As I’m writing this on a lovely Wednesday, my thoughts are already in Lancashire, heading towards The Wellbeing Farm – a gem of a venue that perfectly embodies the relaxed and joyful atmosphere of Zoe and Dale’s special day, which took place on June 2nd, 2018. This picturesque spot with its rustic charm, beautiful barns, and delectable cuisine was simply tailor-made for their family-friendly celebration. The stunning rolling countryside surrounding the property only added to its allure. The barn itself was transformed into a fairytale setting, complete with a draped ceiling, twinkling fairy lights, and Zoe and Dale’s personal touches – gorgeous pink accents that perfectly reflected their whimsical style. Giant helium balloons, lush florals, and Disney-inspired centrepieces all came together to create an enchanting ambiance that would make anyone feel like they’re living in a dream. It was truly magical, and what a wonderful spot to exchange vows. With a young daughter involved, it was crucial for Zoe and Dale that she felt included and part of the celebration. In fact, their entire family was at the heart of their special day – an ethos I deeply admire. The festivities were filled with fun and games galore, including Llamas entertaining the guests! Be sure to check out the adorable outfits, the stunning alternative to a traditional wedding cake, and all the thoughtful details that made this day so unforgettable. A huge thank you goes to Anna Wood Photography for sharing these breathtaking captures with us – pure romance!
The Proposal
On my 21st May 2015 birthday, Dale orchestrated a romantic surprise that would leave me starry-eyed forever. We had already celebrated our ‘babymoon’ at Armathwaite Hall in the picturesque lakes region just months before welcoming our little one into the world. Little did I know, this was to be the most unforgettable and magical of birthdays. The morning brought an unexpected delight as my favourite Disney character, Stitch, arrived as a soft toy, meticulously embroidered with four simple yet powerful words: ‘Will you marry me?’ The room’s decor seemed to fade into the background as I read the words, only to turn around and behold Dale on one knee, his eyes shining with love. My heart skipped a beat as I whispered my answer – a resounding yes.
The Vision
We decided to celebrate our special day in a way that allows us to truly enjoy ourselves and share the experience with loved ones. To achieve this, we focused on creating an atmosphere that was relaxed and informal, rather than trying to adhere to traditional party norms. This meant being true to ourselves and not putting on a show for anyone else’s benefit. By doing so, we were able to be authentic and genuine in our celebrations, which was incredibly freeing. We also made a conscious effort to include all of our family members in the festivities, ensuring that everyone felt valued and involved.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on planning our special day, my partner Dale and I drew upon our professional backgrounds to ensure a meticulous approach. While I excelled at conceptualising the overall vision, Dale’s attention to detail kept our timeline in check. This collaborative dynamic allowed us to strike a balance between creativity and practicality. Our goal was to make the planning process enjoyable, stress-free, and efficient, leaving ample time for the excitement leading up to the big day. We encouraged our suppliers to share their expertise and offer constructive feedback, which helped shape our ideas and create a unique celebration. Throughout the planning phase, we prioritised one crucial aspect: making it a family affair. By the time of the wedding, our daughter Grace would be just 2.5 years old, so we wanted to focus on celebrating our little family unit rather than simply the bride and groom.
Budget
When it came to budgeting, we didn’t start with a fixed amount in mind. Instead, we opted for a flexible pricing approach, allowing us to mix and match options from various suppliers based on our priorities and perceived value. This unstructured approach gave us the freedom to allocate funds as needed, rather than being constrained by a predetermined figure.
The Venue
For our family outing, we selected The Wellbeing Farm as the perfect setting. This picturesque destination provided a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Moreover, it offered an abundance of engaging activities for kids, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a fun-filled morning.
Groomsmen
When it came to selecting attire for the big day, Dale took matters into his own hands by personally choosing suits for himself and his groomsmen from the esteemed tailors at Slaters.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I envisioned my wedding look, I aimed to capture the essence of a glamorous 1930s style while also harmonizing with my bridesmaid dresses and evoking a whimsical fairy-tale quality. The key element that allowed me to achieve this versatility was the combination of an over skirt and veil. This versatile design enabled me to effortlessly transition between different looks throughout the day, which I thoroughly enjoyed. To complete my look, I chose a few statement pieces: a hair comb from Debenhams, a Swarovski bracelet, and custom-made shoes from Beccibooscustomshoes on Etsy.
The Readings & Music
For our special day, we chose a unique blend of musical elegance and heartfelt readings. I commissioned a talented string quartet to perform at the ceremony, with ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ being my top choice for walking down the aisle. It was the perfect accompaniment to this intimate moment.In addition to the beautiful music, we also wanted to incorporate meaningful readings that would resonate with our loved ones. I asked my dear friend Sarah Beetson and Dale’s sister to participate in this special aspect of our celebration. They brought their own unique touches to the experience by reading ‘The Bride Across Forever’ by Richard Bach and ‘The One’ by an anonymous author, respectively.
Beauty
As the big day approached, I found myself torn between embracing my natural locks and opting for a stylish updo. My rosacea-prone skin and oily complexion meant I was particularly keen to find a makeup artist who could effectively conceal these imperfections while still delivering a radiant, natural look. To achieve the perfect hairstyle, I underwent several trial runs with Sarah, whose calm demeanor and expert guidance helped me refine my vision. Having previously relied on my regular stylist for everyday hairdos, I knew I needed someone with more experience in upstyling to deliver the desired result. Luckily, Sarah’s skills did not disappoint – her expertise in creating seamless hair extensions ensured that even my closest friends couldn’t tell they weren’t my own locks. Meanwhile, Shelly Randels was responsible for keeping my pre-wedding mane looking fabulous, while Fantastic Nails and Beauty worked their magic to give me the perfect manicure.
