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Inspiration: English country garden wedding

Inspiration: English country garden wedding

Last October, Cogges Manor Farm hosted their first Wedding Open Day to showcase their wonderful barns and garden along with some highly talented, local suppliers who specialise in offering unique, bespoke and professional wedding services.

Cogges Manor Farm is nestled in the lovely market town of Witney and offers two stunning seventeenth century barns for weddings. They are a perfect blank canvas where you can add loads of personalised details to make your special day complete.

At their Open Day, the Wheat Barn was dressed for an English country garden wedding, complete with beautiful pale pink accents and bird details, a hay bale aisle and framed ceremony focal point.

Photography by Hanami Dream

The barn was adorned with swashes of fairy lights (from Oakwood Events) across the beams giving the barn a warm romantic atmosphere.

Photography by Ric Mellis

The highly talented Paper Tree Design hung an impressive flower decorated heart (made from Tyvek) under the huge gilded frame, acting as a ceremony alter for the day. Wild rose paper garlands (printed with a pink gradient and threaded on to organza ribbon) hung behind the frame and were highlighted against the huge pink barn doors.

Photography by Paper Tree Design

A bird cage inspired seating plan was proudly displayed on a mirror, which reflected the soft light and guided people further in to the barn.

Photography by Paper Tree Design

Tables were decorated by Larkrise Flowers with an abundance of delicate and charming flowers, some sourced from the venue’s own walled garden, along with wheat (providing a nod to the venue’s wheat barn heritage).

Flowers on the top table (displayed in a terracotta urn) included:

  • Rosa “Pink Avalanche”
  • Rosa “Lazise”
  • Eustoma “Arena Pink”
  • Astrantia roma
  • Sedum spectabile
  • Eucalyptus nicholii – foliage
  • Euonymus – foliage
  • Asparagus fern – foliage

There were also English hydrangea heads in aged terracotta pots and echeveria secunda glauca in white pots, as well as plants of mixed herbs (rosemary, oregano, marjoram, thyme) and bellis perennis (daisies) in more terracotta pots.

The addition of succulents brought this tablescape bang up to date with mixed sempervivens under glass domes, plus mixed baby gourds, birch slices, glass storm lanterns and glass tea light holders making the table feel extremely plentiful.

In front of the top table ran a stunning floor display of pink cactus dahlias, verbena bonariensis, hedera foliage, wheat, sedum spectabile, and 3 types of grasses (lagurus ovatus, panicum, and setaria).

Photography by Ric Mellis

Stationery from Paper Tree Design complimented the stunning floral displays. From their Tree of Hearts wedding stationery range, this included:

  • Robin name card –  tent cards with pop out robins
  • Menu card – individual menus printed on Harvest Colorplan card-stock
  • Wild roses with tie on name cards – hand made paper wild roses with luggage tag style name cards tied on with natural bakers twine
  • Wild rose heads – small handmade paper wild rose heads used to decorate the tablescape
  • Robin & Wildflower table numbers – made from off white card and mounted on to sticks and decorated with bakers twine (these numbers can also be made for use with number stands or freestanding)
  • Robin & Wild Flower top table sign – made from off white card and mounted on to a stick and decorated with bakers twine (this can also be made for use with number stands or freestanding)

Photography by Hanami Dream

Vintage props were provided by Mabel and Rose including old suitcases, ladders, milk churns and barrels.

Accompanying food followed the rustic English country garden vibe, consisting of Yorkshire pudding and roast beef canapés, a ‘cheese’ cake and ice creams provided by Abigail’s Kitchen, Wates & Co Delicatessen and Mag’s & Tim’s Ice Cream Trike, respectively.

The whole effect gave an example of one direction you could take to make this venue your own – a real abundance of local, natural products with a feeling of bringing the outside inside.

