April had her heart set on an outdoor bohemian wedding and fell in love with Oakland’s unique venue set in 200 acres of woodland in the heart of rural East Yorkshire. With a vintage flower crown and loose tumbling hair, April looked every inch the sensational Boho-bride as she exchanged vows with Joel surrounded by family and friends.

 

The pair, who met as teenagers and started dating in their early 20’s, knew they wanted to create a day that everyone would remember. Their Boho-style adorned the tipi, with macramé garlands and chair covers, dreamcatchers, lanterns and ivy wrapped around the wooden poles. “We didn’t want a traditional wedding,” explained April, “We wanted to find a venue that represented us as a couple, something unique that people would remember, and Oaklands was perfect.”

 

The day was captured in these beautiful photos by creative wedding photographer James Green, who works alongside wife Merika, April’s best friend and bridesmaid. “We wouldn’t have chosen any one else; their work is incredible,” said April.

 

The Outfits:

With her Boho-theme in mind, April had a very clear idea of the dress she wanted. She found this beautiful WTOO by Watters dress, with timeless high neckline, pretty sleeves and open keyhole back, at The Bridal Emporium. “I found my dream dress and they added lots of things to it to make it my own,” said April. “Some of the bigger bridal shops just wanted a sale, but The Bridal Emporium didn’t push me into anything and just wanted to help, they were amazing.”

April found her bridesmaid outfits at Boho-chic brand Show Me Your Mumu.

 

The Venue:

Woodland wedding venue Oaklands, in Driffield, offers a truly unique setting with stunning Nordic tipis complete with handcrafted furniture, fairy lights and fire pits. April and Joel were given free-reign to make it a very personal wedding. “When you find a venue that you can do anything with - to make it just as you want it to be – means the whole planning experience becomes so enjoyable and not at all stressful,” April said. “Sophie and Gail from Oakland’s were absolutely amazing; no job was too big and on our wedding day they made sure everything was in place and ran smoothly.”

 

 

Bride’s Advice:

Relax, relax, relax!

“A lot of brides get stressed planning a wedding, especially when trying to please other people. Remember, it is yours and your groom’s day so make it your own and just be totally relaxed and happy with the choices you make.”

For inspiration take a look at our dedicated real weddings section, or take a look at the glossy pages of our regional magazine.

Words by Kate Stanley