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I’m utterly enamored with woodland weddings – there’s something undeniably enchanting about exchanging vows amidst nature’s splendor. As someone who had their own forest wedding, I can attest that it’s an experience like no other. When I stumbled upon Hannah and Ben’s woodland nuptials in the pages of WWW, I was immediately captivated. The couple tied the knot on July 12th, 2019, at Hazlewood Castle in Yorkshire, surrounded by the serenity of a greenery-covered pagoda. The ceremony flowed seamlessly into a twinkling tipi reception, where laughter and love filled the air. Their wedding report is a testament to an unforgettable day, replete with heartfelt moments that left a lasting impression. Weather-wise, the evening’s gentle rain did little to dampen the party’s spirits, a testament to the couple’s ability to roll with the punches. What truly sets their celebration apart are the thoughtful touches – from stylish attire to a stunning semi-naked cake, whimsical lighting, and exquisite florals. I’m thrilled to share these breathtaking images by Nicola Mackrill Photography and the captivating film by Wishing Wells Creative. It’s been an absolute pleasure to showcase this magical day.
The Proposal
As our relationship approached its fifth anniversary, Ben surprised me with an unforgettable proposal in Dalyan, Turkey. It was July 16th, 2018, and we were on holiday with his family. He took me to a secluded bar overlooking the river, where he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. The stunning engagement ring he presented me with left me speechless. Our joyous celebration continued long into the night, as our loved ones gathered at a nearby bar until 5:30 am to join in the revelry.
The Vision
As we began planning our special day, we had one clear requirement: a laid-back, genuine celebration that would bring our closest loved ones together. Our vision was of a joyful, carefree atmosphere filled with laughter and warmth. I couldn’t imagine marrying Ben without it being an unforgettable experience for everyone involved – including us! We longed to find a venue where our guests could shed their worries and simply enjoy the party, surrounded by good food, great company, and the love that fills every moment.
The Planning Process
As we celebrated five years together, our desire for a short engagement became increasingly evident. With no intention of prolonging the anticipation, we embarked on a straightforward planning process, with the added bonus of having loving families to support us along the way. Their enthusiasm was contagious, making the entire experience an enjoyable and memorable one.
The Venue
As we searched for the perfect setting for our special day, we didn’t have a specific vision in mind – just a desire for a laid-back, informal atmosphere. Our venue search was relatively brief, with only three options considered before stumbling upon Hazlewood Castle’s Woodland Venue. It was love at first sight! The whimsical fairy lights draped across the trees, the lit woodland pathway, the impressive tipi, and the bar nestled around a tree trunk all combined to create an enchanting ambiance that perfectly captured our bohemian style. Our excitement was palpable as we envisioned sharing this unique experience with our loved ones. Even now, weeks after the wedding, our guests continue to rave about the venue’s one-of-a-kind charm, making it a memorable departure from the typical wedding scene. The ceremony took place in the picturesque woodland pagoda, while the rest of the day unfolded within the tipi and surrounding woodland surroundings.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Ben and I are huge fans of Peaky Blinders, which inspired his stylish wedding attire. Without hesitation, he opted for a bespoke suit from H&L Fashions in Howarth, complemented by a matching pocket watch and flat cap. His groomsmen and our dads also donned suits echoing the show’s flair. The result was an ensemble that exuded charm and sophistication. Meanwhile, I had my own fashion fears to overcome. When we got engaged, I was at my heaviest weight, having gained 4.5 stone. The thought of trying on wedding dresses while carrying extra baggage was daunting. However, after shedding 2 stone, I mustered the courage to venture into wedding dress shopping with my Mum and Nanna by my side. We visited Wed2B in Kirkstall Leeds, where I serendipitously fell in love with a stunning gown. My entourage shared my enthusiasm, and we made the decision on the spot, complete with a veil. After losing the remaining weight before the big day, I felt confident and radiant as I prepared to walk down the aisle.
The Readings & Music
The ceremony began without readings, instead we strolled down the aisle to the soulful sounds of Calum Scott and Leona Lewis’ cover of You Are The Reason. This was followed by a lively party playlist during the drinks reception, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration.
As we transitioned from the morning’s festivities into the wedding breakfast, Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes got everyone moving in the tipi. But the real highlight came later that evening when our DJ and the talented Bradford-based band, The Good Citizens, took over. I had the pleasure of knowing the drummer personally, which made it all the more special to have them perform at the wedding. Their energy was infectious, and soon everyone was singing and dancing along, making for an unforgettable night.