Venue | Cogges Manor Farm | Witney, Oxfordshire | http://www.cogges.org.uk/
Photography | Ric Mellis
Catering, cutlery & crockery | Abigail’s Kitchen | 07771616415 | abipritcher@yahoo.com
‘Cheese’ cake | Wates & Co Delicatessen | https://www.facebook.com/Wates-Co-Delicatessen-1668555833361530/
Flowers | Lark Rise Flowers | http://larkriseflowers.com
Hay bales | sourced by venue
Ice cream | Mag’s & Tim’s Ice Cream Trike | https://www.facebook.com/magsxtimsicecreamtrike
Lighting | Oakwood Events | http://www.oakwoodevents.co.uk/
Prop hire | Mabel & Rose | http://www.mabelandrose.com/vintage-hire/
Stationery | Paper Tree Design | https://www.papertreedesign.co.uk/

Wedding Open Day of Cogges Manor Farm barns in Witney

By the way – get Sunday 17th September in your diary. It is this year’s Wedding Open Day at Cogges. So go along to see this venue in all it’s glory or contact them in the meantime for an earlier look round.

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 5th April 2017 – modern alternatives to wedding traditions

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 5th April 2017 – modern alternatives to wedding traditions

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 5th April 2017

As well as general wedding planning chat, today we look at modern alternatives to wedding traditions – which will you break #UKWedLunch

DRESS IN WHITE: Will your dress be white/ivory or will you break with tradition? #UKWedLunch

MATCHING BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Will your bridesmaids have matching dresses or will you mismatch styles or colours? #UKWedLunch

UNLUCKY TO SEE BRIDE BEFORE THE WEDDING: Will you opt to capture a ‘first look’ shot instead of following this tradition? #UKWedLunch

THROWING THE BOUQUET: Will you throw your flowers or give them to longest married guests after anniversary dance? #UKWedLunch

TOP TABLE: Will you sit your parents, best man and chief bridesmaid at the front or have your own table to yourself? #UKWedLunch

WEDDING GIFTS: Will you ask for things for the home or experiences  or honeymoon vouchers? #UKWedLunch

Email info@www.hanamidream.co.uk for more suggestions for modern alternatives to wedding traditions by #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be a wedding traditions quiz #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm BST

wedding planning timeline

wedding planning timeline

Huge congratulations if you’re currently planning your forthcoming wedding (or another milestone occasion). I hope that you’re enjoying the wedding planning process so far. Take a look at this handy wedding planning timeline and other tips to help you get started.

  • JUST ENGAGED: Set the budget, date & guest list so you can pick a venue and planner
  • 11-12 MONTHS TO GO: Book photographer, florist and caterer, pick your attendants, get insurance & think about decor
  • 8-10 MONTHS TO GO: Book officiant and band, register for gifts, book honeymoon, buy dress & pick stationery
  • 6-7 MONTHS TO GO: Pick cake, buy bridesmaids dresses, send save the date, trial hair and make up & taste menu
  • 3-5 MONTHS TO GO: Book transport, hire suits, pick accessories, buy rings, order favours and decide on decor
  • 1-2 MONTHS TO GO: Send invitations, finalise menu, write vows, confirm numbers, create seating plan & complete schedule

After you’ve decided when your special day will be and sorted the major elements of your guest list, venue and budget (or the who, where and how much of what I term the ‘holy trinity of wedding planning‘) then you’re in to the nitty gritty of things.

Sign up to receive the latest wedding planning tips, tools, trends and traditions straight to your inbox.

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 29th March 2017 – wedding planning timeline

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 29th March 2017 – wedding planning timeline

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 29th March 2017

As well as general wedding planning chat, today we look at where are you on your wedding planning journey #UKWedLunch

JUST ENGAGED: Set the budget, date & guest list so you can pick a venue and planner #UKWedLunch

11-12 MONTHS TO GO: Book photographer, florist and caterer, pick your attendants, get insurance & think about decor #UKWedLunch

8-10 MONTHS TO GO: Book officiant and band, register for gifts, book honeymoon, buy dress & pick stationery #UKWedLunch

6-7 MONTHS TO GO: Pick cake, buy bridesmaids dresses, send save the date, trial hair and make up & taste menu #UKWedLunch

3-5 MONTHS TO GO: Book transport, hire suits, pick accessories, buy rings, order favours and decide on decor #UKWedLunch

1-2 MONTHS TO GO: Send invitations, finalise menu, write vows, confirm numbers, create seating plan & complete schedule #UKWedLunch

