Where to start with this wonderful early summer wedding at Birtsmorton Court…? It was perfect from start to finish!
You can also see Becca’s and Dan’s wedding featured in the current issue (October/November 2018) of Your Glos & Wilts Wedding Magazine.
Their Wedding Story is one of such special moments that they will treasure forever as husband and wife. Here is their story in Becca’s own words with of course some top tips for your wedding planning in the form of ‘Nikki’s Notes‘!
I met Becca several years ago at a wedding and you may well recognise Becca from the team at The Slaughters Country Inn. I was thrilled when I got the call from Becca asking if I was available to photograph her wedding to Dan. Becca has seen me in action from the very start to the very end of a wedding day when I’m exhausted!
Q: What made you choose Nikki as your wedding photographer?
A: I have known Nikki for many years, and for me it was always going to be her. She made us feel completely at ease, which is what we wanted. She’s a wonderful talented lady.
Q: How did Nikki capture your big day memories?
A: She picked up on all the little details, which represented us, and also reflected our personalities. Particularly Dan – we had a ‘Peaky Blinders’ themed photograph or two with all the lads. Our little 4 month old nephew even sported a flat peak!!
Q: Who popped the big question?
A: Dan proposed to Becca on the 1st July 2015 on top of the big wheel in Weston super Mare.
Q: How did he propose?
A: His original plan was to propose to her on the beach, whilst she was ‘paddling’ in the sea. This didn’t go to plan as the tide was out! So when the carriage stopped at the top, he got down on one knee. Becca’s first response was “Have you asked my Dad?”. Then of course, she said yes!
Q: How long did it take you to plan your wedding?
A: We booked Birtsmorton Court in 2016, and have been planning ever since. We didn’t want to rush planning the wedding, and wanted to enjoy the experience, and save up the money along the way
Q: Did you hire a wedding planner or was it a DIY affair?
A: We planned the day ourselves. I work alongside the events team in the office, so they were great in giving me little pointers in the right direction! I thoroughly enjoyed putting it all together.
Both Becca and Dan grew up in the Cotswolds so this was a wonderful wedding for them both on home turf.
Nikki’s Notes… Scene setting images of your wedding day surroundings, the venue, the location and the smaller details all help to create the memories for you when your wedding day has come to an end.
Q: Was there an inspiration or theme for your wedding?
A: Lilac was the main colour theme, throwing in parts of the countryside in with it. We were also wanting to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us, so parts of them were intertwined in every part of the day.
Nikki’s Notes… I always carry a macro lens with me for images like this one below of Becca’s pearl earrings. Making sure that the lighting from the windows hits the pearls to create the sheen you can see and show off their natural beauty.
My Gran’s broach was attached onto my wedding flowers, and the money she left me, paid for my wedding dress. I know she would have loved it. I even managed to show my Grandad my dress before he passed, and it brought him to tears. I just wish they could have been there in person.
Q: Tell us about the wedding dress…
A: My wedding dress is the most beautiful dress I have ever had the pleasure to wear. It was white, and lace. It was sleeveless, and had detailing at the top, slim fitting & elegant. The veil had the most gorgeous edging, including pearls which I love. I didn’t want to take it off at the end of the night.
Nikki’s Notes… Spend the time getting to know your photographer before your wedding day. You’ll feel much more relaxed and it will be time well spent.
Q: What did the groom wear?
A: Dan wore a dark blue Ted Baker suit complete with waistcoat, and a lilac cravat.
Nikki’s Notes… I loved that Dan brought his sister into his ‘groomsmen’ party as a ‘groomswoman’!
Q: Why did you choose your venue?
A: We instantly fell in love with Birtsmorton Court. The grounds just take your breath away with its beauty.
The venue is yours exclusively, there’s a gorgeous white bridge at the edge of the water and there’s even swans – what more could a girl wish for?!
Q: Did you make, design or create anything yourself?
A: Yes the order of the day, and the table plan were created myself. My Dad got some left over wooden pallets for me from his work. We sanded them down, and white washed the table plan pallet. That was great fun.
Nikki’s Notes… This idea for the order of the day using a pallet is definitely one rustic idea to totally steal!
I was absolutely thrilled that this image below of Becca and her Father was chosen by The Guild of Photographers as their Image of the Day!
