The Proposal
Nick’s proposal was everything I had ever hoped for – private, intimate, and completely unexpected. As we prepared to spend the week at his parents’ home in Somerset with our dogs, we decided to take a morning walk at Allerthorpe Woods, our favorite spot. Before we set out, I insisted on grabbing a coffee, much to Nick’s dismay. He thought it was unnecessary, but I needed my caffeine fix – especially since it was still early. The cutaway path through the woods is particularly special, with its canopy of trees that filter the sunlight and create a breathtaking atmosphere in the summer months. Nick encouraged me to put down my coffee on a tree stump, took my hands, and began speaking about our relationship and how much I meant to him. He then got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Despite having previously discussed ‘when we get married,’ I was still taken aback by the surprise proposal. I immediately said yes, and Nick quickly stood up as our dogs thought it was a new game of jump-on-Dad! It was perfect – just us, our dogs, in our favorite spot. He placed a beautiful sapphire ring on my finger and we continued our walk hand-in-hand, beaming at each other. We were both so overjoyed and eager to celebrate that we barely noticed the 6-hour drive to Somerset ahead of us.
The Vision
As we planned our special day, we both knew exactly what we were looking for: a relaxed, fun-filled celebration with our closest loved ones. A formal setting just didn’t feel like ‘us’ – we wanted to keep things casual and laid-back. Almost immediately, we agreed that a rustic barn venue would be the perfect fit for us, reflecting our vision of an intimate and informal gathering. When it came to deciding on the look and feel of the day, we knew we wanted handmade elements that our family could help with, making everyone feel involved in the process. Given that we don’t live locally to either of our families, having them be a part of the build-up was especially meaningful for us. We stuck to a timeless classic colour scheme, knowing that we wanted our wedding images to evoke a sense of nostalgia rather than being tied to fleeting trends. With a large number of guests on the guest list, we still wanted the day to feel intimate and cozy. To achieve this, we decided that candlelight would be crucial, adding warmth and ambiance to the space. We also opted for a shared, feasting-style meal at the tables rather than a traditional three-course dinner, which helped to create an atmosphere of togetherness. Overall, our vision was for a classic wedding party in a rustic setting, with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere that would make everyone feel like they were part of something special. And it wasn’t just about the one day – we wanted to turn our celebration into a full weekend event, inviting as many friends and family members as possible to join us.
The Venue
We chose The Barns in East Yorkshire as the idyllic setting for our special day, and it truly exceeded our expectations. The rustic charm of the barns themselves is only enhanced by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds them. We’re already planning a romantic anniversary getaway to the area with our furry friends, which will undoubtedly be a wonderful way to relive the magic of our wedding weekend. Additionally, the on-site shepherds’ hut and new accommodations have us considering a return trip for an even more leisurely celebration. What truly made The Barns stand out, however, was the exceptional hospitality of Kate and Ed, who went above and beyond to ensure every detail was taken care of. They were always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide warmth and friendliness throughout our planning process and on-site experience.
Beauty
Having a trusted friend and make-up artist, Ashleigh from Ashleigh’s Artistry, made planning my wedding morning routine a breeze. As someone who values personal touches, it was wonderful to have a friend who understood exactly what I wanted: a natural, effortless look that would complement my wedding dress. My bridesmaids and I opted for a subtle, bright makeup scheme, with me wearing my go-to lipstick shade. The result was a confident, radiant version of myself – precisely how I had envisioned my ‘bridal look’ when discussing it with Ashleigh. To complete the look, I chose an undone updo that balanced the intricate details on my dress while still exuding a soft, relaxed air. My hairdressers from Sarah J’s Hairdressing in Pocklington worked their magic on my locks, as well as those of my bridesmaids and mother. It was a lovely moment to share with loved ones, sipping champagne and taking in the excitement of the day. I also incorporated my favorite Jo Malone perfume and had a personalized scent session with my sister beforehand, selecting Poppy & Barley and Peony Blush Suede fragrances. My husband even gifted me a matching Peony Blush Suede candle on our wedding day, which always transports me back to that unforgettable moment when lit.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Hayley’s wedding dress turned out to be a delightful surprise, as she opted for a lace, fitted, illusion back gown with a daring cut down the front by Zavana Bridal, instead of her initial vision of a flowing, boho-style gown. She credits the boutique Chloe Jane Bridalwear in Howden, Yorkshire, which she discovered on Instagram, and their expert stylists Emily and Chloe for making her feel comfortable and confident during the dress-trying process.For accessories, Hayley chose to keep things simple, pairing her dress with earrings from Emilia Rae Bridal that complemented its intricate design. Her cathedral-length silk veil from Britten Weddings was a beautiful addition, although it did make an unexpected escape just before she walked down the aisle! She also wore Charlotte Mills shoes, which were not only comfortable but also featured charming details like a silver sixpence.Nick’s attire was equally well-planned, with him opting for a navy two-piece suit from John Lewis. After seeing the suit shortly after their engagement, they decided to wait until closer to the wedding date to purchase it, and it ended up going on sale during the festive period – prompting some frantic phone calls to gather the groomsmen’s sizes before stock ran out! Nick chose a waistcoat that perfectly matched his suit, which he found while shopping for shoes (tan leather brogues from Next Italian). His tie, also from John Lewis, featured a beautiful floral pattern and surprisingly complemented the bridesmaid dresses. To complete his look, Nick wore a personalized tie clip and English oak and hazelnut cologne from Jo Malone – a scent that Hayley always gets him for Christmas.
