Sustainable Outdoor Woodland Wedding Ideas

Happy Hump Day Lovers! We hope you are all well and had a good bank holiday weekend. You may have noticed that we have been a bit quiet both on here and on our social media over the last 4 days. It was my wedding anniversary yesterday so Mr D and I sent the children to their grandparents on Monday and we had two days completely child free! I decided to fully throw myself into those days by having a complete break from social media for the bank holiday weekend and my goodness do I feel better for it. Social media breaks/holidays are the way forward – trust me – I have been addicted to my phone, and Festival Brides Instagram, for way too long and switching completely off and living fully in the moment this weekend has lifted me in so many ways. If you’ve not had a whole day social media free for a while then do it!!!

Back to your wedding planning and we have a gorgeous alternative outdoor wedding styled shoot to share with you all, put together by Nikkita Palmer Designs Hire and captured by Sam Bennett Photography. It comes with a nomadic travelling vibe, Moroccan inspired decor, jewel toned colour theme, a free spirited couple, a vintage bohemian lace wedding dress with tassel detail and an overall alternative eclectic vibe which we love love LOVE. When asked about the shoot Nakkita says…

Buried in the depths of Northamptonshire’s sweeping countryside, this styled shoot was a collaboration between a collection of like minded industry suppliers. The inspiration came from an eclectic mix of raw, Moroccan and free spirited directions. The nomadic story line was a huge part of the styling and details incorporated by each supplier. This intimate elopement is a story of personality, going against the grain of traditional wedding decor.

With a focus on sustainability through using upcycled decor, recycled furniture and foraged and dried flowers, and with an underlying theme of wholeness and eternity, this shoot is ticking so many of our boxes. It is a brilliant example of the beauty that can be created whilst being mindful of the environment, and anything that comes with a mismatch of styles, trends and decor in jewel tones always gets a big thumbs up from us. We just love the alfresco dining set up, the outdoor ceremony with it’s semi-circle seating, the bell tent ‘lounge’ with its low table and soft furnishings and the macramé hammock.

Nikkita shares with us more details on her gorgeous woodland wedding inspiration and the suppliers who helped make it happen.

A Nomadic Bohemian Vision…

“not all those who wander are lost”

An unusual circular ceremony nestled within the tree’s of Hawthorn Grove Outdoor Venue creates a more intimate blessing, pulling on connotations of wholeness and eternity. The florals, sourced from foraged, found and dried collections by Wild Love Floral add a softness to the ever resilient triangular archway. Providing views from all angles, much like the venue itself, this ceremony enhances the sense of gathering and togetherness, the combining of two families, a stark comparison to the traditional hierarchy of wedding ceremony seating.

Tassels drape from the delicate vintage lace of the bespoke dress, the modern shape adding to the personality and quirkiness captured by Lisa Lyons Bridal, with soft yet fiercely independent feminine vibes. Paired with barefoot crochet sandals for the ceremony and a studded ankle boot for the reception. The male wardrobe reflected the natural and free spirited aesthetic of the model and echoed the laid back atmosphere of the couple and the surroundings at Hawthorn Grove, captured beautifully by Sam Bennett Photography.

Flash Kate MUA captured the nomadic bohemian vision with a loose plait to one side and subtle hints of soft make up adding to the natural yet chic look of the bride, highlighting her pixie like features. The magic only enhanced by the foraged woodland crown created by Mazie & Co.

A cabinet of curiosities, an eclectic mix of Moroccan styled lanterns, suspended and still, within a flurry of vintage glass, presented on a reclaimed trestle table from Nikkita Palmer Designs Event Hire. A pop of sophisticated colour pulls in from each element of decor, a low hanging display over the table, adding to the closeness of the day. Table stationery from White Cottage Weddings mirrors the circular wholeness of the moon and warmth from the trees, in a pallet of soft yet strong colours. Together creating an imperfectly perfect reflection of the couple themselves.

“…and in the middle of the chaos, there was you”

Softness and elegance powers through the cake by Deliciously Divine, with hints of the tones used in the stationery and the bohemian, autumnal luxury of eucalyptus, feathers and orange floral pops. Elevated from the table, the transparent swing reflects the luxury of the cake, the triangular strings, another gentle nod towards the powerful significance of the shape earlier reflected in the ceremony. Later as the bar becomes the focal point, the cake holds its own with its sophistication against the warmth of the whiskey barrels and wood.

As dusk begins to fall on the woodland, the journey transports across the sweeping fields of Hawthorn Grove, with its signature working farm charm and valley views, the couple burrow into the landrover and down to the river where their sense of wander continues.

Beneath the trees the fire pit simmers as the couple nest into their bell tent, styled with cosy scatter cushions, blankets and warm lighting. Gentle reminders of the day fall through with vintage glass bottles and an eclectic mix of dried florals.