Today, we’re delighted to share with you the charming Sheffield wedding of Anna and Jamie, which was an ode to Wes Anderson’s whimsical style. The Fantastic Mr Fox inspired nuptials took place on June 30th, 2018 at the town hall, followed by a laid-back reception at the Chimney House. What caught our attention was the vibrant colour palette and the beautiful moments captured by Ellie Grace Photography. We’re grateful to Ellie for sharing these stunning images with us.The theme of Fantastic Mr Fox was expertly woven throughout the day, starting with the save-the-dates and carried through to every detail, including the foxy cake toppers and a brilliant illustration on the table plan. Everyone agreed that the wedding was an authentic reflection of Anna and Jamie’s personalities, which is exactly what they were aiming for.We also loved the outfits chosen by this lovely couple. What made it special was that the attire was sourced from a husband-and-wife team. Anna opted for a stunning Watters gown, while the groomsmen looked dashing in their chinos and waistcoats. It’s been a pleasure sharing this wonderful wedding with you.
The Proposal
Our first-year anniversary celebration took an unexpected turn when Jamie popped the question at Lyme Park. I had always wanted to visit this beautiful location, unaware that my partner was secretly planning the perfect proposal. The day began with a leisurely afternoon tea, which Jamie later confessed he endured with nerves wracked from anticipation. Following our meal, we strolled through the gardens and into a picturesque rose garden where Jamie got down on one knee, his surprise and joy evident as he asked for my hand in marriage.
The Vision
We drew inspiration from Wes Anderson’s whimsical world, specifically his film Fantastic Mr Fox, when envisioning our special day. The Save The Date cards I had designed for us featured Mr & Mrs Fox dancing on the front, and this unique concept snowballed into a full-fledged wedding theme. Our invitations mirrored the save-the-date design, as did the table plan. A fox-adorned bride and groom cake topper, fox-print bunting, mini bottles of homemade whiskey with custom ‘Fantastic Mr & Mrs Ferris’ labels, and flower arrangements inspired by the film’s distinct color palette all contributed to a truly one-of-a-kind celebration. What we loved most was how our wedding reflected our personalities, which resonated with our guests – exactly what we had hoped for!
The Planning Process
As we approached our wedding date, two years of anticipation finally came to fruition when we booked our ceremony. The real challenge lay ahead – finding the perfect reception venue! We’re both indecisive by nature, so it took us ages to decide on a location that would delight our guests while also resonating with us as a couple. Our search culminated in the discovery of The Chimney House at Kelham Island, which immediately won our hearts. We adored its rustic and industrial charm, coupled with an abundance of lush greenery that I was particularly fond of, and Jamie’s love for vintage collectibles found a home amidst the venue’s eclectic antique touches. With just over a year to go before our big day, our planning process fell into place effortlessly, leaving us feeling incredibly fortunate and stress-free.
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
The search for our wedding attire was a collaborative effort between my partner and me. We sought out the expertise of The White Yard and Tweed & Groom, an impressive husband-and-wife team based at Elsecar Heritage Centre. Claire, the talented half of The White Yard, played a crucial role in making me feel at ease as I tried on various dresses. Despite initial doubts, she expertly reignited my excitement for finding the perfect gown. In fact, it was her warm and welcoming approach that led me to fall in love with the very first dress I put on – the exquisite Lenora from Wtoo by Watters. Meanwhile, Jamie and his groomsmen opted for stylish tweed waistcoats paired with chinos, brogues, and beautifully coordinated Liberty print ties and pocket squares. As for myself, I added a touch of elegance with a stunning headpiece and veil, both carefully curated by Claire at The White Yard.
Bridesmaids
My wedding party was dressed to impress, with my stunning bridesmaids donning dove grey ASOS dresses, expertly snatched from the sale section. The subtle contrast between their attire and the vibrant green hues of their bouquets added a delightful touch of elegance to our celebration.
The Readings & Music
In lieu of traditional readings or live entertainment, we opted for a more personalized approach to our special day. We curated a playlist of meaningful songs that held significance to us as a couple, which set the tone for our intimate ceremony. Similarly, at our reception, we created multiple playlists that seamlessly transitioned throughout the day, allowing our guests to engage with the music on their own terms.
The Cake
When planning our wedding dessert, we knew we had to cater to our guests’ dietary restrictions. We had vegans and individuals with various allergies attending, which made finding a suitable cake seem like an insurmountable task. However, Sara at The Bake Lab proved to be the perfect solution. She crafted two separate tiers that met everyone’s needs: a vegan carrot and pecan cake with vegan frosting on top, accompanied by a refreshing lemon drizzle cake on the bottom tier. I was thrilled with the outcome and often find myself wishing I could indulge in that deliciousness daily.
