We were thrilled when PapaKåta landed this gorgeous real wedding in our inbox. Although arguably most famous for their beautiful white sail-cloth tents, PapaKåta can also provide lovely traditional tipis, and we adore them!

With plenty of marquee options out there, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. If you're looking for a relaxed, home-from-home, day filled with your own personal touches we cannot recommend a tipi enough! Instantly oozing festival vibes, a tipi wedding feels like it's own little party village. Adorned with festoon lighting and DIY touches, your guests are bound to be oo-ing and aah-ing as soon as they set foot in your venue.

The tipi itself does oh-so much of the talking. With impressive wooden beams and twinkling fairy lights, your tipi is bound to charm your friends and family effortlessly. Leanne & Michael chose Papakata's rustic wooden tables and stylish cross-back chairs to set a relaxed and social dining ambience to their wedding breakfast.

With a little boho influence throughout, the tipi was filled with macrame details, rustic wooden barrels and light up love letters. On the tables, Yorkshire Dales Flower Company provided the most delicate floral in ceramic urns, complimented by dark red runners with glittering gold details.

A formal, royal icing-topped, perfectly white cake would not have sang with the venue like this beauty. Zara Cakes created this semi-naked delight, with bronze macarons, decadent chocolate spheres and a stylish drip effect! You have to check out her website, the little cupcake is just darling.

Not only did sumptuous reds, rich terracotta and deep browns appear throughout the tipi and stunning wedding cake, Leanne's outfit worked in perfect harmony. Her statement jacket added a fun touch to a formal wedding dress, and we're digging it!

Who said canapés were the only arrival snack? Michael & Leanne opted for ice cream alongside refreshing cocktails, before delving into a delicious wedding breakfast from Eat Me Drink Me. Social dining lends itself so well to a tipi setting, giving off a communal sentiment. Oh, and can we forget... the doughnut wall!?

Venue | PapaKåta
Location | Skipbridge Country Weddings
Photographer | Photography by Charli
Florist | Yorkshire Dales Flower Company
Cake | Zara Cakes
Catering | Eat Me Drink Me
Entertainment | Steven Heath
Styling | The Bride Herself!
Welcome Sign | Prints by Ayesha

We know your time is precious when you're in the depths of wedding planning. That's why we've had a good old trawl around Etsy for some bridesmaid gift ideas to give you a little inspiration! From bespoke botanical necklaces to personalised robes, we've selected a number of pieces that we think you'll love as much as we do.

We like to support small creative businesses so all the items we've featured are handmade by a charming bunch of Etsy sellers right here in the UK. Enjoy!

Did you go on a city break for your hen do? Why not reminisce with a modern, illustrated print gifted to your best gal pals? Alex Foster creates a range of cute and quirky limited edition prints, this Paris poster is one of our favourites!

Created by 'Alex Foster Illo' on Etsy - Shop Now

Swoon alert! How gorgeous are these little hand crafted trinket dishes? Their minimalist design makes them fitting for any dressing table set up. As well as these personalised calligraphy designs, WILONNE has a range of unique options and if you buy 5 or more you get 15% off - perfect for you lot shopping for your bridesmaids. You're welcome! 

Created by 'WILONNE' on Etsy - Shop Now

Boho babes, these will be right up your street. These initial rings are satisfyingly shiny and are stamped with a bold chunky letter. They look quite delicate and feminine on their own or can be stacked for more of a statement look.

Created by 'House of Fifi' on Etsy - Shop Now

Add a touch of subtle sparkle to your bridesmaids' look with these elegant pale blush hair pins. Whether you're opting for an up-do or cascading curls, these cute accessories will add ethereal interest to any look. 

These cluster pins are made from a collection of clear diamante stones, pretty pink Rose Quartz gemstones and Swarovski crystal pearls in white.

Created by 'Melissa Morgan Designs' on Etsy - Shop Now

This botanical, ethereal styled shoot was inspired by a stunning new collection of hair pieces from Aureus Flos. Make Me Bridal created various understated looks based around the twinkling floral delights, focussing on natural femininity. We were thrilled to be a part of it.

We adore this look that featured a dainty golden crown with which Melissa Clare & Cimone Cheveux styled the models hair harmoniously. Equally soft, relaxed and free-flowing this up-do featured wisps around the face to sympathetically frame.

Brushed out curls were also on the menu. Cascading soft blonde locks were the perfect canvas for the most adorable blossom-like pieces which picked up the lighter tones in the model's hair.

A phenomenal skincare routine was the starting point for a day of make up, enhancing the model's natural glow. Adding subtle hues of soft pink, peach and tones of coffee, Phoebe Hayter played on the theme of the shoot to create subtle but statement looks.

