It’s a joy to witness a wedding celebration where the couple’s unique personality shines through in every aspect. Such was the case for Haleema and Sam, who tied the knot on August 31st, 2017, at Whinstone View’s Wrays Barn in North Yorkshire. The church ceremony set the tone for a warm and inviting atmosphere that carried over to their reception. I love how they incorporated natural elements, including muted colours, lush greenery, and organic stationery, into their décor. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the show-stopping strawberries dipped in chocolate tower cake – pure indulgence! As we dive into the fashion highlights, it’s clear that both the bridesmaids and groomsmen made a stylish impression. The former donned elegant dove grey maxi dresses, while the latter opted for dapper check suits paired with floral ties and rose-adorned buttonholes. Haleema, meanwhile, looked breathtaking in her lace halter-neck fit-and-flare gown, complete with a cathedral veil. It’s wonderful to see such attention to detail and commitment to creating a memorable experience. Sally T Photography did an incredible job of capturing the love, laughter, and beauty of this special day. Thank you for sharing these treasured moments with us.
The Proposal
As we settled into our cozy Venetian b&b, still reeling from the excitement of our backpacking adventure across Europe, South America, and The USA, Sam casually mentioned to the receptionist that we’d booked a one-night stay. I was oblivious to his ulterior motives, assuming it was just a mistake, as we were actually meant to be there for three nights. Little did I know, this was merely the precursor to a romantic surprise. As we unpacked our bags and Sam hinted at the unusual brevity of our visit, he asked if I wanted to know why we’d be leaving so soon. With an innocent ‘what could possibly go wrong?’ expression, I nodded for him to spill the beans. And that’s when it hit me – Sam had secretly booked a luxurious hotel stay for the next two nights, masquerading as an early birthday treat for me! The next day, we strolled hand in hand through Venice’s charming streets, enjoying the afternoon sun and deciding on an impromptu gondola ride. As we glided serenely down a quiet canal, Sam dropped to one knee, his eyes shining with adoration, and asked me to be his forever – accompanied by a triumphant thumbs up and cheers from our enthusiastic gondolier!
The Vision
We yearned for a wedding day that exuded relaxation and freedom from traditional expectations. As newlyweds-to-be, we craved an atmosphere where we could unwind and focus on celebrating our love, unencumbered by the pressure to conform to societal norms or check off generic wedding boxes. After our backpacking adventure, we concurred that a rustic barn venue would be the perfect setting to achieve this laid-back ambiance, allowing us to mingle and cherish moments with our loved ones. While a barn setting may evoke a sense of nostalgia, our aesthetic vision was more about timeless elegance, simplicity, and classic charm. We wanted our wedding photos to transport us back in time, defying the constraints of specific eras or trends, as we curated every detail to reflect our personal style.
The Planning Process
We began planning our wedding 18 months prior to the big day, allowing ample time to save, plan, and source the vendors we truly desired. Surprisingly, we thoroughly enjoyed the planning process and wouldn’t hesitate to do it all again if given the chance! To stay on track, we prioritized booking the key elements within the first few months of committing. This led us to secure our photographer, DJ, and florist early on. As we delved deeper into the details, Pinterest proved to be a valuable resource, serving as a constant source of inspiration for our special day.
Budget
Initially, our budget was modest, a reflection of the careful planning and thrifty approach we employed during the 18-month period leading up to the expenditure. Every dollar counted, as we diligently saved each penny to ensure our financial goals were within reach.
The Venue
Our special day began with an intimate ceremony at the charming St Mary Magdalene Church, nestled in the heart of our hometown Yarm, where we reside. The celebration continued at Wrays Barn – Whinstone View in nearby Great Ayton, a picturesque village that added to the rustic charm of our reception.
The Readings & Music
As I made my way down the aisle, a nod to our shared taste in music played softly – Elbow’s ‘One Day Like This’, one of our beloved tracks. Upon emerging from the church, we were greeted by the warm rays of The Beatles’ iconic ‘Here Comes The Sun’. Amidst this sentimental backdrop, one of our closest friends and groomsmen delivered a heartfelt reading that perfectly captured our laid-back, humor-infused approach to life. With an anonymous quote – ‘He never leaves the seat up’ – he had us both beaming with its lighthearted charm.
Groom’s Attire
Sam’s tailored attire was a masterclass in sophistication, courtesy of Bakers Tailoring. We’re more than happy to sing the praises of Paul, the skilled tailor behind the brand, who managed to create a truly bespoke look for Sam. The double-breasted navy suit, paired with a bow tie and matching braces, exuded elegance. What really caught our eye, however, was the subtle large check pattern running throughout the fabric, adding a touch of texture and visual interest. And, as if that wasn’t enough, Bakers went the extra mile to embroider Sam’s initials on the inside of the suit breast pocket – a thoughtful detail that added an extra layer of personalization.
