Hadsham Farm Wedding
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Today’s real wedding feature is a treat! I’m thrilled to share Alice and Rhys’ special day with you. Their celebration at Hadsham Farm Weddings in Oxfordshire was truly unforgettable, with the help of amazing suppliers like Event Flag Hire, who brought their A-game with those epic festival flags. The atmosphere was electric, with a tipi reception, restored swing boats, live music, and more! What I love most about this wedding is the bohemian vibe and eclectic decor – it’s a true reflection of the couple’s personalities. And can we talk about the fashion? Alice stunned in two custom-made dresses: a 70s-inspired gown by Spell and the Gypsy, and a sleek ASOS number with feather shoulders. Her flower crown and bouquet were equally stunning. Rhys looked dashing in his emerald green suit from Petriiski Fashion, paired with a pink tie and floral waistcoat – they both truly made their mark on this special day. You can discover more about their joyous celebration below, courtesy of the incredible images by Victoria Somerset-How Photography.
The Proposal
The surprise proposal was a masterclass in subtlety, as Rhys had been dropping hints about the ring for weeks. I’d actually chosen the 1940s-style number myself, but wasn’t expecting to say yes just yet. As it turned out, I was wrong. After work one evening, I opened the door to find Rhys looking dapper and sheepish, surrounded by candles and our favourite summer tune playing on vinyl. He dropped down on one knee and asked me to be his forever. Tears of joy streaming down my face, I finally managed a hesitant yes. But little did we know, Travis and David were already in on the secret, having been sworn to silence by Rhys himself. When we arrived at their place, we found our London friends waiting with a surprise party, champagne popping and congratulations flowing. It was the perfect, unforgettable night.
The Vision
From the outset, our wedding planning process was centred around creating an unforgettable experience for others just as much as ourselves. We envisioned a celebration that would bring everyone together, free from pressure and filled with joy. Our goal was to craft an event that embodied the best of both English wilderness and Aussie outdoor living, blending the two in a unique and creative way. As designers, we drew inspiration from our own creative backgrounds and families, resulting in a Pinterest board overflowing with ideas.
The Planning Process
Without a formalized planning process in place, our team operated more organically. Rather than hiring a dedicated project manager, we opted to handle tasks in-house, driven by our desire to maintain control over the scope and timeline of our initiatives.
The Venue
The allure of an outdoor tipi wedding had always captivated me, transporting me back to idyllic summer days spent teaching bushcraft skills under the stars. As an Australian, my partner Rhys was no stranger to the great outdoors either. Initially, we considered hiring tipis and a field, but the logistics quickly became overwhelming. It wasn’t until my parents stumbled upon Hadsham Farm, just 10 minutes down the road, that our search came to a close. Nestled in a secluded valley by a serene lake, the farm’s tranquil atmosphere was nothing short of breathtaking. What’s more, the team at Hadsham were incredibly accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure every detail was taken care of.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As a bride who values uniqueness, comfort, and having a great time, I started my wedding dress search on Pinterest. I was drawn to this bohemian-inspired, dreamy cotton wrap dress with voluminous 70s-style sleeves and intricate embroidery. The dress was none other than the Spell & the Gypsy flagship design, which happened to be located just 30 minutes from where my in-laws lived in Australia. With our trip only three months away, I couldn’t believe my luck when I discovered that my parents would be joining us.I tried on the dress with my Mum and Mother-in-law-to-be, and it only got better in person – plus, it was half price! Although the dress was almost perfect, I decided to make some adjustments. I opted out of the slip dress it came with since we weren’t having a beach wedding and instead turned to my friends Veronica and Vassile from Petriiski Fashion, who are talented tailors and dressmakers. They took the original design to new heights by customizing the fit and creating an underskirt made from luxurious silk that gave the dress volume and structure.For the evening look, I wanted something fun, sexy, and festival-inspired. I started by making my own feather shoulder pieces, which turned out great. Then, I searched for a dress on ASOS and found this simple, slinky number for £80.Accessories were also a priority. I discovered an amazing little sequin handbag at Accessorize and initially purchased these stunning silver Dolce & Gabbana shoes from TKmaxx – until I realized they were impractical and ended up opting for cute Dune sandals with rainbow sparkles. My godparents gifted me incredible earrings from a local jeweller in my birth town, which I received on the wedding day.As for Rhys, we wanted him to feel just as special. Since he cares about his appearance as much as I do, we decided to get him a custom-made suit with an incredible floral waistcoat that incorporated colours reminiscent of Australian Bottle brush and Wattle flowers. Petriiski Fashion created this one-of-a-kind design for us.
