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As we wrap up the week, we’re thrilled to share Robyn and Harry’s enchanting Wootton Farm Estate wedding, which took place on July 13th, 2019, amidst the picturesque Sussex countryside. The couple began their celebration with an alfresco ceremony, followed by a legal ceremony a few days later. The festivities continued under the stars in majestic tipis. There’s so much to adore about their special day – from the dramatic smoke bombs and intricately designed pressed flower cake to the delicate origami paper cranes and lush fresh flowers. Robyn stunned in her exquisite Hermione de Paula gown, which featured personalized embroidery, while Harry drew inspiration from his love of Japanese culture to commission a custom kimono from renowned tailor Motoji in Tokyo during their pre-wedding honeymoon. They both looked absolutely stunning! We’re grateful to Kate Gray Photography for capturing these breathtaking images and allowing us to relive every lovely moment. Thanks, Kate, for sharing your beautiful work with us!
The Proposal
As Christmas 2017 approached, Robyn’s family welcomed us to their rural Scottish home village, where she spent her childhood. Amidst the festive cheer, a surprise awaited – one that would leave Robyn and her mother initially dismayed, but ultimately delighted. With Robyn’s father encouraging our bold move, we braved the elements in worn fleeces and wellies, pushing through dense fog to reach the top of her beloved hill overlooking the village. The veil of mist lifted, revealing breathtaking views, as Harry got down on one knee, ring in hand. This wasn’t just any ring – a stunning diamond trilogy design, crafted with love by Harry himself, in the renowned jewellery quarter of Brighton’s Lanes, where our lives intertwine.
The Vision
We opted for a wedding that allowed us complete creative control, prioritizing an outdoor setting amidst nature’s beauty, camping activities, and meaningful involvement from our friends and family. Given the Scottish representation at the celebration, it was essential to incorporate lively ceilidh music and ample opportunities for merriment, drinking, and dancing late into the night.
The Planning Process
During a lively brunch session, we took the time to thoroughly outline our strategy and priorities, benefiting from an 18-month timeline that allowed us to think critically about every detail. To spark inspiration, we turned to various resources, including Pinterest boards, blogs like WWW, and occasional spreadsheets. However, it was our trusty paper diary planners and pens that ultimately proved the most effective tools in shaping our plan, thanks to the ingenious design of Papersmiths.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Harry’s attire for the big day was a true reflection of his love for Japanese culture. He opted for a bespoke kimono from Ginza Motoji in Tokyo, Japan, which felt like a natural extension of his artistic expression. The heavy blue cotton-linen blend fabric with a hand-painted silk lining featuring a grumpy monkey design added a unique touch to the overall ensemble. To complement this one-of-a-kind kimono, Harry paired it with Armani trousers and a collarless white shirt from Norse Projects.Meanwhile, Robyn’s wedding dress was a semi-bespoke masterpiece by Hermione de Paula. She wanted a simple yet elegant gown that would allow her to dance freely, and the botanical embroidery on HdeP’s designs caught her eye. The gloriously heavy cream silk fabric with embroidered rose detailing felt like a tribute to her late grandmother, who was an accomplished seamstress, embroiderer, and gardener. To make it even more special, their initials and wedding date were embroidered onto the back panels, along with a secret duck emblem that reflected their matching tattoos.Both Harry’s kimono and Robyn’s dress told unique stories of love, family, and personal style. The attention to detail in both outfits was remarkable, reflecting the incredible bond between the couple and their loved ones.
