This is what GreenAcres does to you when you visit. It did the exact same thing to me. It becomes a part of your very being, and you instantly feel soothed by the surrounding nature and want to belong to it. Trust me. Go and you’ll see what I mean.
Lydia and Steph were one of the first couples to marry at the brand new Beech Dell, a wonderful ceremony spot deep in the woodlands.
Keep reading for all the details and gorgeous images by Taylor-Hughes Photography.
Lydia + Steph say…
I, Lydia, had been to GreenAcres for a holistic class. Even though it was a wet and wintery day, I remember looking out at the trees and just wishing for a place like that to get married. Then my teacher said she got married there!
Following that I took Steph on a little day date and walk around the grounds. We both loved the trees! But we came to the conclusion that we’d rather be out within the trees rather than in the building where others had got married.
Like with everything we do, we followed our gut and had a talk to the events organiser who informed us that they were in the process of building an outdoor wedding space in the woodland under a canopy of trees. Once again the universe answered our call!
I think we were both always conscious of wearing something that really reflected us. And we decided early on that out of everyone in the world – we always respect each other’s opinions most so why wouldn’t we want each other’s advice for our wedding outfit. We don’t believe in that bad luck stuff!
I guess outfits weren’t the most important thing to us. We had High Street branded outfits and we knew from the start we wouldn’t be spending monstrous amounts on clothing. We both ordered quite a few things online, tried dozens on – sent dozens back! Then settled on what made the other go ‘wow!’
We wanted to work with the natural setting, so the trees were the shining star and backbone of our day. And then we eventually came to this concept of an outdoor living room! We wanted everyone to feel at ease, like the space was theirs to nestle in to. Nothing formal or starchy and as eco as possible.
It was a DIY wedding. Our friends helped MASSIVELY with set up and much more. We bought second hand furniture and painted it. We collected glass jars and bottles for 2 years and decorated them. Lydia’s mum foraged for all the greenery we used. Lydia made a centrepiece out of a hula hoop. Steph called on all of her musician friends to perform. It was a DIY day!
We had Mangiammos pizza! They were incredible. Not only did it taste amazing, they were accommodating in every way.
Photography by Lydia:
I’m forever grateful to Jack and Jade for capturing our day in a way I’d only dreamed about! Thanks to them, I have photos that reflect the true essence of mine and my wife’s day. I’m transported back to the setting and environment of our wedding because their photos so beautifully captured it all. Our guests all loved interacting with them too. Jack and Jade are so professional and their experience puts you at ease. They communicate so well with you before the day and after too! If you’re a gay/ lesbian/ queer couple… no biggy! Jack and Jade will look after you like they did us! It was lovely to feel supported in this way. Taylor-Hughes – your talent is hard to truly say in words but I’m so lucky my wedding day was captured by you and that I am part of your art.
Photography by Steph:
You have to book these guys. Their professionalism was only outshone by their natural talent. These guys take the photos that YOU want, but in a way that makes them so so so much better. From the initial stages of finding out our dynamics as a couple, walking through our venue plan and what type of photos we would like, to working so hard on the day… there isn’t anything they could have done better. As a lesbian couple it was important for us to hire photographers who could capture our woodland wedding in a non traditional way. They nailed it. Our aftercare has been stunning as well. The gallery, communication and finally, the memory box that we received… just made us feel so special.
Best part of the day
- Driving to the venue together and squeezing in to Lydia’s Honda Jazz trying not to crease our outfits!
- Having a quiet walk through the party area whilst all our guests had made their way to the ceremony space, just taking in all of our hard work and dreams.
- Our walk in was long as it was through some Woodland and we got to see our guests in the clearing below us – the perspective was beautiful. We smiled the whole way and our guests clapped us in! It was so joyful.
- Being married by a dear friend.
- Watching our whole wedding party put on moustaches and sing ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ à la Freddie, as organised by our MOC.
- Singing to each other.
- Listening to the speeches from our best women!! Our relatives thought we’d hired comedians!
- Dancing and listening to the most talented Drag Queen around, Luna Cortez.
From one couple to another…
Your way or no way – simple!
We’re glad we followed our hearts and didn’t go and do that big white wedding. Only because that wouldn’t have been us.
Venue GreenAcres Woodland Weddings Chiltern
Photography Taylor-Hughes Photography
Film Veridical Visuals
Catering Mangiamo Pizza
Entertainment Luna Cortez – Drag Queen Act
Stationery Vistaprint
Lydia’s Dress + Hair Piece Monsoon Bridal and Crown and Glory
Steph’s Jumpsuit + Shoes Reiss from John Lewis and Pride Edition Converse