choices.
Groomsmen
Despite the similarities, they opted for the same attire as mine minus the bow tie and waistcoat. The real challenge lay in securing the correct jacket sizes, ranging from big to small, which necessitated a thorough tour of various Debenhams stores across the South East region before we finally secured our desired fit.
Your Photographer
From the moment we connected with Jason Williams, it was clear that he was the right photographer for our special day. When we met him in Portsmouth, our impression was confirmed. What made his involvement even more enjoyable was that he was able to join us on Friday night to capture our guests relaxing by the bonfires and indulging in delicious pizzas. On the wedding day itself, Jason’s calm and discreet approach made it seem as though he wasn’t there at all – he seamlessly blended in with our guests and took stunning, natural photos of us and those around us, including a few cherished family shots. One of our favorite moments came when Jason took us on a short drive up to the fields at the top of the valley, capturing not only the breathtaking landscape but also our love as a couple – his easygoing nature made us feel like we were just hanging out with a friend.
Beauty
The bride’s hairdo was a masterpiece crafted by Sophie Knell, a talented local stylist she met through Leann, the flower grower. With a keen understanding of her desired look, Sophie created an exquisite up-do that perfectly complemented the country sunshine. Opting for a more natural approach to makeup, the bride took charge and visited the Clinique stand at Debenhams to gather all the essentials for a subtle yet radiant look.
The Cake
The cake in question was a masterpiece that left everyone in awe of its beauty and taste. The mastermind behind this culinary delight was none other than Ben Male, a friend of Alice’s from school. What made this cake truly special was the way it cleverly combined the surnames ‘Moss’ and ‘Wood’, reflecting our own family names in a creative and meaningful way. As we indulged in the sponge and icing, we were amazed by how something as simple as these ingredients could be transformed into a treat that exceeded all expectations.
The Honeymoon
As we ventured westward across Canada, the scenic vistas and breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Rocky Mountains left an indelible mark on our souls. From the majestic lakes to the endless ocean views, snow-capped mountain peaks and encounters with wild bears, our driving and camping adventure through Western Canada was a journey that whetted our appetite for more of this incredible nation’s hidden gems.
Memorable Moments
The weekend was a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, with so many highlights it’s hard to pinpoint just one. The festivities began with campfire pizzas and frisbee games on the Friday evening, setting the tone for an incredible celebration. The sunny weather on the day of the ceremony added to the joy and warmth, making it even more special. As we listened to heartfelt speeches, wandered through the lush hay meadow, and danced the night away during Ceilidh Chaos, it became clear that this was a weekend that would be cherished for years to come.
Advice For Other Couples
As we set out to create a weekend retreat that would bring together friends, family, and even strays, our goal was to craft an atmosphere of relaxation and enjoyment. While it may seem daunting to please such a diverse group, we discovered that the key lies in striking a perfect balance between leisure, sustenance, libations, and entertainment. By kicking off the festivities on Friday, we allowed our guests to unwind and ‘thaw’ before diving into the main event on Saturday. A well-stocked larder and plenty of hydration, coupled with an organic flow to the day, helped alleviate any lingering tension or stress typically associated with social gatherings. To further eliminate the need for last-minute departures, we encouraged our guests to make themselves at home in the tipi village, allowing them to retire to their tents or beds at a time that suited them best. Above all, we were reminded to take a brief moment to pause and savour the day with loved ones, reflecting on the joy we had created together.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With photographer Jason Williams capturing the special moments, Alice and Will’s wedding celebration was a true masterpiece. The beautiful blooms at Little Strode Flower Farm were arranged by Leann, who brought her unique touch to the arrangements. Tipi Hire provided the perfect rustic setting for the couple and their guests, while New Forest Bell Tents added an extra layer of cozy charm to the venue. Gorwell Barn served as the picturesque backdrop for the ceremony and reception, with Blush in Leigh-on-sea providing the stunning dress that made Alice shine. The delicious pizzas were courtesy of Jalopy Pizza, which satisfied the cravings of the happy couple and their loved ones. To add some extra magic to the evening, Taddle Farm Tents handled the decor and lighting, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Meanwhile, Dorset Ceilidh Band kept the party going with lively tunes that got everyone on their feet. And as the night drew to a close, The Party Poopers helped to make the wedding shower hire a memorable experience for all involved.