Fliss and Matt’s yurt wedding was a truly unforgettable celebration! With an abundance of personality and homemade charm, it was a joyous occasion that brought everyone together. Held on July 20th, 2019, the country garden yurt reception was nothing short of breathtaking. The real magic happened when loved ones came together to create a heartfelt tribute to the happy couple. It’s moments like these that make a wedding truly special – and Fliss and Matt were fortunate to have such a strong support system behind them. From the beautiful outfits and flower crowns to the personalized table names and Lego place settings, every detail was infused with love and thoughtfulness. We’re thrilled to share these joyful photos with our readers, courtesy of Mr Sleeve.
The Proposal
As we strolled through an antiques store on our Sussex holiday, six months prior to Matt’s proposal, I casually mentioned a ring that caught my eye. Little did I know, Matt had already gone back and purchased it! Fast-forward to August 2018, when we embarked on a 15-hour boat journey to the enchanting Haida Gwaii island in Canada. Despite my exhaustion, Matt insisted we stand at the deck’s railing, hoping to catch a glimpse of some whales. As I gazed out at the sea, he got down on one knee and whispered, ‘It’s been a long time coming’ – echoing the exact phrase he uttered after our first kiss (a fact he still denies today). Thirty seconds later, a giant humpback whale breached the surface, as if it had been orchestrated by Matt himself!
The Vision
Our vision for the big day was a laid-back, country-inspired celebration where friends and family could let loose and enjoy themselves. We deliberately avoided any overly formal or glamorous elements, instead opting for a more down-to-earth atmosphere that would put everyone at ease.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on our wedding planning journey, we opted for a relatively laid-back approach, allowing us to maintain a sense of calm throughout. This also gave us the opportunity to involve family and friends in the process, which not only saved us time and stress but also made the day feel like a collaborative effort. One of the highlights of our planning experience was undoubtedly the food tasting, courtesy of Tori and Andi at The Cheshire Dining Experience. Their exceptional service and attention to detail, including accommodating various dietary requirements without fuss, impressed us immensely. The quality of their offerings was outstanding, with the beetroot and goats cheese macarons still a topic of conversation for me even now.
Budget
We opted for a frugal approach to decorating, enlisting friends’ help and taking on most of it ourselves, which helped us save significantly. However, there were certain aspects where we didn’t want to compromise – namely the food, our luxurious yurt accommodations, and our attire. These areas ended up being our biggest expenses. We were grateful for the financial support from our parents, and in total, our celebration cost around £20,000.
The Venue
In 25 years, Matt’s parents had transformed their Cheshire farmhouse into a stunning home that they shared with Nick and Jen. It was only natural that we would choose this idyllic setting for our special day. After all, Matt’s sister had already tested the waters four years prior! The property’s lush gardens, tended by the family’s green thumbs, provided the perfect backdrop for our celebration. We were adamant about having a marquee, but wanted something more unique than your average tent. Our search led us to The Yurt Maker, where Henry crafts exquisite Mongolian yurts with love and care. We fell in love with the idea of a small, independent business offering something truly one-of-a-kind. The end result was breathtaking – the yurts were not only beautiful but also surprisingly spacious and filled with natural light. It’s an aspect of our wedding that still receives rave reviews from our guests, and we’re thrilled to have made such an unforgettable choice.
Your Outfits & Accessories
When I started wedding dress shopping, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment. The traditional shops I visited felt stuffy and formal, leaving me feeling like nothing suited my style. However, a visit to Cicly Bridal with my mum in Derbyshire was a game-changer. Every dress I tried on had a charm that resonated with me, and I eventually settled on a simple Charlie Brear silk dress for the ceremony and canapés. To add some flair, I wore Jesus Pierlo lace tops during these parts of the day and later switched to a rose gold belt for the evening festivities – a subtle change that many thought signified two distinct outfits. Moreover, I customized an old denim jacket with ‘a long time coming’ on the back, which remains one of my favorite sentimental keepsakes from the wedding. The comfort-focused Keds trainers in gold sparkles also brought me joy, as they allowed me to prioritize style and practicality alike. On the other hand, my partner Matt’s highlight was the bespoke waistcoat created by his sister Rachel for himself, their groomsmen, and relatives. She skillfully sewed not only these waistcoats but also matching ties from Strawberry Thief fabric. Additionally, Matt wore a navy suit crafted by Mr Start in Shoreditch, who proved to be an excellent collaborator throughout the entire process.
