Hannah, a gardener, married trainee stonemason Jacob on 12th August 2023, with a ceremony at their local church, followed by a reception at The Bridges Pub in Ratlinghope, Shropshire.
The couple wanted to create a celebration that was intimate and unpretentious and that focussed on the connections and simple joys that define their relationship. Hannah grew all the flowers for her wedding from seed and the couple ensured locally grown food was served to their guests. They managed to do everything for just under £7k.
This delightful, fuss free wedding has really struck a chord with my heart and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.
Our day was stripped of any unnecessary frills, designed to highlight down-to-earth, real love in a setting that resonates deeply with us both. This approach extended to every aspect of our wedding, from the venue choices—a church and a pub that have been central to our journey, to the menu crafted from locally sourced, organically grown ingredients.
Our wedding wasn’t about grand gestures or elaborate decor; it was about celebrating our love and the community that supports us, in the most authentic way possible. In essence, our wedding was an expression of our lives together, an intimate gathering that celebrated love, local bounty, and the beauty of simple, meaningful traditions. It was a day that perfectly captured the essence of who we are and the life we aspire to continue building together.
The Dress
For the ceremony, I wore an early 1940s handmade vintage lace dress with matching cape. In the evening I changed into the ‘KEAVA’ halter midi dress by ASTR, in white linen.
My extensive wedding dress search ended when I discovered a vintage treasure from the early 1940s in Rosie’s boutique in Bishops Castle in Shropshire.
What made this dress unique was not only its perfect fit, it’s beauty, its affordability (£100!) but also the story I imagined it held; Rosie’s kindness in facilitating my search was unparalleled. She created a welcoming space in her home for me to try on her collection, which made the discovery of the dress even more special. The moment I put on this dress, I felt a connection.
I was captivated by the thought of it being worn during a time of significant history, between the world wars, and now it was being cherished once again on my wedding day.
What resonated with me the most was the idea of giving new life to something with such an unknown past. The dress’s journey to me felt like a bridge across decades, and wearing it felt like an homage to its previous wearer. This sense of continuity and the joy of rekindling its beauty for my special day made choosing this dress incredibly meaningful.
Choosing this dress was not just about the aesthetics or the fit; it was about respecting a piece of history, making it a part of my story while paying homage to those who came before me. It’s a celebration of the shared journey of transformation that all brides undergo, connected through time by the fabric of this dress.
I also loved how it fitted and felt. It was elegant, delicate and worlds away from my usual dungarees! The matching cape was also particularly charming.
Bridal Beauty & Accessories
I wore a waltz-length in a champagne colour, from The Wedding Veil Shop. In the church I just wore a simple pair of gold flats.
However, for the majority of the day, I found comfort and familiarity in my well-loved Blundstones – boots that have been a dependable companion through many a day spent in the garden. Initially slipped on for our walk from the church to the pub though the woods, their presence on my wedding day was unplanned but wholly appropriate.
In the evening I wore a pair of Esska ‘Penelope’ heels – the perfect choice for an evening filled with dancing and celebration.
My earrings were a treasured pair of gold drop earrings, ‘something borrowed’ from my mother; which my father had purchased during his time working in Somalia. These earrings have always held a special place in my heart and beautifully completed my wedding day look.
Not being accustomed to wearing much makeup, I was initially apprehensive about looking too different or not feeling like myself. However, Emily understood my concerns from the start. She took the brief and executed it flawlessly, striking the perfect balance between making me look special and ensuring I felt comfortable and true to myself. Her skill in enhancing my features while keeping the makeup subtle was exactly what I had hoped for. I felt beautiful and, most importantly, like an elevated version of myself.
I also wore a dab of lavender oil to calm and centre myself.
Bridesmaids
Deciding on bridesmaids, flower girls and page boy outfits presented an opportunity to embrace a philosophy close to my heart— individuality and comfort. Rather than prescribing a uniform look, I encouraged my them to all wear whatever made them feel comfortable and confident. I provided a palette of colours that aligned with the wedding theme but the final choice was theirs to make, and a few decided not to go with those colours at all. This approach was about more than just clothing; it was a celebration of their unique personalities and our shared values.
The result was a beautifully diverse array of outfits that reflected each individual style. This choice underscored a broader theme of my wedding: the celebration of personal journeys and the authenticity of relationships.
This decision, much like the choice of my own dress, was a reflection of the day’s deeper significance. It wasn’t just about adhering to tradition or creating a perfect visual. It was about honouring the individual journeys that brought us together and the collective journey we were celebrating. My bridesmaids, page boy and flower girls each in their chosen attire, stood by me not just as part of a ceremonial duty, but as irreplaceable characters in the story of my life.
On the morning of my wedding, my bridesmaids presented me with a small but symbolic gift—an evil eye charm. This emblem, steeped in history and meaning, was their way of offering protection, warding off any negative energies, and blessing the day ahead.
