Imagine an autumn wedding that embodies the essence of romance and drama, set against a backdrop of rich red tones and lush greenery. This is exactly what Tania and Azim achieved on their special day, as they exchanged vows at The Barns at Lodge Farm in Essex. A ceremony bathed in fairy lights was followed by a reception that showcased a masterclass in dramatic styling, complete with magnificent flowers, twinkling lighting, and an show-stopping cake creation that left guests in awe. The couple’s outfit choices were equally impressive, featuring bold statement pieces that added to the overall wow factor. Special thanks to Three Flowers Photography for sharing these breathtaking images of Tania and Azim’s red meets greenery wedding with us. As someone who previously drew inspiration from Wedding Wonderland Weekly (WWW) during their free time, I can attest to the platform’s role in influencing wedding decisions – it was instrumental in helping me decide on an autumn wedding, and even led me to discover key suppliers for our big day.
Red & Greenery Wedding
The Proposal
Azim had previously hinted at proposing during our holiday, but he didn’t want to give me any advance warning. He decided to opt for a more low-key approach instead, choosing an ordinary Saturday afternoon as the perfect moment to pop the question. As I opened the door to investigate what was amiss, he shouted out from the bedroom that he had spilled something everywhere and needed my help – a believable excuse given our usual chaotic household. But what caught my attention was the sight of him on one knee, surrounded by softly flickering candles that illuminated the room in a warm glow.
The Vision
After entertaining the idea of a Summer tipi wedding, we ultimately concluded that Autumn would be the ideal season for our special day. We both adore the crisp weather and cozy ambiance that characterizes this time of year. Our vision was to create an intimate and warm celebration with a touch of mystery and intrigue, brought to life through moody and atmospheric décor.
The Venue
In the midst of planning our special day, securing the ideal venue proved to be a significant hurdle. Initially, we were looking at spaces with capacities around 170 guests, only to find that these grand options didn’t quite fit the tone we desired for our celebration. That was until I stumbled upon Lodge Farm during another frantic online search and decided to pay them a visit. As fate would have it, this venue checked all the right boxes – its ceremony barn exuded charm, while the reception area presented us with a blank slate that allowed us to infuse our unique style and flair. What resonated with me was the striking blend of industrial chic and intimate, romantic ambiance, which perfectly captured the essence of our dream wedding.
Your Outfits
I had the pleasure of visiting Angelica Bridal in Islington just before the 2020 winter lockdown, and it turned out to be a stroke of good fortune. Among the stunning dresses on display, one caught my eye – the ‘Alma’ from Madi Lane. Despite not having planned for a fitted design, I fell in love with it as soon as I tried it on. To complement our event’s décor, I chose dark shoes from Dune that perfectly matched the dress’s aesthetic. Meanwhile, Azim opted for a stylish suit from Suit Supply, which was expertly tailored to fit him perfectly, paired with a rich burgundy tie that added a pop of color.
The Ceremony & Music
The picturesque setting at Lodge Farm’s old barn proved to be the perfect backdrop for our intimate civil ceremony. It was a moment that left both of us in awe, with my partner and I agreeing it was the highlight of the day. The soundtrack played a significant role in making the occasion even more memorable. I walked down the aisle to a soulful John Mayer cover of Beyoncé’s iconic hit XO, while our love for each other was sealed with the registry signing ceremony set to Queen’s timeless classic You’re My Best Friend and Stevie Wonder’s smooth rendition of Signed, Sealed, Delivered – a must-have moment that left an indelible mark on our special day.
Your Photographer
I was fortunate enough to work with photographer Charlotte from Three Flowers Photography, who expertly captured our special moment. Her warm and welcoming nature made everyone feel at ease, including our two-year-old daughter, who was initially hesitant to participate. Despite this, Charlotte managed to coax out some truly remarkable shots of the three of us, showcasing her unique ability to capture genuine moments without feeling forced or posed.
The Styling & Decor
As I envisioned a show-stopping reception, our blank canvas space was primed for an explosion of colour and creativity. The burgundy and wine hues, paired with lush greenery and subtle nods to black, would collectively conjure a dramatic, moody atmosphere. However, my lack of practical skills in crafting and styling meant I needed expert guidance. I discovered Hayley at ‘Starry Eyed Weddings’ and entrusted her with the vision, giving her free rein to showcase her artistic flair. On the wedding day, arriving at the venue was akin to unwrapping a gift – the finished styling exceeded my expectations. Her grasp of our aesthetic was spot on, earning praise from guests about the beauty of the arrangements. Moreover, it was a relief to have one team handle all the finer details, from flowers to table settings, allowing me to focus on other aspects. The wedding cake, courtesy of Sugar Plum Bakes and recommended by the venue, added an extra layer of sophistication with Vaani’s modern buttercream designs.
The Honeymoon
As we deliberated on our honeymoon plans, it became clear that we wouldn’t be venturing abroad just yet due to ongoing travel restrictions. Instead, we opted for a mini getaway ( sans kiddos!) to Bath and Bristol, with the hope of planning a more exotic escapade in the future.
Memorable Moments
With an overwhelming abundance of unforgettable moments, it’s challenging to pinpoint specific highlights from the special day. However, our shared enthusiasm for the ceremony shone through, and photographer Charlotte skillfully captured the tender exchange between us as we locked eyes after exchanging vows, making it one of my treasured photos from the celebration.