Kerrie and Alex's Stunning DIY Tipi Wedding in North Yorkshire

Written By aaron jeffels

Kerrie and Alex's wedding was a truly unforgettable celebration of love, creativity, and family in the heart of North Yorkshire. As a wedding photographer passionate about capturing authentic and heartfelt moments, I was thrilled to be part of their special day. Their wedding showcased the magic of a DIY approach, paired with the stunning backdrops of Brotton, Saltburn cliffs, and Alex’s family farm. For brides planning a DIY wedding in North Yorkshire, this is a story that offers both inspiration and practical tips.

Bride and Groom standing on cliff tops looking out to see on their wedding day

A Heartfelt Start to the Day

Kerrie began her wedding day surrounded by her closest friends and family at her home. The morning was filled with laughter, excitement, and tender moments, including an emotional first look with her father that left everyone in the room teary-eyed. These intimate, unscripted moments are what make wedding mornings so special, and they set the tone for the rest of the day.

As her bridesmaids helped with the finishing touches, Kerrie’s daughter added an extra layer of joy to the morning. Capturing these family connections is one of my favourite parts of being a wedding photographer in North Yorkshire. These fleeting moments become treasured memories.

Bride’s final makeup touches before her North Yorkshire DIY wedding by Aaron Jeffels Photography.
Bride’s final makeup touches before her North Yorkshire DIY wedding by Aaron Jeffels Photography.
Heartwarming moment between bride and flower girl during wedding morning preparations in North Yorkshire.
Close-up of the bride’s intricate lace dress being adjusted before the ceremony at her DIY North Yorkshire wedding.
Close-up of the bride’s intricate lace dress being adjusted before the ceremony at her DIY North Yorkshire wedding.
Elegant portrait of the bride in her lace wedding dress at her DIY North Yorkshire wedding, captured by Aaron Jeffels Photography.
Emotional first look with the father of the bride at a North Yorkshire wedding, captured by Aaron Jeffels Photography.

A Traditional Ceremony in Brotton

The couple’s ceremony took place at a traditional church in Brotton, a picturesque village perfect for a classic wedding. Alex’s nervous excitement as he waited at the altar was palpable, and the moment he saw Kerrie walking down the aisle was nothing short of magical. The church’s timeless beauty provided the perfect setting for their heartfelt vows.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds exited to a joyful confetti toss, surrounded by their loved ones. We took some time for family photos before heading to Alex’s family farm for their unique and beautifully planned DIY tipi reception.

Close-up of the bride and groom holding hands during their heartfelt North Yorkshire wedding ceremony, captured by Aaron Jeffels Photography
Bride walking down the aisle of a traditional North Yorkshire church, accompanied by her father and family.
Bride standing alongside her father during the ceremony at a traditional North Yorkshire church, photographed by Aaron Jeffels Photography
Bride, groom, and family standing before the altar during a North Yorkshire church wedding, captured in a candid moment
Candid moment during the signing of the register at a North Yorkshire church wedding, with a child’s toy in the foreground.
Guests looking on at a stunning North Yorkshire church wedding, beautifully captured by Aaron Jeffels Photography.
Joyful moment shared between the bride and groom during their North Yorkshire church wedding, captured candidly.
Stunning view of a historic North Yorkshire church interior during a wedding ceremony, highlighting the grandeur and stained glass
Bride and groom exiting their North Yorkshire church wedding under a flurry of confetti, radiating happiness and love.

A DIY Tipi Wedding Reception on the Farm

The reception was held on Alex’s family farm, where a stunning tipi was set up to host the festivities. Guests were greeted with lawn games and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a sunny North Yorkshire summer day. Kerrie and Alex’s arrival in an off-road buggy added an element of fun and adventure to the celebration, setting the tone for a truly memorable day.

Inside the tipi, the couple’s DIY touches were on full display, from handmade décor to personalized signage. The speeches brought laughter and happy tears, and the delicious hog roast and late-night pizza van kept everyone fueled for dancing. The band, The Fallen, brought incredible energy to the evening, ensuring the dance floor was never empty.

A tender moment of a bride and groom embracing inside a tipi, captured in black and white, showcasing raw emotion and love.
A lively moment on the dance floor, with the bride and groom joyfully celebrating with their guests under twinkling lights in a tipi.
An enchanting entrance to a tipi wedding reception, adorned with string lights, wooden decor, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Beautifully decorated round tables inside a tipi, featuring rustic touches, fairy lights, and an intimate wedding setup.
Guests enjoying the wedding reception in a spacious tipi, surrounded by natural wooden beams and ambient lighting.
Golden hour at a North Yorkshire tipi wedding, with guests gathered around a firepit on hay bales under a warm sunset.
An adventurous bride and groom arriving at their wedding reception in an off-road buggy, radiating excitement and joy.

