Today, I’m thrilled to share the enchanting story of Luke and Kirsty’s Northamptonshire barn wedding at Dodmoor House, as captured by our esteemed photographer partner, Thyme Lane Photography. The autumnal atmosphere was simply magical, with an abundance of natural decor, lush greenery, and rich dark tones that evoked a sense of luxury. The bride’s stunning two-piece gown and Luke’s dapper check suit made for a truly show-stopping couple. I’m honored to have been able to feature these breathtaking images, which perfectly capture the essence of their special day.
Northamptonshire Barn Wedding
The Proposal
As we celebrated my 30th birthday and our 13-year anniversary in Paris and Disneyland, exhaustion had caught up with me after a day of walking. Luke’s persistence to revisit a picturesque Disney castle that seemed an eternity away only added to my fatigue, leaving me feeling grumpy. Little did I know, Luke had been secretly planning a romantic gesture. Outside the perfect spot, he mustered the courage to drop down onto one knee, awkwardly hovering in a lunge position as he asked for my hand in marriage. Despite his hopes for tears of joy, I responded with a matter-of-fact ‘yeah, okay.’ It’s clear that Luke is the romantic and thoughtful one in our relationship.
The Vision
We incorporated a unique element into our event design by requesting candles in wine bottles from our guests. The preserved labels on the bottles proved to be a great conversation starter for those who didn’t know each other well, fostering a sense of community and connection. To complement this rustic touch, we chose dark flowers with lush green foliage, effectively bringing the outdoors in. Our goal was to create an atmosphere that was both cozy and understated, embracing the mystique of autumn and winter’s darker nights.
The Budget
While our overall expenditure was £12,000, I believe we managed to keep costs in check by making conscious decisions to scale back on certain components. Additionally, unforeseen COVID-related challenges led to some supplier disruptions, which ultimately influenced our spending plan.
The Venue
Your Outfits
Luke’s suit, a dark navy number with subtle checks, was a few years old and originally purchased from Reiss. He wanted his wedding attire to reflect his personal style while still feeling like himself. To achieve this, he chose a two-piece outfit by Willowby that showcased hints of his tattoos. The top was the last one available in stock, and after discovering it had since been discontinued, Luke felt grateful to have snagged it. To give the look an extra touch, they added pearls to the back of the top and the rear of the skirt. Meanwhile, the groomsmen and bridesmaids were mindful of buying outfits solely for the wedding. They aimed to select attire that the attendants could wear again if desired and felt comfortable in. The bridesmaids, including one who was just seven days away from giving birth, found simple black velvet dresses at Asos that fit their modesty requirements. The groomsmen, on the other hand, opted for classic black suits from Reiss.
The Ceremony & Music
We opted for a concise and intimate ceremony, given our lack of religious affiliation and shy nature. Music has always played a significant role in our lives, with Luke being a musician himself. This allowed us to be meticulous in selecting the perfect tracks… Including our ‘just married’ walk-up-the-aisle tune, an instrumental rendition of the Baywatch theme song (a nostalgic favorite thanks to its frequent reruns during the initial lockdown). Our evening’s soundtrack was skillfully curated by friends-turned-DJs who were familiar with our tastes and the dynamics of mixed crowds. The outcome was impressive, as many guests praised the music selection.
Your Photographers
Thyme Lane Photography’s original plans to have a friend capture their special day took an unexpected turn when the photographer couldn’t make it due to COVID-19 restrictions. As a result, they embarked on a search for another talented individual. Little did they know that this new discovery would bring them exactly what they were looking for – rich, dark tones and a ‘natural’ feel that perfectly captured their joyous moments with Noemi and Pal. The couple’s calm and patient demeanors rubbed off on everyone involved, making the experience a truly unforgettable one.
The Styling & Decor
The venue’s subtle touches really added to the overall ambiance of the celebration. In addition to the minimal flowers, they provided fairy lights and heart decorations that we were able to utilize. We took it upon ourselves to create a few personal touches by hanging up old Polaroid photos in the bar area and using wine bottles as table decor. While we didn’t feel the need or have the budget for many additional extras, what we did have was more than enough. The star of the show, however, was undoubtedly our delicious vegan cake – a stunning three-tier masterpiece featuring carrot cake as its base, topped with coffee and chocolate hazelnut icing. To add an extra layer of whimsy, we included fun cow-shaped cake toppers. Meanwhile, our venue kindly provided 10 kilograms worth of scrumptious vegan sweets for a sweet wall display that sadly didn’t last long due to popular demand.
The Honeymoon
As we embarked on planning our mini-moon amidst the uncertainty of Covid restrictions, we opted for an intimate escape to nature. Bramblewood Yurt, a whimsical treehouse-style abode nestled in the woods just outside Bath, proved to be the perfect sanctuary. Surrounded by tranquility, we reveled in the cozy atmosphere and warmth of the log burner, punctuated by leisurely strolls through the village and evenings spent engrossed in Scrabble.
Memorable Moments
The sparklers, although initially intimidating to navigate through as a pedestrian, resulted in breathtaking photos that captured the essence of the magical atmosphere. The drizzly rain added a touch of cinematic flair, making it feel like we were living out a scene from our favorite film. The dancing, on the other hand, was an absolute highlight. Luke couldn’t resist busting out a few knee slides, and before long, our friends had transformed into a cohesive unit, united in their love for music and good times. When familiar classics came on, the group huddles that formed were nothing short of electric, with the collective joy and laughter radiating from every face. It was clear that the music choices played a significant role in creating these unforgettable moments.
Advice For Other Couples
Savor a quiet moment alone as a married couple, free from the pressures of others’ expectations. Let your wedding reflect your unique love story, not someone else’s vision. I took a deep breath and gave my own speech, despite initial reservations, and it turned out to be a cherished memory. Similarly, I chose to walk down the aisle solo, feeling empowered by that decision. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for a more genuine celebration. Remember, don’t stress over minor details – guests will inevitably adjust seating plans or tweak your decorations, but it’s all part of the joyous chaos. Simply enjoy the experience and each other’s company as you embark on this new chapter together.