image source
image source
image source
The industrial barn wedding of Alex and Anna is a masterclass in blending rustic charm with luxurious elegance. The twinkling fairy lights, chandeliers, and impeccable style all combine to create an atmosphere that’s equal parts romantic, elegant, and party-friendly. This was no ordinary celebration – guests traveled from far and wide to join the couple as they exchanged vows at Wharfedale Grange in Yorkshire on August 17th, 2019. The couple’s planning process was a true test of love, with Alex and Anna orchestrating their big day while living in different countries. But all that hard work paid off, resulting in a stunning celebration that showcased the best of the luxe barn venue, vibrant blooms, and decadent sweet treats. Anna dazzled in her polka dot and floral tulle gown from BHLDN, paired with glittering Badgley Mischka heels that perfectly complemented her radiant glow. Meanwhile, Alex opted for a sleek grey suit and champagne tie to match his groomsmen and the bridesmaid’s outfits. We’re thrilled to share these unforgettable photos of a truly joy-filled celebration, courtesy of Toast Of Leeds.
The Proposal
As we approached the end of our six-month stint in Melbourne, Alex and I were faced with an uncertain future. Having spent six years together, mostly apart due to our international locations (I’m American, he’s English), we were exhausted from the distance. We had no idea how to maintain our relationship without the strain of long-distance living. The thought of legally moving to another country was daunting, but romantic proposals weren’t the only solution we needed. In Melbourne, I worked part-time in a brewery, often putting in late nights. One evening, Alex was eager for me to hurry home, as I was teaching a new staff member how to close up the brewery. Despite my reassurances that I’d be there soon, I didn’t arrive until well past 2 am. When I walked into our apartment, the air was thick with the scent of lit candles. At first, I thought nothing of it, but as I looked around, I realized every surface – from the hallway to the kitchen and dining table – was ablaze with candles. And in the middle of the room, Alex had spelled out ‘marry me’. This happened to be one of Australia’s hottest nights during our time there, with temperatures soaring past 30 degrees Celsius. Our small apartment was sweltering, with over 200 open flames adding to the heat. Yet, despite the scorching conditions, the romantic gesture shone through. I, of course, said yes, and we celebrated with a bottle of wine, sharing the news with our loved ones via video call.
The Vision
As my sister exchanged vows the previous summer, wedding planning fever consumed me. I had a crystal-clear vision for her special day: an unconventional yet elegant setting that would leave a lasting impression. The idea of a traditional venue with its sterile walls and plush carpets didn’t resonate with me. Instead, I craved something raw and industrial, juxtaposed against the quintessential English backdrop of stately homes, manors, and castles. These iconic venues were the antithesis of what I had envisioned – a space that embodied neutrality, romance, and whimsy, like stepping into a scene from Harry Potter. For me, it was about crafting an atmosphere that would transport guests to a world of wonder and enchantment.
The Planning Process
With only seven months between our engagement and wedding, the planning process was swift and efficient. We were eager to bring our relationship full-circle by ending the long-distance aspect and starting our new life together. As I planned from America and he worked in England, technology played a crucial role in facilitating communication. Every opportunity I had to visit him in the UK became an excuse to tackle another wedding-related task. By switching my Etsy location to the UK and diving into Pinterest, I found myself creating a romantic board featuring gold, grey, and glittery neutrals – the perfect foundation for our special day.
The Venue
I had a specific vision for my wedding venue – nothing too traditional or overly ornate. My main concern was the carpet; I hated the garish green, red, and yellow hues that seemed to dominate every other space I looked at. I yearned for a natural, simple aesthetic, and Wharfedale Grange immediately caught my attention when I stumbled upon it. The fact that it didn’t feature any carpet at all was just the icing on the cake. Without even needing to schedule a viewing, Alex and I were both blown away by its charm. This industrial barn-turned-event-space had everything we wanted: an edgy yet refined atmosphere that required minimal embellishment. From top to bottom, whimsical décor added a touch of magic without overpowering the space. The ceremony room was bathed in soft, twinkling light from the waterfall fixtures, complemented by plush chairs and warm wooden accents. The bar area was tasteful yet modern, seamlessly transitioning into the grand celebration room featuring long tables and a stunning brass disco ball. All in all, Wharfedale Grange checked every box on my wish list – perfection achieved.
