As I reflect on Kate’s wedding to Danny on June 1st, 2019, her own words come to mind. It’s challenging to put into words the unique sensation one experiences on their special day. Despite having attended numerous weddings over the years, nothing quite prepares you for the warmth and joy that radiates from your own celebration. The realization that loved ones have gathered to share in this moment is indescribable. I cherished witnessing our carefully curated ideas come together with personal touches, set against a backdrop of happiness and beaming faces – it’s truly an unforgettable experience. This sentiment resonates deeply, especially for those embarking on their own wedding planning journey. I hope Kate’s story inspires excitement for your own big day! The couple’s special celebration at Tipis at Riley Green was deeply personal, featuring moments like Del Boy crashing the best man’s speech via Warble Entertainment and a heartfelt performance by Kate’s primary school choir during the signing of the register. While their planning process faced some stress in the months leading up to the event, they handled it remarkably well. We’re grateful to Jessica Isherwood Photography for sharing these incredible images, which truly capture the essence of the day. Thank you, Jess, for allowing us to relive this wonderful moment!
The Proposal
It was on my grandmother’s 9th November 2017 birthday that Danny popped the question. Given her passing, it held immense sentimental value for me as we had shared a very close bond. To make it even more special, Danny chose our home as the setting and cleverly placed the ring on Clay’s head, making it an opportunity I couldn’t resist saying yes to.
The Vision
In the heartland of England, a legacy was born in the picturesque village of Hoghton, Preston. My family’s connection to this charming town dates back to my grandfather, Charles Anthony Brennan, who held the esteemed title of Lord High Sheriff of Lancashire. As I once called Hoghton Tower home, it was only natural that my partner and I would choose to celebrate our union within its historic walls.
The Planning Process
As soon as we decided on our venue, we opted for a country pub wedding at The Sirloin in Hoghton, booking the date in December 2017. With my vision clear and working closely with an exceptional wedding team, I felt prepared and ahead of the game by Summer 2018. However, fate had other plans. Just 12 weeks before our big day, a devastating fire hit The Sirloin, leaving us without a venue and scrambling to find a new one. We were told that the damage might not be fully rectified in time, forcing us to start from scratch. With only a short window left, we needed to secure a new location, notify suppliers and guests, and re-plan our entire wedding – no easy feat. Thankfully, The Tipis at Riley Green in Hoghton, Preston stepped up to the challenge, offering their unique charm and exceptional service. Our wedding coordinator, Ellie, was instrumental in keeping everything on track, ensuring that my vision came to life in the Tipis, and that the big day ran smoothly from start to finish. Looking back, our wedding was nothing short of magical, with its own special touches – think gin bars, hog roasts, ice cream vans, and a cozy mini Tipi for relaxation. The way The Tipis transformed from day to night, lit up by fairy lights, is a memory that will forever be etched in our minds.
The Venue
Located at the intersection of Riley Green and Bolton Road, the scenic retreat that is Tipis at Riley Green Meadows can be found in Hoghton, just a short drive from the city center of Preston. The address for this tranquil getaway is PR5 0SP.
Your Outfits & Accessories
At The Ivory Dressing Room in Blackpool, Brett and Bev form an unbeatable team that makes you feel at ease. They challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and worked tirelessly to ensure my dream dress was nothing short of perfection.
When it comes to suits, Swarbricks Suit Hire in Three Arrows, Middleton, delivers exceptional results. The team went above and beyond to ensure Danny, his best man, two ushers, and the dads looked dashing in their attire, each suit tailored to fit the wedding’s theme while still showcasing individuality.
For bridesmaid dresses, we turned to Chichi London for stunning designs that perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic. Meanwhile, Kate Illustrate crafted a personalized denim jacket that added a touch of whimsy and romance to our special day.
Last but certainly not least, Lace and Favour brought their A-game with exquisite wedding jewellery that elevated the entire look and left us feeling like royalty.
Beauty
At Glam and Go in Preston, Sarah Moore worked her magic on my mother, the four bridesmaids, and me. Her exceptional attention to detail ensured that each of our unique styles was tailored to perfection, leaving us all feeling like the best versions of ourselves. With an innate ability to make everyone she works with feel like a superstar, Sarah’s passion for making others look and feel their absolute best is truly inspiring.
The Readings & Music
In a recent school event, Colossians Chapter 3, verses 12-17 were read aloud by Gail Barned, a friend of mine. This was followed by an uplifting recipe for ‘Happily Ever After’ shared by Ilona M. Blake, which was beautifully narrated by my sister Michelle Levett. The school choir, led by the talented Cop Lane Primary School Choir, brought the event to life with their soulful renditions of popular songs. Their setlist included Journey’s classic hit ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, Oasis’ timeless anthem ‘Wonderwall’, Ed Sheeran’s contemporary hit ‘Castle on the Hill’, and a rousing performance of ‘A Million Dreams’ from The Greatest Showman.
The Cake
As I reflect on the thoughtful gesture, I am reminded of the kindness that exists within our community. A dear friend at my school, Wendy Teague, created a heartfelt gift for Danny and me, showcasing her talents and dedication to spreading joy.
The Flowers
When Sam Williams shifted her vision from a country pub theme to a festival-inspired celebration, her excitement was palpable. I entrusted her creative vision, knowing that her imagination would run wild with ideas to make our special day truly unforgettable. And indeed it did! The vibrant pops of color that filled every corner of the wedding venue brought an infectious energy and uniqueness to the celebration.
