In my time writing about weddings, I've seen a lot of seriously creative and offbeat bashes, but I can honestly say that this is the first time I've ever come across a viking-themed wedding! Leanne and Lyndsey's 2019 real wedding at Upwaltham Barns in West Sussex was, first and foremost, a celebration of love, family and friendship, but the playful addition of some handcrafted viking shields and axes was an unexpected surprise for their guests! Tracy Steele Photography captured their fun and flower-filled day in glorious detail, so let's bring on the photos!
Have you ever seen a more gorgeous group of gals? Mix and match floral bridesmaids is such a foolproof idea for spring or summer.
Both brides choose a wedding gown with statement embellishment on the back. We're not sure if they co-ordinated this element of their looks, but it resulted in some incredible wedding portraits!
Leanne tells us that she met Lyndsey through their work in military, when they were both serving at the same barracks in Lichfield, Staffordshire. "Lyndsey is a nurse in the navy and I'm a medic in the army. I was impressed with Lyndsey’s swagger and peachy butt!"
Leanne tells us that she was the one to pop the question, and that Lyndsey really didn't see it coming! "The proposal involved a spa hotel, a birthday suit and a Yorkshire accent!"
The couple tell us that their top priority in wedding planning was, "to ensure our friends and family were fed and watered, and that the day was chilled and informal. It was all about ensuring that everyone was relaxed and happy."
It didn't take Leanne and Lyndsey long to fall in love with their venue, Upwaltham Barns. "It's a hidden gem, from the hustle and bustle of the urban environment. Upwaltham Barns is the perfect venue, it's rustic and intimate, with the extra plus that the owners are so welcoming and friendly."
The couple describe their big day as, "rustic and relaxed, with the sense of friendship and loyalty, and sprinkles of love."
We weren't kidding about the viking shields! "We cut the cake with a viking axe and had a shield which was handmade by a Scandinavian carpenter and welder," Leanne tells us. "The favours were also of viking and Northern Irish sentiment. Each person received a ox horn viking drinking mug, with a small Bushmills Whisky bottle inside!"
The couple used simple, rustic touches to give their barn wedding venue a homely feel. I love this ivy-adorned floral display!
Leanne's advice for engaged couples is, when in doubt, to return to your original hopes and wishes for the day. "Don’t forget you and why you want this day, it’s not for everyone else. They will be there to see you together in your true form. Enjoy it, don’t take it too seriously and be brutal with your invitations!"
For their honeymoon, Lyndsay and Leanne took their four-month-old puppy with them to Newquay, Cornwall. "It was all about surfing, beach walks and food, and it was perfect."
We won't forget this wedding in a hurry! At this point, we've got to say thanks so much to Leanne and Lyndsey for sharing their gorgeous day with us, and to Tracey Steele Photography for providing the beautiful imagery! Be sure to click through the gallery to see more.