The Readings & Music
As we exchanged vows, a personal touch was added through a reading from the registrar and our own heartfelt promises to each other. Alex’s passion for music made this aspect particularly special for us. We curated our arrival and ceremony playlists together, supplying Wharfedale with the perfect tunes to set the mood. As I walked down the aisle, the gentle strums of Real Love Baby by Father John Misty filled the air, creating an intimate atmosphere. For the cocktail hour and party, we entrusted DJ Deano from GoGo Disco, who thoroughly impressed us throughout the night. Our pre-meditated meeting with him allowed for a seamless understanding of our vision, ensuring he brought our ideas to life. Our first dance was a romantic rendition of Only to Live in Your Memories by Night Moves.
The Flowers
I had a wonderful experience working with Natasha Coustal Floral Designs, whose stunning creations perfectly complemented Wharfedale’s natural beauty. Prior research on florists was unnecessary, given the area’s already breathtaking scenery. Before the wedding, Natasha took the time to discuss my preferences and provide detailed pricing information, making her incredibly easy to collaborate with. The all-white floral arrangements were beautifully accentuated by simple greenery, reflecting our shared commitment to sustainability. To achieve this goal, we cleverly repurposed the aisle bundles as centrepieces for the cocktail hour table tops, seamlessly transitioning from ceremony to reception.
The Details & Décor
In Wharfedale, the natural beauty of the surroundings meant that we kept our decorations simple and understated. Instead of focusing on elaborate décor, we opted to create a focal point with an archway built by one of our friends. This unique feature allowed us to hang a large photo frame, which became a stunning centerpiece for our celebration. The end result was a visually appealing combination of the natural surroundings and our personalized decorations.
The Cake
The sweet treats at this wedding went beyond the traditional cake. Instead, our team opted for donuts and macaroons that exceeded expectations. The donuts were pre-ordered from Temple Coffee and Donuts in Leeds and picked up on the morning of the event. Not only did they delight the taste buds, but their vibrant colors made them a visual treat as well. The macaroons, sourced from Le Mini Macaroon in Newcastle, were carefully transported to the venue halfway through our journey. With a range of flavors to choose from, we selected options that harmonized with the wedding’s color scheme. The vendor even offered customization for any desired color, but we were thrilled with their standard palette. Both donuts and macaroons proved incredibly popular, requiring us to stash them away at the end of the night to ensure some remained for later indulgence.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I searched for the perfect dress, I visited four boutiques in NYC, where I reside. However, it was at BHLDN, Anthropologie’s wedding store, that I finally found ‘the one’. Coincidentally, my veil, which had been purchased two years prior and worn by my sister at her own summer wedding, was also from BHLDN. The crowning glory of my outfit was undoubtedly my shoes – a stunning pair from Badgley Mischka. In fact, I was so enamored with them that I requested the photographer take a special photoshoot just for them before I put them on.
Beauty
A understated approach to beauty was taken, with a focus on natural-looking makeup and straightforward hairstyles. To ensure each bridesmaid felt comfortable and confident, I gave them the freedom to choose their own makeup looks and styles, allowing for a range of options from subtle lipstick tones to effortless curls.
Groomsmen
To complete the stylish ensemble, we opted for groomsmen suits from Slaters in a sophisticated charcoal grey hue, paired with matching waistcoats. The attire was further elevated by brown shoes of varying shades, adding a touch of earthy charm to the overall look. To tie everything together, we chose champagne gold ties that harmoniously complemented the bridesmaids’ dresses. Our goal was to strike a balance between cool and casual, while still exuding romance and sophistication.
