Olivia & Jake: Relaxed Boho-Inspired DIY Tipi Wedding at Alcott

​If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen me sharing recently on stories that one of my lovely 2023 weddings has been featured in a magazine! Bouquet & Bells Spring 2024 edition is all about variety, and features loads of amazing weddings and photoshoots to give you a tonne of inspiration. Everything from classy white weddings to luxury summer pastels, rich red rustic weddings, autumnal barn ceremonies and pretty much everything in between! This beautiful festival-style wedding has pride of place in the mix, and I’m so pleased you all get to see this gorgeous couple and their gorgeous day!
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​For the last couple of summers I have been working alongside Alcott Weddings & Events, a fabulous space near Alvechurch, Worcestershire, where I've been helping their couples bring together all of their plans for the day. It’s a brilliant location for a wedding and gives couples a chance to get really creative and be hands-on in the whole process. Sometimes it’s nice just to have a little check in and give them some advice and reassurance that they’re doing everything right. It’s been so great to meet the Alcott couples and see all of their varied plans and ideas!

From the moment I met Liv & Jake, I was smitten. The loveliest couple who seemed genuinely excited about not only getting married, but about sharing their day with their loved ones and making it one to remember! Although they were full steam ahead and there was a lot to organise, they were super chilled out throughout, so calm and friendly and it was such a joy every time we got to have a little catchup. I was so thrilled when they said they also wanted some help with coordination on the day, and was excited to get stuck in.
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​I remember at our first meeting, we ticked off all the essentials - the tipi was booked, menus had been discussed, the celebrant was sorted. They then turned to me and said “what time does the barn dance usually start?!”. 

I’ll admit, that’s not a question I’ve really been asked before, and for a brief moment I was imagining haybales flying, cowboy boots clicking and possibly a few groans from guests who weren’t in the mood for dancing… but I was quickly corrected! Their whole day was going to be about having fun, getting everyone involved and making it as joyful as possible - and that’s exactly what they achieved.

I arrived at Alcott on the morning of their wedding and had a nosey around the tipis. They had handmade so many of the decorations and added lots of lovely personal touches - bunches of dried flowers in vases, signs and seating plans they’d clearly spent time creating, garden games and little pieces to keep everyone entertained. Their overall theme was blue and white - the bunting hanging at the entrance to the tipis carried on inside and the whole thing looked so effortlessly wonderful. I’m sure it took a lot of hard work to make it look this easy!
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​I nipped up to the B&B where Jake & Liv were getting ready together, Liv doing her own hair & makeup and the two of them having a nice, quiet morning together before the wedding got underway. It’s not often I see the bride and groom spend the morning together, as there's usually a gaggle of bridesmaids and groomsmen with them, but I think it’s such a nice idea. I’ve never seen a couple so peaceful and zen! I got my final list of jobs, made sure they were both ready to go, and headed back down to welcome the guests as they arrived.

After a brief moment to gather and mingle, their guests their seats for the ceremony; there’s a lovely spot at Alcott which looks out over the fields and there’s a beautiful backdrop of trees. The couple had also added a pretty archway for them to stand before. The weather had been looking a little dubious in the morning but we’d been doing okay… until the time came for everyone to take their seats outside! Thankfully, it was just a short, light shower and people were happy to sit under their brollies until it passed over.

I had offered to take care of the music as they made their entrance - something I quite often do for my couples as it means all of your guests can be truly present with you, and it can be a handy option for those of you who don’t really have anyone you trust to get it right! I do remember the weather wreaking havoc, however, as the droplets of rain hit the ipad and songs began playing out of order. There are certain things you just can’t predict at a wedding, and this was one of them! Thankfully it was just quiet background sounds and we quickly got it back under control, the rain went away and the sun came out just in time for them to say their vows!