Your Photographer
Nicola Mackrill, a talented photographer, played the perfect role on our special day. Her second shooter was equally impressive, ensuring that every moment was captured with ease and finesse. We opted for a documentary style photography approach, allowing us to enjoy our day without being posed or forced into awkward positions. Nicola’s unobtrusive nature meant we hardly noticed her taking photos, which is exactly what we wanted – to simply live in the moment. Her photographs have brought tears of joy and laughter as they beautifully capture the essence of our day. With so many incredible moments to choose from, it’s been a challenge narrowing down our favorites for printing and display in our home. And to top it all off, Nicola delivered our photos remarkably quickly – her exceptional service only adding to the overall satisfaction we feel with her work.
Beauty
As the big day approached, I was fortunate enough to have an amazing team of professionals help bring my wedding vision to life. Amy, a talented stylist from H & Co Hairdressing in Guiseley, travelled all the way to Hazlewood Castle to take care of my hair, as well as that of my bridesmaids and mother. Her calming presence and expertise helped us all feel at ease as she worked her magic, creating beautiful up-dos and adding a touch of Gypsophila to mine and the bridesmaids’ styles.Meanwhile, Jennifer Weston from Makeover by Jennifer Weston was hard at work, transforming me, my mother, and all four bridesmaids into stunning versions of ourselves. Her attention to detail and ability to understand exactly what I wanted (even when I didn’t quite know myself!) ensured that our makeup looked natural yet flawless. From the trial run to the morning of the wedding and beyond, Jennifer was a rockstar, staying patient and composed even in the face of repeated make-up removals courtesy of my tearful bridesmaids.
The Cake
Heidi at The Bakery Barn in Thornton, Bradford, outdid themselves in crafting our exquisite 3-tier semi-naked wedding cake. What truly set them apart was their exceptional customer service – from hosting a cake tasting evening to personally delivering the masterpiece on the big day. We opted for three distinct flavors: white chocolate ganache, salted caramel, and the showstopper, gin and raspberry. Let’s just say we’d happily plan another wedding just to savor that heavenly cake again!
Bridesmaids
Surrounding myself with a supportive squad of four bridesmaids – Billie, Melissa, Jo, and maid of honour Stef – was an absolute blessing on my big day. Their stunning outfits, sourced from ASOS, featured two distinct designs from the same range, making them look like a cohesive, stylish unit. As far as I’m concerned, they’re the ultimate #squadgoals! Stef went above and beyond by planning an unforgettable hen do and staying with me and my mum at Hazlewood Castle the night before the wedding. Their kindness and dedication didn’t go unnoticed – they looked after me all day, and even joined me for a night of dancing in the woods. It was truly wonderful to have them by my side as I embarked on this new chapter in my life.
The Flowers
I’m not exactly a flower connoisseur, but I do have a soft spot for peonies and Gypsophila. Thankfully, our florist Emma from The Petal Studio was a lifesaver. She crafted exquisite Gypsophila buttonholes for the gentlemen and stunning bouquets featuring white peonies and Gypsophila for myself and my bridesmaids. Her attention to detail didn’t stop there – she even provided Gypsophila for us to adorn our hair with. Just 48 hours prior to the wedding, I realized my mistake: I had ordered only three bridesmaid bouquets instead of four! Panicked, I reached out to Emma, expecting her to be too busy to accommodate my request. However, she proved to be a true professional and sorted it out for me in no time. As it turned out, she was the one who first brought tears to my eyes on the wedding day – as soon as I laid eyes on the breathtaking bouquets, which far exceeded my expectations, I couldn’t help but burst into happy tears!
Your Filmmaker
We’re thrilled to be working with Nicola Wells from Wishing Wells Creative. Despite the short notice, she was a consummate professional, blending seamlessly into our event as if she were a guest. The end result is a stunning promo video that we’ve had on repeat – over 1000 times, in fact! With more videos still in production, we’re eager to see the final products and are confident they’ll be just as impressive.
