Set amidst the picturesque backdrop of Wharfedale Grange in September, Rob and Lauren’s Yorkshire barn wedding was a masterclass in understated elegance. The golden light of sunshine poured in, casting a warm glow over the proceedings as the happy couple exchanged vows and celebrated their love with style. The rustic charm of the barns was elevated by thoughtful touches such as sage green napkins, soft lighting, and whimsical mirror signs, while gypsophila added a delicate touch to the overall aesthetic. Among the highlights were the tender moments captured between Rob and Lauren, including their just-married moment, confetti-filled celebration, and romantic first dance. We’re grateful to Hayley Baxter Photography for sharing these breathtaking images with us, offering a glimpse into the joyous occasion that will be cherished by the happy couple forever.
Stylish Yorkshire Barn Wedding
The Proposal
As we emerged from lockdown on April 12, 2021, Rob and I had already planned a belated celebration of my birthday the following day with our loyal canine companion in tow. Little did I know that this particular birthday would be one to remember. On the morning of my special day, we decided to tackle Whernside in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, an endeavor marked by an unusual bout of silence from Rob. Typically a man of few words, he seemed preoccupied with something, his normally effervescent demeanor replaced by an air of contemplation. Twenty meters shy of the summit, he suddenly brought us to a halt, gazing out at the breathtaking panorama unfolding before us. And then, in a moment that would forever be etched in my memory, he dropped down onto one knee, a vintage-inspired gem glinting on his palm. His motivation was twofold: ensuring a serene atmosphere for our shared experience and safeguarding the possibility of other celebrants at the very apex. The dog, sensing the significance of the moment, seemed to understand that this was no ordinary birthday.
The Vision
Our venue search began with Wharfedale Grange, which immediately stole our hearts. Although we did visit another option, it lacked the same effortless charm as WG. We were drawn to its relaxed atmosphere, which perfectly aligned with our desire for a fun and laid-back celebration that deviated from traditional expectations.
Budget
We started with a budget of £30,000, but as the project progressed, costs escalated, and we ultimately settled on £35,000. Rather than meticulously tracking every additional pound, I decided to invest in getting it done once, hoping for a high-quality outcome.
The Venue
For couples seeking a truly magical setting for their special day, Wharfedale Grange is a dream come true. This enchanting venue boasts an exceptional team, an electric atmosphere, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you and your guests in awe.
Your Outfits
My search for the perfect dress led me to Bea by Madi Lane, which I stumbled upon online about a month after Rob proposed. The design stuck with me, and I couldn’t shake it off. Luckily, Scarlett Poppy, a local bridal store just 10 minutes from our home, was able to source one for me to try on – it was a couple of seasons old by then. As soon as I slipped it on, I knew it was the one. While I did consider other styles to ensure my decision was well-informed, nothing compared to that dress’s comfort and fit. It was crucial to me that I felt at ease throughout the day, rather than worrying about breathing issues or discomfort. The experience was all the more enjoyable thanks to Rob, who had found his Ralph Lauren blazer online. Not being a traditional suit wearer, he initially approached me with concerns about dressing up for our special day. His solution – black skinny jeans paired with the jacket and a bow tie – won me over, and I gave my blessing.
The Styling & Decor
While we opted not to splurge on hiring napkins at £2 each, I did spend hours ironing and decorating our own napkins using twine and name tags – it was a labor of love that ultimately paid off, but perhaps not one I’d recommend in hindsight. The venue itself required minimal styling, aside from a ‘Dance’ sign for the dance floor and the beautiful flowers arranged by Charlotte at Boxwood Yorkshire. Our overall aesthetic was relaxed, with no specific theme guiding our choices – except perhaps an accidental emphasis on gypsophila, which I adore. We also picked up a vintage-style mirror for our order of the day display and kept things simple with a random table plan, both of which were online purchases.
The Ceremony & Music
Our sister-in-law, who had played matchmaker for us a few years prior, surprised us by footing the bill for a string quartet to accompany our special day. Her generosity was matched only by her initial shock when we asked them to switch gears and play some rock classics – Queen and Guns N Roses were big hits with our crowd. As I made my way down the aisle, Dad by my side, Seal’s ‘Kiss from a Rose’ provided a beautiful soundtrack, a nod to Mum’s favorite song. The ceremony itself was punctuated by a lovely reading from my sister, which she titled ‘The Art of Marriage.’ It felt particularly fitting given our unconventional approach to life. I have to admit that things got off to a slightly rocky start when the registrar forgot my name during the proceedings, but we all managed to laugh it off. And speaking of memorable moments, Dad decided he needed a gin and tonic just before giving me away – not exactly traditional, perhaps, but a moment I’ll treasure nonetheless.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
As we began planning our special day, my sister insisted that Hayley Baxter, our photographer, be part of it from the start. We had been fortunate enough to meet Hayley at her previous work – my sister’s wedding in July – and she truly was an exceptional value for the price. Hayley was more than just a photographer; she played the role of my fifth bridesmaid on the day, keeping me calm during the morning preparations. Her photography skills exceeded our wildest expectations, capturing the most cherished moments from our big day. Her coordination skills were impressive as well – she kept everything running smoothly while simultaneously taking stunning photos. The highlight was when Hayley cleverly caught my dad’s reaction for a gorgeous photo opportunity, earning tears from him, which rarely happens and meant the world to us.
My best friend Rachel Airey (@rachelelizabethfilms on Instagram) was an integral part of our wedding party as one of my bridesmaids. She also gifted us her videography skills as a thoughtful present.
The Honeymoon
As we navigated the challenges of planning our wedding during the pandemic, my husband and I deliberately opted out of making elaborate honeymoon plans that could have been derailed by last-minute changes or cancellations. Instead, we chose to keep things simple and relaxing, embarking on a week-long getaway to the picturesque Yorkshire Dales with our furry companion by our side. The experience was nothing short of blissful, and it even convinced my husband that we needed another canine addition to our family!
Memorable Moments
The memory of sharing the big reveal with my dad is still so vivid. His complete lack of prior knowledge made it an incredibly special moment. I also cherished the time spent walking with Hayley, despite the chaos that often accompanies her visits. On this particular evening, she arrived at sunset and insisted we make time for a walk, which turned out to be an absolute delight. The photos from our stroll together are truly unforgettable. Additionally, our first dance was made even more memorable by the confetti cannon, while the speeches delivered throughout the day were simply fantastic.