If you’d like a complete wedding planning timeline then please email info@www.hanamidream.co.uk for your copy #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week we will be looking at ‘modern alternatives to wedding traditions‘ #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm BST

 

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 22nd March 2017 – wedding themes

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 22nd March 2017 – wedding themes

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 22nd March 2017

As well as general wedding planning chat, today we look at wedding themes – what styles & cultural trends influencing your big day #UKWedLunch

THEME 1: Beauty & the Beast – the tale may be as old as time but you’ll always be our guest #UKWedLunch

THEME 2: Wind in the Willows – an outdoors adventure along the beautiful riverside #windinthewillows #UKWedLunch

THEME 3: Festival – laid back, boho festival vibe in tipis adorned with ribbons & dream catchers #UKWedLunch

THEME 4: Wizard of Oz – follow the yellow brick road with sunflowers & rainbow colours #wizardofoz #UKWedLunch

THEME 5: Nautical – sophisticated striped navy and subtle use of rope, hessian and anchor icons #UKWedLunch

THEME 6: Alice in Wonderland – follow the white rabbit with red roses, hearts, tea cups and clocks #UKWedLunch

This week’s wedding themes are a selection of curations from Pinterest – which was your favourite? #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week we will be looking at ‘where are you on your wedding planning journey‘#UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm BST

Photography by Farrow Photography

Photography by Farrow Photography

Inspiration: vintage literary afternoon tea wedding

Inspiration: vintage literary afternoon tea wedding

A beautiful Saturday in April 2015 saw the wedding of Erica and Ruby at Cogges Manor Farm.

Cogges Manor Farm is nestled in the lovely market town of Witney and offers two stunning seventeenth century barns for weddings. They were a perfect blank canvas to add loads of personalised details to the day with vintage books, afternoon tea, lots of handmade touches and accents of yellow. This wonderful vintage literary wedding was captured by a number of professional photographers (who are also close friends of the couple) who each had a different section to cover throughout the day.

The couple hadn’t heard about this wonderful venue until Erica’s sister sent them a link to Cogges’s website. They instantly fell in love with the barns when they went to see them and booked their wedding date on the spot! And from there, they produced a beautiful, creative, DIY budget rustic barn wedding. It came complete with hay bales, bunting (kindly loaned from friends & family) and the Cogges chickens running around.

Most things were either handmade, collected or sourced by the couple or their family and friends. They even held a craft session at a local pub and invited their friends and family to stamp out thousands of cat and tea pot shaped confetti from old books. They hand made photo bunting from photographs of themselves over the 5 years they’d been together, as well as hand made centrepieces of brown ale bottles (with brown string wrapped around the necks adorned with buttons), and beautiful handmade paper flowers (again from old book pages) that they held as alternative bouquets too.

The brides both made a great entrance in to the barn. Not only were their outfits stunning, with Erica’s wedding outfit (of trousers & waistcoat) handmade from design to finished garment by the amazing local Oxfordshire wedding dressmaker, Geraldine Jarell of Oxford Frocks. But they also both walked into the barn from opposite large barn doors. They were escorted by their respective fathers and walked a mesmerising figure of 8 around their 100 guests seated on hay bales. The couple met in the middle of the barn, surrounded by all their friends and family, and had an enchanting ceremony complete with the lighting of a candle.

There were lots of personal touches to decorate the barn, such as a stack of Beatrix Potter books that Erica was given as a child by her aunt (who sadly couldn’t make it from Canada on the day). There was also an old gramophone that belongs to Ruby’s dad which played records of Eva Cassidy and the like during the reception drinks in the walled garden.

Photography by Tom Weller

Photography by Tom Weller

Afterwards, the guests were treated with a ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ themed wedding favour. As they came back in to the barn, they helped themselves to a surprise book. These were a job lot of paperback books bought from eBay and each wrapped in a brown paper parcel and stacked on a table. This gave people something to chat about at their tables before and during their afternoon tea.  Many people told the couple after the wedding that the book they chose was perfect for them!

