As I reflect on Kyle and Jasmine’s wedding day, it’s hard not to think of the sweltering September heat that filled Upwaltham Barns in West Sussex. The venue held a special significance as it was Jasmine’s home, making it the perfect choice for their big day. To add an element of surprise, the couple decided to move the evening party to a stunning rustic tipi, preceded by a blessing in the church and a ceremony and meal in the beautifully appointed barns. I’ve always been a fan of thoughtful surprises for guests, don’t you agree? The love and effort that went into planning this celebration was evident as family members contributed to every aspect of the day, from flowers and decor to gardens and catering. Even the bar was a collaborative effort! The result was a truly special celebration, with Jasmine’s flower crown and the meadow flowers lining the aisle being particular standouts. As the evening drew in, the lighting added an extra layer of magic to the proceedings. I must extend my gratitude to Cotton Candy Photography for sharing these breathtaking images, especially those taken in the fields – they’re simply perfect.
The Proposal
In 2009, I first met Jasmine at university, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Eight years later, we found ourselves in London, after spending time apart in different countries and cities. As we settled into our flat, I knew this was the perfect place to pop the question. I had designed the ring myself, working with a talented jeweller from Farringdon to bring my vision to life. The ring sat patiently in my sock drawer for a few days, waiting for the right moment. That moment arrived on Saturday morning, after a 30th birthday celebration that left me feeling a bit worse for wear. A hearty breakfast and several cups of coffee helped me shake off the lingering effects, and I convinced Jasmine to load the dishwasher while I prepared the surprise. She returned to find me down on one knee, my nervousness momentarily forgotten in the excitement. The proposal was just the beginning of an unforgettable champagne-filled weekend.
The Vision
As a child, I was surrounded by the wedding industry – my parents worked in the business, and our home was even Upwaltham Barns, a picturesque wedding venue. Growing up, I absorbed various influences and developed strong opinions about what I liked and didn’t like. But when it came time to plan our own wedding, things got complicated! Our dream was to have an English country wedding that felt relaxed and fun. If we hadn’t chosen to marry at home, we would have opted for a more ‘festival’ themed celebration in a Tipi. Instead, we decided to bring elements of that laid-back atmosphere to the barns. As a couple, my partner and I are in the midst of ‘wedding season’, having attended 12 weddings this year alone. We wanted our special day to stand out as uniquely ours, filled with memorable moments that reflected our personalities. To achieve this, we decided to take on more responsibilities ourselves, aiming for an authentic celebration that would leave a lasting impression.
The Planning Process
As we prepared for our 18-month engagement, I found myself drawing from my experiences within the wedding industry. Initially, I struggled to pinpoint a ‘theme’ or ‘vibe’, but ultimately came to realize that these concepts were overemphasized. Instead, my fiancé and I focused on incorporating elements that resonated with us as a couple. We sought input and guidance from loved ones, allowing ourselves ample time to research and plan every aspect of the day. On the actual wedding day, we entrusted our fate to a talented team of professionals, who worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life.
Bridesmaids
I had initially envisioned my bridesmaids wearing white, but it proved to be a challenge that was almost insurmountable. In the end, we settled on a soft, dusky pink hue that complemented each of their complexions beautifully. What mattered most was that the girls felt confident and at ease in their attire, which is why I allowed them to choose their own unique styles based on their individual figures. We researched several companies before deciding on ‘Maids To Measure’, who ultimately proved to be an excellent choice for our needs. As the day wore on, however, it became clear that even the most well-designed dress can’t account for a sweltering heat – by midday, they were all desperate to shed their linings, and I couldn’t blame them one bit!
The Venue
We were fortunate enough to have our wedding venue booked before we even got engaged. Having Upwaltham Barns as the backdrop for our special day was truly a dream come true, as it holds a wealth of sentimental value not only for Jas’ family but also for me personally. For those seeking a cozy and intimate setting that exudes rustic charm, look no further than this exceptional venue.
