We do love an Autumn wedding! Here, real bride Rachel reveals all about her rustic and magical celebration…
How did you and Andrew meet?
At a hostel in San Francisco – we were both travelling around California with friends!
How did he propose?
At Camber Sands beach during a weekend away.
How would you describe your wedding in one or two words?
Magical and full of love.
Tell us about your wedding gown and how you chose it:
It was the second wedding dress I tried on. I thought I wanted something simple but as soon as I tried it on (along with a veil!) I knew I wanted something more dramatic. I tried on a fair few more dresses but kept on coming back to it. The Bridal Emporium were amazing at helping me choose the beading, colours and alterations so it felt like it fitted perfectly on the day.
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
We wanted it to really feel like ‘us’ so quite informal, where all our friends and family could relax and let their hair down. We tried to keep things simple and focus on how we could spend the most time with the people we love and what would help them to have a great time.
How did you come to choose the location and venue?
I grew up in Harrogate so wanted to be able to get ready at home with my bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding. We stumbled across the Norman’s after a lot of searching and loved how beautiful it was whilst also being laid back.
Describe the cake:
The cake was made by my best friend from university – Gayle Russell. Gayle made 3 different sized cakes, all of different flavours; white chocolate and orange, Victoria sponge and lemon and elderflower. The wooden boards were chopped down at her boyfriend’s farm! She decorated the cakes using flowers from Clock Dandelion.
What flowers did you use in the bouquet and at the venue?
Lots of different flowers and leaves in beautiful autumnal colours.
How did you choose your table décor?
Jo from Clock Dandelion gave amazing advice. We wanted to keep it simple whilst also adding colour with the flowers in milk bottles and warmth with the tea lights.
What were your favourite moments from the day?
The weather being warm enough to have drinks and spend time outside, walking into the grain shed as a married couple, serving after dinner cocktails, having all our friends and family on the dance floor.
Name your wedding soundtrack:
- Aisle entrance: Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful World (acoustic, no singing) – played by Free to Roam
- Exit: Stevie Wonder – Signed, sealed, delivered – played by Free to Roam
- First dance: Cyndi Lauper – Time after time
Any DIY décor elements?
Polaroid cameras for the guest book, blankets to keep people warm, team bride and team groom ‘tattoos’
Any sentimental personal touches?
Our wedding favours were chocolate coins from Bettys – a favourite of mine and a link to Yorkshire.
What was the biggest splurge of the day?
The venue – totally worth it
How did you save on costs?
We used Etsy to save on stationery/invitations. We used lots of candles to add to the atmosphere in the grain shed.
Where did you go on honeymoon?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, a safari in the Masai Mara (Kenya) and relaxing in Mauritius
Any tips that you can give to future brides?
Enjoy it! The day goes so quickly so take all the moments you can to remember it and soak it all up.
The details
Wedding Date: 13.10.18
Wedding feature thanks to: BWedding https://bweddinginvitations.com
Wedding Invitations: Papier
Dress: Watters Wtoo – Anastasia https://www.watters.com/wtoo/wtoo-brides/
Veil: The Bridal Emporium, Leeds
Makeup: Jules Daniels
Hair: Craig Parkinson
Shoes: Uterque
Accessories: my late Grandma’s diamond necklace
Bridesmaids Dresses: a range – ASOS and brands at Debenhams
Groom’s Suit: Hawes & Curtis https://www.hawesandcurtis.com.au/
Groomsmen Suit: Hawes & Curtis
Cake: Made by Rachel’s best friend – Gayle Russell
Food: Hog & Apple http://www.thehogandapple.co.uk/
Flowers: Clock Dandelion
Photographer: Lumiere Photographic https://lumierephotographic.com/
Ceremony and reception venue: The Normans http://thenormansweddings.co.uk/
Entertainment: Free to Roam, Hi-Life entertainment (provided DJ)
Celebrant: Selby registrars
Wedding Favours: chocolate gold coins from Bettys