The Details & Décor
Cristel at Shindig, our event stylist, truly outdid herself in transforming the woodland area into a romantic and bohemian oasis. With her keen eye for detail, she added more twinkling fairy lights to the trees, adorned the pagoda with lush flowers, and lit our aisle with warm lanterns. She also brought our tables to life with her creative touches. Cristel’s understanding of my vision was spot on, making the venue feel even more enchanting. In a thoughtful touch, we placed wicker baskets filled with flip flops for our female guests to swap out their heels and kick back in style. By the end of the night, everyone – including the best man – had traded in their shoes for a pair of laid-back flips. To satisfy our sweet tooth, we brought in Off Piste’s ice cream gondola, where guests could indulge in creamy treats. And because what’s a campfire without s’mores? We scattered baskets of marshmallows and skewers next to the fire pits, inviting everyone to gather ’round and toast their own treats.
Groomsmen
In a stylish display of camaraderie, the groomsmen donned suits from H&L Fashions in Howarth, exuding a sense of brotherhood that only comes from years of friendship. At the forefront of this tight-knit group was Best Man Carlton, who proved to be an exemplary partner for Ben on his special day. Rounding out the quartet were Brett, Luke, and Liam, collectively forming what can only be described as the ultimate wolf pack – a testament to the enduring bonds between these four men.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on an extraordinary adventure, opting for a destination that had never been part of our travel repertoire before – Mexico. Our choice was a 5-star, all-inclusive resort in Playa Del Carmen, catering exclusively to adults. This getaway proved to be the most memorable and potentially unparalleled experience we’ve ever had. We exchanged vows on Friday and set off for Mexico early Sunday morning. Over the course of our trip, we indulged in countless experiences that will forever remain etched in our collective memory.
Memorable Moments
As I emerged from our bedroom, clad in my wedding dress for the first time, I was met with an unexpected deluge of emotions – tears of joy streaming down my bridesmaids’ faces, my dad’s gruff demeanor cracking, and a makeup artist scrambling to salvage my appearance. It was a moment that would set the tone for the rest of our special day.The lead-up to walking down the aisle was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves, but as I caught Ben’s eye at the end of the aisle, all anxiety vanished, replaced by an overwhelming sense of calm and happiness. The sight of my auntie’s joyful tears, accompanied by her boisterous sobs, only added to the euphoria.As we mingled with our loved ones during the drinks reception, surrounded by the serene beauty of the woods, we were struck by the sheer generosity of spirit displayed by those around us. It was a day that would be remembered for years to come, a celebration of love and friendship that left us both feeling grateful and blessed.The speeches that followed only added to the joyous atmosphere, with each one delivering belly laughs and tears in equal measure. My dad’s heartfelt words were somewhat drowned out by my auntie’s ongoing sobs, while Ben’s speech was a masterclass in charm and charisma. The best man’s tales of Ben’s misadventures had everyone in stitches, and my maid of honor’s surprise speech – delivered with her signature Barnsley flair – left us all in awe.As the day drew to a close, our outdoor wedding party found itself unexpectedly drenched by an intense storm, but instead of dampening the mood, it only seemed to intensify the celebration. Our friends and family joined us in a joyful impromptu dance party under the umbrellas, laughing, singing, and dancing into the night – a truly unforgettable experience that left me feeling like the luckiest person alive.
Advice For Other Couples
While it’s natural to feel nervous on your wedding day, try not to let those jitters get the better of you. Instead, focus on soaking up every moment, from the preparation to the ceremony and beyond. After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be remembered for years to come. With the right mindset, you can truly make the most of it and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photography was captured by Nicola Mackrill Photography, capturing every precious moment of the special day. The filmmaking skills were brought to life by Wishing Wells Creative, providing a beautiful visual record of the celebrations. Hannah and Ben’s stylish attire was courtesy of H & L Fashions for the gents and WED2B Kirkstall for the bride’s stunning dress. Their bridesmaid dresses were a lovely addition, designed by ASOS. Fresh flowers added a touch of elegance to the setting, provided by The Petal Studio. Sweet treats included a delicious cake from The Bakery Barn, while the music was kept lively by The Good Citizens. Hair and makeup styling was handled by Jennifer Weston and Amy Whitworth from H & Co Hairdressing respectively. The overall aesthetic was expertly curated by Shindig, with the venue being Hazlewood Castle. For an added touch of whimsy, a beautiful tipi was provided by Garden Weddings Tipi Hire. To top it all off, guests enjoyed sweet treats from Off Piste’s Ice Cream Gondola. It was truly a day to remember for Hannah and Ben, as they shared their magical wedding with us, with Lou’s heartfelt thanks for the privilege of being a part of it.