Ever fancied just running away from everything, escaping normal life and tying the knot high on a hilltop in the Peak District? So did today’s featured real couple. Introducing wild-at-heart pair Naomi and Ollie…
With Covid ruining 2020 for so many people, we love hearing about a happy couple who planned to do something different and successfully pull off a wedding in a year that was filled with such frustration and disappointment. When Naomi and Ollie were planning their big day, they knew lockdown wouldn’t faze them and decided to elope, tying the knot in a formal registry office service prior to the romantic escape to the majestic Peak District for the main event.
For our blushing bride, dashing groom and their beautiful twin baby girls, being together for their wedding adventure was the most important part. We love their spirit (and that of their photographer!) and the fact that wellies and converse were required to go clambering up mountains for the perfect, windswept, hilltop shots. It doesn’t come much more picturesque than the Peaks and we’re certainly blown away by the gorgeous moments that have been captured as a reminder of their perfect day.
Of course, an elopement wedding also means they still have something to look forward to when the pandemic recedes – the big party to celebrate with those who couldn’t be there of course!
With photography by Wild At Heart Elopements
The Elopement of Naomi & Ollie from Base Aura on Vimeo.
Proposal
Naomi says: We took a break to Italy, started in Naples and travelled to the Amalfi coast. Our first stop was Positano, where we stayed in a beautiful hotel for the week. We then caught a boat and bus to Ravello. We had a beautiful little apartment with a balcony. On the second to last day, Ollie took me to the Terrazza Dell’Infinito, he pointed into the distance and at the end of his hand was a wedding ring. He knelt down and asked me to marry him. It was so romantic. A crowd gathered and gave us a round of applause.
Setting
The day we legally got married was the 11th of September 2020 but the day we eloped was the 13th of September 2020. We wanted it to be over a weekend in September as the weather is usually better and most of our photographs would be outside. The 13th day fell on the anniversary of Ollie’s grandad’s passing, which was perfect as we were able to raise a glass to him.
We eloped to the Peak District, Chinley. We stayed at a beautiful hotel, The Old Hall Inn. We booked a cottage for me, my sister and my mum, and Ollie booked a cottage for his mum, sister and auntie.
We always love to go for walks in the Peak District. It’s such a beautiful and picturesque countryside, we wanted to find the perfect place to privately say our vows.
Theme
The whole idea was for it to be ‘out in the wilderness’. We wanted to be taken out on an adventure and privately say our vows to each other, expressing our love. We didn’t want the tradition, we wanted it to be us, celebrating each other and that was it.
We tried to keep hints of peach and gold throughout the flowers, pocket square and bridesmaids.
Dress
I picked a Mori Lee ivory, embroidered gown with a high-neckline. I went with my mum to Stella’s in Didsbury. We managed to get a really great price, the owner was brilliant. I tried on a few dresses but when I put this on it just felt right. It was just the right amount of elegance and romance. The dress was a little too big but my mum is an amazing seamstress and made all the dress alterations.
Groom
Ollie wore a navy suit with burgundy tartan, including a waistcoat and vintage brown leather shoes.
Bridesmaids
The baby bridesmaids’ dresses and shoes were from Monsoon.
Beauty
I had my hair and makeup done by a lady called Sam sent via Absolutely Flawless . She was great.
Transport
Our photographer, Kellianne, drove us to different picturesque locations.
Photographer
Kellianne Newiss was our photographer from Wild At Heart Elopements. I had the advantage of already knowing her and I absolutely love her work, so I contacted her when we decided we were going to elope. Her wedding portfolio is full of elegance and romance but with fresh contemporary shots. She’s incredibly personable and confident with getting the right shot. I really love her creativity and passion. She put on her hiking boots and guided us through everything. She’s exactly what I wanted for our elopement as I really wanted the photos to be perfect and I wanted it to be an adventure. I honestly love every single photo! The day was busy with family, and stressful at times but Kellianne marshalled us perfectly and led us to where the best shots would be. I’d highly recommend her!
Videographer
Our elopement package also provided us with a fantastic videographer, Phil. He arrived with a drone and was excellent, they seemed to work very well as well as a team. The video was just perfect. It captured the love just beautifully. It’s exactly what we wanted and it makes me cry with happiness everytime I watch it.
Styling
I ordered my flowers from Flower Style Manchester. The lady who helped me, Ruth was amazing. I asked for a peachy, vintage style with ribbon. I told her we were eloping in the peaks and I wanted them whimsical and romantic. She didn’t disappoint. She delivered them to my door herself and we had a great chat about my plans. She was very professional. We absolutely would recommend her.
We bought a macramé to signify an altar during our elopement. My plan is to hang the macramé in our home now and have a framed photo of us getting married in front of it.
Thanks to
The Old Hall Inn was a fantastic venue! The owner, Dan, was excellent and really looked after us. Kellianne and Phil captured the day perfectly, I couldn’t have asked for a better team.
Also thanks to J. A. Woodroffe Jewellers in Newtown, Powys for supplying us with stunning diamond rings.
Best bit
The moment we reached the top of Eccles Pike and said our vows to each other. It was so perfect and personal. The sun was setting, we had a glass of champagne. It really was magical. I didn’t want it to end.
We’re also looking forward to the party once this Covid upheaval has all settled down with our loved ones that couldn’t be there!
Honeymoon
Due to Covid, we didn’t plan to go overseas. We went to Trearddur Bay in Wales. The weather was gorgeous and we saw the best sunsets. We have one year old twin girls so we put them in the baby slings, climbed up a high hill and watched the sunset together as a complete family.
Advice
Our advice would be, however you decide to do it, to remember that it’s about you and the person you love, and that’s the most important thing.
