REAL WEDDING // BETH & JOSH’S THE BARN AT UPCOTE WEDDING
Tell us about your story, how did you meet and where did the proposal happen? Josh & I met 10 years ago at sixth form. We saw each other around but he was in the year above me and we had no lessons together. The story of our first conversation sounds like it’s out of some sort of cheesy film but here we go… Josh loves motorbikes and travelled to our school in Gloucester from the Forest of Dean every day on his bike, dressed in his leathers and bike gear. One day he was walking up the stairs in front of me and dropped his motorbike glove on the step (he still denies that this was on purpose but who knows…😝). I plucked up the courage to pick up the glove and nervously said “Excuse me, I think you’ve dropped your glove”…. The rest was history! Ten years later after moving from Oxford and buying our beautiful home in the Cotswolds, Josh proposed on the front door steps surrounded by our pretty Christmas lights.
What style were you striving for with your table settings, florals, and reception? Was there a certain look or vibe that you wanted to create? We really wanted to create a beautiful yet natural look on our wedding day. We went for sage and ivory as our main colours and added in some natural greenery and beautiful ivory roses.
Were there any wedding suppliers that you particularly loved working with and why? When we relive our wedding day and look back at the photos and videos; we actually can’t have wished for a more perfect day. Every single supplier we worked with provided everything and more and we feel so lucky. One experience I will never forget is when one of my closest friends, Lauren, (@baytreewishes) came to my house as part of her “Fizz & Flowers” package and made all the bouquets for the bridal party with me and my bridesmaids - this felt really personal and special and the bouquets were absolutely stunning. I remember worrying so much about booking a hair and makeup artist for our wedding. I felt such a huge pressure to look “good enough” and so I remember feeling really nervous about this. I could not have wished for a better MUA or hairdresser. On the morning of the wedding, it felt like they were two old friends that had joined our bridal party to get ready. They put everyone at ease, made us all feel soooo comfortable, and did the most incredible jobs 1 Alex (@makeup_by_alexandra.s) and Lauren (@laurengoslinghair). They are the loveliest girls and we can’t wait to use them again already for our best friend's wedding in July! I could not recommend our photographer, Pat Partridge, more either. It feels as though he’s another guest mingling & having a great time… 8 out of 10 times you don’t actually realise he’s there snapping away. We’ve had our sneak peek back already and I’m obsessed with them all… how I’ll be able to pick our favourites when the whole album comes I’ll never know! Finally, I have to mention Mel (@mbweddings_events). I ended up messaging Mel only two weeks before our wedding after chatting with so many brides that had her booked. BEST. DECISION. EVER. Our budget wasn’t quite enough for a videographer so we decided to go with Mel’s “Micro-Influencer” package. Mel is so friendly, and lovely and makes you feel so at ease. She wasn’t only there to take behind-the-scenes pictures and videos, she was also making sure I had water, fluffing up my dress, and taking confetti out of my hair…. Just being absolutely 10/10. The videos Mel captured and sent THE NEXT DAY we will treasure forever. What were your favourite parts of the wedding styling process with Etiquette? Every single second. I can’t really imagine going through the wedding process without Etiquette. From the very first conversation, Beth and the team have been so lovely, friendly, and helpful- there really are no stupid questions; they answered everything so quickly and in-depth. Considering how busy and popular the Etiquette team are, it’s quite remarkable how special they make you feel. They really care about you, your wedding, and what they can do to make your day perfect, and nothing feels like too much for them. I was lucky enough to be part of the Etiquette WhatsApp chat and can honestly say I don’t know how I’d have planned our wedding without it; the advice and kindness from the team and all the other brides are priceless. Thank you Etiquette 🤍
Tell us what were the most important aspects of your wedding day and which moments really stood out to you? Our wedding day was everything we could have imagined and more. I remember walking into the room and feeling speechless… it was absolutely stunning. Beth and the team had listened so perfectly to what we had envisioned yet also used their expertise and experience to fit the style and execute it perfectly. The stand-out moments for us looking back all revolve around the feeling of immense happiness… seeing every single person you both love in one room with beaming smiles and having the best time- nothing can beat it!
What would be your biggest advice to other couples currently planning their wedding? It’s so easy to say it looking back, but enjoy it! Planning your wedding should fill you with excitement and joy. There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to wedding planning… don’t be afraid to ask and trust me, the Etiquette team really will have heard it before! Don’t compare your wedding to anyone else’s. It is so easy to spend time scrolling through TikTok/Instagram & Pinterest, and whilst it was amazing to get inspiration and ideas this way, your wedding is unique to you and your partner. The wedding day really does go by in a flash and then the whole thing feels like a blur- enjoy every second! Happy planning!
Suppliers Venue: The Barn at Upcote // Makeup: Make Up By Alexandra // Hair: Lauren Gosling Hair // Photographer: Patrick Partridge Photography // Stylists: Etiquette Events // Content Creator: MB Wedding & Events // Dress: Proposals of Witney // Florist: Baytree Wishes // Caterer: Orchid Catering // Photo Booth: Photo Groove UK