Laura and Rhys married on the 30th August 2013 at the gorgeous New Park Farm, a collection of stone country cottages surrounded by countryside near the Cumbrian village of Ireby.

They wanted an intimate wedding with all their closest family and friends around them having fun. They wanted it to be a relaxing, easy going day which they were both going to enjoy and love.

Being the outdoorsy type, they wanted this to reflect in their big day so they used elements of the outdoors in all of their decor and styling from the table placements to their guest book. There was a lot of DIY elements too with all of the stationery, bunting and flowers put together by Laura. She even made the gorgeous multi-coloured hula hoops that were intertwined with Gerber's and hung from the top of the tent.

What stands out about Laura and Rhys' lovely wedding is the simplicity of everything. Sometimes less is definitely more and their wedding illustrates this. Its clear to see that the focus was on them as a couple and the people they love and the result is a relaxed and endearing country wedding.

Laura tells us all about it....

Being a climber Rhys chose to propose to me on top of a 30ft boulder called The Agglestone in Purbeck. After making me climb to the top he got down onto one knee (almost fell over) and popped the question, making me the happiest girl alive.

My dress was not a known designer. Because of the late notice I had to go to a bridal store and pick up a dress off the peg. My blue shoes were purchased from Amazon and were only £6! My headpiece was from John Lewis, my veil was borrowed from a friend and my necklace was my great grandmothers crystal necklace with pearl earrings which were given as a present from Rhys.

My hair was curled and put half up and down by a family friend and for my make up I wanted to look like me so decided to do my makeup by myself.

Rhys wore a Charles Tyrwhitt navy suit with white shirt and an orange Hermes tie which I gave him a a wedding present on the morning of the wedding.

My Bridesmaids wore Royal Blue House of Fraser Dresses which they all looked gorgeous in. I wanted them all to be 100% comfortable on the day so they were told to do their own hair and makeup and to chose their own accessories and shoes.

A lot of friends and family helped with the decor and preparation for our wedding. We used wood chopped by Rhys for the table placements and table plan, filled watering cans and glass bottles with flowers and placed lanterns around the venue which were lit in the evening and created a lovely ambiance. We put bowls of sweets on the tables with a pick a mix bag for every guest.

All of the stationery was purchased from WH Smith or Paper Chase and everything was done by myself, from the place settings to the guest book.

We knew our special day needed to be captured by someone as relaxed as us but with a creative touch. Choosing New Forest Studio was the best decision we made. Our photos were fun and creative and a fantastic reminder of our wonderful day!

After the blessing we had bucks fizz and small snacks while photos were being taken. Everyone then sat down to Afternoon Tea, which was a lovely selection of sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes, scones, jams and cream. Served with tea, coffee or bubbly. In the evening we then had a hog roast with a selection on salad and pastas which was done by the local scout leaders.

We had our own playlist on the laptop for the whole day and then in the evening we had a barn dance which got everyone dancing and really was the highlight! This was done by a friend from Scouts and was a blast! This was then followed by a hip hop disco including old favourites from Dr Dre and Eminem.

Saying I do J followed by our generator cut out half way through our first dance stopping the music and all our guest sang the remainder of the song while we danced. It was so wonderful seeing all our family and friends having such a good time!

Take it easy, relax and remember what's important. Your marriage is what will have forever and not the day! Only do what you want to do and make sure you enjoy it... make sure you remember your day as being the most fun you've ever had. We will always!

Photographer: New Forest Studio

Venue: New Park Farm

Bride's Jewellery: Headpiece - John Lewis, Necklace & Bracelet - Brides Own

Groom: Suit - Charles Tyrwhitt

Bridesmaid Dresses: House of Fraser

Flowers: DIY

Decor and Styling: DIY

Catering: Homemade

Hog Roast: Family Friend

Cake: Homemade by Bridesmaid

Music: DIY

Big thanks to Laura and Rhys for sharing their wedding with us and to Sam from New Forest Studio for capturing it so beautifully.

I think I may have to book myself into one of the cottages at New Park Farm - they are gorgeous! What a lovely place to get married.

Happy Monday Peeps.

Big Love

Festival Brides xx

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