Hair Make Up & Grooming
I’m not one to wear a lot of makeup, so the thought of altering my appearance for the big day had me feeling anxious. Many of the local makeup artists I came across seemed to be more focused on glamour and fake eyelashes than creating a natural look that still felt like myself. A friend who’d recently gotten married offered some reassurance when she recommended her hair and makeup team, Jenn Edwards & Co. She thought they could travel to Chester, so I decided to reach out. After a trial run in Sheffield with my mum, I just knew we’d found the right fit. They took care of our hair and makeup needs – not to mention those of my bridesmaids – on the morning of the wedding, all while remaining calm and composed even when I had a minor meltdown after burning my hand on some hair straighteners (totally my fault, not theirs!).
Groomsmen
With the groomsmen’s navy suits already in their wardrobes, we didn’t stress about ensuring a perfect match. Instead, we simply asked them to wear what they had. Their ties and waistcoats, courtesy of Matt’s sister, added a touch of cohesion, while the Lego cufflinks – a surprise gift on the big day – brought an extra layer of whimsy to their overall look.
Bridesmaids
When it came to choosing dresses for my five bridesmaids, I knew I didn’t want a ‘matchy matchy’ look. Each of their unique shapes and styles deserved its own flair. Comfort was key, so I gave them a loose brief: sage green and floor-length. They sent me links of their top picks, and we ultimately ordered all five dresses from ASOS after trying out several options and sending back those that didn’t quite fit the bill. The real pièce de résistance, however, was the stunning flower crowns that one of my bridesmaids, Rachel, helped to create. These beautiful accessories not only tied the dresses together but also distinguished them from the other guests at the wedding.
The Readings & Music
A crucial aspect of our ceremony was the soundtrack, which perfectly captured the essence of our special day. As we signed the register, Marcel’s soulful rendition of ‘You and Me Song’ by The Wannadies and ‘Shining Light’ by Ash filled the air with joy and love. Meanwhile, Tom brought a touch of elegance to the proceedings by reading the poignant lyrics from Magnetic Fields’ ‘Love is Like a Bottle of Gin.’ We chose this song specifically because it resonated with us, avoiding any saccharine or overly sentimental undertones. In a delightful surprise, Divya’s Bible reading from Ecclesiastes 4:12 held special significance for us, as it subtly referenced our first dance song, ‘2 Become 1,’ which we’ll always treasure. Additionally, several friends penned heartfelt prayers, which we now proudly display on our wall. We’re thrilled to share our wedding readings and music inspiration with you – check them out!
Your Photographer
With Steve (Mr Sleeve) having previously captured Matt’s sister’s special day, we already knew what to expect from his unobtrusive approach. The newlyweds themselves had praised his professionalism and ability to put them at ease, ensuring that their wedding memories were captured without any awkward posed shots. What’s more, Steve was extremely competitively priced, which made him an attractive choice for our big day. Even when he arrived to capture the bridesmaids’ preparation, he brought a sense of calm and tranquility with him.
Your Filmmaker
We had to make some compromises when it came to capturing our special day on camera, as hiring a professional videographer wasn’t within our budget. However, our friend Ian surprised us by offering his services as a wedding gift. While we knew he had some experience with filming, we didn’t expect much from the final product, given that he’s not a full-time wedding videographer. Fast forward to about a week after the wedding, and we received the finished film – we were absolutely blown away! In fact, my mum has become such a big fan of it that she’s watched it at least once a week for the past year.
The Flowers
As we planned our wedding in Matt’s family home, it was only natural that flowers would play a significant role. Given their expertise and passion for gardening, we knew they would be crucial to the overall aesthetic of the day. Fortunately, Carol Siddorn from Carol’s Garden is not only a talented florist but also a close friend of the family. Her work had previously impressed us at Matt’s sister’s wedding four years prior, so we were confident in her ability to bring our vision to life. I had a clear idea of what I wanted – a subtle, green-based arrangement that wouldn’t overpower the surroundings – but struggled to put it into words. Thankfully, Carol was able to effortlessly translate my vague descriptions into reality. The incorporation of flowers from Matt’s family garden added an extra layer of sentimental value to the proceedings.