The Venue
We chose a picturesque venue in the South that offered us the perfect blend of convenience and flexibility for our guests. The decision was driven by our desire for an outdoor tipi wedding amidst stunning countryside views, where friends and family could camp overnight and enjoy a weekend-long celebration with us. After researching extensively, we were relieved to find Wootton, a venue that struck the right balance between offering some amenities while still allowing us to put our own stamp on the event. The property features a beautiful farmhouse that served as both a pre-wedding prep hub and a cozy retreat for family members who stayed overnight. Its lush garden and tranquil pond created the idyllic setting for our ceremony, which took place beneath ancient oak trees. The venue’s proximity to the tipis was just a minute’s walk away, where we had access to amenities like a professional kitchen, plumbed bathrooms, and mains electricity. We opted for locally sourced catering, working closely with the head chef to design a menu that included a show-stopping beef wellington for each round table of 10. The venue’s ethos and stunning views over the Sussex Downs only added to our excitement as we looked forward to the big day.The tipis themselves were a highlight, courtesy of Beautiful World Tents. These experts demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout the planning process and on-site setup, offering great attention to detail at every turn. We appreciated their open days, where we could get a firsthand look at the set-up, as well as having a dedicated expert available to guide us.Many guests chose to stay in nearby Brighton or local villages, but we also arranged for glamping options through Beautiful Bells and allowed campers to bring their own tents. This meant that friends and family could keep the party going long into the night, stumble back to their accommodations from the dance floor, and enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning with us before departing.
Beauty
I’ll never forget the serendipitous encounter that led me to Marah Pleigo-Garcia, the talented hair and makeup artist who brought my wedding-day vision to life. It was a pub crawl on boats along the Thames, where I was dressed as a sailor and she as a leopard – our respective fancy dress outfits were the perfect icebreakers! Marah’s expertise was evident even in her quick fix of my botched sailor makeup, which earned her my trust and gratitude. A year later, when it came time to plan my wedding look, Marah was the obvious choice. Her intuitive understanding of my desired aesthetic allowed me to relax, knowing she’d keep me looking like myself – not some cookie-cutter ‘bridal glam’ that I think many brides are pressured into embracing.
The Readings & Music
As we exchanged our vows, it was only fitting that Robyn’s godfather, Gordon Maclellan, would officiate our ceremony. Wootton Farm’s picturesque setting made it the perfect spot for us to gather with loved ones and make memories that will last a lifetime. After the intimate ceremony, we took a short trip to Brighton Town Hall to finalize our legal union, accompanied only by our closest family members. We celebrated with a casual pizza dinner afterwards.
Luke Concannon and Stephanie Hollenberg’s acoustic performance during the ceremony was truly unforgettable. Their rendition of Luke’s own songs, as well as Madness’ classic hit ‘It Must Be Love’, brought our guests together in a beautiful display of love and unity. It was only fitting that they would be part of our special day, given Harry’s admiration for Luke’s work over the years.
Throughout the ceremony, we had readings from Mary Oliver’s ‘Morning Poem’ and Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Should I Fall Behind’, as well as another poignant passage by Mary Oliver. The thoughtful words resonated deeply with us and our guests.
As the sun set on Wootton Farm, Pastiche took to the stage for an electrifying performance that had everyone dancing into the night. With Fix The Music’s help, we ensured a seamless evening of music and merriment that left us all feeling uplifted and grateful.
Bridesmaids
For the perfect blend of elegance and sophistication, we’ve curated a selection of exquisite dresses from Whistles Bridal’s stunning collection. To add an extra touch of glamour, we recommend pairing them with beautiful pieces of jewellery from Astrid and Miyu’s expertly crafted range.
Groomsmen
Each outfit has its unique touch, thanks to 3D badges crafted in the Japanese style by Harry and expertly printed on location right here in Brighton.
The Flowers
A special touch added to the wedding celebrations was Gunns of Brighton’s bespoke floral arrangements, crafted into beautiful bouquets, hairpieces for the bridal party, buttonholes, and loose flowers that were carefully arranged by the couple themselves. The dried petal confetti held sentimental value, as it was handmade by the mothers from a combination of flowers collected from their own gardens in London and Scotland, blending together to create a unique and personalized keepsake.
Your Photographer
We were fortunate to have Kate Gray and her husband Jon, recommended by friends, capture our special day. Their gentle nature and exceptional photography skills immediately put us at ease. The stunning quality of their work is evident in every frame. What surprised us was the depth of story they told through their photos – not just moments we witnessed ourselves, but also those shared by our loved ones. This comprehensive perspective made the albums a treasured keepsake. As for the photobooth experience, it was an absolute blast! The team set up, managed, and took down the booth throughout the evening, providing both GIFs of the photos taken and printouts for guests to enjoy – a wonderful memento to cherish.
