Into The Trees: Phil And Katie’s Woodland Wedding at Sherwood Glade
A surf proposal, a grandfather's sword, and a dancefloor that barely emptied all night. This is what happens when you plan your wedding your way.
Written by Melissa Woods
Images by Laura Wilson Photography
The traditional version of a wedding that people expect you to have usually looks something like this — a stately home venue with a chandelier, a three-course sit-down meal, a first dance where everyone stands around the edges, shuffling… you know the ones cos we’ve all been to them. Phil and Katie have too, so they decided to so something else entirely.
They got married at Sherwood Glade, a woodland tipi venue set in the heart of the most famous forest in the UK — Sherwood Forest. There’s something about an outdoor wedding ceremony that can’t be matched. Using nature as your backdrop will never not be beautiful.
The Proposal
Clearly a fan of a natural setting, Phil proposed on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, mid-walk, on a coastal headland, romantically called Worms Head. After a morning of surfing, Phil asked Katie what she was thing about. Her response:
“I’m wondering how to cook chilli on a camping stove. What are you thinking”?
Phil replied:
“I’m wondering if you would like to marry me"?
Nicely done Phil!
Kate checked if he was being serious before saying YES!
They finished their walk in a happy daze, then stopped for a staged proposal photo to mark the occassion. Phil presented a shell he'd found on the beach. A natural engagement that didn’t need a ring, or a fancy restaurant to mean the same. Just 2 lovers, a perfect moment, and a beautiful setting.
The Planning
Phil reckons the wedding took about 15 minutes to plan.
"Somewhere outdoorsy. A big BBQ, music, beer. Our friends and family."
Done.
Katie acknowledges the practical logistics took a lot longer. But the vision? Locked in immediately. They both knew they wanted their wedding to feel true to them, an extension of their relationship, and the things that bring them joy.
Outdoors. Casual. Communal.
A meal people for loved ones to share rather than sit formally in front of.
Local beer.
Music that means something.
A chance to bring people together and for different friendship circles to get to know each other.
The couple found Sherwood Glade through a friend of a friend. They immediately fell in love with the woodland, and the teepees.
"Let's not book the first place we see" they had said to each other.
Then they booked the first place they saw. Because love at first sight applies to wedding venues too, right?
The Wedding Day
A woodland wedding in August with perfect natural shading from the trees.
Katie walked down the aisle with her dad and her friends.
The couple exchanged their own personal vows, promises specific to them, not copied from a template.
The speeches gave everyone a chance to speak: Phil, his best man, Katie, and Katie’s dad.
Their first dance was a Phil-edited mix that wove together their different musical tastes before landing on an Oasis track that Phil had sung in a voice note to Katie while she was away.
Then they threw the forest-floor open to everyone. No awkward shuffling, just gorgeous people dancing amongst the trees.
The playlist was built from guest suggestions and songs that had soundtracked their individual lives and their life together. This ensured that the dancefloor barely emptied all night. Katie takes full credit for the curation.
Traditions Kept
The wedding cake was cut with Katie’s grandfather's military sword. A special family tradition, carried forward. The kind of tradition that will never date because it means something to an entire bloodline.
The Outfits
Katie looked stylish and understanted, even having pockets added to her dress by a local tailor. Most of her accessories were things she already owned or sourced from Vinted. Sustainable, intentional, distinctly her.
Phil wore his late uncle's Harris Tweed jacket, tailored to fit him, paired with a new waistcoat and suit trousers. That special combination of old and new.
Advice For Other Couples
"Don't overthink it.
People will have opinions and advice on what you should do. But ultimately, what's important is what you want to do as a couple. Give yourselves a budget (plus ten percent) and let that justify your choices.
Know who you want to invite, where you want to be, and what atmosphere you want to create. Let that lead every decision.
The smaller details? Source them from what you already have, from friends, family, second-hand sales. It creates a day that's distinctly you."
Are You Thinking Of Planning A Woodland Wedding?
Phil and Katie’s woodland wedding was the perfect way to reflect who they are. If you feel the same, this is your sign to go for it!
Photography by Laura Wilson Photography — find Laura in our Book of Love directory.
Venue: Sherwood Glade | Flowers: Fern Floral Design | Catering: Ashley Mark Catering