We’re thrilled to introduce Beth and Matt, who are generously sharing their enchanting Willow Marsh Farm wedding in Leicestershire. On a picturesque Spring day, they exchanged vows amidst a breathtaking backdrop of blush pink hues, lush flowers, and ethereal table settings that evoke the season’s softness. The couple’s understated approach to planning is particularly noteworthy – they desired an authentic celebration that felt unscripted, rather than a carefully curated production. This relaxed attitude shines through in every aspect of their special day, from Beth’s lovely lace gown to Matt’s stylish navy suit. They both exuded effortless elegance. We’re grateful to Matt Horan Photography for allowing us to indulge in these sumptuous images and bask in the beauty of this unforgettable wedding.
Willow Marsh Farm Wedding
The Proposal
We had spent seven years together, and our long-anticipated trip to New York finally became a reality. A destination that had always been high on my list of places to visit. He was adept at keeping me in the dark, so I never expected him to pop the question in such an iconic setting. But as we strolled onto the rooftop of our hotel overlooking the Empire State Building, he suggested we take in the sunset from up there. Little did I know, this would be the perfect setup for a proposal. As I snapped a photo of the majestic landmark, I turned to find him down on one knee, and it was as if time stood still. The tranquility of the moment, coupled with the breathtaking view, made it truly unforgettable – a memory we could savor just between us.
The Vision
As I approached my wedding day, I didn’t feel like I’d been conditioned by societal expectations to envision a traditional white wedding. Instead, I wanted the ceremony to reflect our unique personalities and not simply check off boxes from a generic checklist. Three months into my engagement, we discovered a charming barn conversion that had recently opened its doors. This blank slate allowed us to infuse our special day with our own personal touches, rather than feeling like we were part of a cookie-cutter package deal. I craved the freedom to curate a menu featuring our favorite dishes and celebrate in an informal yet intimate setting that would allow us to share the experience with our loved ones.
Budget
When planning our special day, we initially aimed to allocate £15,000 solely for the wedding expenses (excluding the honeymoon). However, considering the unique circumstances surrounding our big day – having to reschedule twice and wait an additional two years – we did take a more relaxed approach when it came to selecting flower arrangements and table settings. This led to some inevitable overspending, but ultimately, it was worth it for us.
The Venue
Willow Marsh Farm, an enchanting barn conversion, stole my heart as soon as I laid eyes on it in 2020. The property’s rich history began when the couple who renovated it initially transformed it for their own wedding, a clever move that showcased its rustic charm. As I envisioned our special day unfolding within its walls, I craved an atmosphere that harmoniously blended the outdoors with the indoors, sans modern frills. Upon entering the venue, I knew we had found ‘the one’ – and so did my partner-in-crime. We were likely among the first couples to reserve Willow Marsh Farm for their nuptials, but the wait was well worth it. The farm’s tranquil atmosphere, coupled with the picturesque Parlour where we could prepare for our big day and linger after the celebrations, only added to the magic. It truly made our wedding day unforgettable.
The Ceremony & Music
Our special day began at Stanford on Soar, a charming local village church that perfectly captured the rustic charm of our wedding celebration. The fact that it was just a stone’s throw away from the reception venue made it an ideal choice for our guests. We were keen to maintain the church’s original features, which included beautifully crafted wooden pews and stunning stained-glass windows – no modern carpets or sleek decorations in sight! To add to the traditional ambiance, we opted for classic wedding music played by the church organist during my entrance and our departure. This choice felt particularly fitting, given that we had initially considered hiring a violinist but were thrilled with the outcome.As we left the church, the sound of the bells ringing out added an extra layer of ceremony to our exit. It was a truly magical moment that left us beaming with happiness. For our reception, we brought in The Dirty Weekend, a lively festival-themed band that allowed us to customize their sets to cater to a range of musical tastes. We chose songs from iconic festivals like Live Aid, Reading and Leeds, and V Fest to ensure there was something for everyone. In between the live music performances, we enjoyed DJ sets that kept the party going all night long.
The Styling & Decor
We were thrilled to have Louise Price from NumberTwentySeven design our floral arrangements for our special day. Her expertise and attention to detail really shone through, perfectly capturing the essence of natural wildflowers for our spring wedding. The vintage blush pink ranunculus and tulips added a touch of elegance, while the abundance of flowers throughout the venue created a bright and airy atmosphere that truly made everything feel fresh and vibrant.
For our table settings, we worked with Boelle Events to create a stunning combination of coloured linen napkins in blush pink and floaty muslin linen, paired with lush foliage and greenery. The result was a beautiful and inviting ambiance that set the tone for our celebration.
Our welcome sign, menus, table names and numbers were designed by Papier, while my uncle brought his own unique touch to the calligraphy on our table plan. And, of course, no wedding would be complete without a show-stopping cake! My Mum truly outdid herself with her breathtaking blush pink masterpiece adorned with pearls and fresh flowers – it was the perfect finishing touch.
Your Outfits
As I navigated the world of wedding dress shopping, my unconventional approach was met with a lackluster response – nothing seemed to resonate with me. The experience felt like an affront to my sense of self, as if I’d be losing myself on the most pivotal day. It wasn’t until after months of searching that I stumbled upon a local Nottinghamian who had been recommended by our family friend. Though she’s since retired, her talent for bringing my vision to life through images was unparalleled.
Undeterred by the lackluster results from previous excursions, I sought out a local lace maker to source the Chantilly lace that would form the foundation of my dress. My goal was to create something ethereal and comfortable, with a vintage flair that wouldn’t break the bank or compromise on quality.
Meanwhile, Matt’s journey to find the perfect attire was just as arduous. Initially, he coveted a green suit, an affinity that dated back to our first date in 2020 when we’d splurged on sage green suits from Moss Bros. Luckily, we were able to return them and he eventually opted for a more classic fit.
Eventually, he settled on dark blue suits from Kin at John Lewis, paired with a grey and navy check waistcoat and burgundy ties. His satisfaction with the final product was palpable, as was its polished appearance.
Your Photographer
Matt Horan, our talented photographer, left an unforgettable impression on us. His enthusiasm and ability to connect with everyone on site were truly remarkable – we even had people asking if he was one of our closest friends! His unobtrusive approach resulted in a series of lovely, candid shots that perfectly captured the essence of the day. This was precisely why I chose him; I wanted to preserve the authentic moments and interactions between loved ones, knowing that Matt would be there to capture them all, including those special moments when I wasn’t present. Ultimately, his exceptional photography skills made me feel that a videographer wouldn’t be necessary, as he had already done an impressive job of capturing the day’s highlights through his lens.
The Honeymoon
Our escapade to the Lux South Ari Atoll in the Maldives was nothing short of breathtaking. After what felt like an eternity waiting to arrive, we were finally able to unwind and bask in the island’s natural beauty. The experience was so sublime that we both left with a deep longing to return – in fact, getting married again is now a tempting prospect solely for the chance to revisit this paradise.
Memorable Moments
As the sun rose on our special day, I was surrounded by the people who mattered most – my bridesmaids, Mum, and loved ones. We spent the morning in the cozy Parlour at the reception, soaking up every moment of joy and laughter. The excitement was palpable as we took our first steps out of the church, and it was incredible to see everyone’s beaming faces, eager to celebrate with us. As the night unfolded, we danced under the stars alongside our closest family and friends, lost in a sea of happiness and togetherness.