The Details & Décor
Robyn’s creative touch shone through in the wedding decor, blending handmade and natural elements to create a unique atmosphere. She scoured Brighton’s charity shops for vintage glassware, which she paired with loose flowers and handmade runners on the round tables. The table plan was crafted from a vintage painting frame, complete with handwritten details. To add a personal touch, Robyn created 100 colorful paper cranes using origami paper from Japan as wedding favors. Meanwhile, Harry lent his artistic skills to designing the orders of service. The couple opted for local printing to produce their custom designs and stationery, including save-the-dates and invitations designed by Rosemood. As a precautionary measure, they also stocked up on emergency umbrellas – although they didn’t end up needing them! To fuel the lively ceilidh, they laid in supplies of Irn Bru and Tunnock’s treats late into the night. The bar was expertly managed by Lime Bar.
The Cake
The pièce de résistance was a stunning 3-tier red velvet cake, carefully crafted by Robyn’s cousin, Alexandra, all the way from Scotland. The cake’s understated design allowed the beauty of its hand-pressed edible flowers and lush greenery to take center stage – an ode to the breathtaking glen in Scotland where Robyn and her partner got engaged, a truly unforgettable experience.
The Honeymoon
Our pre-wedding adventure took us on a three-week journey across Japan, timed to perfection for cherry blossom season. This romantic getaway not only allowed us to experience the beauty of Japan but also gave Harry ample time to source the perfect customised Japanese kimono for his big day. Following the wedding, we indulged in two nights of luxury at Dormy House and spa in the Cotswolds, where we were treated to a serene escape from reality.
Memorable Moments
As we exchanged vows, the atmosphere was filled with joy and harmony as our loved ones sang along to ‘It Must Be Love’ in unison, accompanied by the warm sunshine. The celebration continued with guests sipping on refreshing cans of Irn Bru and Prosecco, setting the tone for a memorable weekend. The highlight came when Robyn surprised Harry with an unforgettable performance of Stevie Wonder’s classic hit ‘Sign, Sealed, Delivered’, expertly executed live with the band. As we spent the days that followed camping with our closest friends and family, the memories only grew sweeter. Sunday morning brought a delightful surprise – a hearty cooked breakfast to start the day off right.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the unconventional in your wedding planning. So many aspects of weddings are commercialized to dictate what’s ‘acceptable.’ But why not break free from these expectations? Take, for example, a wedding that defied convention by blending Japanese and Scottish elements, taking place in tipis amidst the picturesque Sussex Downs. It may sound unusual, but this unique blend came together beautifully. By trusting your instincts and prioritizing your own vision, you can create a day that truly reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple. As we discovered, sometimes the best weddings are those that unfold organically, with no script to follow. Ultimately, it’s about celebrating your love and commitment in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding planning journey is a meticulous process that requires the perfect blend of creativity, style, and attention to detail. As we delve into the story of Robyn and Harry’s special day, it becomes clear that every element was carefully curated to reflect their unique love story.
From behind-the-scenes professionals like Kate Gray Photography and Papersmiths, to show-stopping decor pieces such as Beautiful World Tents’ luxurious bell tents and The Lime Bar’s evening bar, each decision was made with precision and flair. And of course, no wedding would be complete without a stunning dress from Hermione de Paula and shoes that exude glamour.
But it wasn’t just the aesthetics that brought this couple’s vision to life – their choice of vendors, from Astrid and Miyu’s exquisite jewelry to Motoji’s one-of-a-kind groomsmen attire, was equally impressive. Even the little details, like bespoke cufflinks crafted by Jewellers Perth and custom-designed wedding rings courtesy of Marc In The Lanes, added up to a truly unforgettable celebration.
As the big day unfolded, it was clear that Robyn and Harry had spared no expense in ensuring their love story would be told for generations to come. With Marah Pleigo-Garcia’s stunning hair and makeup designs, Whistles’ elegant bridesmaid dresses, and Luke Concannon’s soulful ceremony music setting the tone, this wedding truly was a masterclass in romance.
As we bid farewell to Robyn and Harry’s unforgettable day, it’s clear that their love has written its own chapter – one filled with laughter, tears, and countless memories to cherish.