Groomsmen
The wedding day was expertly coordinated by Nick’s two best men and a master of ceremony, who played a vital role in ensuring everything ran smoothly. The trio wore matching suits and ties, complete with navy braces, which perfectly complemented Nick’s attire. To show their appreciation for the boys’ efforts, Nick gifted them personalized tie clips, Tom Ford cologne, fine bottles of liquor, and stylish Paul Smith socks. Each gift was beautifully packaged with monogrammed boxes featuring the recipients’ initials. One of my fondest memories from the day is capturing the best men as they got ready together, their nervous energy and camaraderie palpable in the photos. The ring bearer, our adorable godson, stole the show with his dapper short suit and braces combination, perfectly mirroring the attire worn by Nick’s friends. His endearing antics, including pulling the rings away from Nick during the ceremony, left us both beaming with delight.
Bridesmaids
My wedding party was an essential aspect of my special day, comprising four women: three dear friends and my younger sister. They were just as invested in the planning process as I was, always available to lend a helping hand whenever possible. In fact, they threw me an incredible FestiHen that I’ll never forget. My closest girlfriends wore stunning pale grey gowns from TH&TH’s Silver Mist collection – a beautiful shade that complemented their skin tones perfectly. The dresses were romantic and floaty, with a half-up, half-down hairstyle to complete the look, featuring hair vines from accessorise, which I managed to snag during the January sales! To keep things simple, I asked the girls to wear shoes they already had and felt comfortable in, given that their gowns were long. As a token of my appreciation for their unwavering support, I put together personalized gift boxes for each of them, decorated with their names. Each box contained Pandora earrings reflecting their individual styles, engraved necklaces from Bloom Boutique, Jo Malone perfumes, Katie Loxton clutch bags, and exquisite cards designed by Iris Illustrations. The pièce de résistance was a custom-designed print featuring photos of the girls, their dresses, and accessories, which I had created before the big day. As they opened their gift boxes, the penny dropped when they realized why they weren’t supposed to wear perfume or accessories until just before we left – it was all part of the surprise! Needless to say, there were many happy tears as the girls discovered their thoughtful gifts.
The Readings & Music
Music played an integral role in our special day, setting the tone for each momentous occasion. To kick off the celebrations, we hired a string quartet to perform during the ceremony and drinks reception. As I walked down the aisle to Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve, memories of my childhood flooded back, thanks to my dad’s influence on my musical tastes. It was an emotional moment for both me and my father.As guests signed the register, we played two Oasis tracks – Champagne Supernova and Whatever – which added a lively atmosphere to the barn. Our exit song, Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles, was a perfect fit, with the sun breaking through just as we took our first steps as Mr. and Mrs. It was also a nod to my grandfather’s favorite song, who sadly couldn’t be there.The string quartet continued to play a mix of modern and traditional pieces during the drinks reception, creating a warm ambiance that our guests thoroughly enjoyed. Although we missed most of the performance due to photo shoots, our loved ones praised the music as a highlight of the day.For dinner, I curated a Spotify playlist, which proved easy and cost-effective. We also used the platform for our entrance song into the dining barn – Kings of Leon’s The Bucket. It was a non-traditional choice, but one we love dancing to at home, so it felt like the perfect fit for our special day.To cap off the night, we had an incredible 3-piece live band, Four Shadows Theatre Company, who delivered an unforgettable performance. We’ve been fans of theirs since meeting them at a friend’s wedding and knew they’d be the perfect addition to our celebration. Our first dance was a stunning rendition of On Call by Kings of Leon, which left us both feeling romantic and grateful.The evening was filled with music, laughter, and joy as the band got everyone on their feet. The atmosphere remained electric throughout the night, with confetti cannons adding an extra layer of magic to our special moment.To complement our ceremony, we chose two readings – one from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres and another from Love is Friendship Caught Fire by Laura Hendricks. Both were beautifully delivered by my bridesmaids, and we’ve decided to frame the readings as part of a gallery wall in our home, commemorating the day.
