Happy Monday folks! If you are feeling the Monday blues, let me bring some cheer to your day with this bright and beautiful Barff House Country Wedding in Yorkshire on 27th July 2019. Emily and Adam described their day to me as “fun, relaxed and definitely colourful. Best day ever!” and it certainly looked like it was a blast if the stunning images by Sarah Beth Photo are anything to go by. Huge thanks to Sarah for sending these beautiful captures to us!
Where to start? Perhaps with the 1000 hand folded origami paper cranes, which by the way looked spectacular in the marquee. It must have made such impact when walking into the tent. The colourful touches didn’t end there though as the flowers were in an array of vibrant tones, Emily’s bouquet in particular was just stunning. Then there were the outfits, I love the floral bridesmaid frocks, Emily’s halter-neck gown and the blue suits teamed with polka dot ties. So so stylish!
Do look out for a classic car, pretty stationery and a delicious cake table too. Enjoy…
The Proposal
Adam knows I love being at home (at my parents) and we both have a shared love of Christmas. Adam proposed on 23rd December 2017 – he was up uncharacteristically early this morning and insisted that we go out to walk the dog in the village where my parents live. Little did I know he was planning to ask me to marry him. Adam got down on one knee and after I said yes, proceeded to pull out some champagne to celebrate. We then walked back to my parents and he rustled up my favourite breakfast.
The Vision
We both knew we wanted a summer wedding and family, food and music were the things that we were really bothered about (Adam, unlike me, was less interested in the flowers!). We knew we wanted as many as our friends and family there as possible. In terms of the wedding itself, I was very much against a ‘theme’ but knew I wanted a relaxed feel, big and bright flowers and some thoughtful personal touches. The cranes were something I saw online and mind from the early days, which was as good job because folding 1000 took some time!
The Planning Process
We’re both really organised, so early on had a spreadsheet with budgets and lists. Planning didn’t really feel stressful, because we had 18 months to get ready. The only time I felt stressed was the week before with the final touches, but I think that was just pre-wedding nerves!
The Venue
We got married at my parent’s local church in Etton, near Beverley. Our reception was then at Barff Country House, Brandesburton. We both knew we’d like to get married back near Beverley, where we are both from. I knew of some local wedding venues but none that really appealed. My mum actually came across our venue online which was a new venue and when we looked round I fell in love with it. It was such a gorgeous setting that could be a blank canvas, but didn’t really need much adding to it. I also liked the flexibility of being able to do what we wanted in terms of suppliers – food, drinks, flowers etc. And Katy who owns the venue was so helpful.
Your Outfits & Accessories
My wedding dress was by Essense of Australia from Limelight occasions in Lepton. It was the fourth dress I tried on and I fell in love with it! However I’d booked other appointments the same day and felt obliged to go to these but nothing measured up. I love the detail on the back of my dress and the cut/neckline at the front front of the dress. I also absolutely love the train. As the dress is quite detailed, I chose a completely plain simple cathedral veil and wore a pair of blue gardenia shoes by Rachel Simpson. I wore my late nan’s pearl and opal earrings, which are gorgeous and my mum bought me a really simple silver bracelet to wear on the day too which is beautiful.
The Readings & Music
The ceremony was in my parent’s village church and lovely! It’s a really pretty small church and was perfect.
The ceremony was brilliant! We had an organist who played Bach as we walked down the aisle. We had a few hymns, my mum read a bible reading and Adam’s sister read a poem called ‘marriages is ugly’. As we were signing the registers, Karen Harding sang ‘amazing grace’ and ‘higher love’ which was amazing! My auntie also wrote the prayers, which was a nice touch.
Beauty
Mine and the bridesmaids hair was done by Riverside hair and beauty. In terms of make up, I had a couple of make up trials, but didn’t like either so decided to do it myself with the help of my sister in law, who did amazing. I also had a couple of hair trials. My make up was very similar to usual – I really didn’t want to look different but just a ‘good’ version of me.
Your Photographer
Sarah Beth Photography
The Details & Décor
The cranes played a huge part in the décor and looked stunning! (See photos!)
For wedding favours, we gave our guests bottles of damson gin made by my best friend and bridesmaid, Kate. It went down really well! I also used these as place settings and used a dymo writer and Kraft brown labels to make these, which looked really effective.
We had flowers on every table and a green glass bottle with the table numbers on. The florist put some flowers in these too. We also had a photo booth which we asked guests to use to take Polaroids for our guest book. We also had marshmallows to toast later in the evening round the fire pit.
Bridesmaids
I had 5 bridesmaids and 2 flowers girls. They consisted of my best friend from school, my best friend from uni, my sister in law and Adam’s 2 sisters. My two nieces, Eva and Edith, were my flower girls and looked gorgeous!
The bridesmaids dresses were a steal from ASOS. I’d originally wanted pleated midi skirts but couldn’t find the right tops so changed to these dresses. I love the embroidery details and pleats and they looked great on everyone – even my maid of honour, Megan, who had had a baby only two weeks before the wedding looked amazing! My flower girls dresses were from monsoon and looked super cute with the foliage crowns too.
Groomsmen
The men wore navy mix blend 3 piece suits from Next and burgundy ties from TM Lewin. Adam is quite last minute so these were bought about 2/3 weeks before the wedding! Adam chose his suit himself, but I had an input and we shopped together. Adam’s best man, Kyle, bought him a tie clip with the date of our wedding day on which he wore.
The Flowers
I wanted a less structured and more boho bouquet. There was a lot of foliage with a few bright pink peonies, September flower and some touches of yellow too. I absolutely loved it!
We had a flower bower on the arch as you arrived at the venue and flowers on all tables. Then we had a meadow arrangement running the full length of the top table which looked amazing. My flowers were arranged by The Beverley Flower company.
The Cake
Our wedding cake was lovingly made by our best man and consisted of 3 tiers semi naked and decorated with eucalyptus and flowers. He also made brownies, blondies and caramel shortbread so we had a super tasty cake table! We cut and served the cake on the night and saved a tier to have the following day as my parents invited everyone over for tea and cake.
Entertainment
During canapés and welcome drinks an old school friend, Adam Lynch, performed for us. Then in the evening, Young Soul (Johnny Ross Music) played and were amazing. They did a great version of our first dance, ‘Love Come Down’. Later on, Adam’s cousin planned sax and Karen Harding sang, which carried the party on until the early hours.
The Honeymoon
We spent 3 weeks travelling around Thailand, Singapore, Borneo and Bali – it was amazing! We initially couldn’t decide where to go but wanted a bit of variety. We’ve both done some of south east Asia and loved it so decided on these places. It meant we could see a lot and have some chill time.
Memorable Moments
Walking down the aisle was amazing and totally overwhelming – I certainly won’t forget seeing Adam’s face. The speeches were all also amazing – my dad’s was so sweet! Adam’s speech was also super special and I’ll be sure never to forget some of the things he said.
Advice For Other Couples
That’s difficult! Maybe to savour every moment – it really does go so quickly! And enjoy every moment and decision during the planning process – any excuse to get the bubbles flowing!
Credit Where Credit Is Due
How wonderful.
Emily and Adam, thanks ever so much for sharing your divine wedding day with us xo Lou