The Details & Décor
We took it up a notch with a few unique touches that made the wedding truly special. For instance, we suspended ‘The Richardson’ letter balloons behind our top table, adding a playful pop of color to the proceedings. Meanwhile, we crafted our own photo frame and adorned it with artificial blooms and wooden lettering bearing our custom hashtag ‘#richoswedding’. Our travel-inspired theme was another highlight, as we named each table after a memorable destination we’d visited together. To further commemorate the occasion, we set up a beautifully painted globe guestbook where our loved ones could leave their well-wishes. What we enjoyed most about planning this wedding was selecting these smaller details and infusing them with personal touches that reflected our shared experiences.
The Flowers
Inspired by nature’s nuances, we opted for a predominantly neutral colour palette in our floral arrangements. Shades of white and grey dominated the scene, punctuated by lush foliage. The aroma of fresh eucalyptus wafted through the air as we lined the long tables with this invigorating herb. Our floral selection featured hydrangeas, roses, gypsophila, grey echeveria, and brunia, blending together in harmony to create a beautiful and understated aesthetic.
Beautiful Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids’ attire featured a harmonious cohesion as Karen, Heather, Abigail, and Tiana donned dove grey, multiway dresses from Victoria Lou Bridal. Online purchases led to an exciting moment when the dresses arrived, exceeding expectations. While Karen, Heather, and Abigail opted for the classic style dress, each adapted it to reflect their individual tastes by tying it accordingly. In contrast, Tiana’s choice was a showstopper – she wore the tulle version of the dress in the one-shoulder design, adding a touch of uniqueness to the overall ensemble.
The Cake
In place of a conventional wedding cake, we chose to create a stunning chocolate strawberry tower that showcased our shared love for this sweet treat. The tower was generously crafted by Sam’s aunt, who received countless compliments on her masterpiece. To complement the tower, a friend kindly prepared a batch of delectable cupcakes filled with fresh strawberries, adding an extra layer of sweetness to our special day.
The Honeymoon
Our seven-day romantic getaway to Southeast Asia was an unforgettable experience, comprising three days in vibrant Singapore and twelve enchanting nights in stunning Bali. As we celebrated our union with a plethora of memorable moments, we can confidently attest that this region is an ideal haven for newlyweds seeking adventure and serenity.
Your Photographer
We were fortunate to have Sally Thurrell (Sally T Photography) as our photographer for the day, who recommended and collaborated with Katie Byram as our second shooter. Our initial interaction with Sally was seamless, as her stunning photographs immediately resonated with us, showcasing a relaxed and natural photography style that perfectly aligned with our vision. Additionally, we were thrilled to learn about Sally’s offer of stop motion videos, which exceeded our expectations with the final product.
The Dress & Accessories
As soon as I slipped into my dress, I was smitten. The halterneck design, fully encased in intricate lace, hugged my curves while its long train swept elegantly behind me. What truly caught my eye, however, was the unique halterneck style – a feature I hadn’t encountered before. Delicate beading and scalloping adorned the neckline, creating a flattering visual effect that made me feel like a princess. To complete my look, I chose a cathedral-length veil with lace embroidery so fine it resembled a whisper. Meanwhile, my Asos bridal shoes were the perfect complement to my overall aesthetic. With a minimalist approach to jewelry, I wore Pandora earrings and bracelet featuring a heart charm given to me by Sam as a thoughtful wedding gift.
Finding The Dress
Memorable Moments
As we drove to the church together, my mum and I had a chance to bond on what would be her last walk down the aisle as my escort. Little did I know that there would be an impromptu meet-and-greet outside the church afterwards, allowing us to greet each of our guests personally. The quiet moment I shared with Sam during the ride to Whinstone View was a sweet respite from the excitement that lay ahead. And then, of course, came the hilarious speeches and a dance floor packed all night long – memories we’ll treasure forever.
Sam’s surprise wedding speech still takes my breath away, and saying our vows in front of loved ones will always be a special moment for me. The speeches themselves were nothing short of hilarious, but it was our first dance as a married couple that really stole the show. And let’s not forget the all-night dancing with our guests – what an unforgettable celebration!
Advice For Other Couples
As you prepare for your special day, it’s essential to prioritize the aspects that truly matter to you and your partner. Focus on the elements that will create lasting memories, rather than getting bogged down in the finer details. With careful planning, everything will fall into place on the wedding day. Take a step back, breathe, and relish each moment – it’s yours to cherish.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
It’s a match made in heaven when Haleema and Sam’s paths collided, and their love story unfolded like a fairytale. Behind the lens was Sally T Photography, capturing every magical moment. The Bridal Boutique was where Miranda Marie found her dream dress, while Whinstone View served as the picturesque backdrop for their special day. Groomsman attire was courtesy of Bakers Tailoring, complementing Sam’s dashing look perfectly. The bridesmaids looked stunning in Victoria Lou Bridal’s exquisite creations. To keep the party going, Jonny Ross Music spun his magic on the decks, while The Flower Room brought an array of vibrant blooms to the celebration. Saxophone Player John McGough added a touch of sophistication with his smooth melodies. With flawless makeup by Sarah Allen at Pout Makeup and gorgeous hairstyles courtesy of LK Hairdressing, Haleema felt like royalty. And let’s not forget that show-stopping confetti cannon first dance moment – pure perfection! It was an absolute pleasure for us to share their love story with you.
