If you need tips on how to DIY a wedding, this may be the couple to ask! This was a masterclass in how to beautifully style a tipi whilst adding lots of handmade touches and epic little extras that made the day fabulous from start to finish.
On the eve of their wedding Jess and Chris arrived at Elmbridge with an army of friends and family to help them prep for their big day. Flowers were delivered, tables were dressed by the stylists and all hands were on deck to add the final touches to the tipis. They had thought of literally everything from quirky guestbook ideas to selfie stations, photo memory walls to handmade backdrops for guests to take their pictures beside. There were activities for the kids, mini tipis for their sleepy time, and picnic boxes being prepped with snacks for the children to enjoy. There was no stone unturned here! You would never believe this was all pulled together in less than six months, would you?!
Our bride and groom spent the night with their families in our lodges and in the morning, once again, all hands were on deck to get everyone prepped and ready.
Jess and Chris chose to hold their ceremony on our lovely lakeside spot and, despite the threat of some drizzle in the morning, the sun shone on them as they said their vows. It all began with the beer boys handing out the bevvies as they waited for the bridal party to arrive. Their four children walked down the aisle ahead of Jess and her bridesmaids, and their personalised ceremony perfectly told the story of their journey together as a couple. They had also opted to include a handfasting element so that every part was personal to them. Their ceremony invoked quite a few tears and a lot of laughter and captured their story perfectly.
Once the ceremony was complete, Chris and Jess led their guests across the bridge to the tipis for a drinks reception and photos in the glorious sunshine! There was live acoustic music playing which set a gorgeous tone out on the terrace, and there was plenty for everyone to get stuck into! We had mini golf for the big kids (although the little ones loved it too) and a bouncy castle for the children (although of course the grown ups got in on the action!).
As guests came to take their seats they had their first proper look inside the tipis and they were dressed exquisitely in neutral tones with beautiful dried flowers. The bridesmaids in their mix of golden hues matched perfectly with the décor! Jess and Chris had opted for a sweetheart table at the top of the tipis which put them in pride of place for the afternoon. They began with their speeches which were incredibly moving and emotional, and just the right amount of ridiculous too (have you ever heard a groom quote Craig David in their speech before?!). Food was fabulous with a relaxed barbeque vibe, and the dessert option was a special treat for one of their kids… a Mr Whippy van! The looks on their faces as the music played was absolutely priceless.
After dinner, while guests enjoyed some down time, Jess and Chris went off to have their portraits taken and they found some beautiful spots in our grounds to get the most perfect pictures (we especially love the combo of a smart suit and flip flops on our groom!). They also chose a videographer to capture their day and this was when they got the most stunning shots of the two of them in the golden hour light.
Things didn’t slow down in the evening – upon their return Chris and Jess made an epic entrance into the tipis to get the party started. With groomsmen in tow, they walked past the lake and up towards the tipis carrying smoke bombs and playing music to get everyone in the mood. The DJ got the dancefloor filled, and the addition of a sax player (which Jess booked as a surprise for her new husband!) made for an amazing evening of entertainment. We had dance-offs, singing, even some breakdancing – all of which make for some incredible photos to look back on.
Jess and Chris really made our place their own and were able to celebrate their wedding with their own wonderful family and a host of brilliant friends. Take a little look at the gorgeous video of their day by Jamie Ferguson on Youtube if you want to see more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLH32vodiIk
Thanks so much for choosing us. And congratulations!
Suppliers:
Photography: JH23 Photography:
Videography: Jamie Ferguson Films
Caterer: Rustic Roast Kitchen
Coordinator: Worcestershire Wedding Planner
Celebrant: Embrace the Day
Flowers: Dried & Tied Flowers
Mini golf: Par-tee Events
Bouncy castle: Midlands Bounce House
Balloons: Creations by Cloud Nine
Musician: Lia White Music
Ice Cream Van: Piccadilly Whip