Afternoon tea has featured in this couple’s story for a while as Erica proposed to Ruby at Jane’s Enchanted Tea Garden in Oxfordshire on 29th March 2014 (the day that gay marriage was legalised). So it is fitting that afternoon tea was also the theme of their wedding day, utilising vintage mismatched china that they had collected over a year. They visited numerous charity shops and car boot sales accumulating enough tea sets to host afternoon tea for 100 guests. The afternoon tea was served inside the Wheat Barn on rustic picnic benches (Ruby wanted to avoid white table cloths at all costs!) And now all of this china is used to serve loose leaf teas and hot chocolate in their own pottery cafe, Busy Brush Café in Wallingford. Delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes accompanied their afternoon tea.

Guests were encouraged to leave a finger print on an alternative guest book tree picture, plus write a personal message to the couple on vintage postcards left in a vintage suitcase.

A beautiful ‘Thank You Tree’ was displayed in the barn with luggage tags carrying messages to thank family & friends that had helped them – from solo singing during the ceremony, to loaning fairy lights that made the barns twinkle, to taking photos at the wedding, the endless search for China teapots etc. They borrowed the tree itself from their friend Anita who owns Country Collections shop in Wheatley.

In the evening, the guests were spoilt with some of the ‘best jacket potatoes you’ve ever tasted’, cooked in an old Victorian Oven out on the veranda. Plus, the wedding cake was actually a 1.5m high cake stand stacked full of jars of retro sweets that people could nibble on throughout the evening.

Then came a brilliant spectacle as the couple’s first dance was a flash mob dance where Erica and Ruby started dancing alone to Happy by Pharrel Williams. Then 5 friends, one by one, jumped into a well learnt dance routine. Mid way through the song lots of other guests got up and joined in too. What a wonderful way to take the pressure off everyone looking at the couple and so much fun!

After this the happy couple didn’t leave the dance floor and enjoyed the songs of a local Witney band, Vinyl Daze, well into the night.

This vintage literary afternoon tea wedding proves that with some personal touches, great friends, time and creativity, a beautiful barn wedding can be produced without breaking the bank.

Venue | Cogges Manor Farm | Witney, Oxfordshire | www.cogges.org.uk
Photography | Nick Bradbury | Mark Carroll | Alan Glasspool | Thomas Phillips | Robin Smith | Tom Weller
Bride’s outfit | trousers & waistcoat | made by Geraldine Jarell | Oxford Frocks
Flowers | handmade
Hay bales | provided by venue
Thank you tree | Country Collections , Wheatley | https://www.facebook.com/Country-Collections-762549283781067
Band | Vinyl Daze | www.vinyldaze.co.uk

Photography by Thomas Phillips

Photography by Thomas Phillips

Award season is upon us

Award season is upon us

It seems we are in the full throes of award season at the moment. Social media, television and magazines are strewn with images of glamourous celebrities on red carpets attending glitzy award ceremonies. At this time of the year there’s the SAG Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Grammys, Emmys and not forgetting the Oscars at the end of the month, and my favourite, the Brit Awards in a few weeks time. 

And the world of weddings get in on the act too by recognising successes with various awards in their own right. I’m proud to also be a part of the whole award season, with my blog being a finalist in the UK Blog Awards 2017 (UKBA17) as well as currently being shortlisted for the West Oxfordshire Business Awards 2017 (#WOBA2017).

It was a pleasure to host the WOBA judging panel last week and share more about Hanami Dream weddings and special occasions and I look forward to hopefully being able to celebrate further achievements when the results are announced later in the year. 

Celebrating achievements (no matter how big or small) is important so I wanted to share some personal musings about why I blog and how much I value the recognition that awards bring to niche blogs such as mine.

 

Why do you write your blog?

In a nutshell, I love to blog about weddings because I love weddings! How wonderful to have all the people you care about, from different walks of your life, in the same room at the same time on your wedding day!

I get to combine this passion for weddings with my skills and experience of organising amazing styled photo shoots. In particular, I love the unique detail shots. After all, it’s all the little details that bring any event to life.

My local Cotswold wedding blog compiles, creates and collates inspiration, providing couples with wedding planning tips, tools, trends and traditions to celebrate their personal milestones.

