CL WEDDING PLANNER
Compostable dress? Check. Recycled ring? Check. Homegrown flowers? Check. We present our guide to the ultimate in all-natural nuptials
The DRESS
Following an uninspiring shopping trip with her sister, who was about to get married, seamstress Hayley Claire Neil had an epiphany: “I spotted a gap in the market for wedding dresses that were comfortable, contemporary and eco-conscious.” She launched Rolling In Roses in 2016, sketching, sewing and embroidering outfits in her York boutique. “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” says Hayley, who previously made costumes for BAFTA and Academy Award-winning films. “Almost 95 per cent of our fabrics are organic, compostable or recycled. The rest are naturally biodegradable.” Rolling In Roses dresses are available in all sizes. “Even after dressing hundreds of brides, I still get a buzz from playing a part in such a happy occasion,” Hayley says. rollinginroses.co.uk
SISTER ORGANICS Devon Made-to-measure dresses come in classic and contemporary styles. sisterorganics.co.uk
ASHWELL & CO Somerset This emporium houses one of the largest collections of vintage bridal wear in the UK. ashwellandco.com
SOPHIE ROSE BRIDAL Hampshire Sophie Rose Bellchambers designs elegant dresses using recycled fabrics. sophierosebridal.com
LUNA BEA East Sussex Each gown is made in England using chemical-free silk (below). lunabea.com
The VENUE
Once a derelict farm building, The Great Barn was lovingly restored by husband-and-wife wedding planners Emma and John Birkin. “We’ve run the business for more than a decade, but I still struggle to sleep before show day,” admits John, who met Emma when they worked together at the BBC. With its high beamed ceilings, thatched roof and sweeping views of Dartmoor, the Barn is a rustic, relaxed venue. “We do a limited number of ceremonies per year and put all our energy into each one being a showstopper,” Emma says. While John perfects the playlists, Emma is on hand to offer advice or a steadying drink. “What really makes a good wedding is a carefree bride and groom,” she adds. thegreatbarndevon.co.uk
FFOREST FARM Pembrokeshire Opt for an outdoor celebration in the ancient Cilgerran forest. fforestweddings.co.uk
BALLINLOUGH CASTLE County Westmeath This country house is surrounded by 300 acres of grassland, woodland and lakes. ballinloughcastle.ie
TRESEREN Cornwall Georgian elegance meets contemporary cool at this intimate wedding venue. treseren.co.uk
KINKELL BYRE FARM Fife Say “I do” in this rustic barn (below), one of just a few ecowedding venues in Scotland. kinkellbyre.com