Your Photographer
I’m still beaming with joy thinking about my incredible experience working with Shelly, the toast of Leeds! After researching and reaching out to several photographers, it was clear that Shelly stood head and shoulders above the rest. We wanted our wedding photos to be nothing short of perfect, without any awkward posing or stiff smiles. And Shelly nailed it – her creative vision brought Alex and me out of our comfort zones, yielding breathtakingly romantic and loving portraits that left us both thrilled. Everyone at the wedding raved about how she seemed to capture every special moment, and her infectious energy made her a joy to be around. I loved watching the photos unfold on her Instagram, one by one – it was like getting little surprises along the way! And when the final slideshow set to music came together, I felt so elated that I almost wanted to get married again just to experience it all over again. Suffice it to say, I’m still singing Shelly’s praises to anyone who will listen.
Bridesmaids
With all but one of my bridesmaids being American, it was convenient for them to try on and get fitted for their dresses from David’s Bridal at a store near their locations. The chosen attire featured flattering designs that accentuated each woman’s figure, accompanied by a subtle shine and sassy thigh-high slit. This combination perfectly balanced fun and romance, harmonizing seamlessly with the venue and my own dress.
The Honeymoon
During our recent getaway to Ibiza, we opted for an all-inclusive resort experience, indulging in an unprecedented amount of food and drink. It was the epitome of relaxation, especially considering the short flight duration made the entire trip feel effortless. After six months of hostel-hopping on our previous adventure, we were craving a low-key vacation where we could unwind without constant travel. Our resort exceeded expectations, boasting stunning accommodations and a picturesque pool area. What’s more, its proximity to Ibiza town allowed us to easily venture out for an evening of revelry and entertainment, complete with drinks and dancing.
Memorable Moments
The wedding was nothing short of phenomenal, but what truly made it unforgettable was having our closest loved ones from all corners of the globe gathered together to celebrate our special day. Representatives from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado, California, and even Australia jetted in to share in the joy. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we cherished every moment of, knowing it might not be replicated anytime soon. The sense of community and love was palpable throughout the entire celebration.
But, of course, no wedding is complete without a dash of unexpected drama! I recall the exact moment when, in my excitement, I decided to kick off my shoes and – oops! – stepped into a shard of glass. A big piece lodged itself in my foot, prompting me to seek out the bridal suite’s hospitality. With my sister expertly holding up my dress, one of our bridesmaids sprang into action, washing and cleaning my foot in the shower like it was the most normal thing in the world – which, at Wharfedale, it probably is! After all, you never know what might happen on your big day.
Advice For Other Couples
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t asked repeatedly how stressful my wedding planning experience was. But the truth is, I didn’t feel overwhelmed by anxiety or nervousness at all. In fact, I found that the pressure to have a perfect wedding day was largely overstated. With only six months to plan and prepare, I simply accepted that some things wouldn’t go exactly as planned and focused on enjoying the process. Take my experience as a lesson: stay calm, trust that everything will work out in the end, and remember that your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment. Even when last-minute hiccups arise, like the seating chart not arriving until the morning of the wedding, it’s essential to maintain perspective. In my case, I spent the time between hair and makeup appointments trying to stick the chart to the mirror – and in the end, it didn’t matter if everything went off without a hitch. It was still an incredible day, and that’s what matters most.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the big day arrived, Alex and Anna’s love was on full display. Their photographer, Toast Of Leeds, captured every precious moment with precision and passion. The ceremony took place at Wharfedale Grange, a picturesque venue that provided an intimate atmosphere for their vows. After exchanging rings, the newlyweds hit the dance floor with GoGo Disco spinning their favorite tunes. Hair and makeup guru Lipstick and Curls ensured they looked radiant all day long. Guests indulged in sweet treats from Temple Coffee Leeds’s donuts to Le Mini Macaron’s delectable macarons. The bride’s stunning bouquet was crafted by Natasha Coustol Floral Designs, complementing her breathtaking BHLDN wedding dress perfectly. Her shoes, courtesy of Badgley Mischka, added a touch of elegance. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids looked stunning in their David’s Bridal dresses. Groomsmen Slaters sported dashing suits that matched Alex’s charm. The newlyweds jetted off to Alua Hotels for their dream honeymoon, where they could relax and cherish every moment together. A heartfelt thank you from Lou as they looked back on this unforgettable day.