The whimsical wedding of Joe and Sarah, a vibrant celebration of love and joy, is sure to put a smile on your face. The couple’s Stone Barn in the Cotswolds ceremony was a masterclass in creating a fun-loving atmosphere. From the explosion of colorful flowers to the infectious party vibes (hello sax entrance and energetic first dance), every moment radiated happiness. I’m particularly fond of the bold color palette, which extended to the stunning custom-painted wedding shoes by Elizabeth Rose London – talk about making an entrance! The suspended pampas flower cloud added a touch of drama, while nods to pets and playful smoke flares only enhanced the sense of joy and freedom. It’s clear that Eve Dunlop Photography had a blast capturing this special day, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share these delightful images with you.
Colourful Wildflower Wedding
The Proposal
As avid walkers, Joe’s plan to propose to me on the Exmoor coastal path was foiled by a series of mishaps, including our dog nearly wandering off the cliff edge. With the walk coming to an end and feeling rushed, Joe suggested we take a break at a bench halfway down the cliff. I was more interested in getting to the pub, but followed him anyway. As we sat down together, Joe asked if I wanted to see something cool, then dropped to one knee. I expected him to ask me to marry him, but instead he pointed out an old woman behind me. In his confusion, he pulled out the ring and started putting it on my finger. By this point, the moment had already been hijacked by a surprise guest – an old woman who was scrambling down the path behind us. She quickly apologised for ruining the ‘beautiful moment’ and insisted on taking some impromptu proposal photos on her phone. We obligingly posed for several snaps before she continued on her way. Joe finally got around to asking me the question, and of course I said yes.
The Vision
In his wedding speech, Joe mentioned my aversion to anything lacking vibrancy, which inspired our colorful celebration. What began as a desire for wildflowers everywhere evolved into a kaleidoscope of hues that surprisingly complemented the occasion perfectly.
Our goal was to craft an atmosphere where friends and family could mingle, have fun, and feel at ease. To achieve this, we incorporated personal touches that reflected our personalities, such as custom cocktails named after our beloved pets and heartfelt notes on each place setting. We prioritized our guests’ enjoyment from the outset, and I’m thrilled to say that we successfully created an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Budget
The Venue
Our wedding reception at Stone Barn in Upper Windrush was a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment we walked into the venue, we knew it was the one for us – no need to discuss it with each other! The unique space offered by Stone Barn perfectly catered to both our ceremony and reception needs.What struck us most about this venue was its ability to seamlessly blend rustic charm with modern flair. The corrugated iron walls and fairy light ceiling created a truly magical atmosphere, unlike anything we’d seen online. And let’s not forget the food – renowned for being exceptional! The large indoor BBQ and open kitchen allowed us to indulge in delicious cuisine while taking in the beautiful surroundings.One of the things that really stood out about Stone Barn was the level of control we had over the décor and other aspects, despite it being a catered venue. This meant we could relax and enjoy our special day without the stress of needing to handle every detail ourselves.Guests have raved about the venue and its stunning surroundings, which provided ample opportunities for breathtaking photos. We couldn’t be more pleased with our choice and would highly recommend Stone Barn to any couple looking for a truly unforgettable wedding experience.
The Ceremony & Music
As we exchanged vows at the Stone Barn, surrounded by our 115 closest friends and family, a custom piano rendition of ‘Now We Are Free’ from Gladiator perfectly accompanied my entrance. The song holds special meaning for Joe, who couldn’t help but be captivated by my arrival – little did he know, I had secretly changed our aisle song to surprise him! The ceremony was filled with laughter and awkward moments, reflecting the playful nature of Joe and me. We cherished three heartfelt readings from family members and close friends, which added a personal touch to the proceedings. As we prepared to exit, Joe was eager to get the party started, signaling the start of our recessional music before we’d even finished signing the register – causing quite the commotion! Music continued to be a highlight throughout the day, with our talented MC and friend seamlessly transitioning into ‘Everlasting Love’ on saxophone as he introduced us at dinner. We danced our way to our seats, surrounded by cheering guests, and kicked off the evening’s festivities with a choreographed routine to ‘Is That Alright’ and ‘Easy Love’. Despite some minor technical issues, we were ready to party after that! To keep the energy high, Mister Shakes took the stage for three live sets, punctuated by DJ sets. Their incredible performance ensured the dance floor remained packed all night long, with our special request for 90’s dance music from midnight onwards guaranteeing a non-stop celebration.