Groomsmen
Kyle’s ushers comprised individuals from his university days and colleagues he met during his time in Geneva, including 10 close friends of both himself and Jas. The informal atmosphere allowed the boys to wear their own attire, which added to the humor as they navigated the ‘what am I going to wear’ dilemma they often criticize girls for experiencing at morning weddings. To commemorate the occasion, Kyle gifted each usher a pair of personalized socks from Morrows in Putney. He and his best man also coordinated with matching ties from Beaufort and Blake.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I exchanged vows with Kyle, I wore a bespoke Jesus Peiro wedding dress, carefully designed in collaboration with the talented ladies at Miss Bush Bridal. Their expertise and creativity were invaluable in bringing my vision to life, and their generosity with time was truly appreciated. To complete my look, I donned beautiful ceramic ‘bud and bloom’ earrings gifted by my sister, which added a lovely touch of personalization. A simple yet elegant silk veil finished off the ensemble, providing a sense of fluidity as we danced under the stars. On a scorching hot day (34 degrees!), I was relieved to have opted for a sleeveless design with some breathing room, allowing me to stay cool and comfortable throughout the celebration. In the evening, I shed my heels and veil to reveal a stunning flower crown and a pair of personalized Superga’s – a thoughtful gift from Kyle that allowed me to lose myself on the dance floor, where I ended up staying all night! Meanwhile, Kyle opted for a bespoke suit from Edit Suits in London, designing every element to avoid the stress and hassle often associated with high-street tailoring. He even had our special date embroidered inside his jacket, ensuring he’d always have a tangible reminder of our big day whenever he wears it thereafter.
The Readings & Music
On our special day, we celebrated with two memorable services. The first was a heartfelt gathering with close friends and family at ‘St Mary the Virgin’, a charming little church nestled in the field opposite my childhood home – where my parents exchanged their vows many years ago. This intimate setting provided a serene atmosphere for us to mark the occasion. Later that day, we moved on to Upwaltham Barns, surrounded by our loved ones, to formalize our union with a legal ceremony.
Beauty
Charlotte from Polka Dot hair and makeup brought her expertise to our pre-wedding preparations, working her magic on the bridesmaids, my mother, and me. Although we started early at 7am, Charlotte’s warm smile and calming demeanor set the tone for a stress-free experience. We aimed for a natural look, and she listened attentively, resulting in beautiful makeup and hairstyles that complemented our individual features. With temperatures already soaring above 30 degrees Celsius by the time I left the house, Charlotte employed various products to keep our makeup and hair in place without overwhelming us with too much product. Her efforts paid off, as my makeup remained fresh until the early hours of the morning. Later that day, the bridesmaids ventured into the garden to select flowers for their hairpieces, ultimately deciding on a bouquet of fresh summer jasmine – a thoughtful touch that I also incorporated into my hairstyle and veil.
The Details & Décor
Jasmine’s mother took her creative vision to new heights with an 18-month engagement, pouring her heart and soul into making the special day truly unforgettable. The meticulous attention to detail began with hand-printed table runners stretching a whopping 80 meters along the tables. She also sourced approximately 300 little vases and bud pots to create a beautiful centerpiece for each guest. With the help of her best friends, she carefully crafted all the flowers (excluding buttonholes, bouquets, and flower crowns) just one day before the wedding. Meanwhile, Jasmine’s father went above and beyond by re-laying the entire lawn, while her grandmother replanted the entire walled garden to match the vibrant colors of their special day. It was indeed a family affair! Having grown up near the coast, Jasmine wanted to incorporate a touch of seaside charm without going overboard with a nautical theme. To achieve this, she and her siblings built a one-of-a-kind photo booth using an old boat they used to sail in as kids, adding a personal touch with some DIY magic. The result was a truly hands-on, all-encompassing family wedding that involved every single member of Jasmine’s extended family of approximately 36 people. With her aunties and cousins running the catering, parents handling the venue, uncle manning the bar, and granny tending to the gardens, it was clear that this was a celebration that brought everyone together.
The Cake
The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the wedding cake, crafted by Jasmine’s Godmother after months of meticulous practice perfecting her meringue-making skills. The result was nothing short of breathtaking – a stunning masterpiece accompanied by an impressive 300 mini meringues that we served as a delightful pudding, garnished with fresh edible flowers. But what truly stole the show was the bespoke cake topper created by Halinka Fairies, a thoughtful surprise that will undoubtedly be treasured for years to come.
The Flowers
Jasmine’s mother, a former florist, brought her creative genius to the wedding arrangements. Her network of friends also lent a helping hand, arriving two days prior to the big day. Our goal was to create an effortless, informal atmosphere that felt spontaneous and whimsical. To achieve this, we opted for loose, wild arrangements that seemed to burst forth organically – perfect for Jasmine’s walk down the aisle, which she wanted to feel like strolling through a sun-drenched meadow. We also designed the installations to be easily movable between the church, barns, and Tipi, allowing us to seamlessly transition from one space to another.
With long tables and crowded seating, we decided on smaller jars of blooms along the tables rather than traditional bouquets or centerpieces. This intimate arrangement allowed guests to focus on each other’s faces while still enjoying the beauty of the flowers.