Since 2014, this blog has evolved (and continues to) wherever new opportunities and avenues take me. The possibilities are really exciting and my blog conveniently fits around my growing family commitments and lifestyle (with three beautiful children currently under 5 I’m certainly never bored).

The beauty of blogging is that I can work anywhere, at any time and write about the things that really interest me. I’m a big fan of local wedding businesses and I support and promote them whenever I can.

What does it mean to be a finalist?

Being a finalist in the UK Blog Awards for a second year gives me a huge sense of achievement, is great recognition and a wonderful testament to the level of support shown by my readers.

I feel honoured to even be considered alongside the calibre of my fellow finalists in the Individual Event and Wedding category. Being up against great finalists has given me the chance to re-evaluate my blog again, an impetus to continue to improve it and a challenge to think about further evolution.

It is great to have another reason to shout about my business. I’m also currently shortlisted for the next round of the West Oxfordshire Business Awards #WOBA2017. Both these accolades give me the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the blogging world, wedding industry and local businesses.

This added promotion has given not only my blog extra exposure, but I’m pleased it’s also showcasing the stunning venues and highly talented wedding industry professionals from small, local and independent businesses, that my blog supports in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside of the Cotswolds.

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th January 2017 – tv and film weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th January 2017 – tv and film weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th January 2017

As well as general wedding planning chat, this week’s theme is ‘TV & film weddings’ – what are your favs & which will affect trends in 2017 #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 1: What is your favourite wedding film? I love 4 Weddings and a Ffuneral, 27 Dresses & Bridesmaids!#UKWedLunch

QUESTION 2: What is your favourite tv wedding? For me, it’s Scott & Charlene’s in Neighbours! What entrance music! #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 3: Which wedding have influenced you the most? Gotta be royal weddings for me esp as Kate & Will for married same year as us #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 4: Which film genre will influence weddings the most in 2017? Comic book, romantic  futurist, beach, medieval, 1920s? #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 5: 2017 looks set to be a year of blockbuster films & tv progs. Which will affect wedding trends? #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 6: What influence do you think the new Beauty & the Beast film will have on wedding themes? #UKWedLunch

This week’s #toptips are taken from ‘New Beginnings‘ #UKWedLunch

Take a look at more wedding trend predictions #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week’s theme will be on ‘finding right stationery for your budget’ #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT

2016 Review of the year

2016 Review of the year

I hope you’ve had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas. At this between and betwixt time, I often take the time to reflect on the past year. And what a fantastic year it’s been for Hanami Dream weddings and special occasions in 2016!I’ve continued to study with UKAWEP and was proud to be picked as Student of the month in October. The course has (and continues) to open my eyes up to a whole world of weddings beyond just wedding planning.

My focus has changed this year and I’m concentrating on making the blog work commercially as well as providing inspiration to brides and grooms in the Cotswolds. This feels like a fantastic evolution, which really excites me and fits in with my current family life, plus combines my experience within the scope of the wedding industry.

I enjoyed working with a great venue and local businesses on a stunning Wind in the Willows styled photo shoot which featured on the blog as well as on Bride Magazine.

I also worked as a consultant with a local venue to help them with their first wedding open day where I held a wedding planning drop in clinic.

Plus I launched #UKWedLunch in August – a Twitter hour for brides and grooms to be who are planning their weddings in their lunch breaks.

I’m delighted to have enquiries for different aspects of the business including venue styling and consultancy, as well as such lovely testimonials from happy couples and suppliers I’ve worked with in 2016.

The blog featured posts on different elements of wedding planning, local wedding venues, catering vans, a series titled ‘the holy trinity of wedding planning’ and some wonderful guest posts from local wedding professionals (with top tips and an insight in to different elements of wedding planning from their area of the wedding industry). See the top ten posts of 2016.

My blog has had an exciting year and continues to go from strength to strength. The highlight of 2016, was being a finalist in two categories of the UK Blog Awards in April and I was delighted to get a highly commended award.

I was also chuffed to have some of my articles (on seating plans and stationery) published on Bride Magazine online too.