Golden Hour Photos on Saltburn Cliffs

As the sun began to set, we headed to Huncliffe on Saltburn cliffs for their couple’s portraits. This dramatic North Yorkshire coastline provided a breathtaking backdrop for their wedding photos. The golden light and stunning views captured the romance of the day perfectly. Saltburn cliffs are one of my favorite locations for wedding photography because they add a sense of grandeur and adventure to any love story.

A groom lifting his bride in a joyful embrace on a grassy hillside overlooking a dramatic coastal landscape in North Yorkshire, with the sea and cliffs in the background
A bride standing in a field with the North Yorkshire coastline behind her, holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers, and smiling radiantly in her lace gown and veil.
A rear view of a bride walking through a stubbled field toward the horizon, her lace dress and veil flowing in the breeze against a backdrop of clear blue skies and ocean.
A candid moment of a bride and groom embracing in a golden field, both smiling warmly, showcasing their love and connection with the North Yorkshire countryside in soft focus.
A black-and-white portrait of a bride holding her bouquet and smiling against a coastal cliff backdrop, highlighting her lace wedding dress and the texture of the natural scenery.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss in a field overlooking the cliffs and ocean of North Yorkshire, with the layers of farmland and coastline adding depth to the scene.
A bride and groom standing together in a stubbled field, gazing off into the distance with a soft sunset glow enveloping the North Yorkshire countryside.

Why I Love DIY Weddings

DIY weddings hold a special place in my heart. They’re a reflection of the couple’s personalities, filled with unique touches that make the day truly their own. From handmade decorations to intimate venues like family farms, these weddings exude charm and authenticity.

Kerrie and Alex’s wedding perfectly embodied the spirit of a DIY celebration. It was relaxed, joyful, and deeply personal. As a North Yorkshire wedding photographer, I thrive on capturing these genuine moments that make each wedding unique.

My Top Tips for Planning a DIY Wedding in North Yorkshire

Planning a DIY wedding can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Here are my top tips to help your day run smoothly:

  1. Hire a Day-Of Coordinator: Even with a DIY setup, having someone to manage the logistics ensures you can relax and enjoy the day.

  2. Plan for All Weather: North Yorkshire weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for rain or shine with umbrellas, blankets, or a marquee.

  3. Provide a Pre-Dinner Space: If you’re keeping the reception area private until dinner, offer guests a bar or lounge area to gather.

  4. Involve Your Wedding Party: With fewer staff than a traditional venue, assign tasks to your bridesmaids and groomsmen to keep everything running smoothly.

  5. Ensure Parking Is Available: If your venue is remote, make parking easy with clear signage and a designated area.

  6. Hire Experienced Caterers: Choose vendors who are familiar with DIY setups and can adapt to your unique space.

Guests gather outside a set of beautifully arranged tipis on a sunny day at a farm wedding reception in North Yorkshire. The lawn is alive with people enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by picturesque countryside under a partly cloudy sky.

How I Work as a North Yorkshire Wedding Photographer

When you choose me as your wedding photographer, you’re getting more than just someone to take pictures. My approach is relaxed and supportive, ensuring you feel comfortable in front of the camera, even if you’re camera-shy. I believe in capturing the authentic moments—the laughter, the tears, and the quiet glances that tell the story of your day.

I’m also there to help beyond the photos. Whether it’s pinning buttonholes, helping with time-keeping, or offering encouragement, I’m part of your team. My goal is to make your wedding day as stress-free and enjoyable as possible while creating timeless images you’ll treasure forever.

Why You Should Book Me for Your North Yorkshire Wedding

I have years of experience photographing weddings across North Yorkshire, from stunning coastlines to charming countryside venues. My passion is telling your love story in a way that feels natural and true to you. With a focus on candid moments and breathtaking portraits, I’ll ensure your wedding photos capture the essence of your special day.

Ready to Plan Your North Yorkshire Wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding in North Yorkshire and looking for a photographer who understands the magic of DIY weddings, let’s chat! Visit my pricing page or get in touch to discuss your plans. Whether it’s a farm celebration, a coastal ceremony, or a tipi reception, I’d love to capture your love story.

Outbound Links for Inspiration and Resources:

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