Today, we’re thrilled to share the enchanting wedding story of Cheryl and Dan, who tied the knot on August 3rd, 2017. One aspect that particularly resonated with me was the little daughter’s significant involvement in their celebration. As a parent myself, I deeply understand their desire for a family-centric atmosphere. To accommodate their young guest, they set up a teepee adorned with playful props, outdoor games, and even a special ceremony area where she could participate alongside her parents. How heartwarming! The picturesque Tithe Barn at Priston Mill in Bath served as the idyllic backdrop for this lovely couple’s big day. Their elegant aesthetic was elevated by an abundance of florals, fairy lights, and a touch of whimsy. Specifically, the Cafe Au Lait Dahlia stole the show alongside roses, herbs, and rich silk ribbons. The atmosphere was further enhanced by scented candles burning throughout the venue. Of course, no wedding is complete without beautiful attire, charming signage, and an exquisite cake table – all of which were captured beautifully by photographer Eleanor Jane. We’re grateful to Eleanor for sharing these stunning images with us today.
THE PROPOSAL
As fate would have it, Dan decided to pop the question at Land’s End, Cornwall, with our little bundle of joy, Hattie, snug in her sling at just nine months old. The warm sunlight danced across the waves as we took in the breathtaking view together. It was then that Dan got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever partner. In a clever move, he chose to propose with a Haribo ring instead of the traditional diamond, acknowledging my particular tastes. I was thrilled to accept, and soon after, we exchanged vows with a beautiful classic platinum solitaire as a symbol of our love.
THE VISION
Our vision for the wedding was one of enduring elegance, with flowers playing the starring role in creating a romantic ambiance. To achieve this look, we combined blush pinks, fairy lights, and gold accents to craft a timeless atmosphere that exuded warmth and sophistication. With our daughter already part of our family, we wanted to infuse our special day with a sense of whimsy and playfulness, which the presence of children allowed us to do. As a result, our wedding felt more intimate, relaxed, and joyful, reflecting the joyous chaos that is parenthood.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
Almost two years passed between Dan’s proposal and our big day. We took the time to save up, reflect on what we wanted, and give our daughter the opportunity to walk down the aisle. Our journey began with creating a guest list, which helped us determine the ideal wedding size and potential venues. Having an informal, ‘English country garden’ atmosphere was crucial for us, so we opted for a barn or a similar setting instead of a grand manor house. Once we secured our venue at Priston Mill, we shifted focus to booking in-demand suppliers. We prioritized securing the photographer (Eleanor Jane), hair and makeup artists (Charlotte Tillyer and Katy Pheiffer), and nearby accommodation for the bridal party (Radford Villa) as these services tend to fill up quickly.
BUDGET
Despite a initial budget of £20,000, our actual expenditures far exceeded that mark. In reality, we spent around £23,000, leaving us with a slight overspend.
THE VENUE
The Tythe Barn at Priston Mill is a charming rustic venue that exceeded our expectations. The spacious interior features a large barn room perfect for ceremonies and receptions, as well as a cozy parlour area with ample seating and a majestic mezzanine space. We appreciated the versatility of this venue, which allowed us to accommodate different preferences and needs. The décor inside is tastefully neutral, with cream, grey, and sage green hues that beautifully complemented our blush-hued florals and gold-toned accents. Priston Mill’s stunning gardens, filled with vibrant flowers and enticing aromas, provide a picturesque backdrop for any celebration. Surrounded by the rolling Bath countryside, this venue checks all the right boxes without breaking the bank. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, we opted to hang fairy lights from eBay across the barn, mezzanine, and bar areas. This thoughtful touch added a personal and romantic flair, completing our dream wedding setting.
THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES
I slipped into my strapless, silk ball gown, aptly named Ivy, designed by the talented Stephanie Allin. The dress was elevated with a crystal belt from Ivory and Co, which harmonized perfectly with the bespoke headpiece crafted for the back of my hair by Abigail Grace. I had the unique privilege of collaborating with Amanda from Abigail Grace to select the crystals and shapes that adorned the headpiece, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece that complemented the belt beautifully. The statement headpiece stood out against my thick, blond locks, making me feel like a true bridezilla. Opting for a bespoke creation allowed me to eschew the conventional veil, as I felt it would overpower the elaborate headpiece. In keeping with my ‘less is more’ approach to jewelry, I opted for simple crystal stud earrings instead of a necklace or bracelet. To complete my look, I donned a pair of satin ivory shoes from Harriet Wilde, scoring an incredible deal at £60. So impressed was I with their quality that I’ve since returned to purchase another pair from her website.
