Avatar for Louise Baltruschat Hollis

By Louise Baltruschat Hollis

Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

Goodness me what a beautiful celebration we have to share today! Sometimes I really do have to pinch myself that we get to feature such special moments and memories here on Whimsical Wonderland Weddings. Let me introduce you to WWW readers Verity and James who were hitched on the 14th July 2018 at Godwick Great Barn in Norfolk. This lovely pair described their wedding to me as relaxed, personal and creative. I think it was all of those and more, there was creativity in spades!

Verity and James came up with a totally unique way to decorate the gorgeous barns, by creating a suspended geometric shape installation above the tables. It certainly created ample atmosphere and wow factor for all. The rest of the décor was in the same pale pink, with the modern graphic stationery really making a bold statement. Then there were florals in red and pink, which worked so well. I especially adore Verity’s protea and peony bouquet, so gorgeous. They were married outdoors, with a Persian rug aisle and wooden triangle backdrop decorating the space. The décor really was a labour of love, amaze.

It doesn’t end there though because the outfit choices were so on point. Verity chose a gown by WWW faves Grace Loves Lace, an exquisite design featuring a flowing silk skirt and beautiful sleeves. James chose a pale grey suit and open collar for an on trend style, while the bridesmaids and groomsmen wore mismatched outfits in coordinating colours.

We are so thankful to be sharing these stunning images by Joshua Patrick Photography, thank you so much Joshua!

Timings Welcome Sign Graphic Copper Frame Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

Himmeli Geometric Shapes Hanging Decor Installation Decoration Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Geographic Table Name Stationery Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

The Proposal

What I was told was going to be a day in a fishing lodge followed by a week at my parent’s house, was actually a surprise week on a beautiful boat mooching around the Norfolk Broads. James had packed everything we needed so we didn’t step on dry land for the whole week. One late afternoon I was sunbathing on the deck and James appeared with a bottle of Champagne and the most beautiful sparkling ring. We were in a bubble of happiness! The next day he organised for my family to join us on the boat to celebrate. The rest of the week was just us on a boat in Norfolk, bliss!

Protea Rose Bottle Copper Red Flowers Pink Graphic Table Names Numbers Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

The Vision

A relaxed celebration full of love with all our favourite people in one place. It was important to us that the day flowed and there were no awkward lulls. So we made sure there was always music playing and drinks flowing. After the ceremony we went straight into having home brewed beer, prosecco and canapés in the same spot we had married, everyone was on such a happy high!

Wooden Frame Suspended Hanging Seating Plan Table Chart Modern Pink Graphic Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Himmeli Geometric Shapes Hanging Decor Installation Decoration Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

The Planning Process

We had a lot of help from family and friends, a DIY affair! The organisation towards the end was challenging, when you really start to think about the detail of how the day will flow and making sure everyone has a good time. But you have to remind yourself that it’s about the two of you and you can just do whatever the F you want! That realisation was a good one.

Himmeli Geometric Shapes Hanging Decor Installation Decoration Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

The Venue

Lovely Godwick. It was the second venue we looked at and James was adamant it was the one as soon as we walked in. We wanted to get married outside and in the same venue as we would have the reception. Godwick ticked those boxes as well as being a beautiful venue with so much character, amazing views and a hell of a pad next door with a pool which us, our families and bridesmaids stayed in all weekend. They also don’t charge corkage so we did a day trip to France to buy the table wine and prosecco to have on the day (any excuse for a wine tasting!) and my dad brewed beer to have at the reception.

Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Bride Bridal Make Up Natural Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

Your Outfits & Accessories

Already sure that fish tail or princess dresses were not the ones for me, I wanted something floaty, comfortable and unique. I saw on Instagram that the Australian brand Grace Loves Lace were coming to London (yaaaay). James came with me to their gorgeous showroom in Shoreditch and I tried on most of their amazing gowns. I then went back with my mum and my sister’s so James didn’t know my final decision. I fell in love with my dress the second time I tried it on, the silk skirt sold it to me with the way it fell and moved when I walked. I paired it with a silk chocker which matched the neckline of the dress and coral pink suede heels from Topshop.

