As I sit down to write about Matt and Katie’s wedding, I’m instantly transported to a sunny May 19th, 2018. The couple’s infectious joy and relaxed vibe are palpable even on this autumn day. They wanted a celebration that reflected their playful, carefree personalities, and it’s clear they achieved just that.
The happy pair chose Minnehaha Events in North Yorkshire for their tipi wedding, falling head over heels in love with the venue from the get-go. It’s easy to see why – the wildflower florals are the perfect match for this idyllic setting. And did Katie do an amazing job arranging those table flowers herself? I’m also impressed by her bridesmaid’s talent as a sign writer, which adds an extra layer of beauty to their special day.
Matt and Katie entrusted Lisa Webb Photography with capturing their big day, and what stunning images she created! Thank you for sharing them with us today, Lisa.
What struck me most about this wedding was its effortless laid-back nature. Even before the ceremony, Katie grabbed a drink with her dad at the pub – talk about fun! And did I mention how adorable their proposal story is? It’s a real treat to share.
The Proposal
As I walked through the door, I was enveloped by a warm glow that illuminated our usually mundane hallway. The soft flicker of candles danced across the walls, casting a romantic ambiance over the space. A crimson ribbon stretched from the front door to the stairs, its length punctuated by tiny notes that fluttered like butterflies in the gentle light. Each note held a tender reminder of the memories we’d shared and the reasons why my partner loved me. As I followed the ribbon’s path, the candles’ soft crackle seemed to harmonize with the gentle rustling of the paper, weaving together a sonic tapestry that transported me to a world of serenity. And then, at the foot of the stairs, he appeared – my fiancé, resplendent in his finery, with our song playing softly in the background like a sweet serenade. The air was charged with anticipation as he delivered a heartfelt speech that left me tearfully besotted. With the fire crackling and over 100 candles casting their golden glow, it was as if we’d stepped into a dream world. I wept throughout the evening, overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it all – happy tears that left my heart full.
The Vision
In search of a unique and memorable experience, we aimed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere at our special day. We yearned for an intimate setting that reflected our personalities, where every guest felt welcome and at ease. Our vision was of a lively garden party, with vibrant colors, lush greenery, and the warmth of sunshine.
The Planning Process
With meticulous attention to detail, I crafted a comprehensive spreadsheet that outlined every item requiring purchase or booking, carefully constructing a timeline to ensure timely payment for each expense. In parallel, I invested significant time researching online for inspiration, compiling a treasure trove of ideas and concepts that would shape the foundation of our special day. My best friend’s thoughtful gift of a wedding planning book proved invaluable, allowing me to jot down notes, refine my thoughts, and bring my vision to life.
Budget
As our dream wedding plans took shape, I had envisioned a celebration that would fit comfortably within a budget of £10,000. However, as we began to incorporate every detail – from the ceremony to the reception and even the romantic honeymoon getaway – our total outlay ended up being closer to £18,000.
The Venue
Located in the picturesque North Yorkshire village of Burniston, near Scarborough, the breathtaking venue at Flatts Farm Burniston, Minniehaha Events, stole our hearts. We only visited one place before making a decision and booking on the spot – it was that incredible! The stunning Tipi, rustic barn bar, and idyllic split-level bistro/barn for our wedding ceremony all contributed to its charm. It’s a setting that would be perfect for any special occasion.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I chose Purity Bridal for my wedding dress, accompanied by my mum, which made the experience intimate and the decision easy. I ultimately selected a strapless princess-cut gown that exuded simplicity, playfulness, and lightness. The dress felt incredibly comfortable, and the lace detail on the bodice added just the right amount of elegance. The knowledgeable staff at Purity Bridal were instrumental in guiding me through the process. For my shoes, I opted for Rainbow Club’s designs, while my accessories came from Liberty in Love, whose wedding jewelry is truly exquisite.Matt, on the other hand, chose H&L Fashions for his suits. Their four-piece offerings are stunning, and Matt fell in love with them. As it happens, my friend had recently established this boutique in Haworth, a picturesque village in Yorkshire, affectionately known as Bronte country. The suits boasted intricate details, including velvet trim on the pockets, which Matt thoroughly appreciated. He even treated himself to Loake brogues for added flair.
Beauty
As I prepared for the special occasion, I entrusted my hair styling to Saks in Scarborough, while taking on the task of doing my own makeup. I had anticipated getting emotional during the service and didn’t want any tears ruining my appearance, so it seemed like a practical decision to handle my own makeup. Throughout my preparation process, I relied heavily on Estée Lauder products for both my makeup and skincare routines, impressed by their reputation for long-lasting results.
Your Photographer
Lisa Webb played a pivotal role in capturing the essence of our special day, effortlessly putting everyone at ease as she snapped away. Her photographic skills are truly impressive, and we’re thrilled with the magical moments she captured. What’s more, she went above and beyond to suggest picturesque locations near the venue for us to take memorable photos. These thoughtful gestures didn’t go unnoticed – they added a wonderful personal touch to our celebration.
The photobooth, courtesy of VW, was another huge hit with our guests. They thoroughly enjoyed taking silly snaps, and we’ve got some fantastic memories from that experience too. To top it all off, Picabo Photography did an outstanding job setting up while we had our wedding breakfast, allowing the photobooth to become a mini event in its own right when the guests were ready to let loose and have fun.
Groomsmen
The groomsmen outfits, courtesy of H&L Fashions, showcased a harmonious blend of coordination and personal flair. Matt, the best man, and the groom wore identical ensembles, with the latter’s team of groomsmen drawing inspiration from their leader’s style. By mixing and matching waistcoats and tie combinations, they created a cohesive look that tied in perfectly with the best man’s attire, while still allowing each individual to express his unique personality through subtle variations.
