Lizzie and David didn’t just want a wedding; they wanted an experience that was as personal as it gets. So, they took a space that already meant the world to them—the family garden—and made it the heart of their big day. The transformation was nothing short of epic, turning their familiar surroundings into something unforgettable. With Sami Tipi on board, they created a laid-back, effortlessly cool atmosphere that was all about celebrating with their nearest and dearest. Here’s how they pulled it off, in their own words.
What made you decide on a Garden Wedding?
My family home had such a nice big garden, so we were really lucky to be able to have it there. In my mind I always envisaged having it there. It was my Grandfather’s house initially and when I met Dave and introduced him he became a part of that too. Seeing it transformed into our wedding venue was incredible. We wanted an atmosphere where people felt relaxed and it really brought that. We filmed it on a time-lapse and watching it back is amazing. It really was our dream come true and you guys brought that to life!
Tell us what made you choose your date?
Dave decided on the Wimbledon weekend, as it always seems to bring such good weather. It was a bit windy on the day and my vale actually blew off in the churchyard into a tree! What a story that made! We’ve not stopped talking about it and the photos are brilliant. That wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been windy so it’s definitely about embracing all elements of the weather. My sister then borrowed that vale, so it’s lovely how it has a bit of a quirky story to it and how I’ve been able to pass it on to her.
Did the weather concern you?
It didn’t concern us, because I knew it would be able to go ahead whatever. You (Sami Tipi) had reassured us that you had weather contingencies in place if we needed them. We had thunder in the church which definitely added to the atmosphere, then of course the wind with the vale and then we had so many bursts of lovely sunshine. The rain during our dinner got some woos and knowing we were cosy and warm was great.
The different conditions brought us an element of surprise and atmosphere… even managing to get a photo of a rainbow, which would never have happened if it hadn’t rained! We wouldn’t have changed any of it.
Where did you get married?
We got married at St Mary’s Dunstall Church which is in the next village along from my parent’s house and where we both grew up. The Dunstall Church is related more to David’s family as he grew up on a farm in its parish, so family occasions have happened in that church. It’s also something we always saw when we walked from where we live to Dunstle, and we always looked at it as such a nice place to get married. Dunstall is a little safe haven for us and we feel so lucky to have been able to get married there.
How did you feed your guests?
Italian food is our favourite and when I was talking to my bridesmaid about who to have she recommended Ang from Twoto Aposto. She was so enthusiastic when we asked her to do our food and she came round to the house and cooked us some amazing food to choose from.
We had canapes on arrival to the Tipi’s and then antipasti sharing boards for when people sat down with roasted veg, different breads, dips and cured meat.
Speeches were throughout the food. We did our speeches first after the antipasti, then we had a starter, and then handed over to our Mum’s and Dad’s to do theirs, then we had the main course and desserts and the Best Man did his speech at the end. Our guests loved how it all flowed as it gave people the chance to get up if they needed to and go and enjoy the sunshine when it came out.
For the evening, we had a pizza van from Severs Pizza along with Turkish salads. We then had Mambo Mobile Bars with cocktails and Tommy and Leanne were just so friendly…the suppliers coming together like they did made it just so special.
How did you approach your styling?
I pretty much did it all myself, but that said, the Tipi’s themselves bring so much style just as they are, with the fairy lights and disco ball. It looked so pretty, not much more really needed to be done. By adding some green table runners and candlestick holders with tapered candles, it really complimented the backdrop of the Tipis.
I collected bud vases over the year from charity shops and friends and then bought a few clear glass ones from Ikea. I also borrowed some paper lanterns from a friend who had used them for her own wedding and I wrote out the names onto some menus, which my sister, who is a Graphic Designer designed.
How did you entertain your guests?
We had a big band at night called The Nanna Radley’s which was a 6 piece band. We knew them already as they played at my Graduation in 2017. I just remember thinking how amazing they were at that and then when I saw them playing again on a night out in Birmingham, I knew I wanted them if we got married. They were actually one of the first things we booked. They did a lot of Motown and Soul along with R&B. We wanted music you’d dance to on a night out, and they really delivered. I had to have pizza brought to the dancefloor as I didn’t want to leave it!
Who was your photographer?
Magda who was AMAZING! We chose Magda because we just loved her style. Looking back at the photos now Magda was so straight to the point, she absolutely got the job done. She captured everything whilst still delivering her style. She took a lot of pictures of other people which we really wanted. The photos are incredible. She had a real presence to be able to get people into position when needed but then blended into the background when capturing the candid shots. She completely smashed it out the park!
How did you find your Sami Tipi experience?
You guys were so much fun to deal with. The communication was so easy and the planning meetings really helped with any questions or relieving any anxieties we had. You had such a calming presence. The set-up team were amazing too, they were chilling with our families after the build and we even cracked the beers open then. The occasion started so much earlier than the actual day. The journey and the destination were just so special to us.
What are your top tips for anyone considering an outdoor wedding?
A big part of it is understanding it is a bigger undertaking in terms of planning and preparation than you would necessarily need at an indoor venue. But by drafting in your friends and family to help, it creates an occasion which makes the whole thing much more special. You really see that on the day and it’s such an amazing feeling, not just for us, but for the guests too. One friend left us a message the following day saying how amazing it was and how it felt like being at Bilbo Baggins Birthday Party which summed it up so perfectly for us. A group of friends and family, like a community coming together, dancing around a tree with barrels of beer! It was such a nice thing to hear!
The Open Days helped us massively with ideas for decorations and getting an idea of the space. It really got us excited! I took my bridesmaids as well, along with family, and they got so excited too! Being at the Open Day made it so real for us and gave us so much inspiration.
Make the most of the time you have the Tipis. We had a BBQ breakfast the next day and invited people back round to carry on the celebration. It was great to see everyone again!
Their Supplier Team
Featured Sami Tipi Friends:
Tipis | Sami Tipi
Photographer | Magda K Photography
Bar | Mambo Mobile Bar
Florist | The Flower Patch
On the Day Manager |Emma at I Totally Do
PA & Speaker System | JNS Sounds
Other key suppliers:
Catering | Tutto Apposto
Pizza | Sever’s Pizza
Band | The Nanna Radley’s
Further Inspiration