The Flowers
We entrusted Wild Floral Couture to create our wedding flowers, and it was a decision that paid off in every way. I’d been following Ali’s work on Instagram for a while, and when we finally met, I knew she was the perfect fit for our special day. With my focus solely on greens and whites, I gave Ali free rein to do her thing, trusting her expertise to create arrangements that were both unique and breathtaking. My bouquet was a masterpiece – full, wild, and effortlessly undone. The groomsmen’s buttonholes complemented perfectly, while the bridesmaids carried smaller bouquets of foliage that added to the rustic charm of our barn setting. Foliage played a crucial role in keeping costs down and creating a look that was both beautiful and fitting for the occasion. To add an extra touch to our sharing feast, Ali crafted simple posies in small vases, which we paired with a flowing chiffon runner from Born Boho and plenty of candlelight to create an intimate atmosphere. For our ceremony, a partial arch of flowers framed everything beautifully, while two milk churns filled with arrangements flanked the signs my dad had created for the day. As a lovely gesture, Ali transformed these arrangements into bouquets for us to gift to our parents the next day. In fact, the entire team at Wild Floral Couture went above and beyond by turning all the leftover flowers into bouquets, which we were able to present to some of our guests as they tidied up after the celebration. This thoughtful touch left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
The Details & Décor
As we envisioned the day’s atmosphere, we opted to let the natural rustic charm of the barns shine through. The exposed brick and iron cladding needed minimal embellishment, so we kept things simple by incorporating foliage, candles, and soft grey runners in the feasting barn. Most of our candle holders were sourced from IKEA and Hobbycraft, while Emily K Weddings supplied the tall brass candlesticks that added a touch of elegance. Born Boho provided the perfect soft grey table runners, which complemented the warm glow of the candles and created a welcoming ambiance despite having around 100 guests. To add a personal touch to our place names, I initially opted for simple calligraphy squares with gold detailing, but they turned out to be pricey. Undeterred, I took on the task myself using a calligraphy font printed on hammered white card, adding gold detailing and tying them all with grey velvet ribbon. Considering my limited crafting skills, I was thrilled with the finished result. In the ceremony barn, we maintained a minimalist approach, allowing the beautiful brickwork to take center stage. Wild Floral Couture installed an undulating arch adorned with flowers, while glass candle holders and registry table runners from Emily K Weddings added a touch of softness to the space. The day before the wedding, my Mum, Grandma, and I created flowing ribbons with fresh flowers at the ‘pew ends.’ We also placed order of service cards on every other chair, which I had designed myself along with our stationery, ensuring a cohesive look throughout. Finally, we incorporated signage throughout the barns, with my Dad crafting signs, easels, arrows, and posts. I added text to each one using homemade stencils and Posca pens, creating an effective and eye-catching feature that has become a treasured keepsake.