How can you have a botanical shoot without gorgeous fleurs? Well, you can't. We recommended our fabulous friend Emma at Green Parlour, who provided an array of textures and colours in her floral arrangements. Abundant, loose and undone, perfectly in sync with the feel of the shoot.

Hair: Cimone Cheveux & Melissa Clare
Make up: Pheobe Hayter
Concept: Make Me Bridal
Photography: Rebecca Searle Photography
Florist: Green Parlour
Dresses: Luella's Bridal
Accessories: Aureus Flos
Models: Bethan & Kirsty
Planning: Wedding Shed

Firstly we'd like to wish you all a very happy New Year and apologise for the lack of wedding wonderfulness on the blog in recent months. We've been super busy but this absolute stunner of a wedding marks the start of us getting our blog-on again so keep your eyes well and truly peeled people.

We had seen little snippets of this special day on our Instagram feed, shared by many of the fantastic suppliers involved, so when it arrived in our inbox we were over the moon! Benjamin from Benjamin Stuart Photography has captured Emilie & Tony's wedding story so beautifully, with perfectly-timed shots of emotional moments and subtle documentary style coverage. We're certain a few happy tears were shed when they received their wedding album!

Nestled in the Berkshire countryside, Wasing Park was the setting for this elegant celebration. It's such a unique venue, made up of a selection of picturesque spaces including extensive woodlands and a walled garden.

Alicia from Wessex Flower Company created an abundance of stunning floral arrangements, from pastel pink button-holes to wonderfully wild bouquets for Emilie and her bridesmaids. The subtle blush and mauve shades complemented the bridesmaid's dresses so perfectly! Even the pooch had been dressed in a foliage collar - so cute.

With a venue as beautiful as Wasing Park, less is certainly more when it comes to wedding décor. The space was adorned with Wessex Flower Company's blooms, scented candles, mid century style furniture and handmade stationery with hints of pastel pink.

We hope these wedding photos have helped inspire you for your own special day! If you need a helping hand with getting some ideas together, or perhaps you've booked a DIY venue and need a little assistance on the day, don't hesitate to get in touch via hello@weddingshed.co.uk. 

A few weekends ago we had the absolute pleasure of having a nosy round a stunning new barn venue in Silchester, Hampshire. We heard that our friends at The Wild Fork, Benjamin Stuart Photography, Wessex Flower Company and Victoria Shute Calligraphy were taking part in an exciting photo shoot for a brand new venue so we just had to find out more!

We'd heard wonderful things from a handful of suppliers who had already had a sneak peek of the venue. So, we dropped Al and Carla a message on Instagram and agreed to pop along to see what this new rustic venue had to offer. We were expecting great things but in fact what we were greeted with was even more fabulous than we could have imagined.

Al and Carla have thought of every last detail with Silchester Farm, making sure everything is perfect (including the toilets which are quite frankly, fabulous). This is how you renovate an 18th century barn whilst still keeping every inch of its unique character!

Lots of lovely local suppliers had dressed the venue in such a complementary way that their creations almost looked as though they were part of the venue itself. Wessex Flower Company, Ruby and Grace Florist and Miss Mollie's Flowers showcased their floral wizardry with an abundance of foliage and autumnal hues. We particularly loved the dried woodland foliage in the ceremony backdrop and archway in the barn entryway.

Finishing flourishes included Pretty Pieces Perfect Day's charming vintage china as well as a macrame backdrop and rustic welcome signage from Ivory and Bloom Hire.

The tables in the barn were a true collaboration of all the suppliers involved, including yours truly with our pumpkin tea light holders, hand-dyed cotton table cloths and metallic animal place card holders! We were honoured to be part of such a wonderful bunch of wedding professionals and when it came to the tables we were over the moon to see how they'd turned out. Jasmine had her Wild Fork hat on and used her creative direction to craft a range of beautiful tablescapes with crockery and glassware from Crystal Hire and Victoria Shute's beautiful calligraphy. Again, the florists adorned the table with their amazing arrangements.

As we walked from the driveway, we could see the reception area through the large glass windows. There are actually a surprising amount of windows in this barn venue so light will certainly not be an issue! There's a large open space to the right as you walk in which you can see has plenty of potential for dressing - Silchester Farm are also going to hire out this space for hen parties, workshops and other events which is such a wonderful idea!

The space to the left is possibly the most cosy little nook we've ever seen, complete with squidgy mismatched furniture and fireplace. It's an ideal for spot for older guests who may need a little peace and quiet later in the evening. 

Although the atmosphere was warm and cosy whilst we were there on a rainy September day, the barn itself is extremely open and spacious. Fairy lights enrobed the oak beams which gave the barn a festive, wintry feel. With large windows either side, you can tell that this venue is absolutely perfect for summer events too and we can picture the large doors opened out to the extensive grounds outside.