FINDING THE DRESS
As I searched for the perfect dress, I was met with frustration. Every shop seemed to carry lace dresses, but they were all heavily embellished and lacked the simplicity I desired. Pinterest had set the bar high, but in reality, finding a plain dress that accentuated my hour-glass shape proved challenging. Luckily, the owner of High Society in Cowbridge listened attentively to my needs and helped me find the one. After trying on three dresses, I struggled to choose between them. My only reservation about the dress I ultimately chose was its size – it had three layers of tulle petticoat, making it a bit too big. However, it was my wedding day, so I let that slide. The silk material felt luxurious against my skin, and Rhiannon J from Cardiff Alterations did an excellent job of altering the dress to fit me perfectly.
THE READINGS & MUSIC
As we exchanged our vows, Christine Kinder’s enchanting harp melodies filled the air, setting the tone for an unforgettable day. Her carefully curated playlist featured A Thousand Years by Christina Perri as the processional song, Halo by Beyonce and Songbird by Fleetwood Mac as we signed the register, and Fireflies by Owl City as the recessional. Each song was a masterful choice, with every note resonating deeply. Christine’s music continued to captivate our guests during the drinks reception, seamlessly blending modern and classical hits. We’re thrilled that we had her as part of our celebration, and she added an extra layer of romance and Welsh charm to our special day.The ceremony also featured three heartfelt readings: Union, delivered by my auntie; I Love You (for the kindness in your eyes), read by Dan’s sister; and Guess How Much I Love You, brought to life through various voices by my brother – a nod to our daughter’s favorite book. The combination of humor and tenderness had us laughing and smiling. In the evening, we were treated to the exceptional talents of The Edge, our chosen band for the reception. They beautifully performed our first dance song, Stay with You by John Legend, which held immense sentimental value given our nearly nine years together at that point. Later, their lead female vocalists stole the show with a rousing rendition of Crazy in Love by Beyonce, prompting everyone – even the staff – to let loose and dance the night away.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Eleanor Jane’s photography services were a highlight of our special day, as she not only captured our memories but also created stunning visuals for our photobooth. Her unique style is characterized by crisp, creative, and beautifully tailored photos that reflect each couple’s individuality and the unique setting of their wedding. We were immediately drawn to her work when we first saw her images, and we loved how beautifully they showcased in the Queensberry albums we purchased. Throughout our interaction with Eleanor Jane, from our initial meeting to the photo shoot on the day itself, she demonstrated exceptional professionalism and warmth. Moreover, her prompt communication via email after the event left us thoroughly impressed by the exceptional quality of her work.
YOUR VIDEOGRAPHER
As we began our special day, we were also fortunate enough to have Ben from Bristol Wedding Film Company capturing it all on camera. What struck us most about Ben was his warm and affable nature – he’s the kind of person who can instantly put you at ease. In fact, I recall chuckling along with him as we got ready in the morning, so caught up were we in conversation that we hardly noticed he was there filming away! And what a delight it is to look back on the finished video now – Ben has managed to distill the essence of our wedding day without adding any of the typical cheesy elements you often find in wedding films. It’s a true masterpiece, and one that we’re thrilled to have as a keepsake from our big day.
THE DETAILS & DÉCOR
As the details were meticulously planned, the entire venue was transformed into a stunning backdrop by the talented Amber Persia’s florals. Accents of gold were strategically placed throughout to add a touch of sophistication. To further elevate the ambiance, I opted for gold-edged terrariums filled with candles and flowers, which complemented the gold-framed photographs of grandparents displayed around the venue. Additionally, guests were encouraged to leave their mark by signing a guest book and contributing to a fingerprint tree.To keep things lively, lawn games were set up for adults and children alike during the day. Meanwhile, inside the venue, I created a cozy teepee filled with props – a hit among parents, allowing everyone to enjoy the speeches while still having fun. My grand entrance was nothing short of regal, arriving at the venue in an ivory Rolls Royce adorned with a beautiful swag courtesy of Amber Persia.Stationery and signage were expertly designed by Matthew Otten, featuring light blue calligraphy that harmonized perfectly with the wedding’s color palette. To further enhance the ambiance, I added ribbons to the majestic tree outside, repainted an old door to welcome guests, and illuminated the outdoor area with fairy lights at night – a truly magical touch.
THE FLOWERS
The wedding’s floral arrangements were a stunning combination of cafe au lait dahlias, garden roses, David Austin roses, and scabiosa, artfully tied with foliage and fresh herbs, finished with trailing silk ribbon. The ceremony featured two oversized pedestals overflowing with the same blooms, framing the aisle. Additional floral touches adorned the ‘order of events’ and ‘welcome’ sign, while blush silk ribbons added a pop of color at each pew’s end. Amber’s team worked closely with me to create a unique table setting for the wedding breakfast, featuring an oversized centrepiece on the top table, surrounded by smaller low-centred arrangements on the remaining 8 guest tables. This thoughtful design created an intimate atmosphere and allowed us to mingle with our guests rather than feeling like we were being put on display. Each table boasted single stem roses in hand-blown vases, complementing the centrepieces, while napkins were elegantly tied with rosemary and draped with blush silk ribbon. The attention to detail was exceptional, as flowers were strategically placed on macaroon towers and coffee tables throughout the barn, leaving no empty space untouched. To complete the ambiance, I hired large candles that burned steadily all day long, filling the air with a warm, inviting scent.