The Cake
As I look back on our special day, I can’t help but wish we had saved some of that delectable cake – it was truly divine! The talented Charlotte from Rebel Cakes crafted our stunning three-tier wedding cake, a masterpiece that perfectly captured the essence of our love. With each tier boasting a unique flavor profile – my personal favorite being the warm, spicy carrot and Nick’s go-to being the rich, velvety salted caramel – it was only natural for us to showcase this showstopper as the pièce de résistance on our dessert table. And what a treat it was! Guests were free to graze and indulge in sweet treats for hours, savoring every morsel of that scrumptious cake. It was truly the icing on the cake (pun intended!) – we loved seeing our loved ones delight in the fruits of Charlotte’s labor.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Before we even started looking at other options, Nick and I had already decided that Bloom Weddings was the right fit for us. We were thrilled when they became available for our special day and would have considered changing our date if they weren’t! Our initial meeting with Chris and Anii via Facetime set the tone for their exceptional service. They were warm, helpful, and willing to accommodate even the smallest requests. As part of our package, we enjoyed a pre-wedding shoot, which I wholeheartedly recommend. Not only did it provide us with beautiful photos of ourselves, but it also allowed us to connect with Chris and Anii on a personal level, discussing our wedding plans in detail. Both Nick and I are naturally camera-shy, so the pre-wedding shoot helped us feel more at ease in front of the lens. On the day itself, Chris and Anii were masterful at keeping everything running smoothly, calming nerves, and efficiently capturing those essential group shots that everyone loves. Their relaxed approach made them feel like two extra friends at our wedding, and they did an incredible job of capturing the essence and emotion of the day. They also created a stunning wedding film for us, which was perfect given our budget constraints. We didn’t want a lengthy video, just something to cherish and remember our special day by. Chris and Anii exceeded our expectations, producing a film that beautifully captures the build-up, love, friendships, and party atmosphere. Every time I watch it, I’m overcome with emotion and memories of our big day come flooding back.
The Honeymoon
Instead of splurging on a luxurious honeymoon, we decided to revisit Italy, a country that holds a special place in our hearts. We spent four idyllic nights in Milan, taking a more leisurely pace than our previous trip with friends. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine were the perfect backdrop for our celebration. Aperol spritzes in hand, we savored every moment, feeling grateful for this opportunity to reconnect and relax together. Originally, we had planned a trip to South Africa in 2020, courtesy of generous gifts from our wedding guests. However, life had other plans. We were thrilled to discover that our family is growing, and baby Thompson will arrive in the autumn – coincidentally, around our first anniversary. Needless to say, our travel plans have taken a backseat for now, but we’re excited for this new chapter ahead.
Memorable Moments
As the memories of our special day unfold, a haze of excitement and joy envelops me. Amidst the chaos, I cherish the quiet moments – like when I was crafting my bridesmaids’ cards in the morning, taking a deep breath to absorb the whirlwind surrounding me.
The thoughtfulness of having my Grandad FaceTime me just before the ceremony still warms my heart. It was a lovely gesture from my Dad that I’ll treasure forever.
My veil taking flight just as I was about to walk down the aisle might have been a minor mishap, but it ended up being a wonderful icebreaker for any pre-wedding jitters Nick and I shared a laugh, and we shook it off. The next day, I even wore my veil while tidying the barn – a little revenge, perhaps?
Our ring bearer, our adorable godson, stole the show with his mischievous antics during the ceremony. He cleverly delayed handing over the ring box, moving it backwards and forwards before presenting it to Nick, which left us both in stitches.
The sweetest moment for me was hearing ‘Mr and Mrs Thompson’ for the first time – Nick and I exchanged a knowing glance, beaming with pride at having achieved our dream.
As the night unfolded, the party atmosphere only intensified. At one point, I found myself surrounded by at least 10 shirtless men, being lifted into the air by enthusiastic partygoers! It was quite the sight – although I still can’t fathom why this happens with rugby boys… maybe someday I’ll unravel the mystery.
Advice For Other Couples
As you plan your special day, don’t forget to savor the little moments and make celebrations out of each task as you check them off. While it’s essential to stay focused on planning, remember to take breaks and not let the process consume you. If you’re incorporating DIY elements, be sure to schedule extra time to account for any unexpected hiccups. After all, this is your wedding day, and it should be a reflection of your unique love story.
It’s also crucial to prioritize what matters most – spending quality time with each other. Don’t let outside opinions or expectations dictate the tone of your celebration. Remember that your special day belongs to you and your partner alone, so don’t be afraid to stray from traditional norms. If you want a BBQ instead of a sit-down meal, go for it! And if you’d rather have an intimate gathering than a grand affair, that’s perfectly okay too.
As the day unfolds, make sure to cherish every moment with your partner. With so much to take in, don’t be surprised if time seems to fly by. Take advantage of these precious moments and hold hands, dance together, or simply enjoy each other’s company.
In the end, it’s not about what others think; it’s about creating a day that truly reflects your love story. And to all those who helped make this special day possible – thank you for being a part of Hayley and Nick’s unforgettable celebration.