Long family style dining tables and chairs are included in the hire price which we think is super generous considering their quality. Long trestles are right up The Wild Fork's street so naturally they dressed them beautifully with Crystal Hire's stoneware plates and little trinkets. We were so pleased with how our pumpkin tea lights looked and our metallic animals looked right at home.

Now, toilets might not be the first on your list of things to check... but, Silchester Farm's loos are pretty impressive! With an industrial vibe and a Hollywood-style full length mirror, your guests will be queuing up for a totally different reason. Did someone say toilet selfie?!

If you're on the look out for a rustic barn venue for your 2020 wedding then do make sure you get in touch with Al & Carla from Silchester Farm. Not only were we seriously impressed with their renovation, they're also a pair of incredibly lovely people who we'd be more than happy to work alongside for your special day!

Wedding Suppliers Involved in Open Day
Flowers - Wessex Flower Company, Miss Mollie's Flowers, Ruby & Grace Florist
Table Settings - The Wild Fork with Crystal Hire Ltd
Pumpkins, Animal Place Card Holders, Dyed Cotton Runners - Wedding Shed
Drinks and Nibbles - The Wild Fork
Photography - Benjamin Stuart and Studio Rouge Photography
Stationery and Table Plan - Victoria Shute Calligraphy
Welcome Sign & Macrame - Ivory and Bloom Hire
Cake Display - Victoria's Sponges & More
Tiered Wedding Drip Cake - Francesca Calkin's Cake Company
Vintage China - Pretty Pieces Perfect Days
Harp - Lizzy Bennie Music
Band - Karizma 

It’s safe to say that we absolutely LOVE flowering a Moongate here at Eden Blooms HQ. So much so, that we’ve invested in our very own! It certainly hasn’t failed to disappoint. Who knew the moon gate, (effectively a giant metal hoop) could bring both florists and clients alike so much joy!

​Our team of florists at Eden Blooms are constantly so inspired by its versatility to create different floral designs and styling throughout the Seasons. From Spring growing gardens to fully flowered fresh whites and greens for Summer. Filling a room with it’s fragrant scent of Sweet Peas and Flowering Mint. Through to rich Autumnal tones and berried textures. It’s the oversized wreath that just keeps on giving. Our next vision, to create a beautiful Winter Wonderland inspired showstopper. It will consist of contorted willow, silvery foliages, with a natural woodland them. It will be surrounded by massed column vases and candles and would be the ultimate statement piece for a cosy and romantic Winter wedding.

​Moongates really make the most striking feature in the room (second to the bride and groom of course!). It’s a fantastic way to frame a top table or indeed to marry in front of. Something that can be so beautifully captured by your photographer and will remain in all your photographs for years to come. If you are considering a focal design that creates a total wow factor in the room, then this might just be something for you!

Image 1 - Eden Blooms 
Image 2 - Eden Blooms
Image 3 - James White
​Image 4 - Guy Collier Photography

When Benjamin from Benjamin Stuart Photography drops us a DM to say he's sent a real wedding our way, we get pretty darn excited. His ability to creatively tell the individual story of each wedding he photographs is mesmerising, you'll see exactly what we mean below.

We weren't at Emilie and Tommy's wedding, but just by flicking through Benjamin's gorgeous photos we can relive the buzzing atmosphere of their special day. You can see how important family is to this lovely couple as the whole day seemingly revolved around loved ones with beautiful DIY touches created by family members, traditional outdoor games (including tug of war!) and SO much laughter. 

Tommy's Gran's chicken farm made the perfect backdrop for this rustic marquee wedding and their handcrafted décor tied in their countryside theme. If you're looking for DIY wedding inspiration then have a flick through their gorgeous photos below, they created their very own up-cycled weddings signs, an outdoor bar, Krispy Kreme wedding cake and so much more. Their wedding team included Kimberley Dredge Makeup, The Wedding Dress Barn, The Styling Chair and Marc Darcy Suits. 

Are you looking for a rustic barn venue in the Berkshire countryside? Nestled within the rolling hills of Combe, near Hungerford, sits the spectacular Combe Manor Barns. We've both visited this charming venue many times with The Wild Fork and absolutely love the set up. The space consists of two great barns which are attached in an L shape to offer plenty of flexibility, a beautifully picturesque lawned courtyard and a stunning manor house which couples are able to use for the bridal bedroom and drawing room.

If you'd like to know if Combe Manor Barns ticks all your boxes, scroll down to see our list of popular questions and answers... 

Between the two spacious barns sits a generously-sized stage which offers the perfect space for a band or DJ to set up their equipment.

