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Harriet and Rob’s Park Farm wedding was an unforgettable celebration, courtesy of their wonderful WWW followers who shared the joyous occasion. The venue held special significance as it belonged to Harriet’s mother, making it a heartfelt choice for their reception in stunning Sperry tents. The couple wisely selected June 29th, 2019, as their big day, which turned out to be scorchingly hot! This allowed guests to fully appreciate the surroundings, with tent sides opened and revelers spilling out to dance under the stars. Harriet dazzled in her lace gown by Made With Love Bridal, while Rob made a stylish statement in his family tartan kilt. The evening brought a mouthwatering cheese grazing table, a classic car display, and lush greenery florals. The day was filled with incredible moments, including sunset portraits, confetti-filled dance floors, champagne toasts, and even a yoga class that kicked off the festivities. A huge thank you goes out to Everybody Smile Photography for sharing these remarkable shots of an incredibly fun celebration.
The Proposal
On our surprise trip to Kenya for a Safari adventure, our guide surprised us with an impromptu hike up a small mountain on the first evening. The excursion was meant to take in the breathtaking views of Samburu National Park at sunset and enjoy sundowners while barbecued sausages and gin and tonics were expertly prepared by our guide. Little did we know, this serene setting would soon become an unforgettable moment. As I gazed off into the distance with Rob pointing out Mount Kenya, he got down on one knee, ring in hand, and proposed to me! The romance didn’t stop there as a few days later we indulged in the whimsical charm of Giraffe Manor.
The Vision
When it comes to great food, drink, and celebrations, my partner Rob and I are two peas in a pod. We aimed to infuse our special day with this same enthusiasm and succeeded in doing so. Our goal was to create an atmosphere where everyone felt at ease, having the time of their lives. The significance of getting married on the farm where I’ve spent half my life and where Rob has developed a deep affection for it made it even more essential to us.
The Planning Process
The planning process unfolded with remarkable ease, with minimal stress throughout. One challenge we did face was sourcing a caterer who could deliver both delectable cuisine and an unforgettable dining experience tailored to our unique preferences. The situation was further simplified by my mother’s involvement in the wedding venue business at our farm, granting us access to a wealth of connections, expertise, and decorative elements to draw upon.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I gazed at my dress, I couldn’t help but become smitten with its charm. The Harlie dress by Made With Love from the Wedding Club in South Kensington stole my heart, and I spent hours scrolling through Instagram for inspiration. My mum’s influence played a significant role in my decision-making process – her guidance always seemed to lead me down the right path. I opted to modify the design by removing the side slit, a choice that proved wise under her advice.The dress’s intricate details demanded a subtle veil, which I found at the Wedding Club. The simple yet elegant design complemented the dress perfectly.Given the grassy terrain of our field wedding venue, I knew I needed a sturdy block-heeled shoe to ensure my comfort and confidence. Charlotte Mills’ George Pearl shoes became my go-to choice for the big day.Rob’s attire was equally impressive, with a custom-made kilt featuring his family’s Buchanan tartan. He completed the look with a full Prince Charlie outfit. The wedding party ties were sourced from TM Lewin, which added a pop of color to our special day. One of the biggest challenges was finding the right shade that harmonized with the kilt’s colors – a hurdle we ultimately overcame.
Beauty
On my special day, I entrusted my hair styling to Lucy Marks, while makeup was a collaborative effort among friends. My maid of honor, Alice, took charge of doing mine! To celebrate my 30th birthday, my girlfriends surprised me with a Charlotte Tilbury makeup lesson as part of their thoughtful gift. We used the purchased products to create a flawless look for the big day.
The Venue
Located in the heart of Warwickshire, Park Farm, situated on the historic Shuckburgh Estate, serves as my family’s home. My mother has repurposed some of the property’s barns into stunning wedding venues, but I opted for a unique setup – a marquee nestled between two majestic oak trees in one of the picturesque fields. As a working sheep and beef farm, Park Farm is steeped in agricultural tradition. Given that we chose to host our wedding at home, we were able to set up an intimate glamping village within the orchard, courtesy of Warwickshire Bell Tent Company, for our guests’ overnight stay. This arrangement proved ideal for extending the celebrations, as we held a lively party and BBQ the day after the nuptials to utilize any leftover libations. Additionally, exchanging vows at the very same church where I was christened held immense sentimental value. On the morning of the wedding, I made my way to the ceremony in a charming vintage coach from Catteralls Coaches, accompanied by my bridesmaids, mother, and father.