Your Outfits
As I searched for my dream dress, I found myself drawn to a Madi Lane a-line dress in ivory with a long train and boho lace design – it was love at first sight. The matching veil added a romantic touch, and the delicate petals on my headpiece were the perfect finishing touch. I knew I’d found ‘the one’ when I tried it on; it was comfortable and survived even the most energetic moments on the dance floor.To complement my look, I opted for hand-painted shoes that fit in with the whimsical wildflower theme. The details didn’t stop there – our beloved pets were beautifully hand-painted onto the soles, adding a personal touch to my special day.My makeup and hair were expertly styled by Claire at MACH management. A boho plait framed my face, drawing attention to the low back of my dress. I kept my makeup natural and fresh, as it’s not often that you see me wearing much. And, as a nod to my love of bold nails, Gabby from the Gossip Nail Bar created stunning bridal nails featuring encapsulated petals – a unique touch that added to the overall aesthetic.Finding Joe’s dream suit was a different story altogether. We were initially told that the Spring season suits weren’t yet in stock, and we’d have to wait a few months. But, we soon realized that waiting too long had made it increasingly difficult to find the perfect fit.After an exhaustive search across the South West, Joe finally found his tan tweed suit at a local Bristol shop – they even offered matching suits for the groomsmen. Although we weren’t initially convinced, on the day, they looked incredible and complemented the bridesmaids and setting perfectly.The bridesmaid dresses from David’s Bridal were another highlight of my planning process. Teal is notoriously difficult to find, so it was a relief when the swatch met my vision. We opted for mismatched styles, which surprisingly didn’t spark any disagreements among the ladies – they all looked stunning.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Our wedding photography experience was truly exceptional, thanks to the talented Eve Dunlop. She delivered the photos within two weeks, and we couldn’t stop gushing over them. We specifically asked for unique bridal party shots that stood out from generic group photos, and Eve fully understood our vision. To add some flair, we used colored flares in the shoots, which turned out to be some of our favorite moments from the day. Additionally, her knowledge of the venue enabled her to expertly guide us to capture the perfect sunset shot. The final product was a stunning visual representation of our special day, showcasing every aspect from prep to the dance floor and beautifully capturing the joy and laughter that filled the air. Working with Eve felt more like collaborating with a friend than hiring a photographer. We can’t sing her praises enough! Meanwhile, we did opt out of having a videographer due to budget constraints, but two weeks prior to the wedding, we panicked about making the wrong decision. Luckily, we stumbled upon ‘The Wedding Story’, a company that uses your own footage captured during the day at a fraction of the cost of a traditional videographer. With some friends familiar with camera work and willing to lend a hand, we managed to produce a highly personal video that our guests were eager to contribute to. For an added touch of fun, we set up a VW campervan photobooth, which initially raised some eyebrows but ended up being a massive hit with our guests. We thoroughly enjoyed flipping through the photo book the next day and reliving the memories.
The Styling & Decor
As soon as I decided on a vibrant wedding celebration, our florist was thrilled with her brief to create anything but white or blush pink. She exceeded my expectations by incorporating giant pampas leaves in shades of pink and orange into the ceiling wreath – a true showstopper.Throughout the venue, we wove together a tapestry of colour with wild meadows on each table featuring magentas, oranges, yellows, and eucalyptus. The main barn was draped in lush greenery, while my own cascade bouquet added an extra pop of colour. We also suspended 78 giant lanterns from the ceiling, transforming the space into a kaleidoscope of hues.I took it upon myself to get creative with decorations, dyeing bottles various colours and adding them to the bar tables as bottle lights. Our seating chart was crafted from an old pallet, pressed flowers, and gold frames, while our order of the day sign featured hand-painted flair. A friend’s mum, who gifted her design skills as a wedding present, created all our signage – including personal cocktail menus named after our pets (BARK, Stormy’s, and Espresso MEOWtini’s anyone?) and a ceremony booklet filled with fun facts about our special day.To make the experience even more meaningful, we decided to hand-write each guest’s place setting with a special message. This thoughtful touch allowed everyone to know they were being thought of – especially important given the challenges of connecting with every loved one at a wedding.In lieu of traditional favors, we opted for an interactive surprise. We hid drink tokens inside a book with the middle cut out and gave each table clues tailored to the guests seated there. Once they solved the puzzle, they could unlock the book and claim their reward – a delightful experience that brought joy to all who participated!To ensure no one left hungry, we set up a dessert bar alongside pizza for the evening’s sustenance. I scoured Gumtree for tree stumps to create unique heights using flowerpots and crates, while our florist contributed stems to tie in with our whimsical theme. Close friends and family brought their A-game by baking an array of treats inspired by us as a couple (e.g., Anzac biscuits for our time in Australia and Joe’s mum’s brownies, which we can’t resist!). Cupcakes featuring our beloved pets added a playful touch.The pièce de résistance was the cake – a masterpiece crafted by a local Bristol supplier. Given our love of the sea, we wanted to incorporate this element in some way, and she nailed it while keeping the overall aesthetic cohesive. With fairy lights already adorning the barn, we didn’t need to add much more ambiance-wise. However, we did hang a large ‘DANCE’ sign above the dance floor – an excellent backdrop for our first dance photos.
The Honeymoon
After relaxing with family and friends following our special day, we’re looking forward to a well-deserved break. A summer getaway to the stunning archipelago of The Seychelles is just what we need to recharge. With it being a while since our last vacation, we can’t wait to experience the crystal-clear waters, lush green forests, and vibrant culture that this beautiful destination has to offer in June.
Memorable Moments
Memorable moments that left a lasting impression: The ceremony was filled with unexpected surprises, including Joe’s hasty signal for the exit music, leaving both confused guests and the registrar in its wake. The addition of our pup Dougal at the drinks reception added to the festive atmosphere. As we entered the meal, the saxophone rendition of ‘Everlasting Love’ sparked a lively dance party among our 115 guests, setting the tone for an unforgettable day. The best man’s speech had us both laughing uncontrollably, and his spot-on humor will be cherished forever. In hindsight, using smoke flares in group shots might have been a good idea, but we didn’t anticipate them running so long and everyone having to duck for cover to avoid becoming human piñatas. Similarly, the music cutting out mid-first dance, just as Joe had lifted me into the air, forced us to restart – but it all added to the day’s charm. As the final song came to a close, our guests continued singing acapella, creating a magical atmosphere that lingered long after the night was over.
