Prairie-Inspired Destination Elopement in the English Countryside
We’re loving the prairie trend this year with vintage-inspired and demure dresses with an haute couture twist! There’s no better way to set the tone for this setting than England’s Penton Park for this romantic elopement styled by The Stars Inside and teeming with wildflowers by Flower and Fern. We love the intimate feeling that’s breathed all throughout the design of this destination elopement in England captured by Holes in The World.
From the planner, Valentina Ring with The Stars Inside: It was a true joy to partner with Liz from Flower and Fern to design this concept, and she took our breath away with her delicate florals. She chose seasonal blooms grown on British flower farms, some from a nearby prairie garden, and some from her own cutting garden, as well as English garden roses to link back to the country house setting. She says: “Ingredients such as cosmos, scabiosa and grasses were selected for their softness and the way they dance across the top of the arrangements and bridal bouquet. Inspired by meadow-like prairie style planting, which encourages flowers to self-seed and grow together, varieties and colors were grouped throughout the designs for a naturalistic effect. The colors reflect what was growing in the prairie garden at that time, further enhancing the affinity with nature.” The film captures by John at Holes in The World are romantic, full of genuine emotion, and beautifully soft – much like the whispered vows of our runaway bride and groom.
Here is some advice from planner and stylist Valentina from The Stars Inside for couples looking to celebrate their own way with an intimate elopement: I absolutely adore working with couples to plan unconventional elopements! It’s such a wonderful way to pay homage to your relationship, and make time for what matters most – but I know it can be an emotional decision to come to. My advice would be to keep in mind that there are no rules about what makes a wedding right or wrong – and you shouldn’t ever feel guilty about opting to have a micro wedding or elopement, if you know it’s right for you. Going for an adventure with your partner, and maybe a few of your nearest and dearest, is entirely justified if a traditional wedding doesn’t resonate with you, or perhaps you have family or budget reasons to choose this path. Your friends and family may have a reaction to the news, which is totally natural! Let your parents know when you’re ready, and maybe think about sharing the experience with friends by having a small party when you get back from your elopement and showing photos and videos from your trip. If there’s anyone you think might be hurt by the decision, consider letting them know in person first or through a heartfelt hand-written note.
From a practical perspective, keep in mind that each country will have a different framework when it comes to getting legally married – so definitely consider hiring a wedding planner to help you navigate this (and find some hidden, quiet, intimate locations for you!). Hiring a photographer and videographer means having some very special mementos to treasure for many years to come, and share with family if you would like to – so I highly recommend this. It will mean more to you than you know!
By having a very small scale gathering, and maybe even getting married out of season and on a weekday, you can usually get some fantastic quotes from suppliers. Don’t be afraid to celebrate and honor the decision you’ve made – order some beautiful stationery to send to friends and family, if you would like to, and hire your favorite florist to create a gorgeous ceremony installation for you. The day is just as momentous and special as a large wedding would be, and you have every reason to be excited and indulge in the elements that mean the most to you. A stylist can help you design a beautiful, intimate dinner filled with personal and intentional details – and your favorite food and cocktails for you to enjoy! Bottom line – how you choose to tell your story is YOUR choice, and there are so many wedding suppliers that specialise and welcome elopements that can help you create the most unforgettable adventure. We’re here for you.
Ok how romantic was that intimate destination elopement in England? This Hampshire wedding venue is just so perfect for all the cozy vibes! If you’re thinking of an elopement, you should also check out this stunning mountain elopement.
Wedding Vendors:
Planning + Styling: The Stars Inside
Concept, Planning & Flowers: Flower and Fern
Photography: Holes in The World
Venue: Penton Park
Stationery: 315 Press
Textiles: The Natural Dye Works
Furniture + Decor: Rustic Hire
Bridalwear: Katya Katya
Cake: Avantgarde Cake Studio
Hair + Make-up: Make-up in Orangeries
Decorative Face + Body Flowers: Petal Parlour
Paper Artwork: Pops and Piaf
Jewelry: Kind Jewellery + Wolf & Moon
Rings: Caroline Brook Jewellery
Ceramics: Elvis Robertson
Shoes: Harriet Wilde
Female Model: Rachel Kiley