Beauty
As a testament to the power of teamwork, I had the pleasure of having not one, but two special people help me get ready for my big day. My maid of honour is incredibly talented when it comes to makeup and we even got to enjoy a fun-filled morning at a Charlotte Tilbury wedding session together, where we picked up some exciting new products and shared a lovely lunch. It was so much more enjoyable having her by my side than relying on a stranger. Meanwhile, my godfather’s wife took charge of everyone’s hairdo, which not only looked fantastic but also allowed us to have both of them around all morning, providing a huge help and a friendly face in the process.
The Readings & Music
As an alternative to a traditional venue ceremony, we asked a family friend with a personal connection to our family – John, my childhood friend’s dad, who has known us for 25 years – to lead the ceremony. This intimate approach set the perfect tone for our special day. The two readings that followed were delivered by close friends Alex and Poppy, who brought their unique perspectives to the proceedings. Alex recited a poignant poem by Allen Ginsberg, while Poppy shared her own heartfelt words on the value of friendship in relationships. I think it’s safe to say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. In the early evening, we transitioned into a lively Cuban band performance, which perfectly captured our summer spirit. As the night wore on, we seamlessly moved into a Spotify playlist we had curated over several months – a deliberate choice that paid off with its seamless integration into the celebration.
The Flowers
I was determined to get the flowers just right, and I’m thrilled that we found Sophie at The Stow Flower Shop. Her intuitive understanding of our vision was a huge relief. We prioritized three key elements: the large flower hoop, the long top table floor runner, and the bouquets, buttonholes, and accessories. Sophie crafted stunning displays that blended wild English blooms with lush Australian foliage, producing vibrant yet effortless arrangements. My bouquet was truly breathtaking – I had requested my Nana’s white rose be included if it was in bloom, and Sophie beautifully incorporated it on the morning of the wedding. She also created my flower crown and the one for my MOH, which were surprisingly comfortable and remained intact all day. We opted to handle the remaining flowers ourselves, including the wedding arch, tables, and pew ends.
The Details & Décor
My parents’ tireless creativity played a huge role in making my wedding day truly unforgettable. Growing up, my family was always known for its innovative spirit, and this special day was no exception. We started with our beautiful wedding arch, which my dad had been working on behind the scenes. He surprised me by showing me his masterpiece, saying ‘I think it’s best if you see it in person.’ I couldn’t believe what he had created! My parents’ love, craft, and creativity shone through in every detail.Next, my mom got creative with her macramé skills, making huge hangings that became part of our stunning boho chandelier. She made eight massive pieces, which added to the overall ambiance of our festival-style wedding. It was the first thing guests saw as they entered the tipis, and it truly wowed them.My parents also went all out with restoring some vintage swing boats we had acquired. They completely rebuilt every boat and repainted them to bring back their original charm. I should mention that they sold them on after the wedding, making a tidy profit!For our table décor, my parents spent over a year collecting antique bottles at car boot sales. We used these in clusters with candles and flowers, adding to the overall aesthetic of our special day.The day before the wedding, we had all our Australian friends arrive and set up camp nearby. It was an incredible experience, bringing everyone together from all corners of the world. As a graphic designer, I designed all our invitations and on-the-day stationery myself, including a massive fabric seating plan that became a unique feature.I also spent months hunting down vintage lampshades on eBay for our chill-out tent and hours crafting and painting signs. We made sure to consider every detail, from the tables to the toilets, and I loved every second of it.
Your Photographer
We stumbled upon Victoria’s profile on Instagram, and instantly felt a connection. Our initial panic booking with another photographer had left us with lingering doubts, but after discovering Victoria, we decided to take a calculated risk and cancel the deposit. Thankfully, it was still early enough in the process that the other photographer was able to fill the spot without any hassle. As it turned out, our decision proved to be a wise one. Victoria’s enthusiasm for our special day matched ours, and her presence on the day of the wedding was almost imperceptible. The photographs she captured? Absolutely breathtaking.
Your Filmmaker
Our special day was captured by a dear friend and colleague, who also happened to be a skilled photographer and videographer. I had the pleasure of working with Jess as a graphic designer for over a year, which gave me a sense of her creative abilities and attention to detail. When she agreed to shoot our wedding video, I knew we were in good hands. And boy, did she exceed my expectations! Her final product was nothing short of stunning, beautifully capturing the essence and joy of our special day.