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​This was also the first time I had seen the bride and groom walking down the aisle together, but it might be my new favourite thing! Jake & Liv had legally married earlier in the week and were not too concerned about keeping it traditional. In fact, I remember Liv saying “I’ll be a bit nervous, and so I want Jake to be by my side. I just can’t imagine doing it any other way”. When you think about it, that’s super lovely and makes a lot of sense! Rather than a traditional ‘Best Man’ and ‘Maid of Honour’, both Liv and Jake also chose their sisters to be their ‘best people’ and they so both walked down the aisle with them. Another way the wedding was a little different, but really sweet and actually felt far more natural for them.


Jules from Treasured Words had written a really lovely ceremony, sharing memories about how they met, their journey through the years and all of their amazing travels together. It felt really personal, made people laugh and was the perfect way to tell their story. They included an old tradition of ‘jumping the broom’ which signified them going from their single lives into their new married life together, and they also chose to create a fingerprint memory tree which they put the first fingerprints onto in front of their friends and family. The whole ceremony was really sweet and really fun - exactly how it should be!

As they walked back down the aisle together, confetti was thrown and they took some time to mingle with their friends and family and be congratulated. (I also just want to take a moment to appreciate their choice of music as it’s absolutely a bit of me - walking in to the Maccabees’ ‘Toothpaste Kisses’ and walking out to Paramore’s ‘Still Into You’. Perfect!)

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​The sun was shining throughout the afternoon as guests enjoyed drinks and got stuck into all the garden games - Xs and Os, Giant Jenga, Hoop It, and, what I think may have been the favourite, the welly wanging! Jake and Liv went off to have some photos taken (I wish I had more to show you - honestly, what a stunning couple!), and there was also an appearance from their bestest four-legged friend. The rest of the afternoon was all about being with friends and family, catching up with everyone and enjoying a drink or two in these gorgeous grounds.

Once food had been served, I saw some of the best speeches I can remember at a wedding. They included Jake’s twin sister (aka Best Person) reading a gorgeous reading from Dolly Alderton, and both of Liv’s parents making a joint speech together which I just loved. It was so nice to see all of the family getting involved in the day, everyone being equally important and everything feeling so personal and special. Take note, folks!

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Thankfully, the sun stayed out for the rest of the evening too, meaning that when the Ceilidh band arrived we could set them up to allow for everyone to dance outside on the grass! With haybales dotted around for those who were less inclined to join in (although, I’ll be honest, I’ve never seen a Ceilidh band that doesn’t get everyone on their feet!), it was a glorious evening of dancing, singing, drinking and chilling out in the sunshine! It was my first experience of seeing this kind of band but it went down an absolute storm and I loved being able to take a step back for a second and just watch everyone in their absolute element having the best time ever. And, most importantly, bride and groom at the heart of it all having the most perfect day.

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​When dancing was done, pizza was served giving everyone a little time to rest their feet before the DJ started and got the evening underway. There were also a few more evening photos for Liv & Jake which I tagged along to, and I was just in awe of how radiant they both looked! What a joy to be part of something so special.

​I honestly just remember smiles on everyone’s faces from start to finish - great food, great music, drinks flowing and people having the very best time. My main takeaway from the day, though, was just how wonderfully friendly and welcoming everyone was, and how much I got to enjoy the day too. You know you have the best job in the world when you’re working but also feel like you’re in a dreamy little bubble. I feel so lucky, and so so grateful.

​Thanks so much Liv & Jake for choosing to have me there on the day. I wish we could go back and do it all again! And I wish you both all the luck, happiness and success in the future because I just know you both deserve it!

Suppliers:

Venue:
Alcott Weddings & Events

Tipi:
Shire Tipis

Tech & Event Management:
Christopher James Events

Caterer:
Skyline Catering

Photography:
Neil Ridley Photography

Celebrant:
Treasured Words

Flowers:
Shropshire Petals

Cakes:
Kiss Me Cupcakes

Ceilidh Band:
Banshee Ceilidh Band

DJ:
​DJ Ollie Clarke