As I reflect on thousands of wedding features written over nine years here on Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, I’m struck by the uniqueness of each couple’s story and their special day. It’s not just the love, commitment, and start of a lifelong marriage that unites them – but also the distinct atmosphere and memories created. Today’s feature has me feeling sentimental, with its romantic setting at Healey Barn in Northumberland, beautifully captured by Amy Lou Photography (thank you Amy!). The laid-back, rustic vibe of the couple, Becki and Nick, is palpable as they exchanged vows on July 24th, 2017. Their relaxed approach to their big day translated into a seamless celebration. Take the lush florals for instance – overflowing with greenery and delicate white blooms – which added an effortless elegance to the proceedings. The bride’s stunning Augusta Jones strapless lace dress was the perfect complement to her flower-adorned hair, while Nick and his groomsmen looked dashing in their blazers, chinos, bow ties, and braces. It’s a pleasure to share these images and words from Becki and Nick, which exude warmth and joy.
THE PROPOSAL
We embarked on an adventure with our dog Finnegan, exploring the serene beauty of the Lake District with Nick. His proposal plan was as thoughtful as it was memorable – taking us out on a rowing boat across Coniston Water, with a Haribo ring stashed in his pocket, a nod to our inside joke from over 10 years ago. The journey wasn’t without its hiccups; we encountered an electric boat with a faulty engine and found ourselves mere moments away from calling for emergency assistance. However, the moment of truth arrived when Nick brought us to a standstill in the middle of the water, getting down on one knee as tears of joy streamed down our faces. This was an experience we will cherish forever, made even more special by the opportunity to browse together afterwards for a new, edible-free addition.
THE VISION
As we envisioned our special day, we craved an atmosphere that was effortlessly laid-back and rustic. The moment we laid eyes on Healey Barn, we were smitten. Our early discovery and booking of the venue allowed us to refine our search for complementary elements that would harmonize with its natural beauty. We deliberately kept the overall aesthetic understated, allowing the venue’s rustic charm and lush greenery to take center stage. By doing so, we created a cohesive look that seamlessly integrated with the existing flora surrounding Healey Barn.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
When planning your special day, take a cue from our approach by leveraging online resources like Pinterest and real wedding websites. We found that creating separate boards for each aspect of our wedding, from flowers to cake styles, allowed us to effectively communicate our vision to suppliers and ensure everything aligned with our overall aesthetic.In addition to visual aids, we also relied on spreadsheets to stay organized. By tracking guests, dietary restrictions, and budget in an Excel chart, we were able to keep all the details in one place and make adjustments as needed. While it may seem tedious at first, this approach paid dividends down the line, making it well worth the initial effort.
THE VENUE
Healey Barn exceeded our expectations in every way. Its rustic charm, rooted in its original farming heritage, captivated us from the start. The staff’s dedication to providing exceptional service was unparalleled, and we appreciated the online planning portal that facilitated seamless communication. This attention to detail only added to the venue’s allure.The open courtyard with outdoor fire pits was a standout feature for us. Imagine roasting marshmallows on a crisp evening – pure bliss! The large brick fireplace in the long barn where we exchanged our vows was another highlight. Its grandeur and warmth created an unforgettable atmosphere.Our guests raved about the exceptional quality of the food, and we wholeheartedly agree. The generous portions, sourced locally from top-notch suppliers, were a true delight. The decadent chocolate fondant dessert was the icing on the cake (pun intended).
THE READINGS & MUSIC
As the big moment unfolded, the sounds of ‘Her Joy Was Complete’ by Sleeping at Last harmonized beautifully with the atmosphere of our wedding. The instrumental piece perfectly captured the essence of the occasion, bringing a sense of togetherness and joy to the proceedings.As we took our first dance as a married couple, the nostalgic vibes of ‘Come To Me’ by Goo Goo Dolls transported us back to the early days of our relationship. This song had been a constant companion throughout our journey together, and its themes of new beginnings and commitment resonated deeply with us.In contrast, we opted for some lighthearted fun during the readings portion of the ceremony. ‘I’ll Be There For You’ by Louise Cuddon brought a much-needed injection of humor to proceedings, reminding us that even in the most significant moments, there’s always room for a little bit of whimsy and playfulness.
THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES
While browsing for a wedding dress, I found myself drawn to something unexpected – an Augusta Jones dress that defied my initial expectations of a flowy, free-spirited bohemian style. Instead, I fell in love with a classic design featuring a large train and full skirt. This experience taught me the importance of keeping an open mind and trusting your instincts when it comes to finding ‘the one.’ After all, you’ll be wearing the dress for hours, with photographs taken from multiple angles – so it’s crucial to find a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable. My search led me to The Wedding Dress Company in Corbridge, Northumberland, which boasts an exquisite collection of dresses. Before booking an appointment, I reviewed their website and social media channels, identifying several dresses that caught my attention. Interestingly, the dress I ultimately chose was featured on their site and mannequin – I ended up asking about it three times because it stood out to me so much! The boutique also excelled in sourcing a perfect Augusta Jones veil that complemented the lace on my dress with small flower-shaped details. I wore the veil all day and night, as I just couldn’t get enough of it!
BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS
The group of stunning bridesmaids consisted of not only my closest confidantes, but also Nick’s two sisters – a unique blend of personal and familial bonds that added to the magic of the day.
GROOM’S ATTIRE
Nick and his companions opted for an unconventional yet stylish ensemble, pairing navy blazers with chinos and adding a touch of whimsy with braces and bow ties. Their choice of attire came from Moss Bros in Newcastle, where the team provided exceptional service, ensuring every detail was meticulously considered.
THE FLOWERS
The floral arrangements were undoubtedly one of the most memorable aspects of the special day. It’s safe to say that working with Karen was a stroke of luck, as her enthusiasm and expertise instantly put us at ease. Our collaboration was seamless, with ideas flowing effortlessly and our shared Pinterest boards serving as a visual representation of our collective creativity, much like having a trusted friend appear on the morning of the wedding to share in the excitement.
THE DETAILS & DÉCOR
When planning our wedding, we opted for a more personal approach by sourcing most of our supplies from charming boutique shops in Corbridge. To add a unique touch, my partner and I took charge of designing and arranging all the stationery, order of services, name cards, and other details with the help of loved ones. We wanted to keep Healey Barn’s rustic charm intact, so we resisted the urge to over-embellish it. Instead, we focused on a few special features that would make our celebration truly unforgettable. For us, those standout moments included the sweet treats table, a guest book built into a Jenga game, and the cozy fire pits outside – all of which added up to an unforgettable experience.
THE CAKE
Nick’s talented mother, a skilled artisan in her own right, crafted the cake. Her expertise in icing and floral designs is renowned, even though we opted for a more understated, rustic look this time around. The result was just as impressive, with both appearance and taste receiving high praise.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Amy, our talented photographer, was a joy to collaborate with. Her warm demeanor put both of us at ease, allowing us to relax and be ourselves in front of her lens. The end result was a collection of photographs that effortlessly captured the organic feel we were striving for, freeing us to simply enjoy the moment without worrying about posing for the camera.
YOUR FILMMAKER
Our friend Holly did an outstanding job capturing and editing a video of the day’s events. We asked her to keep it informal and low-key, just like Amy did with her photos, and she effortlessly recorded all the genuine moments as they occurred. The end result is something we’ll cherish for years to come.
THE HONEYMOON
As we embarked on the journey of a lifetime – our honeymoon – we chose to drive along the stunning North Coast 500 route in Scotland. This 516-mile scenic road trip took us through breathtaking landscapes, featuring numerous pristine beaches and unique accommodations that will always be etched in our memories.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
As we stepped out of the ordinary world and into the serene surroundings of the forest and fields alongside our talented photographer Amy and videographer Holly, we were treated to a truly enchanting experience that effortlessly blended magic with mirth.
ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES
As cliché as it may seem, time truly has a knack for whizzing by in a flash. It’s essential to carve out moments that are exclusively yours to cherish with your significant other. Don’t neglect the importance of laughter and playfulness – allow yourselves to be silly and revel in each other’s company.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we look back on the unforgettable celebration of Becki and Nick’s special day, several exceptional vendors played a crucial role in bringing their vision to life. Behind the lens was Amy Lou Photography, capturing every cherished moment with precision and artistry. The picturesque Healey Barn served as the perfect backdrop for this joyous occasion. Holly Valentine Creative took care of the cinematic elements, weaving together stunning visuals that perfectly complemented the couple’s love story. Meanwhile, Pip & Hatty Bloom added a touch of elegance to the proceedings with their exquisite floral arrangements. Augusta Jones from The Wedding Dress Company helped Becki look absolutely radiant in her stunning wedding dress and veil. For Nick, Moss Bros ensured he looked dashing in his groom’s attire. As for sustenance, Baz & Fred catered to the guests’ every craving with delicious evening fare. And keeping everyone entertained was Homecoming String Band, whose lively tunes got the party started! We’re still beaming from the sheer joy and love that radiated throughout this unforgettable celebration, and we can’t thank Becki and Nick enough for sharing it with us here at WWW.