Izzy & Gemma

Izzy & Gemma knew that their woodland wedding in Northamptonshire was going to be about all the things they love the most: feasting, toasting and dancing. They both have deep roots in the hospitality industry, and know that the key to a good time is to ensure that guests have plenty of food, plenty of drinks, minimal 'lulls' and really good music. They couldn't be more right! 

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They also wanted their wedding to be as environmentally friendly as possible, so their venue hunt was focussed around finding a venue that supported this, and gave the informal, woodland wedding vibe they wanted. 

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Evenley Wood Garden in Northamptonshire, located around the corner from Izzy's family, was the perfect location. Their focus on sustainability, preserving plant species and encouraging wildlife and their habitats perfectly resonated with Izzy & Gemma's sensibilities and their woodland wedding aesthetic. They also offer exclusive use of the 60 acre private estate, which meant that we could use one section of the woods for arrival drinks, another for the ceremony and a third area for the tipi wedding reception. 

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A tipi is the most fabulous setting for a woodland wedding reception, as its muted canvas blends into the surrounding and can nestle right into the woods. The fabulous Nadine at Amazing Tipi's also suggested a clear panel band extension at the back of the third hat, which meant that the trees behind were visible as you walked into the tipi, for that enchanted woodland feel, with the added benefit of a larger space for dancing at night. 

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Much of the decor was hired from Nadine's Nerissa Eve hire company, to minimise any waste afterwards, and instead of stationery, all writing was on laurel leaves or glass bottles (which were later recycled).

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Nyama did their usual amazing thing and delivered a truly mouthwatering feast, served family-style at the tables, and my team kept the drinks flowing (with my favourite feature being the bathtub full of Crémant). After the seated dinner, guests were able to enjoy a sweet grazing table, built with excellent help from bridesman Jonno, and a cheese & biscuit grazing table, once the rather hilarious cheese-cake-cutting had taken place. 

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The speeches were amazing, with Izzy & Gemma's own joint speech being a favourite, before it was party time. And oh boy, did this crowd know how to party! Nyama's bar team kept on top of the drinks all night, and it was a very happy wedding crowd that eventually followed the festoon-lit walkway up to the car park and waiting taxis at the early hours of the morning. A really big shout-out to Jason Williams Photography, who stayed and captured so much of the fun and dancing, and for being truly excellent to work with on the day.

 

This woodland wedding in Northamptonshire was truly epic, and how we were able to make this an eco-friendly wedding, and eco-conscious wedding, makes me so proud of Izzy & Gemma for their vision and commitment - and for being the most fun party people I've even encountered!