Q: What song did you walk down the aisle to?
A: A thousand years (part two) – Dan and I have spent a lot of our time together watching Twilight!
We were also wanting to get married outside and the white garden is so peaceful. Growing up in the Cotswolds I wanted to feel like I was in the countryside. The staff were so welcoming.
Nikki’s Notes… Close up magicians are great for keeping your guests entertained during the reception when photographs are being taken! Richard’s details are at the end of the blog.
Nikki’s Notes… Birtsmorton Court is absolutely stunning with never ending photography opportunities yet we still had a wet weather plan just incase.
Nikki’s Notes… The Angel Gate is a place of special meaning to Becca and Dan so we made sure we took a photograph here.
Nikki’s Notes… I was absolutely thrilled that this image below won a Bronze from The Guild of Photographers! 
Nikki’s Notes… We took the time to do a recce and work out where we were going to take their photographs (something I do for every wedding) so that we had a plan for the day. This meant that Becca and Dan were back with their friends and family within 20 minutes.
Nikki’s Notes… #swoon
Nikki’s Notes… Dan is a big fan of Peaky Blinders and so we worked together to create a sequence of images during the day just for Dan and the boys!
Each table was represented by a lavender plant, with a tag of the names hanging down from the pot. All of our table names were Ed Sheeran songs – I’m a huge fan!
Q: Did you incorporate any special family details?
A: We had a special table for our lost loved one’s photographs. There was a copper lantern on the table with a candle inside. On the outside of the lantern I wrote in white chalk pen a poem to remember them. We also had their photos with us at the ceremony as we were stood saying our vows. They were very special people to me and Dan, so it was important to feel like they were there.
We grew Lily of the Valley from my Grandparent’s garden, and this was on our top table.
Q: What was your favourite part of your wedding day?
A: Having all my favourite people in the world, all in one place, to celebrate our wedding.
Q: What did you have for your wedding breakfast?
A: Slow Cooked Beef with Buttered Spinach, Confit Shallots, Chantenay Carrots, Fondant Potato, Port and Merlot Reduction. This was followed by White Chocolate Cheesecake served with Raspberry Coulis, Dark Chocolate Sauce with Chocolate Straw
Nikki’s Notes… The evening was fine and dry and so we took advantage of this and the change in lighting to take a few further photographs of Becca and Dan.
Q: What kind of cake did you go for?
A: We had a ‘semi naked’ wedding cake presented with fresh flowers, that matched my wedding bouquet. It was 3 tiers – carrot cake, lemon & poppy seed, caramel. We also had a small separate gluten free lemon drizzle for our gluten free guests.
Q: What was your first dance song?
A: ‘How would you feel’ Ed Sheeran (of course!)
Q: What advice would you give anyone planning their big day?
A: Make things, or include things that represent you as a couple. It’s the little things that really matter. Also don’t worry about pleasing others – the day is all about you & your partner. You don’t need any extra stress!
Q: Is there anything you know now that you wished you’d known before the big day?
A: The day will fly by in a whirlwind – just relax and enjoy it. Don’t fret over the little things!
Nikki’s Notes… If you would like to contact any of Becca’s and Dan’s wedding team you can see their details below.
Becca’s & Dan’s Wedding Professionals:
Ceremony venue: Birtsmorton Court in the white garden
Reception venue: Birtsmorton Court
Photographer: Nikki Kirk Photography
Videographer: N/A
Flowers: Vivien Bedford at Redgrave & Lake
Dress: The Cotswold Frock Shop
Bridesmaid dresses: The Cotswold Frock Shop (Maid of Honour)- no other bridesmaids
Groom’s outfit: Moss Bros
Cake: Ashleigh Farrand (friend)
Catering: Dine With Style
Transport: N/A
Stationery: We did all our own. But invites were from ‘Sarah Wants‘
Entertainment: Fairvue (evening band). My brother Greg also performed a song for me (Cannonball) which is one of my favourite songs .My brother’s performance was the highlight of my evening, and was particularly special.
Close up Magician: Richard Parsons
Favours: Flower seeds from ‘Wildflower Favours‘ & had a sweet table
Hair and beauty: Anna White – Hair & Make-Up
Rings including engagement ring: Engagement ring from HSamuel. Both wedding rings from Ernest Jones.