Jen & Pete
I’m so glad I get to meet brilliant couples like Jen & Pete! We got on so well and photographing them was so, so fun.
They had a super emotional and fun wedding ceremony at Oakwell Hall in Leeds where a few tears were shed! Oakwell Hall is a great little gem of a venue I hadn’t come across before Jen & Pete’s day! The hall itself is full of character (if you’re a history nerd, I’d definitely recommend) with beautiful gardens for photographs outside. The barn for wedding receptions is beautifully light with big windows, yet still retains plenty of charm. If you’re looking for an alternative wedding venue in Leeds, I’d recommend checking out Oakwell Hall! 
How did you two meet?: We worked together – not very exciting!
Describe the proposal!: Pete proposed at Happisburgh Lighthouse, a place in Norfolk that I’ve been going for family holidays since I was a baby (and got a tattoo of the second I turned 18). Pete got down on one knee, got covered in gravel and sand. He’d also brought mini bottles of Prosecco and picnic glasses stashed in his backpack, and we toasted while being absolutely battered by the wind.
What is special about your venue?: We wanted somewhere that was a bit unique and characterful, and when we visited Oakwell Hall we knew immediately that it was the place for us. It’s a Tudor mansion, now council-run museum, so it’s gorgeous and has heritage, but also has a down-to-earth vibe that suited us well. The Grand Hall with its stunning glass window, the rustic Barn where we’ll have the reception, and the beautiful gardens are all so perfect.
Any details of note about your big day?: A lot of it is DIY – the table decorations, signage etc. Our family has been collecting glass bottles and jars for two years to make up the centre-pieces, so we’re just hoping we can pull everything together when we muck in to decorate the day before!
My dad is making a cake topper of us made out of Fimo, which will sit on top of our pork pie cake!
I’ve also made/ decorated my wedding shoes, and personally bejewelled the wedding Crocs I’ll be changing into after the photos. Our first dance is one I’ve choreographed to ‘Jackson’, the version by Trixie Mattel and Orville Peck. The song was Pete’s idea, and perfectly blends our two, now-shared, loves.
Pete’s tie and my necklace both feature moths on them, which is a reference to my hometown where all the pubs were originally named after butterflies and moths.
Venue: Oakwell Hall – @oakwell_hall_weddings
Jen’s dress: Wed2B
Pete’s suit: Next
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Outfits: Various, everyone’s wearing their own choice
Hair & Makeup : Rimi M
Cake: A big pork pie from Wilsons!
Flowers: Yorkshire Petals
Catering: Hungry Bear Leeds
Transport: My uncle’s Ford Prefect, Freddie
Kind words from Jen & Pete: “It’s worth getting married just to get Maddie Farris to photograph you. We can’t really believe how lucky we were to have Maddie for our wedding. From the first email exchanges in the depths of lockdown in 2020, to everything around our big day two years later, Maddie has been fantastic.
It felt like having a friend with us on the day, and her warmth and artistry meant she managed to get some unbelievably stunning pictures of two people who – to be honest – traditionally do not photograph very well! Despite Maddie being absolutely flat-out with work, her communication was wonderful, and she sent us our preview and photos so quickly.
Thank you Maddie, from the bottom of our hearts, for somehow perfectly capturing the chaotic, emotional and exhilarating energy of the best day of our lives. Love, Pete & Jen.”
Jen & Pete’s wedding is featured on the Whimsical Wonderland Wedding blog! You can read all about it here.