The Readings & Music
In a beautiful display of love and commitment, Edward Monkton’s heartwarming story about a dinosaur was brought to life through a reading by Rob’s mother, Yvonne Buchanan. The ceremony also featured a bespoke reading penned and delivered by close friend Alana Buchanan. As the newlyweds exchanged vows, the enchanting tones of Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel filled the air, while the couple’s departure was accompanied by the iconic All You Need is Love by the Beatles.The ceremony’s musical backdrop included three timeless hymns: All Things Bright and Beautiful, Jerusalem, and One More Step Along the Road I Go. As the celebration transitioned to the reception, a talented saxophonist and DJ duo from Johnny Ross Music took center stage, spinning Ibiza-inspired house music that perfectly captured the joyful atmosphere. The evening’s entertainment was capped off by Truly Medley Deeply, the band that had everyone dancing for hours.
Food & Drink
We collaborated with Game and Flames, a fantastic company that made the experience truly enjoyable. With Rob’s passion for wood fire cooking and BBQ, we wanted to create something truly unique and special. Our solution was an unforgettable Lamb Asado, featuring our own homegrown lambs, alongside a variety of veggies all cooked to perfection over open flames. Even the canapés and dessert were given the flame-grilled treatment – the caramelised peach delight being a personal favourite. When it came to drinks, we didn’t leave any stone unturned either. Rob and his brother/best man Ali embarked on a mission to France’s renowned Champagne house, Joseph Perrier, to source the perfect bubbly for the day. They also collected an impressive selection of spirits, including magnums of rose from Callais – a highlight that even eclipsed the excitement of the booze cruise!
The Details & Décor
The Papakata Sperry tent was the star of our marquee, captivating everyone with its elegance. Its beauty didn’t go unnoticed, as many guests praised it. The outdoor space featured pallet furniture and handmade cushions, creating a cozy atmosphere. We transformed the oak trees into an enchanting woodland area by placing sofas and straw bale seats amidst throws and cushions. A massive fire pit in the center sparked excitement, complete with marshmallows and s’mores for roasting. To further enhance the ambiance, we offered cigars and whiskey from a specialty trolley. The trees were adorned with fairy lights and lanterns, adding to the whimsy. As a nod to the hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan posed on a tractor tyre at the driveway’s end, guiding guests to their destination. We also showcased an epic cheese table, showcasing our attention to detail. Consistency was key when designing stationery and invitations, ensuring a cohesive look throughout save-the-dates, invitations, order of service, table numbers, menus, and more.
Groomsmen
The wedding party consisted of two co-best men, Alistair (brother) and Greg, who brought their own unique styles to the event. On the usher front, there were seven members, including Sandy, Will, Ben, George, Charlie, Mark, and another Will – each one playing a crucial role in ensuring the day ran smoothly. In terms of attire, the men opted for either their personal kilts or morning suits, with some even hiring these from The Wedding Barn in Southam, an impressive ex-hire destination just down the road from the couple’s residence.
Bridesmaids
The wedding party was a beautiful sight to behold. At the helm was Alice, the radiant maid of honor with her striking red locks. Flanking her were five stunning bridesmaids, each dressed in blush pink dresses from JJs House. The group included Clare, Molly, Olivia, Ava, and Katrina, who collectively brought a touch of elegance to the proceedings. Adding an extra layer of charm was my adorable niece Neve, serving as flower girl, while my nephews Hector and Rory donned their tiny page boy attire, bringing joy to all who witnessed them.
The Flowers
Jeannie, a talented florist and family friend, was an obvious choice for our wedding flowers. Having worked with many of my family and friends, she had a deep understanding of what we liked and what would complement Mum’s venue perfectly. She did an outstanding job of bringing our vision to life, creating a stunning arrangement that blended white roses, greenery, and subtle hints of yellow from Rob’s tie and kilt. To further personalize the buttonholes, Jeannie incorporated green thistle to represent Scottish heritage alongside English rose and rosemary for their intoxicating scent. The overall design was simple yet elegant, with two large arrangements flanking the marquee entrance and three more adorning the poles inside. We also opted for small terracotta pots filled with succulents as both wedding favors and table decorations, and placed larger pots of herbs along the tables to add a pop of color and fragrance.