The Ceremony
At the time, we were living above The Bridges pub, where Jacob worked as a chef. The church was a short walk through a woodland we visited almost daily, wasn’t just a venue but a testament to our connection with the community and the natural beauty surrounding us. This setting, central to our lives at the time, offered a deeply personal backdrop to our wedding, we are so grateful that we were able to get married and celebrate in a setting that we felt so comfortable in and connected to.
One of the most heartfelt moments of our wedding ceremony was marked by my dad walking me down the aisle. The church was filled with the hopeful and optimistic strains of ‘Spring 1′, from Max Richter’s ‘Recomposed: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons‘, as we stepped forward. It’s a beautiful and very moving piece of music.
We had a wonderful priest – Rev. Michael Whittock and we stuck with the traditional church vows.
Our first reading was a Bible passage from 1 Corinthians 13, often heralded as the “Love Chapter’. It speaks to the enduring and selfless nature of love. Its words served as a beautiful reminder of the spiritual foundation upon which we are building our life together.
Our second reading was “On Marriage” by Kahlil Gibran, a piece that captures the essence of partnership and individuality within the bond of marriage. Gibran’s wisdom on love and companionship resonated deeply with us, offering guidance and insight into the delicate balance of sharing a life while nurturing our own souls.
One of the most memorable and intimate aspects of our wedding journey involved Jacob’s step-grandfather, a jeweller in his late 80s with a wealth of skill and knowledge. He graciously invited us to spend a weekend with him to craft our own wedding rings. This experience transcended the traditional act of selecting rings, turning it into a deeply personal and meaningful process.
Under his guidance and his tools we were able to create rings that feel so significant, was an honour we will always cherish. These rings carry with them not just our love for each other but a tangible connection to family and tradition, making them infinitely more special.
Our exit down the aisle music was ‘Wawa by the Ocean’ by Mary Lattimore, a hugely talented harpist.
Photography
Our discovery of Laura of Curious Rose Photography came through the modern-day magic of social media—specifically, Instagram. Browsing hrough her portfolio, we were captivated by her ability to capture candid moments with an authentic touch.
But it was the phone conversation that followed which truly sealed the deal. Her enthusiasm, understanding of our vision, and warmth over the phone left me with no doubt that she was the one.
Laura’s role on our wedding day went far beyond that of a traditional photographer. From the moment she arrived, she possessed a wonderful presence, blending in so seamlessly it was as if she was simply another guest at our celebration. This ability to integrate so effortlessly was precisely what made her stand out.
Laura made us and our guests feel completely at ease, capturing the day’s events as they naturally unfolded. Her approach allowed everyone to be fully present, enjoying each moment without the awareness of being photographed.
The comfort and authenticity Laura brought to our wedding day were invaluable. She didn’t just photograph our wedding; she became a part of it, contributing to the joy and ease of our celebration. Her work captured the essence of our special day—not just the big moments but the fleeting ones too, preserving them in a way that felt true to the experience.
How They Met
Our love story traces back to our teenage years, filled with crushes veiled by mutual shyness. The true beginning of our romantic journey unfolded in our late 20s, under the most serendipitous of circumstances—our parents swapping family homes in a twist of fate that felt straight out of a novel.
Jacob’s proposal came under the glow of the Wolf Moon, amidst the scenery of Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran, next to a waterfall. The moment was unexpected; I had just taken a brief detour for a wild wee (!), returning to chat about the beauty surrounding us, unaware of the life-altering question he was about to ask.
The rest of that joyous January was spent travelling Scotland, basking in our engagement bliss and sharing the wonderful news with family and friends. Our engagement spanned 19 months, a period filled with lots of real life situations to navigate like moving house (twice) and starting new jobs.
Jacob wore a tailor-made suit by Moss Bros.
The Flowers
Taking on the task of growing, harvesting, and arranging all the flowers for our wedding was a monumental undertaking that truly tested me! At the time, I was working as a Cut Flower Gardener at Linley Garden, so the decision to bring this significant part of my life into our wedding was instinctive—I couldn’t imagine celebrating without the personal touch of flowers I had nurtured from seed.
In the days leading up to the wedding, the magnitude of this task became fully apparent. To gather the abundance of flowers needed, I organised a ‘harvesting party.’
Friends and family joined me in the early hours at Linley garden, where we filled buckets upon buckets with a variety of blooms, each one chosen for its significance and beauty.
The mechanics of arranging such a vast quantity of flowers could have been daunting, but luck was on my side. A friend, with past experience as a florist, offered her expertise, guiding us through the complexities of floral arrangement. Alongside her and a few other close friends, we spent the day before the wedding transforming these blooms into the decorations and bouquets for our day. It was a whirlwind of activity, fuelled by teamwork, and the shared joy of creating something so meaningful and so beautiful.