Bridesmaids
To give my bridesmaids the freedom to choose a dress that truly reflected their individual style, I opted for a variety of options from The Motte Maid’s collection. This allowed them to select a dress that not only fit perfectly but also matched their personal taste in terms of shape, color, and overall aesthetic.
Your Photographer
When selecting a photographer for our special day, we were drawn to Anna’s unique style, which seamlessly aligned with our envisioned aesthetic. Her relaxed approach, emphasis on capturing genuine moments, and knack for putting our little one at ease made her an ideal choice. With children involved in the photoshoot, Anna’s patience and ability to coax our daughter into playful poses truly impressed us.
The Flowers
As we began planning the wedding, I brought together a curated selection of items that inspired me, including colors and textures, to share with the talented ladies at the flower farm. Over coffee and cake, we chatted about my vision and they skillfully translated it into reality. Meanwhile, my dad lent his craftsmanship expertise to create a stunning copper archway adorned with flowers, which added a touch of elegance to the ceremony. To make the celebration even more special, I commissioned Love Rosie to craft unique centre pieces that would surprise and delight our guests. Each arrangement was carefully designed to reflect the whimsical Disney theme, featuring subtle nods to my favorite films – a delightful way to bring a personal touch to the wedding.
The Details & Décor
To maintain a cohesive aesthetic throughout our wedding celebration, we started with our invitations. I chose the ‘let love grow’ theme to tie in various décor and stationery elements. This concept extended to our save-the-dates, which featured seed packets of forget-me-knots. Our actual invites showcased peony bulbs (our wedding flower) and grace tulips, named after our little girl. To further enhance this theme, we incorporated mini watering cans with plants as favors and matching table stationery. Additionally, we offered charity pin badges in support of the Alzheimer’s society, as my grandparents are currently battling dementia. The bee motif was also prominent on all our stationery, serving as a heartfelt tribute to our family’s resilience and courage following the Manchester bombing that affected my auntie. This symbol reminded us of the strength and determination we’ve demonstrated during a challenging time. Ultimately, it was a meaningful way for us to honor our loved ones while celebrating our special day. Rosie – I took care of balloons, table centers, post box, banister covering, and table linen. The Flower Farm assisted with other floral arrangements, while Lain Carter designed our wedding stationery as my bridesmaid.
The Honeymoon
Our family’s inaugural getaway to Portugal proved to be an unforgettable experience that struck the perfect balance between fun and relaxation for our young daughter, while simultaneously satisfying our own cravings as food enthusiasts. In fact, we’re already looking forward to a second opportunity to indulge in this beautiful country – this time, it’ll be a romantic escapade to Madrid for just Dale and me later in the year.
The Cake
As a shared passion, both Dale and I have an undeniable affinity for pies. In fact, my six-month-long pie drought preceding the wedding made this indulgence all the more necessary. It’s no surprise then that we opted for The Wellbeing Farm’s delightful pork pie and cheese cake to satisfy our cravings on this special day.
Memorable Moments
As the wedding unfolded, my daughter stole the spotlight by spending most of her time hiding inside the folds of my dress, curiously asking the ring bearer what all the fuss was about. Meanwhile, the llamas had a paw-some time, winning over the hearts of our guests. For me, however, the real showstoppers were the heartfelt speeches delivered by my dad and Dale. Both are notorious for their fear of public speaking, but they both rose to the challenge with incredible results. My dad’s emotional tribute to my beloved Nanna, who sadly wasn’t able to join us on our special day, was particularly moving. And as for Dale, his speech was a testament to his growth and confidence over the past year, considering he’d once had nightmares about presenting in front of his colleagues.
Advice for Other Couples
As you begin planning your wedding, it’s essential to be flexible with your initial vision, as it will likely evolve as you refine your ideas and work within your budget. Having a clear understanding of what matters most to you on the day will help you prioritize and make decisions that align with your goals. Don’t stress about the little things – focus on enjoying the experience and making memories with loved ones. If there are certain aspects you’re not interested in, don’t feel pressured to include them. For instance, if you’re not keen on formal photos, skip them or opt for a more relaxed approach. Similarly, if you’d rather not spend your day greeting guests, take breaks and prioritize quality time with your partner. Ultimately, it’s about creating an atmosphere that reflects your personalities and values. Identify what’s non-negotiable to you and work from there. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from trusted friends, family, or professionals – your wedding should be a celebration of love and joy.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The picturesque wedding of Zoe and Dale, captured beautifully by Anna Wood Photography, took place at The Wellbeing Farm, a stunning venue that’s a member of the Wedding Directory. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the lovely blooms provided by The Flower Farm, while the bridesmaids looked radiant in their Bijou Bridal Boutique gowns. The bride herself stunned in her Knutsford Wedding Gallery dress, perfectly complemented by the elegant decor created by Love Rosie. Slaters suits added a touch of sophistication to the groom and his team, while Sarah Morten worked her magic with hair and makeup styling. For a pop of color, Shelly Randels brought a vibrant flair to the hair coloring. The celebration continued long into the night with a lively after-party band and an enchanting string quartet performance by Endymion String Quartet. Chloe Evans MUA ensured that every moment was captured with her camera-ready skills, while Rebecca Tovey served as the couple’s trusty second shooter. With heartfelt thanks to Zoe and Dale for sharing their joyous day with us.