Groomsmen
To ensure the groomsmen stood out from Rhys, we deliberately chose attire that contrasted with his style. Given the summer wedding setting, we opted for cream linen suits from John Lewis, which provided a crisp and elegant look. To involve our younger family members, we also asked two of our nephews to serve as mini groomsmen/page boys. After searching high and low, we discovered almost identical cream linen suits with shorts from John Lewis, perfectly suited for the young lads to add to the wedding’s laid-back atmosphere.
Bridal Party
The bridesmaid dresses were a true labour of love, created entirely by my talented mother from scratch. After scouring various stores without finding the perfect fit, we decided to take matters into our own hands and design something unique for both a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old. My mother’s artistic skills, combined with her expertise in sewing and design, allowed us to bring our vision to life.The Maid of Honour’s dress was another story altogether. I wanted something that exuded a free-spirited bohemian vibe, which we found in a stunning floral number from ASOS – an added bonus being that it was on sale! However, the back of the dress felt a bit too revealing and had a beachy undertone, so my mother intervened once more. She acquired a second dress, hacked it up, and remade it to continue the frills down the back. The remaining fabric was then repurposed into sashes for the bridesmaid dresses and pocket squares for the page boys and Man of Honour.The Man of Honour’s attire presented its own set of challenges. He was under strict instructions not to outdo the bride or groom, so we opted for a pale pink suit from ASOS that harmoniously matched the Maid of Honour’s dress.
The Cake
One of the most talented family members is my Aunty Jill, a skilled cake maker who creates stunning cakes as a hobby. She’s an expert in decorating, often working with her brother-in-law Uncle John, who handles the baking. For various family events, including weddings for my siblings, she has consistently exceeded expectations. I once gave her a vague brief to create something rustic and simply decorated with flowers, but instead, she transformed it into breathtakingly realistic white roses inspired by my Nana’s iconic rose bush, now owned by my mom. It was truly awe-inspiring!
The Honeymoon
Seven months after exchanging our vows, we embarked on our honeymoon in St Lucia. While we had many loved ones from Australia visiting us during the initial few weeks following our wedding, we decided to put off our getaway to later. This luxury all-inclusive resort was a rare treat for us, and we took full advantage of it. Our days were filled with sun-kissed relaxation and an abundance of rum sipped under the tropical sky.
Memorable Moments
Among the many memorable moments, a few stood out to me. Nerves got the better of me as I prepared for the day, but my wise big sister offered sage advice – a stiff shot to calm my nerves. My partner’s best man happily obliged, and it was some of the most welcome advice I received.One highlight was our romantic boat ride around the lake, courtesy of my brother’s handmade canoe. With friends and family cheering us on from the shore, it was a serene and joyful moment that none of us will forget. And to top it off, no one got wet!Another special moment came when our friend Allman Brown performed our first dance song – a beautiful, intimate moment that we’ll always treasure.The speeches at our wedding were also a highlight. Filled with laughter and tears, they brought everyone together in a way that was truly magical.What made the day truly unforgettable was having so many people we love from all over the world gathered together. And of course, my dad’s homemade Mead – essentially moonshine – certainly helped keep the party going!
Advice For Other Couples
When it comes to planning your special day, remember to have fun with the process. Don’t be afraid to get creative and take on tasks yourself – a little rough around the edges can actually add to the charm. And don’t stress too much about seating arrangements or guest lists; at the end of the day, everyone is there to celebrate you and your partner. If you need help keeping things running smoothly, consider assigning a Master of Ceremonies to oversee the details. Our couple, Alice and Rhys, had their best friends Travis and David fill this role, and it worked out perfectly.Don’t forget to take some time for yourselves amidst all the hustle and bustle. Take a 10-minute stroll away from the action (even your photographer!) and just enjoy each other’s company. Things may not always go according to plan, but as long as you’re laughing, eating well, and dancing the night away with your partner, that’s all that really matters.We want to extend a huge thank you to Alice and Rhys for sharing their beautiful wedding story with us. We’re thrilled to have been able to feature it on our site. And of course, we must give credit where credit is due: photographer Victoria Somerset-How Photography, venue Hadsham Farm Weddings, videographer @jbakkerstudios, caterer Chipping Norton Catering and evening catering @cotswoldcreperie, florist Stow On The Wold Flower Shop, stationery designer @paperalice_creative, flag supplier Event Flag Hire, wedding directory member Wedding Venues, bride dresses by @spell_bride Petriiski Fashion ASOS, groom suit from Petriiski Fashion, accessories from Dune Accessorize, page boys and groomsmen from John Lewis, bridesmaids Mum and MOHs from ASOS.