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Joining us today are Kirsty and Steve, who are sharing the joyous tale of their beloved Yorkshire barn wedding at Chilli Barn on June 1st, 2019. Their vision was to create a rustic celebration surrounded by loved ones, wildflowers, and the warmth of the setting sun. It’s a truly lovely story.One of the things that caught my eye were the delightful touches throughout the wedding, including the gorgeous purple wildflowers, the semi-naked cake, and the charming log slice table centerpieces. Kirsty looked stunning in her flowing Rebecca Ingram gown, with intricate button and lace detailing at the back. Her half-up, half-down hairstyle was also perfectly styled.The groomsmen, dressed in grey tweed suits and adorned with floral accessories, were equally dashing, with beautiful buttonholes adding a touch of elegance. Hayley Baxter Photography has kindly shared these breathtaking images with us, and I must say, the sunset shots at the end are simply stunning.
The Proposal
Steve and I spent a memorable birthday weekend in Wales, opting for a cozy cabin retreat. As avid walkers, we decided to tackle Cadair Idris, renowned for its breathtaking views from the summit. However, Mother Nature had other plans, and we found ourselves trudging through dense fog rather than basking in the sun. To make matters worse, I was struggling with a nasty cold, leaving me feeling drained as we neared the top. Steve’s persistence was remarkable, but it wasn’t until he dropped to one knee at the trig point that everything fell into place – and I’m grateful I pushed through my fatigue to share in the moment!
The Vision
In pursuit of a serene countryside atmosphere, we aimed to craft an intimate setting that would allow for effortless bonding with loved ones. A cozy, rustic ambiance was our goal, one that would foster a sense of warmth and tranquility as we gathered together with family and friends.
The Planning Process
We embarked on the journey of engagement in October 2017, with our special day taking place on June 1st, 2019. This allowed us ample time to meticulously plan every detail. Determined to avoid last-minute scrambles, we prioritized booking our key vendors well in advance. Our photographer was discovered at a wedding showcase hosted by the Chilli Barn, while our florist was recommended by a mutual acquaintance. The majority of our other suppliers were uncovered through online research and scrutinizing reviews.
The Venue
We struck gold when we discovered Chilli Barn as our venue of choice. This rustic haven offered everything we were seeking – a picturesque countryside setting with breathtaking views that proved perfect for capturing memories on camera! Unlike other options, this charming spot boasted ample space to accommodate our guests while still fostering an intimate atmosphere and keeping everyone together. As vegetarians ourselves, the fact that Chilli Barn serves scrumptious plant-based cuisine was the icing on the cake. The hay bales and fire pit outside added a lovely touch, providing a serene oasis where guests could unwind in the sunshine during the day. Throughout the entire event, the exceptional staff ensured everything ran like clockwork, leaving us with nothing but wonderful memories.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I had a wonderful experience finding my dream dress at Emily Bridal in Sheffield, thanks to the help of my mum and maid of honour. We discovered a stunning sample Rebecca Ingram gown that fit perfectly within our budget. To complete my look, I chose a beautiful veil from Elizabeth Dickens. Given that the dress needed extensive alterations to fit me just right, we took it to Vyn Johns, a highly recommended tailor at Emily Bridal. Vyn was an absolute pleasure to work with and worked his magic to create a bespoke design for a very reasonable price. Despite needing multiple fittings, he ensured that the final result exceeded my expectations.Finding the perfect wedding shoes on the high street proved to be a challenge, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and purchased them online. Recognizing that they would likely get worn out quickly, I was keen to find something affordable yet stylish. After scouring eBay, I discovered a fantastic pair of heels from Rainbow Club that complemented my dress beautifully and fit our budget.As for Steve’s attire, he had his heart set on a tweed suit. After an extensive search online, we struggled to find a suitable option at a price we could afford. It was a relief when he finally found Vintage Suit Hire, which offered the perfect solution. He visited their Bedford shop while visiting one of his best men and fell in love with the Harrogate Grey three-piece suit. To complete his look, Steve and his best men wore matching floral ties and pocket squares from Charles Twyritt, accompanied by brown brogues from Silver Street London. As a special surprise, Steve gifted his best men vintage pocket watches engraved with their initials, which added a charming touch to their waistcoats.
The Readings & Music
I was fortunate enough to have a special request reading session, where my bridesmaids beautifully read two passages – ‘A Lovely Love Story’ by Edward Monkton and an excerpt from Margery Williams’ beloved tale, The Velveteen Rabbit. To add to the celebratory atmosphere, my brother, a talented bagpiper, led us out of the barn with a lively tune while our guests tossed confetti into the air. For the evening’s entertainment, we hired the incredible Wonderfolk band, who played three sets and kept everyone dancing until the clock struck midnight. We were thrilled to work closely with them, providing a list of requested songs from their repertoire and even having them learn a new song for our first dance – it was truly an unforgettable experience.