Combe Manor Barns are licensed to hold civil ceremonies in their barns, you can see an example of the set up below (there's space for 150 seated guests). There is also a Grade 1 listed church next door which can be used for the ceremony subject to discussion with the local Rector and agreement with the Church of England. This beautifully historic church is just 50 metres away from the barns!

Combe lies within the rolling hills of the West Berkshire countryside and the winding roads up to the barns offer the most stunning views! To the west lies Wiltshire, Basingstoke and Deane to the east and Test Valley to the south. Combe Manor Barns is an easy drive from surrounding towns including Newbury, Hungerford, Basingstoke, Reading and Swindon.

Next to the barns there's a fully functioning kitchen which can easy handle a wedding breakfast for up to 200 people! Combe Manor Barns recommend a selection of caterers but you're also very welcome to bring your own caterer, although this does incur a small surcharge. Their recommended caterers include The Wild Fork, Total Hospitality, Vaughan's Kitchen, Nyama Catering and The Little Kitchen Company!

Combe Manor don't charge corkage (yay!) and they have fridges to chill down those all important bubbles and wine for your special day. If you're keen to have a pay bar for all or part of your day, they can recommend a few companies who can help with licensing and supply a fully-stocked bar and staff (your chosen caterer is likely to offer this service too). 

No! Combe Manor Barns have round and trestle tables, as well as chairs for up to 150 people. Even better, they don't charge for these.

As you can see, Combe Manor offers a gorgeous rustic setting within tranquil and picturesque location. You'll most likely still have plenty of questions about this countryside venue so thankfully they've included a whole host of information here on their website!

This quick and easy little DIY project is perfect for filling empty space at your venue, either as a backdrop behind your cake, a polaroid station or against a rustic brick barn wall. We've made ours into a photo display, but this can easily be transformed into a table plan; simply swap the images for table and guest names!

Now, we know that you don't choose the DIY life... the DIY life chooses you. Sometimes, you and the DIY life just don't work, and that's okay! We'll be adding some exciting new items to the shop soon so you can pop on and buy one from there.

Amazon, Ebay and school supply shops are full of these traditional hula hoops!

Your hula hoop is going to be a little too smooth for the paint to grip onto, so to get a rough surface rub the whole hoop down with medium sandpaper until you can feel a little texture but not too much that you get large pieces of plastic coming off. Be gentle!

Recognise this? It's the Champagne Gold spray paint from Wilko that we used for the cute little woodland animal place card holders! Make sure you're in a well ventilated area and spray away! We recommend a metallic spray because it's likely to hide any scuffs or marks, but really you could rock any colour you like! Hanging the hoop while you spray is the best way to achieve an all-over even coating.

We had a hard time choosing ribbon from Paperchase. Whilst it's not the cheapest place to find crafty items their selection is beaut! We opted for a muted Champagne pink colour. Start in the middle, tying your ribbon in a tight knot at the top and bottom and turning the knot so that it's on the outside of the hoop, and the ribbon is taught. Next, tie the two outer ribbons in the same way so that you have even spacing between them. Finally, tie the inner two ribbons following the same technique until you have 5 evenly spaced taught ribbons.

Using the same spacing technique as the ribbons, start organising your photos. We used the legends over at Lalalab for our polaroid style photos which turned out AMAZINGLY!! We attached our images with minute little wooden pegs. Aren't they adorbs?

Ok, so did you know TK Maxx have heaps of faux fleurs? We opted for a mixture of white and pink peonies, and some smaller ditsy blooms in between. Start at the top left of your hoop and work around to the right, tying each bloom with dark green floral wire and hiding the wire with the next bloom. You can use dark green floral tape if you find this easier - just make sure you tie the tape tight under foliage and florals to keep it hidden.

We've been itching to bring something a little different to the blog, and when Pen & Paper's new wedding cards landed in our inbox we were over the moon.

We would never expect anything less than super snazzy stylishness from Pen & Paper, but these cards still wowed us! In a range of designs, Pen & Paper's cards include cheery bright colours, snazzy geometric designs and iridescent typography.

Whether bright and bold, pretty pastels or sleek marble are your vibe, you will absolutely find the perfect card for your happy couple on the shop. These are the definition of unique and are created locally in Buckinghamshire (you know we love to champion local folk!)

With happy couple, Mr & Mr, Mrs & Mrs and Mr & Mrs cards available this range is completely inclusive and we LOVE it. You don't have to ask for bespoke designs with Pen & Paper.

We know your high street favourites have some gorgeous options for wedding cards, but why not shop small and support your local artists and designers? We know we will!!

Images courtesy of the wonderful Adam Whitlock!