One of the key carbon contributors to any wedding is travel – for you, your guests and your suppliers. Anne O’Brien from Bluebell Ceremonies, was inspired by the concept of a 10-mile food menu and wondered if the same principle could be applied to a wedding?
The result was the Love Local shoot — a creative, collaboration of local talent, inspiring couples to make more sustainable choices by supporting local suppliers and reducing their wedding miles.
We spoke to Anne about her inspiration and the key elements involved.
A Local-First Mindset
To showcase our commitment to sustainability, we set ourselves a clear challenge: to source all our suppliers from within an average of 15 miles of our venue, SWA accredited @crockwellweddings. This approach kept our supply chain small and intentional, reduced transport emissions, and shone a light on the wealth of talent in the local area.
Tips for couples: Speak to your venue about their trusted local suppliers. Set yourself a goal and use tools like Google Maps’ distance measure feature to plan consciously. Working this way builds a strong team with good knowledge of the venue and results in a smooth and cohesive wedding experience.
The Venue: Rooted in Nature
Crockwell Farm, located in Northamptonshire, provided the perfect setting. This family-run venue offers exclusive use over three days and is known for its natural beauty, commitment to service, and thoughtful approach. As a rural venue that champions sustainability, Crockwell set the perfect tone for our Love Local ethos.
Styling: Layered and Local
Led by wedding planner @katielouweddings, our styling focused on reusable and locally hired items. We worked with @chippingnortoneventhire to source key pieces such as tableware and furniture – proving that hire is both beautiful and sustainable.
The tablescape featured rattan chargers, layered with green patterned plates and coloured glassware, all to echo our wildflower theme. The effect was organic, elegant, and effortless.
Photography & Film: Storytelling with Soul
We worked with inspiring local creatives whose styles aligned with our sustainable and artistic vision:
@sambennettphoto brought a relaxed, documentary approach that allowed the natural beauty of the day to shine through.
@shannonrosia captured the narrative through video, weaving together music, speech, and cinematic moments to tell an authentic story.
Ceremony: Symbolism and Personalisation
I’m a celebrant based in Oxfordshire @bluebell.celebrant, and for this shoot, I really wanted to highlight the beauty and freedom of an outdoor wedding ceremony. In keeping with our nature-inspired theme, we chose a woodland setting with the seating arranged in a circle to create a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. I created a bespoke celebration that featured unique moments like a quaich (a double handed cup, symbolising unity) and a cocktail shake (representing the ingredients of a strong marriage), bringing personality and meaning to the experience.
Bridalwear: Preloved with Purpose
Our bridal looks were sourced from @bridalreloved, a network of award-winning boutiques specialising in pre-owned and sample designer dresses. We showcased both a modern jumpsuit and a boho gown – each styled to show how pre-loved fashion can break the mould, combining both affordable luxury and sustainability.
Flowers: British-Grown and Biodiverse
All florals were supplied by @willowgreenflowerfarm, a local grower based within five miles of the venue. Using British cut flowers dramatically reduces the carbon emissions associated with imported blooms and supports UK biodiversity.
Our arrangements featured like sweet rocket, forget-me-nots, buttercups, lupins and cow parsley — all carefully selected to reflect the season. Designs included turf ‘flower cushions’, hanging tree-garlands, floor-standing meadows, and a willow-based flower crown — all free from floral foam and plastic.
Tips for couples: Find local growers via @flowersfromthefarm
Cake: Tasteful, Textured and Natural
Rather than relying on traditional decorations, the cake embraced natural colour and texture. Inspired by local wildflowers and the ‘butter yellow’ trend, the design was understated and modern — incorporating both a tiered cake and a flat sheet cake for flexible serving options.
Hair & Makeup: Two looks, One Dream Team
Our beauty team created two distinct bridal looks:
Modern & Polished (Jumpsuit): Fresh, radiant skin with a sculpted finish and a sleek low bun by @elizabethjaneweddinghair and @sarahevansmakeup.
Boho & Ethereal (Dress): Dewy, glowing skin with peachy tones and relaxed waves to complement the wildflower crown and full-length veil.
Stationery: Locally Designed, Naturally Inspired
Watercolour artist @annajaynedesigns used native plants — like apple blossom and strawberry flowers — as the basis for a beautiful pastel palette. Personalised napkin favours, doubled as place settings and mementos for guests to take home.
Jewellery: Thoughtful and Ethical
Working with @macangusdesigns, we incorporated a yellow sapphire pendant that tied in with the wider colour story and celebrated traditional materials with a modern twist. Choosing locally made jewellery with responsibly sourced materials, not only champions ethical sourcing but also supports British craftspeople.
Confetti: 100% Biodegradable
For the confetti moment, we used natural petal confetti from @shropshirepetals, delivered loose and in confetti cannons. Grown, harvested, and dried in the UK, the petals are dye-free, slow-falling and fully biodegradable — making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious couples.
Conclusion: Sustainability Through Local Collaboration
This project was a living example of what’s possible when sustainability is embedded from the start. By focusing on local suppliers, seasonal design, and intentional choices, we showcased sustainable weddings without compromising on style, joy, or creativity.
We hope it inspires others in the industry — and engaged couples — to think differently, ask questions, and celebrate the talent that’s right on their doorstep.