Kerry at Rose Cottage Flowers was an absolute delight to work with, helping us craft the candelabra in the barns, filling buttonholes, and creating Jasmine’s stunning flower crown.
Your Photographer
Securing the right photographer for our wedding was a challenge that required careful consideration. We sought someone who could capture the carefree and relaxed atmosphere we envisioned, without imposing strict poses or rigid instructions. Additionally, we desired a professional with a fresh perspective, unfettered by prior knowledge of the venue or our family dynamics. Our search led us to Gem on Instagram, whose stunning portfolio caught our attention. A initial call convinced us that she was the perfect fit for our special day, despite her being on maternity leave at the time. Her visit to the farm before the wedding sparked a flurry of creative ideas that perfectly aligned with our style and vision. On the actual day, Gem proved herself to be an unwavering trooper, braving the sweltering heat and long hours with aplomb. We adore the resulting photographs, which beautifully reflect our personalities and still evoke tears of joy in Jas every time they’re shared.
Your Filmmaker
The decision to work with Sam Sutterlin was an inspired one, as he diligently captured the essence of the sunny day, producing a video that has left us utterly captivated. The end result is nothing short of mesmerizing, with each moment preserved in stunning clarity.
The Honeymoon
After considering two options for our honeymoon – Kenya or Sri Lanka – we finally decided on the latter. Following a brief consultation with travel experts, Sri Lanka emerged as the clear winner. We spent 14 unforgettable days exploring the island, alternating between relaxation and adventure. Our itinerary included safaris, surfing, temple visits, and sampling the incredible local cuisine. The people were incredibly warm and welcoming, despite the country still reeling from the devastating terrorist attacks in Colombo just a few weeks prior. As a result, it was a relatively quiet period for tourism, but we were deeply impressed by Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly populace. We truly hope that as time passes, more travelers will be inspired to return and experience all that this wonderful country has to offer.
Memorable Moments
We met as students at St Andrew’s University in Scotland, where Kyle is also half Scottish – a fact we wanted to acknowledge in some way on our special day. So, we asked a close friend if he’d play the bagpipes at our wedding. Given that 90% of our guests were either family or had attended a family event at the barns before (wedding, birthday, christening, or New Year’s party), everyone thought they knew what to expect. But little did they know, we had a surprise up our sleeves. After the meal concluded, we gathered everyone in the courtyard for a photo, then asked them to follow us. Our friend piped us all the way up the field, with our guests trailing behind. As we walked, we could hear whispers of ‘what’s going on?’ and ‘where are we headed?’ until finally, they caught sight of the Tipi hidden at the top of the valley – a revelation that left everyone delighted! The sun was setting perfectly, casting a warm glow over the scene as we shared our first dance. With two hours of band and another two hours of DJ to follow, we had a full-fledged rave in the valley until the wee hours, creating an unforgettable experience for all.
Advice For Other Couples
As you plan your special day, remember that it’s all about having fun with your partner and loved ones. Kyle suggests taking a step back from wedding planning and giving yourselves some breathing room, especially if you have a long engagement ahead of you. When the big day arrives, take time to soak it all in – it really does go by quickly. In terms of advice from Jas, he emphasizes the importance of making your wedding personal and unique. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or involve loved ones in the planning process, as their contributions can mean a lot to them. When it comes to the dress, don’t set yourself up for disappointment by expecting an instant yes. Instead, gather opinions, trust your instincts, and remember that professionals like Rosie and her team at Miss Bush are there to guide you through the process.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we gaze upon the enchanting union of Kyle and Jasmine, our hearts are filled with joy and warmth. The picturesque Upwaltham Barns served as the perfect backdrop for their special day, where love was in the air. The talented Cotton Candy Photography captured every tender moment, while Sam Sutterlin’s videography skills brought the celebration to life. Amidst the rustic charm, Mum! added a touch of elegance with their exquisite flower arrangements. The groom’s dashing suit was tailor-made by Edit Suits, complete with intricate buttonholes and bouquets. For her big day, Jasmine chose Jesus Peiro from Miss Bush for a stunning dress. Polka Dot Hair and Make Up ensured she looked every bit the radiant bride. As the sun set, the couple exchanged vows in a beautifully decorated tipi, courtesy of Tentario. The bridesmaid dresses were a delightful collaboration with Maids to Measure. PS With Love added a personal touch with their custom earrings. Nibbles2Nosh catered to the guests’ every craving, while DJ Toast Music and The Child’s band kept the party going all night long. As we look back on this charming celebration, we’re reminded that love knows no bounds – just like Kyle and Jasmine’s affection for each other. Thank you both for sharing your wonderful story with us, Lou.