Bethanie and Thomas celebrated their marriage with a woodland handfasting, a Viking feast and a toast to the goddesses. The groomsmen wrestled while Bethanie danced on tables with her bridesmaids. Their children ran around with their friends’ kids, and the night ended beside a bonfire before the newlyweds retreated to their tipi.

Held at This Green Moon in Swillington, their wedding drew on their interest in paganism and a willingness to decide for themselves how the whole thing should work. “Our wedding was a bohemian, and whimsical with a Viking feast”, Bethanie said. “We are both very much into paganism and non-traditional traditions!”

The preparations began close to home with the bride’s Elven inspired dress being made by her mum. Its embellished bodice, off-the-shoulder neckline and flowing sleeves suited a ceremony beneath the trees. Bethanie wore her hair loose with sections braided back, while her bridesmaids chose different dresses in shades of red. Thomas wore a pale waistcoat and trousers with a black shirt.

Branches and sticks were collected from the forest next door and became the circle where they would exchange their vows. Bethanie and her children made a huge crescent moon and stars for a field lit with fairy lights. Roses and sunflowers, chosen for their significance to their families, were used everywhere, with flowers gathered the day before.

Bethanie walked into the ceremony with her daughter and dad to SJ Tucker’s Handfasting Blessing. Waiting inside their circle of branches, Thomas was already crying. “We had a shuffle of jazz, country, dance and blues music”, the bride explained, “Our vows were not rehearsed and we spoke from the heart. My two younger sisters did speeches and my brother-in-law recited the Invictus poem.”

Watching everyone tuck into the food was one of Bethanie’s favourite parts of the day. Given an unlimited budget, her first request would be “MORE FOOD!” The cake continued the woodland theme, with icing resembling birch bark, red roses and their initials inside a heart.

The venue was their biggest expense. Friends, family and charity shops supplied much of the rest, with her mum’s dressmaking skills saving them the most money. Bethanie planned everything herself, and she loved the experience – so much so she’s considering becoming a woodland wedding planner!

“Do everything for you”, Bethanie concluded. “Forget pleasing everyone else, you only get one shot!!”