Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, the breathtaking Tithe Barn at Bolton Abbey played host to the most timeless and elegant celebration — the wedding of Abbie and James. Their day was a heartfelt blend of romance, sentimentality, and understated luxury, with floral details that perfectly captured the essence of an English Garden in bloom. From soft, frothy textures to graceful arrangements that danced with light and movement, every floral touch was carefully designed to feel as natural as it was memorable.
A Ceremony Set Amongst Whispers of White
The ceremony space at The Tithe Barn was transformed into a soft, ethereal scene. As guests entered the historic stone barn, they were welcomed by the gentle fragrance of fresh florals and the glow of candlelight. At the end of the aisle, a pair of classic white plinths stood elegantly on either side of the couple, each crowned with blousy, romantic floral arrangements that spilled effortlessly with soft greenery, gypsophila, and delicate garden roses. More flowers gathered at the base, nestled amongst clusters of cylinder vases and pillar candles that flickered gently in the ambient light — a scene straight from a fairytale.
Lining the aisle were whimsical meadow-style arrangements in a soft palette of white and blush, grounded with natural foliage and sprigs of gypsophila. Unstructured and organic, they gave the feeling of having grown there naturally — romantic, untamed, and effortlessly beautiful. These floral meadows later found new life at the reception, repurposed as table centrepieces to continue their story throughout the day.
The Florals: English Garden Elegance
Abbie & James’ floral vision was rooted in sentiment — a desire for their flowers to feel not just beautiful, but meaningful. Every stem and petal played a role in bringing this to life. The colour palette was soft and timeless, with shades of ivory and soft blush dancing alongside gentle touches of green. It was the kind of styling that felt both effortless and refined — designed to complement the barn’s rustic stone and oak beams, not compete with them.
The arrangements themselves were loose and natural in style, using classic English Garden blooms: blousy white roses, delicate lisianthus, fluffy hydrangeas, and frothy gypsophila — chosen not only for their beauty but also for their soft, cloud-like textures. Greenery was used sparingly and purposefully, adding depth and movement without ever overpowering. The result was floral styling that felt light, romantic, and deeply personal — a reflection of the couple themselves.
A Reception Filled with Light and Love
As guests gathered for the reception, the ancient barn glowed with warmth and intimacy. Candlelight danced across the tabletops, interwoven with the floral meadows. The tables were styled with intention — not overdone, but full of charm and detail. Arrangements were airy and unstructured, allowing the flowers to breathe and move freely. Each table felt like its own little garden moment — inviting guests to sit, toast, and celebrate surrounded by natural beauty.
A Timeless Celebration at Bolton Abbey
There’s something truly magical about The Tithe Barn — its history, its grandeur, and the way it holds light so beautifully. Paired with floral design that was soft, romantic, and deeply personal, Abbie and James’ day wasn’t just about pretty flowers — though there were many. It was about creating an atmosphere. A feeling. A moment in time that felt suspended in beauty and love.
Photography by Hayley Baxter
Venue: The Tithe Barn, Bolton Abbey