Happy Monday lovelies! I have a bright and beautiful wedding for you today, one that was a real family affair with family members all mucking in to help create the bride and grooms perfect day.
It also took place in the bride’s local village hall, a place with a lot of sentimental value and one where she’d grown up hoping to be married in. Retail assistant Hannah and agricultural engineer Liam said their I Do’s on 20th May 2018 at East Harlsey Village Hall in North Yorkshire.
Photography by Sarah Jane Ethan
“I knew I wanted to be married in the village hall ever since I had my 5th birthday there. I also went to playgroup there and it means so much to me as a place and a building. The added bonus was that it was near to the church where I was christened. Getting married in church was very important to Liam and I. The day was very much inspired by my favourite colours and my love of florals and all things boho and country classic.”
“Our photographer was the wonderful Sarah Jane Ethan. I could talk all day about SJ; she was my counsellor when I needed her and there when my emotions just got too much. She wasn’t just my photographer, she was a friend. Her bright, charming, professional manner really shows in her work. I can’t sing her praises enough and our pictures are what I treasure from my wedding day. It helps me remember the day as it was, not just the nerves and stresses!”
“My florist who did the bouquets and buttonholes was Hutton Flowers, based in Northallerton. My aunty actually works there and is an award winning florist. She did the piece in the church and all my table pieces, and brought lots of other accessories too. I wanted a big bouquet and for it to look very random and home grown, but with lots of different types and colour shades of the 4 colours used throughout the wedding colour scheme.”
“I didn’t want heels as I was so nervous and I like to feel grounded. I chose a pair of white lace Toms and then for the evening I wore sparkly Converse (I’m so at home in a pair of Converse!).”
“My headpiece was vintage and my ‘something old’. It had been my mother’s and I’d always admired it since I was a little girl. It suited the theme perfectly with its delicate flowers and little bit of sparkle.”
“I did my own makeup but my hair was done by Emily Kitching from The Hair Barn. Emily is a childhood friend and someone I used to play with at the village hall when we were at playgroup.’
“I bought my dress from Bexbrides. As I was trying on dresses, I saw the signature ‘Fleur’ dress with angel wing beaded shoulders on the mannequin. This is Bex’s own design. I kept thinking it was perfect but I didn’t think it would suit me but was persuaded to try it on. It covered my shoulders for church (my mum’s only request) and it was just so different.”
“I really love 70s style boho gowns and it just fitted that description perfectly. It was flattering around my waist and all the little pieces (on the shoulders and belt), I could pick to suit my own personality as Bex was making it for me. The added bonus was that the kaftan came off so I had a different look ready for my evening reception without having to get changed!”
“I had no other accessories as the dress was enough and with it having a high neckline and me having my hair down, I felt no need to complicate things. Simple is beautiful!”
“Liam and I met as I had been friends with Liam’s younger brother since we were 12, so I’d always known Liam as Carl’s older brother. We then met again on my 19th birthday on a night out, and the day after Liam sent me a message (knowing”
“I was a farmer’s daughter) asking if I had any tips for Cheltenham. Little did he know I don’t like horses and don’t have a clue about racing! However conversation bloomed and we got engaged 4 years and one little baby boy later.”
“My favourite part of the day was broken up into pieces. My dad walking me down the aisle to my brother singing; the fact my grandmother was able to make it to the wedding during a period of very ill health; and dancing until my feet hurt to our amazing band.”
“The best part though was going to my mum and dad’s house to take photos as it was the only time I was alone with Liam the whole day.”
“I also loved the moment during our first dance when everyone joined in. Just towards the end, Liam and I had a moment which SJ managed to capture on camera. It’s a really beautiful moment in the middle of a crazy day where we were both focused on each other, albeit only for a moment. It’s a moment I really treasure.”
“The decor for the day was all made by my amazing mum and included 80 metres of bunting! The wedding cake was also a very family affair. My mum made the fruit cake in my grandmother’s cake tins and my other aunty iced it beautifully for us. I drew her a design and she made it 10 times more beautiful than I ever could have imagined.”
“My bridesmaid’s dress was by Marks and Spencer and shoes were little flat blush pumps from New Look. I wanted her to be comfortable and enjoy the day.”
“Our flower girls dress was from H&M and her wellies were Crocs wellies decorated by her grandmother with lace and flowers. Our page boy wore a suit from Roco Clothing.”
“Our entertainment was a band that my brother plays in, however he did take the night off! They’re called Stax and they really make it a party! Live music is very important to me being a musician myself, and it just adds to the atmosphere.”
“Our first dance was to First Date by Blink 182. Liam chose this as he felt the lyrics reflected how we felt and we also wanted something upbeat and non traditional so others could share in the dance with us.”
Words Of Wedded Wisdom
“My advice to any future brides would be to try and enjoy your day. For two people who don’t overly love the attention, we now regret not just stepping back and taking it all in.”
“Also, the fact we had so many family and guests to get around we felt like we actually didn’t see each other as much as we would have liked, so make time for those stolen moments. I also wish the venue had had a bedroom or somewhere to stay as it would have been nice to have had a lie down somewhere to take a minute!”
What a wonderful home grown wedding! A big congratulations to the happy wedding, and to Sarah Jane Ethan for capturing the fabulous day on camera.
Until next time…
Much love,
Holly x
Holly Grocott
View all Holly’s articles
Holly loves nothing more than getting her fill of beautifully styled weddings and couple’s individual stories. After living in London for 6 years, she’s now moved back North and settled in the leafy suburbs of South Manchester with her husband and much-loved pet pooch. You’ll mostly find her reading in a corner, writing or creating a moodboard (or five).