The Details & Décor
We opted for a DIY approach to keep costs under control, leveraging our creative skills to craft many elements ourselves. The table plan featured a wooden planter overflowing with flowers, accompanied by hand-written name cards. A chalkboard welcome sign at the entrance was created using chalkboard pens, adding a personal touch. To add some rustic charm, we decorated various jars with twine and ribbon, filling them with flowers and candles that dotted the barn’s aisles, creating a warm ambiance for the ceremony. Centerpieces consisted of log slices topped with jugs, milk churns, and jars filled with blooms and candles. My mum even baked Scottish tablet as homemade table favors, while handmade wedding invites, name cards, order of service, and thank-you cards added a personal touch. Initially, we planned to create our own bunting but discovered an affordable option on eBay, which we used to decorate the marquee and outdoor areas. For the guestbook, we turned to Etsy for a unique find, while Instax cameras were available for guests to capture memories and stick them in with their heartfelt messages. To keep everyone satisfied, we set up big jars filled with sweets and popcorn for snacking throughout the day.
Your Photographer
We entrusted Hayley with capturing the essence of our special day, drawn to her effortless approach and talent for framing both the breathtaking landscape and intimate moments that defined our wedding. Her expertise did not go unnoticed – we adore our photos and have received numerous heartfelt compliments! What’s more, Hayley’s warm demeanor put us at ease, making it a seamless experience having our pictures taken. Above all, she demonstrated exemplary professionalism, effortlessly juggling tasks like retrieving my lipstick and confetti petals from the lace of my dress while still delivering stunning shots.
The Flowers
Flowers played a crucial role in setting the tone for our special day, thanks to Rachel Dyson of Hollow Meadows Flowers. She graciously supplied us with an abundance of seasonal wildflowers, carefully cultivated on her farm to perfectly complement our theme. Not only did she meticulously craft bouquets, buttonholes, and corsages, but she also provided DIY buckets of flowers that we arranged ourselves to create unique table centrepieces. This collaborative approach not only added a personal touch but also significantly contributed to keeping costs down. Furthermore, Rachel’s thoughtful gesture extended to providing dried petal confetti, which not only added a whimsical flair but also proved eco-friendly.
Beauty
Rachel Miller, my hair stylist, went above and beyond to ensure I felt at ease throughout the process. Her prompt responses to my pre-trial emails demonstrated her professionalism and willingness to listen. Upon meeting her on my wedding morning, I was impressed by her warm demeanor and ability to quickly grasp my vision for a hairstyle. She effortlessly styled not only mine, but also my mother’s hair, as well as that of three bridesmaids, showcasing her skill and versatility.Jessica Goodall, my makeup artist, tackled the challenge of finding the perfect match for my fair skin with ease. Her expertise allowed her to create a flawless look that didn’t overwhelm my natural features. I was particularly pleased with the stunning looks she crafted for two of my bridesmaids and my mother, further testament to her artistic range.
Bridesmaids
The trio of bridesmaids opted for a harmonious touch, donning blush pink gowns courtesy of Wed2Be. What’s more, the collection offered a range of styles, allowing each girl to select a design that perfectly suited her unique flair.
The Cake
A bespoke masterpiece, the cake was a thoughtful gift from my auntie and uncle, crafted by the exceptionally skilled Karen Reynolds. The stunning semi-naked design featured intricately created sugar flowers that beautifully complemented our whimsical wildflower motif.
The Honeymoon
Our travel plans took an unexpected turn when a series of unfortunate events led us to cancel our long-awaited trip to Sri Lanka mere days before departing. The terrorist attacks that shook the nation forced us to reevaluate our itinerary, ultimately leading us to book a new adventure in Bali instead. While we initially felt disappointed about having to change our plans, the silver lining was a fantastic opportunity to explore a new destination and make the most of an unexpected situation.
Memorable Moments
The wedding celebration was filled with unforgettable moments, but the speeches truly stood out as highlights. My maid of honour’s tribute to me was especially poignant – she had written a heartfelt poem just for the occasion. Meanwhile, my aunt’s surprise solo performance with the band brought the party to life and set the tone for an incredible evening. Amidst all the revelry, we also managed to steal away for some quiet moments with our photographer on the picturesque Otley Chevin, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.
Advice For Other Couples
As the day unfolds, be sure to savor every moment – time seems to slip away all too quickly. In hindsight, I regret not having a videographer capture our special moments, particularly the heartfelt speeches that were shared. If given the opportunity to relive the experience, I would definitely make it a priority to record these meaningful moments, even if it’s just a quick phone video, so that we can cherish them forever.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The meticulous planning of Kirsty and Steve’s special day was a true collaboration between some of the finest professionals in the industry. Hayley Baxter Photography captured the joy and magic of the occasion, while Chilli Barn provided an idyllic backdrop for the ceremony. With Oakleaf Weddings & Emily K Weddings expertly guiding the proceedings, every detail fell into place with ease. The stunning arrangements by Hollow Meadows Flowers added a touch of whimsy to the decor, complemented perfectly by Celebration Cakes by Karen Reynolds’ delectable creations. Emily Bridalwear supplied the bride’s elegant attire, which Vyn Johns skillfully altered to perfection. The bridesmaids shone in their beautiful dresses from Wed2B, and the gentlemen looked dashing in their suits courtesy of Vintage Suit Hire. The enchanting sounds of Wonderfolk Band filled the air as Kirsty and Steve celebrated with friends and family. Rachel Miller Bridal Hair and Wedding Makeup Artist ensured that everyone’s appearance was radiant and flawless, while Nostell provided a stylish transportation option for the happy couple.