I’m pleased to add to my honoured collection of accolades with #QueenOf Wedding Inspiration by The Royal Connection, the #SmartSocial award from Marketme, #BrightPig’s Business of the Week and I was also picked by Jacqueline Gold CBE to be a WOW Winner.

I’m really proud to have won the UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning’s Greenery‬ (SS17 and colour of the year) Pantone® mood board competition again this year.

If all this wasn’t enough, I’m over the moon to have found out last week that I’ve been shortlisted for the next round of the West Oxfordshire Business Awards #WOBA2017. So I’m looking forward to meeting the judges in the New Year and to seeing what other exciting things 2017 has to hold for Hanami Dream.

Now is also a great time to look forward to the brand new year ahead. I’ve lots of plans afoot including focusing the blog on supporting and promoting local wedding professionals, services and venues #keepitlocal. And I can’t wait to produce more styled photo shoots and have more opportunities to collaborate with local suppliers.

Many thanks for your support in 2016 and here’s to an exciting and very Happy New Year!

Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

Inspiration: autumnal marsala & gold Wind in the Willows wedding

Inspiration: autumnal marsala & gold Wind in the Willows wedding

Set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside of the Cotswolds, this Wind in the Willows styled bridal shoot is an outdoor, autumnal adventure. Complete with vintage transport alongside a picturesque river, followed by a celebration in a grand hall dressed in marsala and gold, with chalk board and marble design features plus tactile fabrics like tweed, corduroy and suede. Planned and designed by Hanami Dream and wonderfully captured by Farrow Photography.

img_1352It is a true celebration of the beauty of nature and encapsulates the sense of an outdoors adventure as typified by the Wind in the Willows book by Kenneth Grahame. This is a chance to get away from the hectic, crowded city to a stunning and tranquil setting. Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger would be proud to attend this relaxed bohemian wedding. Bride & groom on bridge | Wind in the Willows | marsala & gold | autumnal | Old Swan & Minster Mill | Witney | October 2016 | Photography by Farrow Photography www.farrowphotography.co.uk

The Old Swan and Minster Mill was a perfect location for this wedding where the bride and groom gazed at one another during their wedding ceremony whilst on the love seats under the Temple Garden. This had the amazing backdrop of a splendid willow tree draping it’s branches in to the River Windrush, flowing on it’s way to join the River Thames. Couple under temple garden | Wind in the Willows | marsala & gold | autumnal | Old Swan & Minster Mill | Witney | October 2016 | Photography by Farrow Photography www.farrowphotography.co.uk

The couple moored their rowing boat by a disused boat house, explored the peaceful setting with treks down the river, over bridges, carefree on a tree swing and enjoyed a sumptuous, rustic picnic sat on a blanket with their hamper on the riverbank.Bride & groom picnic by boat | Mae Bridal | Keates of Witney | Classic Flowers | The Pretty Cake Company | Wind in the Willows | marsala & gold | autumnal | Old Swan & Minster Mill | Witney | October 2016 | Photography by Farrow Photography www.farrowphotography.co.uk

Mr Toad would have approved of the vintage Humber car (from British Classic Car Hire) to experience the open road before entering the Great Hall through a paper floral archway (by Paper Tree Design) to feast on a mouthwatering banquet.

Couple by car | British Classic Car Hire | Wind in the Willows | marsala & gold | autumnal | Old Swan & Minster Mill | Witney | October 2016 | Photography by Farrow Photography www.farrowphotography.co.uk

Once inside the happy couple sat in pride of place at the top table, in front of an impressive fireplace with a mantelpiece adorned with swashes of forest green foliage (from Classic Flowers) and fairy lights. The table was luxurious and tactile complete with a suede cream table cloth, copious amounts of marsala coloured candles in gold candlesticks and geometric copper tea light holders (from Talking Tables). Gold beaded charger plates were topped with gold vintage crockery (from Vintage Gold China), marsala coloured silk napkins and a chalk board design menu card (by Paper Tree Design), besides gold vintage cutlery (from Vintage Gold China).