Bridesmaids
I sourced the stunning outfits from Joanie Clothing, specifically hunting for a 50’s-inspired prom dress that fit the bill. I was thrilled to score not one, not two, but three of these fabulous frocks during the sale period. The girls looked absolutely radiant and, as an added bonus, they felt super comfortable in their new dresses too. To complete the looks, we opted for understated elegance with a dainty earrings and necklace set from Swarovski, adding a touch of sophistication to each outfit.
The Cake
We felt incredibly fortunate to have received a stunning three-tiered cake from Diane, a talented amateur baker who kindly offered her services. This delectable masterpiece featured layers of rich chocolate, tangy lemon, and sweet fruit cake, all expertly crafted at a remarkably affordable price.
The Readings & Music
We curated a unique soundtrack for our special day, blending our personal tastes into a diverse playlist. Matt invested hours crafting an epic Spotify playlist that would keep the party going between acts, featuring Father John Misty, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and Electric Light Orchestra among others.To add a touch of whimsy, I hired Jonny Kerry, an exceptional accordion player, to perform at the reception. His lively tunes had everyone tapping their feet and singing along.We also brought in Rockin’ Rhythms, a 50’s band that got everyone on their feet, dancing the night away to classic rock and roll hits. Their energy was infectious, and they helped create an unforgettable atmosphere.In between performances, we featured two special readings: Emily Matthews sharing ‘Marriage Is’, and Krina Shah delivering ‘The Meaning Of Love’. These heartfelt words added a poignant layer to our celebration.
The Flowers
When planning our wedding, we sought a florist who shared our vision for natural, whimsical blooms and arrangements. We were thrilled to find Rachel, a talented artist who cultivates her own flowers. She crafted stunning pieces, including buttonholes, bouquets, wands, and gifts that perfectly captured the essence of our special day. To further personalize the experience, we opted for DIY buckets and worked with Rachel to create our own floral arrangements for the tables, which turned out beautifully.
The Details & Décor
As I recall, my friends and I took creative liberties with the wedding decor. We customized our tables by naming them after our favorite musical heroes and then cut out wooden signs from MDF to fit into the flower arrangements. A golden touch was added by spraying them with a metallic finish, which looked stunning as table names. To create unique place settings and favors, we crafted small shot glasses filled with an assortment of cocktails and adorned them with colorful corks and gold tassels. These cleverly doubled as both place settings and party favors.My trusted bridesmaid Sophia brought her artistic flair to the table by transforming vintage wooden signs and old frames into beautiful pieces featuring hand-written calligraphy. Her talents didn’t stop there, as she also penned the welcome sign and seating arrangements on mirrors. The end result was a visually stunning display that added an extra layer of personalization to the wedding.Meanwhile, my friend Heloise went above and beyond in her game-crafting endeavors. She set up a variety of activities, including giant Jenga, horse shoe toss, and tin can games, which kept guests entertained throughout the day. To add an extra touch of elegance, we scattered gold-sprayed candles and bird cages around the venue, creating a whimsical ambiance that perfectly captured the wedding’s playful yet sophisticated spirit.
The Honeymoon
Following our wedding celebration, we headed straight home to collect our luggage before embarking on a morning flight to Bali. The night prior, we settled into a comfortable airport stay, recharging for the adventure ahead. Our love for villa stays stems from the added freedom they provide, allowing us to dictate our own pace and schedule. We opted for the stunning Villa ACE in Bali Seminyak, where we indulged in a relaxing getaway, exactly what we needed after the whirlwind of wedding festivities.
Memorable Moments
As I sipped my drink in the gardens, the unmistakable tune of Godfather’s wedding song wafted through the air, courtesy of an expertly played accordion. It brought a smile to my face, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the unexpected serenade. Earlier that day, I had arrived a bit too early for the celebration, so I took a drive with my dad, strolling past a pub where we decided to pop in for a quick drink. Little did we know, it was also royal wedding day, and the TV screens inside were broadcasting the event live. As we walked in, everyone’s eyes turned towards us, likely wondering why someone would be so enthusiastic about the royals. We quickly clarified that I was actually getting married too, and the pub patrons were thrilled to have a fellow bride-to-be stop by for a toast.
Advice For Other Couples
As you prepare for the event, remember that others will be fully immersed in their own experiences. Focus on your own goals and objectives. Before the big day, take the time to plan and organize your finances, ensuring you’re aware of all deadlines and allocations. This will help you manage your resources effectively and avoid last-minute stress. In retrospect, I wish I had allowed more time for personal connections with friends and family beforehand. It would have been wonderful to share more moments together before the event unfolded. When you do get to relax and enjoy the day, remember that it’s over all too soon!
Credit Where Credit Is Due
A memorable wedding celebration was hosted by Matt and Katie, with the help of an exceptional team. The photographer, Lisa Webb Photography, captured the special moments beautifully. The stunning venue, Minehaha Events, provided a picturesque backdrop for the occasion. The bride’s radiant dress was courtesy of Purity Bridal, while her locks were styled to perfection by Saks in Scarborough. For the groomsmen and groom outfits, H&L Fashions delivered impeccable choices. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids looked lovely in their attire from Joanie Clothing. Adding a touch of whimsy was John Kerry’s accordion performance. The lively band, Rockin’ Rhythms via Bands For Hire (a member of Wedding Entertainment), kept the party going throughout the day. Floral arrangements were crafted with love by Ducks & Daffodils, and VW Photobooth ensured that cherished memories would be preserved. Finally, Picabo added its special brand of magic to this unforgettable wedding.
