Imagine being transported to an whimsical world where love and magic reign supreme. Sarah and Chris’s wedding celebration at Applewood in Leeds on July 15th, 2017, was a masterclass in effortless elegance and joyous abandon. The stunning outdoor ceremony amidst the woodland’s verdant backdrop, adorned with ribbons and florals, was nothing short of breathtaking. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the couple and their guests made their way to a majestic tipi, transformed into a wildflower wonderland under the stars. Fairy lights danced across the landscape, casting an ethereal glow on the festivities. Amidst the merriment, Sarah and Chris’s daughter played her part in the celebration, infusing it with a sense of youthful exuberance. As the night unfolded, the atmosphere was alive with laughter, love, and music, creating a treasure trove of memorable moments for years to come.
The Proposal
Chris orchestrated a romantic getaway to Paris for Sarah in 2011, culminating in a picturesque proposal in the iconic Montmartre district, where he got down on one knee and popped the question in a serene park setting.
The Vision
From the start, we envisioned a wedding that would be an authentic reflection of who we are as a couple. Childhood memories of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves played a significant role in shaping our vision – we longed to exchange vows amidst the serenity of a woodland setting. Our venue offered us the creative freedom to bring this dream to life, and we seized the opportunity to transform the space into an explosion of colour and whimsy, with wildflowers taking centre stage. As it turned out, our big day exceeded all expectations, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who joined in the celebration.
The Planning Process
The seeds of inspiration were sown during my woodland visit in 2016. As I brainstormed ideas, we solidified our choices for florist and photographer, both of whom were not only talented but also willing to travel to Leeds. With the creative team in place, we focused on sourcing local suppliers and pouring over online resources to bring our vision to life. It was through Nicola at Applewood that we discovered Jan, an exceptional celebrant who crafted a ceremony that perfectly captured our unique personalities.
Budget
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
For Sarah, the decision to opt for bridal separates was a no-brainer. She craved something that deviated from the traditional wedding dress formula. Her skirt, courtesy of Catherine Deane, paired beautifully with the top from Monsoon, while Kurt Geiger sandals completed her look. As for accessories, simplicity reigned supreme – earrings gifted by her parents and two bangles bestowed upon her by Chris, both sourced from Daniella Draper.On the other hand, Chris had a clear vision for his wedding attire. He opted for a tweed suit, carefully crafted by a tailor in Edinburgh. This unique choice reflected his personality and added to the overall charm of the special day.
Beauty
Amy George, a skilled professional, took the reins on my makeup, while Rachel of Yorkshire Bridal Hair worked her magic to create a stunning hairstyle for me.
Bridesmaids
Sarah and her family played a significant role in the wedding party, with her own daughter, Charlotte, serving as one of the bridesmaids alongside Chris’s daughter. Meanwhile, Sarah’s sister, Rachel, took on the important responsibility of Maid of Honour. Interestingly, all three ladies donned stunning dresses from the renowned fashion brand Monsoon.
The Readings & Music
Sarah’s wedding playlist played a significant role in making her special day even more memorable. The aisle walk music was set to Heartbeats by Jose Gonzales, while Everlong by Foo Fighters accompanied the signing of the register and 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins marked their exit from the ceremony. The first dance, however, was a sweet serenade to Once Around the Block by Badly Drawn Boy, chosen for its sentimental value and ability to evoke fond memories. The songs were carefully selected to incorporate meaningful moments into their wedding day. In addition to the music, two poignant readings were incorporated during the ceremony. The first, Your Time is Now by Natalie Roocroft, and the second, Union by Robert Fulghum, were expertly suggested by their celebrant, Jan, and seamlessly fit into the overall narrative of their special day.
Groomsmen
While the role of best man was filled by Chris’s sibling, Paul, he took creative liberties with his attire, opting for a bespoke suit that reflected his personal style.
The Flowers
To create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, we sought to incorporate a diverse array of wildflowers throughout the entire venue. To achieve this, we entrusted the skilled team at Stem & Co., who carefully crafted an ensemble of blooms that added a pop of color and life to every corner.
The Cake
As the big day approached, we decided to treat our loved ones to two unique dessert options that would impress and delight. The first was a stunning three-tiered cake from The Wildflower Bakery in Leeds, featuring a delightful combination of Earl Grey, Lemon, and Victoria Sponge flavors. To add an extra touch of elegance, it was beautifully adorned with flowers. Meanwhile, we also had a savory cheese wedding cake that served as the main attraction for our evening supper. We took it to the next level by decorating it with fresh fruits and pairing it with crackers and homemade chutney, providing a satisfying and filling treat for our guests.
The Details & Décor
When planning the ceremony at Leeds’ woodland, Sam from Stem & Co joined forces to bring a shared vision to life. Prior to setting up, they met several times to conceptualize the overall aesthetic, deciding on a color palette that would be both vibrant and organic. The team opted for an array of wildflowers to create bouquets, buttonholes, table centerpieces, and even hanging jam jars suspended by colorful ribbons throughout the woodland. To complement these natural arrangements, they utilized rustic table runners adorned with trailing ivy, wooden accents paired with glass bottles, and vintage teapots filled with fresh blooms.
Your Photographer
Our introduction to James was through an unforgettable engagement shoot, where his unique photography style truly captured our attention. Little did we know at the time, but that initial encounter would set the stage for a lifelong memory – having him document our special day as we exchanged vows.
The Honeymoon
During our brief getaway, we had the pleasure of spending time in two picturesque destinations – Watergate Bay and St Ives, both located in the beautiful region of Cornwall. Our stay allowed us to experience the unique charm and attractions of these coastal towns, leaving us with lasting memories.
Memorable Moments
As I reflect on our incredible journey, a few moments stand out as particularly poignant. One of the most memorable experiences was seeing our daughter’s beaming face for the first time – it was as if she ‘married’ us all over again! To commemorate this momentous occasion, we raised a glass (filled with Glayva, of course) in celebration. I still chuckle thinking about Chris’s friends’ hilarious masks during his heartfelt speech. Little did we know, our daughter had already stolen the show by playfully pinching the wedding cake while we took to the dance floor for our first dance as newlyweds. And as a sweet bonus, I cherished our last road trip with Sarah in our trusty VW splitscreen campervan – it was a bittersweet reminder of this chapter’s conclusion.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the freedom to pursue your passions, unencumbered by the constraints of time or expectation. Allow yourself to unwind and savor each moment, letting go of any tension or anxiety that may be holding you back.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Sarah and Chris’s love story unfolded at the picturesque Applewood venue, where they exchanged vows in a celebration that embodied their unique personalities. The atmosphere was set by the stunning photography of Sarah and Chris’s special day, capturing every moment from the Ceremony to the Reception. The Celebrant, with years of experience, led the couple through an emotional and heartfelt ceremony, surrounded by loved ones. The venue’s natural beauty was enhanced by the gorgeous flowers courtesy of Stem & Co, which added a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic. Sarah’s stunning skirt, designed specifically for her special day, was a testament to her impeccable taste. The makeup and hair team, consisting of Amy George and Yorkshire Bridal Hair respectively, ensured that the bride looked radiant from start to finish. Daniella Draper’s exquisite jewellery added an extra touch of glamour to Sarah’s overall look. To get to and from the venue in style, All Luv Dub provided a unique transportation experience for the couple and their guests. The delectable cake, crafted by Wildflower Bakery, was the perfect treat to celebrate this momentous occasion. A heartfelt thank you to Sarah and Chris from Lou, who had the pleasure of sharing in their special day.
