Autumn Wedding at Shustoke Barn in Warwickshire

Katharine and Jack met at university in 2018 through mutual friends and began living together during COVID. “We got into the routine of taking daily walks in the forest, and a few years later, Jack proposed under fairy lights in the autumn of 2024 in the same forest,” she recalls. That same forest-inspired setting shaped the couple’s autumn wedding and the bride’s search for a dress that felt personal and unique. After years of considering black, green, and finally white, but never a traditional princess style, she found exactly what she wanted: a 70s boho gown with medieval influences from Indie Bride London.

The Wedding Dress Journey

What kind of dress were you originally looking for?

I changed my mind about my wedding dress so many times. For years I was convinced I’d wear black. Then I was sure it had to be green and 'forest like'. Eventually, I realised that yes, I did want a white dress after all but definitely not the usual princess-style wedding dress. I wanted something with a proper 70s boho feel.

I kept searching online but everything still felt too much like a standard wedding dress. My Pinterest then became full of medieval-style gowns, and I figured out that my true inspiration was Maid Marian from the old Robin of Sherwood series I watched as a child.

I searched for ages and nothing matched what I could see in my head and on my Pinterest board. Then one day I typed “indie wedding dress” and Indie Bride London popped up. Straight away I thought, This is it. I knew right then the trip to London would be worth it.

Why Indie Bride London?

After looking at the website, I straight away knew this was worth a try. When I made the journey to London to try on dresses I fell in love with two: the Magnolia and the Pixie dress.

I ultimately decided on the Magnolia when Miina sketched the boho sleeves I had asked to add, it was perfect. When I tried it on for the first time it looked even better than I imagined. It was exactly the vision I had for my wedding look.

What was your biggest worry when dress shopping, and how did you feel wearing your dress on your wedding day?

My biggest worry was that I would have to settle on a classic wedding dress or risk buying online without being sure. I’m so glad I was able to go into the store, try things on, take my time, and discuss ideas with Miina, she really made the process easier. The second I put on the dress, complete with a flower crown, I felt so beautiful, comfortable, and exactly how I wanted to look.

The Wedding

The bridal look

I did my own hair and makeup because I wanted full control over how I looked. I spent the morning getting ready with my bridesmaids, such a relaxed, fun way to start the day. We tried a few half-up hairstyles, but in the end I left my hair completely down and curly. It perfectly matched the medieval vibe I wanted.

How would you describe your wedding theme?

As a big autumn person, the theme was full of autumnal flowers and a warm, cosy colour palette. The venue complemented it beautifully. We asked guests to wear autumnal, earthy tones too, and everyone looked amazing.

Where was your ceremony and reception, and why did you choose them?

Shustoke Barn was the first and only venue we visited. Living just down the road, we went to see it and instantly knew it was right. The moment we saw the archway in the main hall, we could picture ourselves getting married under it.

What were your ceremony and reception like, and what were your favourite moments?

So many beautiful moments. I walked down the aisle to Lover's Waltz by Ben Caplan, a Canadian singer we often go to see and one of the first songs we listened to together. Our vows included a reading from Philip Pullman’s The Amber Spyglass called I Will Love You Forever, which made us both cry.

A little bird flew into my bedroom in the morning, hopped around the bed for a while and then flew out the window, guests think it was my late mum paying a visit!
Walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing all my friends smiling.
Seeing Jack and his groomsmen crying as I walked.
Dancing with my dad and brother to 'Slipping Through My Fingers'.
That final dance surrounded by guests to 'Everywhere'.

What advice would you give to brides still planning?

Don’t try to do everything at once. Spread tasks out, book key things early, and speak to multiple vendors to find what feels right. Focus first on the essentials, the rest will come together. There will always be a few last-minute things… try not to stress!

- Katharine -

Wedding suppliers:

Photographer: Tom Stenlake Photography

Florist: Watkin And Berry

Tarot reader: The Wedding Witch