A Cute British Wedding at St Mary’s Church in Stowmarket Followed by a DIY Marquee
A LITTLE RAIN WON’T HURT! A COOL WEDDING ON AN ORGANIC SOLAR FARM
I kind of feel like every day since I have been back from my holidays it has done nothing but rain! Any of you got that feeling? So I thought today’s wedding fit really well with my mood.
Mike and Emily are PhD scientists who work on solar panel research, so hosting their wedding at Pickards Mountain Eco-Institute in Chapel Hill was a perfect way to integrate their unique story into their wedding? Not to mention how handy it is to have a wedding party full of of PhDs when your reception tent floods and you need a team of engineers to construct a moat quickly. Where most wedding parties would have been at a loss as to how to help, Mike and Emily’s crew jumped right in to the flooded tent and quickly resolved the issue (go science and engineering!).
Our mantra for the wedding during the planning process was “good people, good food, good beer.” bride, Emily told us. We wanted to get get married at a place that would give us a lot of flexibility. We loved that PMEI is an authentic working organic farm, and not a wedding venue where someone was trying to schedule a choreographed ‘standard’ wedding. We are both PhD scientists who work on solar energy, so the 10kW PV array on site was definitely a draw! Even though there was rain, mud, and flooding, we made sure to have a great time with our family and friends. We were especially touched by how our guests were such great sports in spite of the cool weather and rain. Our awesome friends and family were even out there shoveling wet gravel and laying out straw to dry out the ground under the tent; they really saved the day, the tent was a swamp when the guys showed up for pictures. Our ceremony was conducted by a close family friend and was probably the nerdiest ceremony of all time – with many references to the big bang, and quotes from Einstein. We were sure to include some jokes, because we wanted laughter instead of tears.
We had several DIY elements to the wedding. Family friends played folk and bluegrass music for a meet and greet ahead of time and for the ceremony. One of Emily’s childhood friends runs a locally sourced flower farm, so we bought buckets of flowers from them and my family arranged them. For table decorations, we used pictures of ourselves at different years of our lives, and everyone got a mason jar glass that had directions to the table with the appropriate year. For a guestbook everyone stamped and signed a beautiful fingerprint tree which was hand drawn by Mike’s mom, and lettered by a close family friend. Mike’s parents also made a set of corn hole boards, but we didn’t get to play on account of the rainy. They were great fun at the rehearsal dinner though. The shawl that I wore in the ceremony was crouched by one of the bridesmaids, and my mom knit a bolero just in case it got cold (very useful!). One of Mike’s groomsmen, renowned for his great taste in music, put together a playlist that kept everyone moving all night and afterward we moved on for an after party at a “barcode” back in town.
There’s nothing better than sharing great food with family and friends, so we wanted to make sure we had something special for our guests. We served our favorite indian food from introduced to us by a longtime friend of my family, with a few milder options for guests who don’t like spice. Idlees (steamed rice cakes) served with chutneys during the cocktail hour were the biggest hit of the wedding. We served beer from a local microbrew (Fullsteam Brewery). Instead of a cake we had local ice-cream from a local dairy (Maple View Farms) along with Italian wedding cookies to celebrate Mike’s Italian heritage. People warned us we might not get a chance to eat at our own wedding, but there was no way we were going to miss out on such an epic meal!
Super Suppliers: Photographer: Rob + Kristen Photography// Hair Stylist: Ceremony Salon// Dress Store: David’s Bridal// Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Indochino// Makeup Artist: Pia Gosh// Event Venue: Pickards Mountain Eco-Institute// Floral Designer: Spring Forth Farm// Caterer: Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe// Ring Designer: VK Designs// Band: High Clouds// Submitted via Two Bright Lights//
The Unique Charm of a Wedding on an Organic Solar Farm
Imagine tying the knot surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature while basking in the sustainable energy of the sun. A wedding on an organic solar farm isn’t just a celebration of love; it’s a statement of commitment to the environment. Here’s why this unconventional venue is gaining popularity among eco-conscious couples.
Embracing Sustainability
A wedding on an organic solar farm is the epitome of sustainable celebration. By choosing such a venue, you are significantly reducing your carbon footprint. Traditional wedding venues often rely heavily on non-renewable energy sources, contributing to environmental degradation. In contrast, an organic solar farm utilizes solar panels to harness clean, renewable energy. This not only powers your wedding but also supports the broader goal of sustainable living.
Natural Beauty and Rustic Charm
There’s an undeniable charm to getting married in a setting that combines the lush greenery of organic farming with the sleek, modern aesthetic of solar panels. The juxtaposition of natural landscapes and cutting-edge technology creates a unique backdrop for your wedding photos. Picture this: golden sunlight streaming through the trees, glinting off solar panels, and casting a warm glow over fields of organic crops. It’s a setting straight out of a fairy tale, with a modern twist.
Educational Experience
Hosting your wedding on an organic solar farm can be an educational experience for your guests. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about renewable energy and sustainable farming practices. Many solar farms offer tours and information sessions, allowing your guests to learn about the benefits of solar power and organic agriculture. It’s like giving back to your community by spreading knowledge about sustainability.
Fresh, Organic Catering
One of the highlights of a wedding on an organic solar farm is the farm-to-table catering. Imagine serving your guests fresh, organic produce grown right on the farm. This not only guarantees the highest quality and taste but also supports local agriculture. The menu can be tailored to feature seasonal ingredients, ensuring a delicious and environmentally friendly feast.
Symbolic Value
Getting married on an organic solar farm can symbolize the values you and your partner hold dear. It represents a commitment to nurturing the planet, much like you will nurture your relationship. The solar panels can be seen as a metaphor for harnessing the energy and power within your relationship to create a sustainable and bright future together.
Personal Reflection
Reflecting on this, I recall attending a friend’s wedding at a solar farm. The atmosphere was serene, and there was a palpable sense of harmony with nature. The couple’s vows were punctuated by the gentle hum of the solar panels, a reminder of their dedication to a sustainable lifestyle. It was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Conclusion
A wedding on an organic solar farm is more than just a trend; it’s a meaningful choice that reflects a commitment to the environment and sustainable living. It offers a unique, beautiful setting that’s rich with symbolic value and practical benefits. For couples looking to celebrate their love in a way that’s both beautiful and responsible, an organic solar farm is an ideal venue.
Really cool photos and venue.
This is such a sweet wedding! I don’t know the couple but oh my god I want to be there friend haha!
I love the dudes and their Bow-Ties! They are ROCKING them.
The whole thing definitely fits the mantra ‘good people, good food, good beer’. We had a similar mantra at our wedding 🙂
Thanks for the feature, Bespoke ladies!! So glad Emily and Mike’s wedding got the spotlight for a day- it was a really awesome event.
The pleasure was ours Kristen! 🙂
xxx
I love their mix and match bridesmaid dresses and that the girls wore rain boots! Super cute! Love your blog btw. I love the design and all the bright colors.
Thanks Ann, thats very kind of you 🙂
xxx