Becca and David’s wedding planning style was a breath of fresh air, characterized by a relaxed approach and only incorporating elements that truly reflected who they were as a couple. Their unconventional celebration took place on August 24th, 2019 at Utopia at Broughton Hall, with the focus firmly on their loved ones. The chosen venue, with its airy and modern aesthetic, provided the perfect backdrop for the happy couple’s special day. To capture the memories, they entrusted Christopher Thomas Photography, and we’re thrilled to share his stunning images with you today. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Chris for sharing his incredible work.
The Proposal
Becca, recalling the evening, revealed that it was 10pm on Valentine’s Day when David decided to pop the question. Having just finished dinner at Sexy Fish and relaxing in comfortable attire, I was folding laundry at the end of the bed. The proposal, though unconventional, felt incredibly intimate and sincere. In reality, it was the perfect proposal for me, one that I never knew I desired until it happened. It later emerged that David had been searching for a ring he truly loved, only managing to find the vintage diamond gemstone at Bonham’s auction just a week prior after months of looking. The wait was well worth it, as the ring proved to be a treasure.
The Vision
Our wedding celebration was all about exuding a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. From the start, I had a clear vision for incorporating flowers and foliage as the main design feature, but beyond that, we left room for creativity and spontaneity to shine through. As a couple who have both ventured out of our hometowns and now call London home, our families are incredibly important to us. We wanted to ensure that whatever elements we chose would not only delight our friends but also resonate with our loved ones, so we struck a balance between traditional touches and personal flair.
The Planning Process
When planning their wedding, Becca and her partner aimed to avoid making it feel like just another project management task. To achieve this, they established a simple yet effective rule: if something started to feel stressful, they wouldn’t do it. Instead, they broke down the wedding planning process into manageable chunks by creating a spreadsheet of tasks and assigning them to specific months. This approach allowed them to focus on one set of tasks at a time, preventing feelings of overwhelm from taking over.
Their decision to get married in Yorkshire, Becca’s home county, was also influenced by her elderly Nanna’s inability to travel to London. As a result, they had to be strategic with their planning, scheduling multiple weekend trips to the north to tackle as many tasks as possible at once.
The Venue
As we deliberated over whether to tie the knot or simply maintain our eternal engagement, Becca and I decided to inspect some potential venues to gauge our enthusiasm. Our large social circle was crucial to celebrating with, yet we both yearned for an intimate atmosphere, unconvinced by the prospect of delivering speeches in front of a massive crowd. We scheduled viewings at various Yorkshire Dales locations, but the first six left us unimpressed – some were too focused on dramatic castle backdrops, while others closed at 11 pm, leaving our evening guests from London feeling shortchanged.
Just when we were about to throw in the towel, we stumbled upon Utopia at Broughton Hall: a sleek glass house nestled within a lush walled garden. Not only did it stay open until 1 am, but it was also available over a bank holiday weekend, allowing us to comfortably seat 80 daytime guests for dinner and then accommodate up to 150 people for the evening festivities.
The cherry on top was learning about Eden, one of the estate’s cottages, which would provide luxurious accommodations for our closest friends and family. Marketed as a ‘party house,’ it boasted a hot tub and fire pit – a recipe for an unforgettable weekend. We knew we could have a long, relaxing stretch with the ceremony providing intimacy and the after-party offering chaos.
The estate itself was peppered with other stunning cottages, each boasting breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales. As our loved ones filled the rooms, grazing sheep roamed freely, a majestic peacock strutted about during our speeches, and bunnies emerged onto the lawn as sunset approached. We even had a secluded lake for a rejuvenating morning dip to shake off the hangover before Sunday’s celebrations began.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I embarked on my wedding dress journey, I found myself frequenting high-end boutiques, indulging in champagne and quality time with friends, despite knowing it wasn’t a feasible option. Through this process, I came to realize that my initial ideals were far removed from what suited me best. It was then that I discovered the world of sample sales, where I could find hidden gems at a fraction of the cost. At Angelica Bridal’s sample sale, I was permitted to try on three dresses, but one particular gown caught my eye – its unique design and exquisite lace stole my attention. Although it deviated from my original vision, the assistant assured me that alterations could be made to bring it in line with my desired style. With this newfound inspiration, I purchased the dress and entrusted Exclusive Tailoring’s skilled team to work their magic. Through three meticulous fittings, they transformed the gown, removing the back panel, redefining the neckline, and altering the train to perfectly align with my original vision. Meanwhile, I discovered stunning lace and leather heels from Jenny Packham at Selfridges’ sale, sealing the deal on my dream dress.
