LAID BACK WEDDING VIBES AT HAPPY VALLEY // O & L
If you’re looking for modern yet laid back wedding venue with plenty of outdoor space and glamping for your guests, Happy Valley in Norfolk should be on your list. The beautiful grounds, airy Dutch barn and rural location are what attracted O & L to this special place for their big day in June 2019.
I met with the bride at one of my favourite hot-chocolate drinking spots in Norwich; Cafe 33, where along with her daughter we chatted about the relaxed wedding she was planning. There are few brides that have ever been as chill as she was, pretty much giving me full creative licence and only being firm on a couple of details. Music to my ears! The groom had Scottish roots, so of course a few sprigs of eryngium were requested.
Tablescape & floral wall hanging in the wedding barn at Happy Valley, Norfolk.
To decorate the large wedding barn at Happy Valley, she had the idea of a flower wall as a wedding backdrop, mixed with ribbons and hung behind the quirky seat that sits in the main space. To keep the room light and uncluttered, simple vintage glass vases were hired in which to place individual stems along the trestle tables where the wedding party would be seated.
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- Bridal bouquet featuring scabiosa, gyp, dried lavender & clematis.
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- Laid back wedding vibes!
The sprawling outdoor wedding space at Happy Valley needs little decoration as it’s so beautiful, particularly in early summer. Trees surround the barn and a large deck area outside has a glorious backdrop of the lake framed by willow trees. With the ceremony to take place on the small island which is accessed by a cute wooden bridge, we decided on floral decor to be places either side of the bridge entrance. Fresh flowers were also added to the table plan which was framed in black wire. Indoors, the laid back wedding vibes continued with pampas grass adorned onto a boho seating area and the retro piano.
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- Erygium featured in the groom’s buttonhole to reflect his Scottish roots. Photo Credit: Alison Armstrong Photography
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- Close up of the tope table. Photo Credit: Alison Armstrong Photography
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- The simple yet effective bridesmaids bouquets made of dried lavender and gyp.
Choosing the flowers for this relaxed wedding was a pleasure as the bride was keen to include both dried and fresh – something I love to include in my work. Sweet pea, hydrangea, scabiosa, dried lavender, dried grasses (including pampas and bunny tails), peonies and clematis were all chosen. Many of these were British grown blooms sourced from my own growing garden or other local flower farms.
Dreamly newlywed photos in the woodland at Happy Valley. Photo Credit: Alison Armstrong Photography
Finally, to provide some light entertainment for their guests, O & M also booked my Flower Crown Cart for after the wedding ceremony. Creating lots of colourful flower crowns and getting to soak up the afternoon atmosphere at their wedding was fab, the cart makes such a great addition to summer time weddings!
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- Hard at work making the crowns for guests. Photo Credit: Alison Armstrong Photography
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- Even the bride wanted to get in on the action! Photo Credit: Alison Armstrong Photography
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- Guests with crowns made to match their outfits.
I am absolutely stoked that I have more weddings booked at Happy Valley for 2020 – it’s a venue with lots of potential for any brides and grooms, has some high eco-credentials and certainly makes for magical photos.
If you’re looking for a floral styling quote for your big day, check out my weddings page for more info.
SUPPLIERS
Floral Decor: Romeo & Succulent
Venue: Happy Valley
Photography: Alison Armstrong Photography
Prop Hire: One Curious Dream