James spent a day in London trying on suits, to say he left it to the last minute is an understatement but he was confident that he would find exactly what he was looking for. He knows what he likes so found it challenging to find something perfect- but he totally did. We thought black or navy would be too harsh against the rest of our day so he was looking for a light grey or beige. He found a perfect fit light grey Hugo Boss suit and navy shoes from Office.

Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Graphic Stationery Invites Invitations Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

Beauty

My wonderful friend Millie did my hair and make up on the day. She knew exactly what I wanted, and it was actually so relaxing to have a friend with me that morning rather than someone I didn’t know. She also did the bridesmaids and mum’s eye make up – what a babe! It was a really special morning being all together.

Bride Bridal Bridesmaid Prep PJs Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

Groomsmen

The guys wore there own darker grey suits in different shades and brown or grey shoes. We liked the mismatched look and white shirts with no ties. My sister made their button holes which were all green – rosemary and olive tied with twine.

Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Choker Necklace Grace Loves Lace Dress Gown Bride Bridal Sleeves Neckline Bohemian Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Groom Suit Grey Open Collar Shirt Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography First Look Bride Groom Kiss Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Grace Loves Lace Dress Gown Bride Bridal Sleeves Neckline Bohemian Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Flower Girl White Dress Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Bouquet Flowers Bride Bridal Red Greenery Foliage Ribbons Peony Peonies Rose Proteas Pink Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

Bridesmaids

Were both of my sisters and four best friends. I wanted them all to love their dresses and feel themselves so took on the challenge of mismatched dresses. I started with buying about 20(!) dresses from various places online, all neutral and blush colours. Two of the girls came round to our flat and each found one they loved – hoorah. So with 2 chosen I then had the palette and style to find the others. In the end they all came from ASOS, H&M and We Are Rewritten. I think choosing their dresses was what took the longest amount of time but I loved it! They all chose their own tan or nude shoes. Both my nieces were our flower girls and their dresses are from Zara – they looked adorable!

Bridesmaid Dress Dresses Mismatched Blush Pink Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Groom Groomsmen Suits Mismatched Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Bouquet Flowers Bride Bridal Red Greenery Foliage Ribbons Peony Peonies Rose Proteas Pink Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

The Flowers

My sister Becca did the flowers and James left the decisions for this one down to us. Becca helped me pin down exactly what it was that I liked as I just couldn’t make up my mind. She did everything herself! The bouquets were Protea, roses, dahlias, peonies and lots of foliage. I love pink and red together and with all of the foliage they looked amazing! We lined the aisle with foliage tied to each inside chair. For the tables we used a proteas as the central flowers and surrounded with smaller foliage and flower arrangements that matched the bouquets.

Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Grace Loves Lace Dress Gown Bride Bridal Sleeves Neckline Bohemian Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Motorbike Transport Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Motorbike Transport Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Tractor Trailer Transport Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Aisle Ceremony Outdoor Persian Rug Wooden Triangle Backdrop Palm Plants Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Aisle Ceremony Outdoor Persian Rug Wooden Triangle Backdrop Palm Plants Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

The Readings & Music

Edwin (my Brother and James’ best man) played Eddie Vedder ‘Rise’ on the mandolin as I walked down the aisle with my dad. It sounded so beautiful and was one of our favourite elements of the day. He also played to the guests as James and I were signing the register inside. James put together a playlist for the whole day which was played outside with drinks and canapés and inside with dinner. It was the perfect balance of chilled and party music. In the evening we had a DJ.

Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Aisle Ceremony Outdoor Persian Rug Wooden Triangle Backdrop Palm Plants Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Aisle Ceremony Outdoor Persian Rug Wooden Triangle Backdrop Palm Plants Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Aisle Ceremony Outdoor Persian Rug Wooden Triangle Backdrop Palm Plants Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

The Details & Decor

Our favourite subject! When it came to planning what the venue would look like, we wanted everyone to walk in and ‘wow’. After many, many, many ideas between us (most of which unrealistic) we decided to choose the colour of our invites to add a modern twist to the barn…pink! We designed himmeli/geometric shapes to hang above the tables which James and our dad’s spent the 3 days before the wedding making. Anna, our bridesmaid, designed our invites and on the day stationery including pink wooden hexagons with guests initials in vinyl for place names. Becca added the pink and red colour combo to the tables with the flowers which were in blue Bombay Sapphire bottles. Outside for the ceremony we hired Persian rugs for the aisle. My dad made an amazing wooden triangle for us to marry under and we decorated either side with palm plants in terracotta pots. The set up day before the wedding was one of our favourite memories, James and I had so much help from friends and family and there was such a buzz. The morning of the wedding we all walked to the barn to make the finishing touches – a true team effort!

Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Confetti Throw Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Bouquet Flowers Bride Bridal Red Greenery Foliage Ribbons Peony Peonies Rose Proteas Pink Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Grace Loves Lace Dress Gown Bride Bridal Sleeves Neckline Bohemian Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

We didn’t have a wedding cake as it wasn’t something that felt important to us. However our caterer put on such a spread we didn’t really need it. We had sharing plates of light, Mediterranean style food which was perfect on a hot day. With chocolate brownie or berry polenta cake for dessert. YUM! We had hot dogs around 9pm. Our bridesmaid Sally also made 150+ cookies to have later in the evening but we all forgot to bring them out!! They made great hangover snacks the next day and definitely didn’t go to waste – thanks Sal!

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Your Photographer

We found Josh’s website and after one look at his photos, beautiful and relaxed we knew we wanted to find out more. We hit it off on Skype and met up before the wedding. He shot our whole day and made us laugh from beginning to end. The photos are so personal and natural, we didn’t have a list of shots for Josh to take but he captured everyone at their best for sure!

Bridesmaid Dress Dresses Mismatched Blush Pink Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Bouquet Flowers Bride Bridal Red Greenery Foliage Ribbons Peony Peonies Rose Proteas Pink Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

The Honeymoon

2 weeks in Tuscany eating more pasta and drinking more wine than you could ever imagine…

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Memorable Moments

James and I saw each other before the ceremony and had a moment to ourselves which was really special and took the nerves away.

Hearing Edwin play our ceremony song the morning of the wedding whilst we all did a run through of the ceremony (mainly to practise walking down the aisle of rugs in heels!). The sun was out and hearing the music made us all so excited.

The ceremony itself was our favourite part of the day, it was surreal but so personal to us. Just a moment we’ll never forget!

Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

Advice For Other Couples

See each other before the ceremony! One of the best decisions we made. It meant when it came to the ceremony, we could really take it all in and not have the added anticipation of seeing each other for the first time. That won’t be the same for everyone of course, but we liked seeing each other all suited and booted for the first time with no one else around. It helped calm the nerves. Plus, you can have photos together whilst looking fresh outta hair and make up.

Don’t keep looking for inspiration once you’ve already made decisions! Being a creative pair, it took so look to come to a decision when there is so much to compare too. Write down what you really like and don’t look back! Also, if you are on a budget, don’t spend money on small things that no one will notice. Making the hanging geometric shapes and the pops of colour of the hexagon place names were enough to create a wow factor without having table favours, fancy cutlery or expensive floral displays.

Godwick Great Barn Wedding Joshua Patrick Photography

Credit Where Credit Is Due

Photographer
Joshua Patrick Photography

Venue
Godwick Great Barn

Stationery
Rose Paper Scissors

Dress
Grace Loves Lace
Wedding Suppliers member – Bridal Fashion & Accessories

Caterer
Carwayroe Events

Flowers
Rebecca Wynne – my wonderful sister

Make Up & Hair
Millie – my amazing friend

Persian Rugs
Lavender and Wild The Little Lending Company & Pretty Little Rentals

Verity and James, thank you both ever so much for sharing your epic wedding day with us today xo Lou

 

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2 Comments
  • Avatar for Viva Band

    Viva Band

    Thank you for sharing the amazing wedding story with us. Great place and pictures. I like the decoration idea.

  • Avatar for janet ridley

    janet ridley

    very elegant wedding

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