The most amazing setting – festoon lights at sundown, a boho chic wedding in a tent, a stunning bride and gorgeous groom – and all those lovely guests, smiling, together, safe and so, so happy. This is Laura & Dicky’s wedding from before pandemics, and it’s full to bursting with joy, love and laughter. Plus all the amazing details we love to see, a million or so pom poms, and an incredible dress. Images by lovely Ellen J, tipi by our friends and #englishweddingmember Coastal Tents.

Wedding photographer’s website

https://ellenj.co.uk/

How did you choose your photographer?

We met Ellen at an event by Coastal Tents. We loved the creative and nature style of her work. However mostly we liked Ellen, neither Dicky or I like having our photographs taken but Ellen was so relaxed and easy to be with – it was an easy decision to choose her.

Were you pleased with your wedding photographer? Do tell… we love a brilliant review!

Absolutely. Ellen was easy going and good to be around but also experienced with a brilliant eye. She also rallied the troops – even with the copious amount of fizz consumed by the wedding party!

Tell us about your venue – what made this place special for you?

Charisworth Farm – https://www.dorsetfarmparty.co.uk/ Again the relaxed atmosphere and Richard (farm owners) laid back approach, along with the beautiful view and having the option for a legal ceremony onsite. Nothing was too much trouble and we had free reign in how we wanted our day to go.

Coastal Tents made the field a wedding venue!

Did you love wearing your outfits? How was the dress / suit shopping experience?

I was happy with my dress as felt comfortable. I chose my dress quickly and on my own; with hindsight not sure I had the experience I wanted and I would have experimented a bit more. Even if I ended up with the same dress I think I could have had a bit more fun trying on others.

Did you hire a florist? Tell us about any floral amazingness

No, a family friend made the bouquets from flowers we bought at the supermarket and we used jam jars, plant pots and steel buckets for the table decor.

As cake lovers here at English Wedding we’d LOVE to know who made your cake, and how delicious it was?

We had a dessert table and guests (who were up for it) brought homemade cakes and sweet treats as a wedding gift. The selection was incredible and involved friends and family in the day.

Tell us about any special personal touches, or creative projects you made yourselves

My mother in law made a ridiculous amount of wool Pom Poms which we hung as bunting, along with several hundred paper cranes (lovingly made by me) hung over the dance floor. For table names we used photographs of family Let dogs over the years – with our dog (Lilly) being the top table.

Did you personalise your vows or have any wedding readings? What were they?

Yes we personalised our vows and had family and friends complete a reading of their choice.

What was your first dance song? Why did you choose it?

Deeply Dippy by Right Said Fred… not a standard choice(!) but was a joke between friends from a holiday in Ibiza several years ago. We always promised we would have it at our wedding. The band did a brilliant rendition – making it sound much better than it is!

Favourite wedding suppliers

Coastal Tents – https://www.coastaltents.co.uk/ arranged the tipis, toilets and lighting. They were superb from the first moment. It’s quite scary planning a wedding in a field, with no electric or facilities. Their vision, competence and professionalism made it so much easier. They also knew a lot of the other suppliers / venue which also helped things to run smoothly. Couldn’t recommend them enough.

Hungry Mule catering https://hungrymule.co.uk/
Lovely people who were a joy to work with and ensured everyone was well fed with great quality food – even in the middle of a field.

Band – Royal T’s https://theroyalts.co.uk/ coped with a slightly rowdy / merry wedding party and kept the dance floor busy – along with doing a Special rendition for our first dance.