The Cake
The pièce de résistance of my special day was the magnificent three-tiered wedding cake crafted by none other than my mother herself. This stunning semi-naked masterpiece boasted a tantalizing trio of flavors, featuring a rich chocolate layer, a moist carrot cake layer, and a refreshing lemon and elderflower layer. The finishing touches were added with an abundance of beautiful flowers, making it a true showstopper on the reception tables.
Your Photographer
Your Filmmaker
Throughout the evening, an unexpected highlight emerged in the form of impromptu performances by our esteemed guests. One particular stand-out moment came when the Music Man took center stage, treating us to an unforgettable rendition as we sat down to dinner. This was a truly memorable experience that I’m excited to share more about below.
The Honeymoon
As Rob’s rugby career was gearing up for another intense season, he had to return to training shortly after our intimate celebration with friends and family. However, we still managed to squeeze in an incredible 5-day getaway to Ibiza, where we indulged in the island’s vibrant energy at the stunning boutique hotel, Casa Maca.
Memorable Moments
The morning of our wedding began with a serene yoga class in one of our rustic barns, accompanied by my bridesmaids, family, and close friends. This intimate setting set the tone for a joyous celebration to come. Following the class, we gathered for a leisurely brunch in the garden, savoring the warm sunshine.As we prepared to make our grand entrance, we arrived at the reception in style, courtesy of our vintage Mercedes soft top. The thrill of driving through the fields, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature, was an unforgettable experience. And as we stepped into the reception, the anticipation was palpable, with the sweet scent of champagne wafting through the air.As fate would have it, the scorching heat only added to the excitement, and nothing could have topped that first glass of champagne shared among our closest friends and family, accompanied by the smooth sounds of saxophone music. It was a moment that left us all feeling like we were floating on cloud nine.In another delightful surprise, I gifted Rob with three Dexters cows – Annie and her two calves – as a wedding present. His love for these magnificent creatures is well-known, and it brought him immense joy to see them standing before him. The look of wonder on his face was priceless, and we shared this special moment with our loved ones.As the sun began to dip, we decided to keep the marquee sides open, allowing our guests to spill out into the field for an impromptu dance party under the starry night sky. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring everyone together in a celebration of love, laughter, and music.
Advice For Other Couples
The fleeting nature of time on special occasions can be overwhelming, leaving you scrambling to absorb each precious moment. To avoid regrets, take a deep breath and allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience. Remember, moderation is key – savoring the joy without letting it get out of hand. Looking back, I wish I had captured more of those candid moments that flew by too quickly. Ultimately, the most important aspect is creating a wedding celebration that authentically reflects your unique bond as a couple. By doing so, you’ll create an unforgettable experience for yourself and your loved ones. It was truly the best day of our lives, filled with moments we’ll treasure forever.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
In the world of photography, Everybody Smile Photography shines bright. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a talented caterer, Game and Flames, is whipping up a storm. The bar area is buzzing thanks to Taste Events, while above it all, the Marquee at Papakata sets the tone for an unforgettable night. As the music takes over, Truly Medley Deeply brings the house down with Sax & DJ Kieran Leary and Mike Brown from Johnny Ross Music making sure everyone’s toes are tapping. Meanwhile, Charlotte Mills is keeping feet stylish in shoes, while Made With Love Bridal from The Wedding Club ensures the bride looks stunning in her dress. A touch of tartan comes courtesy of Macgregor and Macduff’s kilt, complemented by Jeannie Williamson Floral’s beautiful blooms. As for the venue, Park Farm provides a picturesque backdrop. Lucy Marks Hair works her magic to keep hair looking fabulous all day long. And let’s not forget about the cheese – Cheese On The Green is sure to please! Vintage Coach and Travel Catteralls offer stylish transportation options, while Warwickshire Bell Tents provide an alternative in glamping style. Harriet and Rob, thanks for sharing your incredible wedding celebrations with us – Lou.