Beauty
I’m grateful to have Scarlett, a highly skilled makeup artist for film, as one of my closest friends. Her expertise put me at ease on the morning in question, allowing her to craft a natural, effortless look that I thoroughly enjoyed. To complete the look, I purchased the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lip liner, Amazing Grace lipstick, and Ibiza Nights gloss. Meanwhile, Jessie from Teddy and Belle outdid herself by creating a stunning hair comb adorned with silk flowers and foliage, adding the perfect touch to my ‘undone yet polished’ updo.
Bridesmaids
The task of finding bridesmaid dresses for six women with distinct styles was no easy feat. Without specific preferences, aside from matching in color, Becca had her work cut out. After some diligent searching, she finally stumbled upon a sage green dress on ASOS that offered a range of necklines to cater to the diverse tastes of her attendants. On the big day, the bridesmaids looked stunning in their new attire. To complete the look and add an extra touch of cohesion, Becca opted for matching Oliver Bonas accessories featuring tiny green stones, which were worn proudly by all six ladies.
The Readings & Music
Our wedding ceremony was a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches. We incorporated hymns and readings from our closest family members, making it an intimate and meaningful experience. The speeches during the wedding breakfast were another highlight – we had four speakers in total, including David, his best men, myself, and my bridesmaid Sophia, who wove together some of my mother’s words with her own thoughts. I was initially hesitant to give a speech myself, but after seeing our friends Tasha and Julia deliver heartfelt speeches at their wedding the month before, I realized how much I enjoyed it and felt grateful that we did end up having each other speak. The search for an evening band proved to be a challenge, as we wanted something more than just a DJ or karaoke-style entertainment. As someone who’s worked in the performing arts, I was keen on avoiding any ‘wedding’ bands that might seem cheesy. After listening to numerous online videos, we were about to give up hope when we stumbled upon Out of Control. We’re thrilled with our decision to book them – their talent, great voices, and infectious energy brought an unforgettable vibe to the evening.
Groomsmen
I’ve never been a fan of shopping, so I put off my search for the perfect wedding suit despite Becca’s progress on her secret dress missions. The sheer number of options online was overwhelming, especially considering the rent vs buy decision was also weighing on my mind. I just needed to get out and see what was available. Thankfully, @steviestyle of @menstyled_ came to the rescue with his wedding package, which included a personalized tour of central London and expert guidance on what questions to ask both myself and the providers. This streamlined the process significantly, saving me from aimless wandering through streets. We started early, visiting high-end bespoke retailers and hire shops to get an idea of their costs and fabrics, which helped us narrow down my preferences. Later that day, we stopped by John Lewis, where I fell in love with a subtle blue three-piece suit that fit perfectly with our natural theme. The exact same design was available in grey, inspiring me to outfit the groomsmen in this color scheme, while I would wear a grey waistcoat with a blue suit to create a harmonious contrast. Logistics were slightly complicated by one of my best men living in Australia, but we overcame that hurdle by sending his measurements and having them professionally fitted through Steve’s local contacts. We ultimately chose tan/brown shoes and belts for a natural look, paired with mint green ties and pocket squares to add freshness while complementing the bridesmaids’ attire. In the end, it couldn’t have worked out better, and we were thrilled with the results.
Your Photographer
We’re not exactly photogenic, but David and I share a passion for capturing real moments. Our search for the perfect photographer took us scouring websites until we stumbled upon Christopher Thomas. From the moment we met him, we knew he was the one – laid-back, enthusiastic about his craft, and comfortable shooting both digital and film. His relaxed demeanor put us at ease on our big day, allowing us to focus on enjoying ourselves rather than posing for perfection. St John The Divine, an idyllic old church perched atop a hill in Menston, provided a stunning backdrop for our celebration. Chris even gave us a pep talk before the confetti shots, and we’re thrilled with the final results. In fact, he was so accommodating that when our day ran long and we hadn’t yet performed our first dance, he kindly offered to stay on and capture some incredible moments from the party – including my 87-year-old Nanna dancing the night away to the band!
The Cake
When discussing the wedding cake, Becca and David initially considered omitting it altogether. However, after seeing an image of a simple ‘semi-naked’ design adorned with flowers, they both agreed that this aesthetic was more in line with their personal style. Patisserie Viennoise provided some delectable samples, which ultimately led to the decision to create a three-layer masterpiece featuring vanilla, lemon, and coconut flavors filled with ganache or buttercream. The cake’s exterior was finished with a slightly thicker semi-naked frosting. It’s safe to say that the wedding cake was devoured at an unprecedented pace! Jessie played a crucial role in selecting a few flowers from Becca’s bouquet to add a personal touch to the overall design.