The Details & Décor
With Rachel from The Wedding Workshop, every aspect of our special day was meticulously crafted to perfection. From the decorative flourishes surrounding the Tipis to the bespoke menu cards and table names, her attention to detail was unparalleled. What’s more, Rachel’s easy-going nature and willingness to take on some of the pressure allowed us to relax and enjoy the experience. In fact, I’m convinced that our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without her exceptional finishing touches – she truly is a master of her craft.
Your Photographer
Your Filmmaker
The Honeymoon
As we embarked on an unforgettable adventure across America, a lifelong aspiration became a reality. Our journey spanned 15 nights, with stops in four iconic cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The experience left us beaming with joy and gratitude, acknowledging the crucial role our loved ones played in making this dream a tangible reality.
Memorable Moments
As I unwrapped the presents from my groom Danny, it was clear he had gone above and beyond to make our special day unforgettable. The highlight was when a surprise vehicle whisked him away with his groomsmen, complete with an iconic Mk1 Escort RS2000 – a nod to my husband’s love for classic cars. Meanwhile, my dad got a glimpse of me in my wedding dress, which left him beaming with pride. As we exchanged vows at the church, Danny couldn’t help but turn around and whisper sweet nothings in my ear about how beautiful I looked. The ceremony was further elevated by the talented guitarist Sam Scherdel, who accompanied the children from my primary school as they sang along to a medley of songs. After the service, it was touching to see Danny place my bouquet on my nan’s grave, a poignant reminder of our loved ones who couldn’t be there to celebrate with us. As we emerged into the sunshine, I was struck by the breathtaking beauty of our venue, which seemed like a festival come to life with all the suppliers in attendance. The speeches that followed were heartfelt and hilarious, with Del Boy’s unexpected appearance stealing the show – a wonderful surprise for Danny, given his love for Only Fools and Horses. As we took to the dance floor for our first dance as husband and wife, I felt grateful to be surrounded by friends and family who had come together to celebrate our love. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone laughing, smiling, and having the time of their lives.
Advice For Other Couples
When it comes to wedding planning, timing is everything. Starting early allows for a stress-free experience as the big day approaches. Don’t wait until summer 2020 to start planning – begin sooner and enjoy the process.A realistic budget is crucial in avoiding financial stress. Set your budget early and factor in every detail, including little extras that can add up quickly. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure a smooth planning process.Your friends and family are more than willing to lend a helping hand during wedding planning. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance – it’s a great way to involve loved ones in the process.The guest list is another crucial element to consider early on. Once you’ve finalized your list, focus on finding the perfect venue that can accommodate your chosen number of guests.It’s essential to have a Plan B in place for any unexpected situations that may arise. Whether it’s 12 weeks or the day before the wedding, having alternatives prepared will help reduce stress and ensure a smooth experience.When selecting your bridesmaids, choose women who will be your biggest supporters throughout the planning process. Your sisters, long-term best friends, or close relatives are great options.A good photographer is essential for capturing cherished memories of your special day. Research carefully to find someone who understands your vision and can deliver high-quality results. Consider engagement shoots to get a feel for your photographer’s style and practice posing for the big day.Food is another key aspect of any wedding. From hog roasts to mini fish ‘n’ chips, the more unique and delicious, the better! Avoid skimping on food – hungry guests are never a happy crowd.Give your partner their own responsibilities during the planning process. They may not have been planning their wedding since childhood, but they will definitely have ideas and opinions to share. Listen to what they say and remember it’s their day, too.Lastly, don’t forget what’s truly important – you marrying the love of your life! Wedding planning can be stressful, but taking a step back and reminding yourself of the bigger picture will help keep things in perspective.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With a team of talented professionals, Kate and Danny’s special day was nothing short of unforgettable. Behind the lens, Jessica Isherwood Photography captured every precious moment, while Laura Johnson at Iris Hair styled their hair to perfection. Sarah Moore brought her expertise in makeup to ensure the couple looked radiant from start to finish.The wedding party’s nails were on point thanks to Kirsty McDonough and Daniella Cianni-Boyd, who worked together to create stunning looks. For the catering, D’Vine Catering & W Taylor and Sons Hog Roast Company joined forces to provide a delicious spread of food, accompanied by the mouth-watering aroma of slow-cooked meats wafting from the Hog Roast Company.Ivory Dressing Room created a beautiful wedding dress for Kate, which she wore with elegance. The florist, Sam Williams, crafted stunning arrangements that added a touch of whimsy to the celebrations. The Tipis at Riley Green served as the perfect venue, providing a unique and charming atmosphere.The music was a key element, with Stuart McLaren spinning tracks behind the DJ booth and Sam Scherdel adding some acoustic flair on his guitar. Rachel at The Wedding Workshop designed the wedding decorations, which perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic of the event.For stationery, Tracey at TforTwo created beautiful cards that set the tone for the celebration. To add an extra special touch, Kate and Danny hired a mini tipi from Tiph at Little Top Tipis, where they shared a romantic moment or two.Swarbricks suit hire took care of the men’s attire, while Del Boy ensured everyone was entertained throughout the day. Warble entertainment brought their unique brand of fun to the party, with Wedding Entertainment and Wishing Wells Creative capturing every memorable moment on camera.The Cop Lane Primary School choir added a sweet touch to the proceedings, performing a heartfelt rendition of ‘A Thousand Years’. For transportation, Boho brides and Retro Wedding Cars whisked the wedding party away in style. The mobile gin bar from Snaffles provided refreshing drinks throughout the day, while Kate Illustrate created personalized denim jackets for the happy couple.What an incredible celebration it was! We’re thrilled to have been a part of Kate and Danny’s special day and can’t wait to share more stories with you.