The Reception
Taking on the task of growing, harvesting, and arranging all the flowers for our wedding was a monumental undertaking that truly tested me! At the time, I was working as a Cut Flower Gardener at Linley Garden, so the decision to bring this significant part of my life into our wedding was instinctive—I couldn’t imagine celebrating without the personal touch of flowers I had nurtured from seed.
In the days leading up to the wedding, the magnitude of this task became fully apparent. To gather the abundance of flowers needed, I organised a ‘harvesting party.’
Friends and family joined me in the early hours at Linley garden, where we filled buckets upon buckets with a variety of blooms, each one chosen for its significance and beauty.
The mechanics of arranging such a vast quantity of flowers could have been daunting, but luck was on my side. A friend, with past experience as a florist, offered her expertise, guiding us through the complexities of floral arrangement.
Alongside her and a few other close friends, we spent the day before the wedding transforming these blooms into the decorations and bouquets for our day. It was a whirlwind of activity, fuelled by teamwork, and the shared joy of creating something so meaningful and so beautiful.
For the styling, we embraced the elegance of simplicity. Our decor comprised of flower arrangements, numerous bud vases, each holding a selection of a few flowers, paired with the warm glow of tea lights scattered throughout the space.
Originally trained in Graphic Design, I found myself revisiting old Adobe software skills for our wedding, despite years away from my laptop! I designed everything from the order of service to the signage. I then got it printed at printed.com.
There were many memorable parts of our wedding day, but the speeches stood out as my absolute favourite. Each one was a beautiful reflection of our relationship with the speaker. Not a dry eye in the house!
At the heart of our celebration was a feast that was spectacular in its simplicity, deeply reflecting our values of food, sustainability, and community.
om, a dear friend and the Head Chef at The Bridges, renowned for his culinary prowess, joined forces with Bobby, another valued friend and skilled chef from Amsterdam. Together, they crafted a menu that was both simple and utterly delicious, serving as a genuine tribute to our commitment to hearty, honest food.
The vegetables and salads were harvested from the Linley garden, an emblem of organic, regenerative, no-dig agriculture, while the meat, sourced locally from Linley farm, reinforced our dedication to local, seasonal, and organic produce. This approach to our wedding meal was a true reflection of our core values—celebrating our union with the food and family that lie at the heart of it all.
Dinner was served in a family-style manner, promoting a sense of togetherness and warmth among our guests. Although we initially planned a seating arrangement, we opted not to use it, a decision that contributed greatly to the informal and relaxed atmosphere we desired.
The menu boasted succulent braised lamb shoulder, perfectly roasted chicken, crispy roast potatoes, fresh green salads, lively salsa verde, juicy heritage tomato salad, and aioli.
Special recognition goes to the incredible team at The Bridges, and the chefs, farmers, and gardeners alike. Their collective effort made our wedding feast not just a meal, but a celebration of community and the fruits of shared labour.
We got a few of our best baker friends and family to make and bring different cakes, from a traditional iced fruit cake to cupcakes!
Evening & Dancing
Initially, we hadn’t scheduled a first dance, but Jacob played ‘Islands In The Stream’ by Dolly Parton because it’s a song with great sentimental value for us. This led to an impromptu first dance, which was an unexpected delight!
A few friends who are DJs very kindly turned our reception into a lively party late into the evening.
Words of Wedded Wisdom
My advice is to prioritise your happiness and wishes. Remember, it’s your day. Ensuring you’re happy is the key to everyone else enjoying the celebration too. This might mean addressing and managing the urge to please others—a challenging task, but incredibly rewarding in the end.
This obvious to say but often forgotten and overlooked – it’s crucial to recognise that a wedding isn’t just about the festivities of one day; it’s the celebration of your relationship and the commencement of your married life together. Instead of pouring all your resources—be it time, energy, money, or emotional investment—into this single event, consider the broader picture. Reflect on the values you hold dear as a couple and the life you envision together in the long run. That is more important.
The process of planning a wedding can unearth a lot of significant issues, from family dynamics and financial considerations to personal identity. It’s a time that might prompt you to carry forward longstanding beliefs or baggage. I was going through a serious health challenge at that time which meant changing a lot of things about how we had originally thought about planning our day. found immense value in seeking support during this time from lots of different people. Coaching sessions with my coaches, Maisie Hill and Sas Petherick were a huge turning point, helping me shed unnecessary beliefs and gain clarity on what truly mattered to me in the wedding planning process and beyond.
I would have gotten some video footage as well as photos. Capturing the laughter, the music, the spoken words, and those fleeting, unrepeatable moments would have added another layer to our cherished memories. It’s a gentle reminder for future couples to consider the addition of video footage!
Lastly, amidst the whirlwind of your wedding day, find a moment to connect with your partner. Just the two of you, take a breath, look into each other’s eyes, and acknowledge the incredible step you’ve taken together. This moment of pause and connection will be one of the treasures you carry with you long after the day is over.
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Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
