The Fun Fair Inspired, Papakata Sperry Tent Wedding of Katy + Chris...

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A colourful, fun-filled PapaKata Sperry Tent Wedding…

We love Katy + Chris’ super cool wedding!

A beautiful church ceremony was followed with a colourful, funfair inspired, marquee reception held at Cherry Orchard lake in Delamere, Northwich.

Katy + Chris decided to use a Papakata Sperry Tent after falling in love with it at a open weekend and placed it by the edge of the lake. With hook a duck, ice cream, a carousel, beautiful seasonal flowers and the biggest wedding Jager train… there was plenty to keep the bride, groom and guests happy!

Katy + Chris…

How would you describe your wedding theme?

We didn’t have a theme, it was more about people having fun. Yes it was our wedding, but we wanted a relaxed fun atmosphere giving our gests loads to do. The space was designed to be one big party. There weren’t any rooms for people to hide in, or even space for people to break off this was about both of our families and friends coming together, getting to know each other and having fun.

What were your favourite details?

Our carousel was a highlight of the day, I had so many chats, drinks and special moments on it with friends and family. It was made more special when my mum who isn’t very mobile managed to get on with me for a spin. I even chose to throw my bouquet off the carousel it was a competition like no other…a lot of people wanted to be next!

Was your favourite part of the day?

The Church was so special to me. I was christened there, and growing up it was always a special place to me, my mum and my family. It also just so happens to be very beautiful, and has ties to Lewis Carroll whose father was once the Vicar. There was never a question around where I wanted to say ‘I do’.

How was your day unique?

There was lots of little things that made our day truly unique carousel, hook a duck, afternoon tea, fireworks. One of the things that really stood out for me, and captured my Husbands love for getting the party started was our first dance. Yes, we had Annie’s song, a song that’s so means so much to both families (it was the favorite song of both sides grandparents who are no longer with us), but we then went into the conga, a surprise to everyone. Within seconds we had 100 people doing the conga around our marquee, not just any conga, a conga that became the biggest Jager train I’ve ever seen. Even our older relatives embraced this and had their first ever Jager bomb, before going back to something more sophisticated – of course.

What made you chose your wedding venue?

We chose our venue quite simply, because it was beautiful. We wanted a marquee wedding, and what could be better than having a Sperry Tent on the lake.

Tell us about your wedding outfits and why you picked them…

I knew that I wanted something a little different for my dress. I tried on every possible style of dress looking for the one but when the ladies at Bethany Hannah suggested I try on the Paloma Blanca 2 piece I knew that it was something really special. My mum had recently had an operation but everyone at the shop was amazing, letting me skype her to make sure she was part of such a special day. It took a second try with Mum present for me to be sure that it was the dress (or top and skirt!) for me. Pairing its unique style with the cathedral length veil trimmed with matching lace gave me the wedding day look of my dreams.

Chris kept the suits simple. He wanted to get married in a tux, your stereotypical cake topper. He opted for an M&S tux, they were sharp and a great quality. It was easy too, he went in with his best man, groomsman and dad and was done within 30 mins…shopping isn’t his thing.

What was your budget?

£40,000

What was your biggest expense?

The Sperry Tent was our biggest expense but it was worth every penny for such a beautiful space to hold our reception. As soon as we walked into it at the PapaKata Open Day we knew it was the perfect setting for our day.

How did you save money?

All of the china for the place settings were borrowed from Chris’ cousin Rachel who had used them at her wedding the year before. They were collected by the family in the run up to her big day, a real personal touch. With Aunties, uncles and cousins recognising the pieces they’d collected a few years earlier.

We also chose seasonal flowers that were in bloom locally to help keep the costs of the day down. We also opted for a large amount of greenery in our hoop above the bar, making the space feel even more romantic.

What was it like working with your photographer?

Liam from The Crawleys is a cool guy. We we’re both pretty camera shy, standing in front of a camera and being lovey dovey isn’t us. Liam put us at ease and got to know us, so on the day it was like having a friend at the wedding – not some random guy with a camera. We wanted someone to capture our day as it was…the laughs, smiles, moments and that’s what he did. On top of this we wanted something different and fun, and Liam captured this perfectly with his unique style.

Advice to any couples about to get married?

Do you. Do what you want, not what other people want or expect you to do. Tradition is great, but if it’s not you, do something different. We were told we had to have a three course meal, we didn’t. That we shouldn’t do a jaiger train, we did. That we didn’t need a three meter flower hoop above our bar, we did it anyway. And, we wouldn’t change a thing. Before booking, deciding what to eat of what to wear, make sure it’s what you really want…it’s your big day after all. And finally, enjoy every second. I promise you’ll wish you could re-live it again and again.