The party to end all parties.

By

One of my favourite real weddings so far this year is today's epic bohemian wedding party of Rachel and Bob captured by Katie Dervin Photography. Putting a big emphasis on being original and memorable Rachel, Bob and their talented group of musician friends put together a massive celebration held in the unique surroundings of a former milking parlour. This is one real wedding I really wish I had been invited to. Enjoy and prepare for some wedding day envy...

Rustic Sandwell Park Farm Wedding By Katie Dervin Photography // onefabday.com

Rachel tells us how she and Bob ended up together..."We met through friends over 10 years ago and instantly fancied each other but the timing wasn’t right. We both work in TV and music and our jobs take us all over the place. Every time we found ourselves in the same place at the same time, one or both of us was in a relationship. Finally 4 years ago, both single and in the same city we got together. Most of our mate’s reactions were hilarious. They said things like “Thank God for that” “about time..” and “Can you stop going on about each other now?” It was obviously meant to be! We moved in 6 months later and have been in love ever since."

Finally together and madly in love Bob started planning a surprise proposal. He told us..."I have family in Dubai and took Rachel on a desert safari in a 4x4 to a wonderful deep desert settlement to propose at sunset. But trying to get a secret past Rachel is nigh on impossible. I had the idea to do low angle photographs, which gave me the chance to be on one knee (with the ring burning a hole in my pocket of course) as she came over to pass the camera I saw my opportunity, the ring box came out and she said YES!!! After accepting my proposal, my extremely talkative wife was lost for words! She was in shock! It didn’t last long and the next thing I know I’m being told off for proposing when she was dressed in leggings and a denim jacket! We of course hit the town in style the next day – what a holiday that was!"

Both working in the music industry, and with a large group of the same friends, Rachel and Bob began to plan an epic "festival, outdoor, farm wedding with a laid back rock and roll type feel." The heartfelt ceremony was held outside under the sun with a good friend officiating, ceremony music by Guy Garvey (Elbow) and John Bramwell (I am Kloot) and 250 guests looking on adoringly from bales of hay.

A super cute bride, Rachel chose a pretty Jesus Peiro dress and red bird cage veil for the day, while she picked retro 70's inspired jumpsuits for her girls. So effortlessly stylish!

The phenomenal wedding party was held in a disused milking parlour. A total blank canvas the venue allowed Rachel and Bob to decorate exactly how they wanted. Rachel advises..."Realise that if you decide to take on a whole blank canvas wedding you need to treat it as an extra part-time job on the side. There’s a lot of work to do but if you put in the time it will be worth it. Pull in as many favours as possible, people want to help. Our friends and family had some brilliant ideas, we couldn’t have done it without their input."

Taking the challenge in their stride Rachel and Bob filled the venue with mismatched decor, fun signage, a tiered green wedding cake and their very own "Club Hell" to party into the wee hours.

Adding an extra special element to the day a group of Manchester musicians (and friends) got together to form a special band for one night only. Rachel and Bob remember..."Our wedding band The Happiness Sisters which was formed of brilliant Manchester musicians who got together just for us and learned and performed our favourite songs. They were totally amazing!"

Sandwell-Park-Farm-Wedding-By-Katie-Dervin-Photography-0103

Sandwell-Park-Farm-Wedding-By-Katie-Dervin-Photography-0104

Sandwell-Park-Farm-Wedding-By-Katie-Dervin-Photography-0108

Huge congratulations to you both and thanks so much for sharing your epic wedding day with us all! A big thank you also goes to Katie Dervin Photography for sharing her work with us. To see more from Katie Dervin Photography visit www.katiedervin.com