The Cake
We were fortunate to have an impressive group of friends who generously offered their skills to help make our wedding special. Among them was Claire, who not only acted as our Master of Ceremonies but also brought her culinary expertise to the table. As a trained pastry chef and chocolatier, we knew we could count on her to create something truly decadent. With complete confidence in her abilities, we left it up to her creative discretion, merely specifying that we didn’t want the treats to feel too ‘weddingy’.
Claire’s solution was a trio of cakes that catered to our individual tastes: my personal favourite – orange and almond, which also happened to be gluten-free due to my coeliac diagnosis; Matt’s go-to choice – rich Guinness and chocolate; and finally, a carrot cake that we both adored. The best part? We didn’t get to see the finished products until the big day itself, making it an absolute delight to discover.
The Details & Décor
We were determined from the start of our engagement that we would take a hands-on approach as much as possible, and I’m proud to say that we stuck to this vision throughout. My mum, who is an incredibly talented seamstress, took on the task of making our favours – miniature flavoured gins that she bottled and individually labelled herself. She also spent hours hand-sewing metres of bunting, including a bespoke ‘Fliss & Matt’ sign for the entrance. I had spotted similar items on Etsy, but the shipping costs were prohibitively expensive, so it was a relief to have mum take charge.We took a creative approach to our table names as well, labelling them after shared passions and interests that we both enjoyed before we met. Sophie, the mutual friend who introduced us, even got her own named table! We designed the signs and table plans ourselves by printing on brown kraft paper – it was a simple but effective solution.For our place names, we came up with a unique idea to have individual Lego figures for each guest, holding a little flag with their name on. While this might have been the most time-consuming task of the entire wedding, it was well worth the effort. We even used these figurines as part of our thank you card design.In keeping with our love of pub quizzes, we also created a picture quiz for each table using photos from throughout our relationship. Guests had to guess the year and location of each photo, and the winning table received a prize. It was a fun way to get everyone engaged and interacting.
The Honeymoon
Two idyllic weeks were spent exploring the picturesque region of Asturias, nestled in Northern Spain, where our senses were treated to a symphony of breathtaking landscapes, savory cuisine, and rich cultural heritage.
Memorable Moments
The dance floor was alive with the sounds of our special day! We kicked things off with an intimate acoustic rendition of ‘2 Become 1′, sung by our dear friend Marcel, accompanied by a soulful backing track courtesy of the groomsmen. But that wasn’t all – we also had the pleasure of Gypsies of Bohemia taking to the stage, bringing their unique blend of indie covers and 90s/00s pop and R&B flair. The highlight of their set came when they personalized a version of Backstreet Boys’ classic ‘Back’, dedicating it to us! And if that wasn’t enough, they really brought the house down (literally!) by stripping off mid-performance to reveal entirely leopard-print clad bodies – talk about making an entrance!
Advice For Other Couples
Incorporating loved ones into your special day can add a unique and meaningful touch. Initially, we felt apprehensive about soliciting favors from friends and family, such as having them bake the cake or perform our first dance. However, people were thrilled to be involved and took pride in their contributions. This not only made the day feel more personalized but also showcased our appreciation for their talents and the value we placed on their participation.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
When it comes to planning a unique and memorable wedding, the right vendors can make all the difference. From capturing the special moments through photography to crafting the perfect look with hair and makeup artists, every detail counts. Jenn Edwards’ exquisite designs for belts and wedding dresses were a highlight of the celebration, as was Cicily Bridal’s stunning Charlie Brear gown. The picturesque yurt reception, courtesy of Yurt Maker, provided a charming backdrop for the festivities. And let’s not forget the thoughtful touches, like Ellis&Eliza’s custom jacket patches and Mr Start’s expertly tailored suits. The florist, Carol Siddorn, brought the blooms to life with her beautiful arrangements, while The Cheshire Dining Experience ensured that the catering was nothing short of exceptional. A huge thank you goes out to Fliss and Matt for sharing their incredible yurt wedding reception with us.