The Flowers
I had the pleasure of working with Kath from Of the Wild in Crookes to bring my wedding flowers to life. She crafted not only my own bouquet but also those for my bridesmaids, as well as the buttonholes and corsages for my mum and mother-in-law. I provided her with our unique theme, Fantastic Mr Fox, and she exceeded all expectations. The vibrant colors of my bouquet were truly breathtaking, and the addition of yellow and gold ribbons was a masterstroke that perfectly captured the whimsical essence of our celebration.
The Details & Décor
As we aimed to infuse a warm, personal touch into our special day, many of the smallest details were carefully crafted by us or our loved ones. The wedding favors, for instance, consisted of small bottles of whiskey brewed and distilled by my dad himself, with custom labels designed by my mom. Her hand-drawn ‘Fantastic Mr and Mrs Ferris’ labels added a touch of whimsy to these thoughtful gifts. Meanwhile, the fox bunting that adorned our cake was actually created by my bridesmaid Emerald for my hen do, but I fell in love with it so much that we decided to incorporate it into the wedding decor as well! To add an extra layer of sentimentality, Jamie found an antique suitcase at his auction house that we used as a unique card repository. Finally, our cake was surrounded by framed photographs of our parents, grandparents, and other relatives on their own wedding days – a touching tribute to those who have come before us.
Beauty
As I reflect on my wedding day, one moment stands out in particular: the feeling of pure beauty. And I owe it all to the expertise of two talented professionals who brought out the best in me. Emily Walsh, a skilled makeup artist and close friend of my partner’s sister, was responsible for my stunning look. Her artistic flair has always impressed me, making her the obvious choice for my big day. Meanwhile, Vicki Suddaby, a master of her craft, took care of my locks with finesse. By the time she started working her magic, I was getting anxious, but her calming presence put me at ease. It’s clear that these two ladies are more than just talented – they’re also masters of making their clients feel like royalty.
Your Photographer
Our wedding photographer, the talented Ellie from Ellie Grace Photography, was a perfect fit for our special day. Jamie had previously worked with Ellie, and when he introduced me to her work, I knew instantly that she was the ideal choice for capturing our memories. Despite my own reservations about being in front of the camera, Ellie’s warm and calming demeanor put me at ease, allowing us to relax and enjoy the experience. Her relaxed style and natural approach resulted in stunning photographs that we will cherish forever.
The Honeymoon
After tying the knot, my partner and I embarked on a romantic getaway to the south of France just five days later. Our week-long honeymoon was nothing short of idyllic! We began our adventure with an overnight stay at a cozy hotel in Montpellier before making our way to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue via The Carmargue. Our villa in this picturesque town became our home for the next seven days, where we indulged in a delightful mix of relaxation and leisure activities. These included succulent feasts, refreshing swims, leisurely strolls, wine tastings, card games (and, of course, more delicious meals)!
Memorable Moments
As I recall the day of my wedding, it’s the little moments that truly stand out in my mind. Like the sight of my dad struggling to keep his emotions in check as he gave his heartfelt speech. Or the delicious flavors of the food we savored throughout the evening. Our first dance as husband and wife was also a memorable highlight, with the music, the laughter, and the joy of having all our loved ones around us. And let’s not forget the sheer spectacle of seeing everyone letting loose and having a great time – even if it meant they were a little tipsy! As we left the reception to head to the pub for some well-deserved celebration, we couldn’t help but draw a few curious glances from the patrons. It was just one of those nights that I’ll always treasure.
Advice For Other Couples
As the special day unfolds, cherish every moment with your loved ones as much as possible. The hours seem to fly by, making it crucial to make the most of this unforgettable experience. To maximize our quality time together, we even had a separate vehicle (our trusty camper van) to transport us to the reception, allowing us to soak in the atmosphere before the celebration began. Hold onto faith that everything will transpire exactly as you envision it, and remember that your wedding day is a carefully crafted masterpiece of memories, thanks to the tireless efforts of those around you. Ultimately, just allow yourself to revel in this incredible moment – it’s truly one of life’s most treasured experiences.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Ellie Grace Photography perfectly captured the joy and love that filled every moment of Anna and Jamie’s special day at The Chimney House. The bride’s stunning dress was provided by The White Yard, while the groom and his groomsmen looked dashing in their tweed attire courtesy of Tweed & Groom. The venue’s beautiful surroundings were complemented by the lovely floral arrangements from Of The Wild. A delicious cake from The Bake Lab was the perfect treat for the happy couple and their guests. With hair styled by Vicki Suddaby and makeup done by Emily Walsh, Anna looked absolutely radiant. The unique VW Camperan and CW Campervans provided a fun and memorable way to transport the wedding party around. Rachel is thrilled to have been able to share this special day with them.