THE CAKE
I was thrilled when my friend Tanya, the talented owner of Cuppa Cakery, offered to create a custom wedding cake as a thoughtful gift. She truly outdid herself in exceeding my expectations. I had shared a design inspiration with her from Pinterest, but asked her to simplify the look while incorporating the elegant gold trim that was important to me. Tanya’s creation exceeded my wildest dreams, featuring two stunning macaroon towers that framed the cake beautifully. The ombre effect of blush pink transitioning to white added an extra layer of sophistication. To top it all off, she crafted sugar cookie favors for each guest, bearing our names in elegant embossment. This show-stopping cake has become Tanya’s signature design for this year’s brides-to-be.
BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS
The bridesmaids’ navy dresses, courtesy of A Class Brides and Sorella Vita, made a stunning impression with their elegant length and flattering colour. The subtle neckline also harmonized perfectly with my own dress, adding to the overall sense of sophistication. Meanwhile, the flower girls looked adorable in their £15 Amazon finds, which impressed with their exceptional quality – it’s hard to believe they were so affordable! Despite being budget-friendly, the dresses exuded a charming charm that complemented the overall aesthetic beautifully.
GROOM’S ATTIRE
After selecting the bridesmaid dresses, we utilized a swatch of the fabric to determine the ideal suit color for the groomsmen that would harmonize with the navy hues. I found grey too stark against the navy bridesmaids’ attire, so we settled on a light blue tone that perfectly complemented the summer wedding atmosphere. To maintain the relaxed ambiance, we deliberately avoided traditional tails and instead opted for stylish three-piece suits. The groomsmen’s ensembles were completed with navy ties, brown belts, and shoes to create a cohesive look. All the attire, including shirts, and accessories were sourced from Tux and Tails on Gloucester Road in Bristol, which provided alteration services as well.
THE HONEYMOON
Following our wedding celebration, we embarked on an impromptu mini-moon to Italy, taking in the charms of Verona, Venice, and Lake Garda. This unexpected getaway proved to be an unforgettable experience, filled with authentic moments, romance, and laughter. A month later, we headed to Cyprus with our daughter, indulging in a week-long all-inclusive escape that left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
As the day unfolded, a series of unexpected moments left us with lasting memories. One particularly memorable instance was my tardiness, arriving 40 minutes late due to unforeseen road maintenance and a major diversion to the venue – you can never prepare for such events. In addition, our daughter Hattie’s uncooperative nature led her to refuse walking down the aisle, forcing me to improvise and walk awkwardly alongside her, holding hands with my dad while clutching my bouquet in the other hand. To make matters more chaotic, during the ceremony, Hattie also seized the opportunity to pull Dan’s buttonhole off mid-sentence when he picked her up, resulting in some hilarious photos sans flower. And just as we were wrapping up proceedings, she decided to claim a seat on my dress as the recessional music began, adding an extra layer of surprise to the already eventful day.
ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES
When planning your special day, consider joining online communities and social media platforms dedicated to weddings, such as Instagram and Facebook. These platforms can be a valuable resource for discovering local suppliers that may not appear in a standard Google search. It wasn’t until I thoroughly searched through wedding blogs and local publications that I stumbled upon unique and exceptional vendors. Don’t feel pressured to conform to traditional wedding norms. We took the non-traditional approach by hosting our ceremony on a Thursday, which allowed us to save costs while still having access to our preferred suppliers. By choosing an unconventional day, we were able to secure the services of talented professionals that might have been unavailable on more popular days like Friday or Saturday.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Eleanor Jane Photography beautifully captured the love and joy of Cheryl and Dan’s special day at Priston Mill. The bride’s stunning look was completed by a dress and belt from High Society, a headpiece designed by Abigail Grace, shoes from Harriet Wilde, hair styled by Charlotte Tillyer, and makeup artistry courtesy of Katy Pheiffer. The groomsmen looked dashing in their tuxedos and tails, while the bridesmaids wore elegant dresses from A Class Brides. Fresh flowers were provided by Amber Persia, a decadent cake was crafted by Cuppa Cakery, and memorable moments were captured on film by Bristol Wedding Film Company. Live music came courtesy of Christine Kinder’s harp playing and The Edge’s energetic band performance. On-site transportation was arranged through Casey’s Cars, and the couple’s stationery was designed by Matthew Otten. It was truly an unforgettable celebration!