Your Filmmaker
Instead of hiring a professional videographer, we opted for a more DIY approach. I lent my phone to my friend Vivienne for the entire weekend, and she used the Glimpse app to create stunning 1-second videos that were then compiled into an impressive montage. To add some aerial shots, my cousin David even deployed his drone to capture the breathtaking scenery of the Yorkshire Dales surrounding us.
The Details & Décor
Becca explains that the flowers were the focal point of their design. To create rustic centerpieces and surround old pallet crates, they used lanterns, jam jars, vases, tree trunks, vintage frames, moss, bark, and other materials. They also painted the pallet crates with their welcome sign and timings for the day. Their friend Ollie drew inspiration from their bar, David’s first flat, and their first home, which became the basis for their table numbers, table plan, and menus. Ollie even created a custom menu featuring hand-drawn images of Becca and David, which they gave to children with coloring crayons. In addition to their evening band, they hired a Selfie Mirror photo booth and set up wooden lawn games across the walled garden. Despite the hot weather, guests enjoyed the games and the Polaroid camera left at the guest book station allowed for fun and creative memorabilia.
The Flowers
For Becca, the floral design was the crowning glory of her special day. From the moment she spoke with Jessie from Teddy and Belle, she knew she had found the perfect partner in bringing her vision to life. Jessie’s genuine enthusiasm and attention to detail put Becca at ease, trusting that her designer understood her desire for a ‘straight-from-the-garden’ look. The end result was breathtaking: lush bouquets, rustic table centrepieces, and a stunning floral chandelier that perfectly complemented the venue’s rustic foliage and individual flowers. Jessie’s creativity shone through in the use of fairy lights and voile to create magical displays, while her thoughtful touch added an extra layer of whimsy with moss-adorned cake and card tables. The church was transformed with large vases overflowing with blooms on window sills and delicate jars of single stems suspended from the pews. After the ceremony, these beautiful arrangements were transported to the venue, where they added a final flourish to the outdoor seating area. Jessie’s thoughtful gestures didn’t stop there – she crafted a gorgeous basket of petals for Becca’s flower girl and a stunning headband for her to wear, completing the picture-perfect day.
The Honeymoon
We had the pleasure of working with Kay at Shellseekers to craft a dreamy two-week getaway in Mauritius that felt like pure indulgence. The trip took us to two iconic resorts: The One and Only St Geran on the island’s east coast for the first week, and The Oberoi on the west coast for the second. In between, we traded our sun-kissed relaxation for three action-packed days in La Reunion, where we indulged in thrilling activities. It was truly the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.
Memorable Moments
To infuse their Yorkshire wedding with a dash of London charm, Becca and her partner hired a sleek white London taxi to transport them to the church and back. The perfect touch, it added a unique flair to their special day. In addition to the taxi, the couple also hosted an annual rounders game in London each summer, but this year they decided to bring the party to their own backyard. The after-party at Eden was a scorching hot affair, with a massive BBQ and a hot tub that quickly transformed into a refreshing pool for guests to cool off in. As the sun began to set, the group gathered around the fire pit, sharing stories and memories from the previous two days. It was a truly special moment, filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of community.
Advice For Other Couples
When searching for suppliers on Instagram, focus on smaller businesses that prioritize building strong relationships. Chris, our photographer, and Jessie, our florist, were instrumental in creating a relaxed atmosphere at the wedding. Don’t overlook the importance of personal connections – reaching out to married friends can yield unexpected treasures. We discovered hidden gems in their attics, from jam jars to fairy lights, which could be repurposed to save costs. Additionally, I took it upon myself to curate a comprehensive welcome basket for the bathrooms, packing it with an assortment of items people might need on the day, including lint rollers, safety pins, and sun cream. The end result was a thoughtful gesture that many guests appreciated.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Christopher Thomas Photography was thrilled to be a part of Becca and David’s whimsical wedding celebration. The couple exchanged vows at Utopia and Eden, Broughton Hall, surrounded by lush greenery and elegant architecture. The ceremony took place within the historic walls of St John The Divine Church in Menston, where the air was filled with love and promise. Becca looked stunning in her bespoke gown from Angelica Bridal & Exclusive Tailoring, while David and his groomsmen donned stylish attire courtesy of Kin by John Lewis, styled by Stephen Kelly from Men|Styled. The bridesmaids shone bright in their matching ASOS and Oliver Bonas ensembles. As the sun set, the party transitioned to Bonhams, where Out of Control got the crowd moving with lively tunes. Jessie, Teddy, and Belle crafted a breathtaking floral arrangement that added a touch of romance to the evening. Patisserie Viennoise’s delectable cake was the perfect treat after dinner. Glimpse captured every precious moment, and Shellseekers had the couple looking forward to their dreamy honeymoon getaway. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of this unforgettable day, and Rachel is grateful for sharing it with us.