Couple at banquet in grand hall | Wind in the Willows | marsala & gold | autumnal | Old Swan & Minster Mill | Witney | October 2016 | Photography by Farrow Photography www.farrowphotography.co.uk

Guests found their places by referencing the chalk board style table plan and name cards (with guest names paying homage to the character names and table were named after chapters from the book by Paper Tree Design) and were given an opulent, marsala marbled soap as their fragrant favour (by Stonesfield Soap Company).

Place setting | Menu by Paper Tree Design | Cutlery & Crockery by Vintage Gold China | Wind in the Willows | marsala & gold | autumnal | Old Swan & Minster Mill | Witney | October 2016 | Photography by Farrow Photography www.farrowphotography.co.uk

The top table was swathed in a striking floral table runner with a loose relaxed vibe containing lots of greenery along with burgundy dahlias, flowing amaranthus (mirroring the weeping willow tree outside), ranunculas, hypericum berries, snow berries, skimmia and bombastic roses. These flowers (from Classic Flowers) featured in the remarkable bouquet that the bride cradled, as well as in her loose braided hair (by Lucy Beesley Bridal), her corsage and the groom’s buttonhole. Bouquet by couple next to river | Classic Flowers | Wind in the Willows | marsala & gold | autumnal | Old Swan & Minster Mill | Witney | October 2016 | Photography by Farrow Photography www.farrowphotography.co.uk

These florals were beautiful replicated on the cake (by The Pretty Cake Company) which also combined other on trend themes such as marbling, metallic gold lustre, drip effects and a chalkboard tier, which was sympathetic to the stationery and a nod to the author of the book. img_1206

The gorgeous bride braved the cold autumnal weather, with a beautiful smile complete with marsala coloured lipstick (with makeup by Lucy Beesley Bridal) and perfectly fitted the romantic A line wedding gown with lace sleeves, sweeping net train and floral appliqued bodice by Watters (provided by Mae Bridal). She completed her look with a short veil (by Richard Designs) worn low below a delicate hair vine (by Miranda Templeton) and gold coloured Blake shoes (by Benjamin Adams). Bride with bouquet by river | Mae Bridal | Classic Flowers | Wind in the Willows | marsala & gold | autumnal | Old Swan & Minster Mill | Witney | October 2016 | Photography by Farrow Photography www.farrowphotography.co.uk

Our handsome, bearded groom suited the countryside surroundings with the dapper tweed jacket and waistcoat, coupled with a checked shirt, marsala bow tie and plush red corduroy trousers that he wore (from Keates of Witney). Groom on swing | Keates of Witney | Wind in the Willows | marsala & gold | autumnal | Old Swan & Minster Mill | Witney | October 2016 | Photography by Farrow Photography www.farrowphotography.co.uk

It’s the little details that bring any event to life and this was made possible by the wonderful local suppliers who provided their time, services, venue and products for free. Together we have showcased the amazing talent that our part of the UK has to offer the wedding industry.

Take a look at the fabulous suppliers that were involved in this styled shoot – ‘Keeping it local with suppliers for the Wind in the Willows shoot’

And take a glimpse behind the scenes at the how the theme and designs came to life – Behind the scenes: Wind in the Willows shoot

#keepitlocal

Planning & Design | Hanami Dream | www.hanamidream.co.uk
Location | Old Swan & Minster Mill | www.oldswanminstermill.co.uk
Photographer | Farrow Photography | www.farrowphotography.com
Models | Jess & Henry
Hair & Make up | Lucy Beesley Bridal | www.lucybeesleybridal.co.uk
Bridal dress and accessories | Mae Bridal | http://maebridal.co.uk
Groom clothing | Keates of Witney | www.keatesmenswear.co.uk
Florist | Classic Flowers | www.witneyflorist.co.uk
Cake | The Pretty Cake Company | www.theprettycakecompany.com
Stationery (including paper floral arch) | Paper Tree Design | www.papertreedesign.co.uk
Cutlery & Crockery | Vintage Gold China | www.vintagegoldchina.com
Copper geometric tea lights | Talking Tables | www.talkingtables.co.uk | sourced by Lark Rise Flowers | http://larkriseflowers.com
Favours | Stonesfield Soap Company | www.stonesfieldsoap.com
Transport | British Classic Car Hire | www.britishclassiccarhire.co.uk