Andrew & Rachel | A Tipi Wedding In Winterborne Zelston.

If you read my previous blog, Rachel & Andrew | Bluebell Engagement, you will be aware of my excitement of the Helson wedding! I first met Andrew and Rachel at a wedding fair just outside Weymouth. Rachel is a wedding and event planner at Exquisitely You, Wedding Specialists, and I have been lucky enough to work alongside her in styled shoots and publications. We finally have our first wedding together later on this year!  Andrew is part of the high energy Pop Folk, Irish & Americana band, Tweed in Bourbon, and was one of the bands playing at the fair. We all hit it off rather well and eventually we persuaded Andrew and the band, that the well know Jungle Book song - The Bear Necessities, should be played. They soon gave in and did a wonderful job with no practice - I believe it is now in there set list as it went down so well!

I met Andrew at the quaint village church of Winterborne Zelston, North Dorset,  where he was extremely calm with a rather large smile across his face knowing what the days proceedings would entail. The sun was shining and guests were arriving to what was going to be a beautiful day. By 2pm everyone was in the church eagerly awaiting the arrival of Rachel. I waited outside the church gates to capture her and her bridesmaid's ascend up the Willow tree lined path from her Nan's farm. As I greeted Rachel I was almost in tears of how beautiful she looked!!! 
Andrew & Rachel didn't stick to traditions. They wanted to make their wedding their own - and they certainly did!
Once everyone was inside the church, Andrew snuck out for a first look.  Giving Rachel the perfect opportunity to show off her stunning dress, which she put together from two wedding dresses. 

Keeping with the theme of throwing out those traditions, Andrew and Rachel walked each other down the aisle which I really rather enjoyed! 
As predicted the church service was full of smiles, laughter and singing - it was a fab atmosphere! They even danced out the church ready to greet their guests and get covered in confetti, which Rachel and her Nan created themselves by drying out any petals they could find in the village and on the farm. 

Once the guests made their short walk across the road to Middle Farm where the afternoon and evening reception would take place, I whisked Rachel and Andrew off in to the fields behind the church for shots by the river and the Willow trees.

On the farm guests were greeted by Pimms, popcorn and sweets on two old piano's that Andrew and Rachel had converted in to bars. They created outdoor seating with various pieces of furniture situated around fire pits and candles ready for the evening, an old writing desk made a perfect spot for a little make shift guest book, a bundle of fancy dress items were placed near by for the perfect photo booth selfie and of course the grand dresser where not 1 but 3 yummy cakes stood, waiting to be attacked by Andrew's fathers retirement axe from the Fire Service! 
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Inside the Tipi were 3 long tables set with piano hammers from the now Pimm's bar. Guests were asked to pick out a piano key and find the person who's name was on it, so they could find their seat at the table - a great little way to break the ice if guests don't know each other! Lego was placed in the middle of the tables so guests could build their own favour - this soon descended in to some kind of space shuttle/aircraft/vehicle competition throughout the 3 tables.

As always the speeches were full of laughter and tears throughout! However, the tears and smiles were far greater than normal at this DIY wedding. Andrew and Rachel could not have done this wedding without the help of pretty much everyone in that Tipi. From extensive gardening and landscaping to get the farm Tipi and guest ready, to decorations and bonfire's on a freezing cold night in February disposing of unwanted bushes and bits from the farm. They were truly overwhelmed by the help they received from friends and villagers. It was a wonderful moment to capture and witness.

Another secret weapon up their sleeves was their dancing. Their first dance song was Listen To The Man by George Ezra , which Andrew re-recorded with himself singing and playing the guitar. A wonderful touch I think you will all agree!

​I loved every second of this wedding, so thank you Andrew and Rachel for letting me capture your day and be apart of it not only as a photographer but as a friend :)

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The Tipi was supplied by Oakleaf Marquees
Hair by Emily Jirat Bridal Hair
Make Up by Timeless Beauty by Louise
Flowers by Clair Lythgoe Wedding and Event Florist
Wedding Dress, Bridesmaid Dresses & Suits by Oxana from Minster Designs Bridal Boutique
 Andrews personalised bow tie and waistcoat by Kimberley Stone Design
Cakes by Elmsleigh Cakes

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