Claire and Neil’s enchanting DIY barn wedding in Norfolk is a masterclass in country chic charm, expertly captured by Natalie J Weddings Photography As you peruse this romantic celebration, keep an eye out for the following highlights:A debonair groom donning a bespoke navy blue suit with the wedding date discreetly embroidered inside, and a penchant for high-performance cars.
The radiant bride shines in a stunning Jenny Packham wedding dress, complemented by a vibrant bouquet of white peonies, daisies, and rosemaryA traditional English church ceremony unfolds, complete with pews adorned with lush ivyThe historic Great Barn at Hales Hall, the oldest brick barn in the UK, is transformed into an idyllic setting, replete with hand-picked flowers, fragrant herbs, and warm candlelight.
Charming flower girls, clad in white and adorned with delicate flower crowns, add a touch of whimsy to the proceedingsA delectable ‘carve your own dinner’ feast is served on textured, old hessian sacking table linens, accompanied by a show-stopping 5-tier cheese cake artfully embellished with grapes.
Décor & Details
We took a hands-on approach to creating a unique atmosphere for the celebration Since the barn was a blank canvas, we brought in everything from the furniture to the decorations, including handmade order of service booklets stitched together with twine by my mum I also crafted the seating plan by hand on a large blackboard-painted board To add some rustic charm, we repurposed branches as bases for the church candles and used hessian sacking to create tablecloths.
Vintage flair was incorporated through wrapped jam jars serving as vases and confetti cones made from sheet music A special touch was added by displaying photos of our parents and grandparents on the cheese tier, allowing guests to connect with the past and enjoy a fun guessing game.
The Refreshments
To create a relaxed atmosphere, we opted for a variety of sharing platters that would encourage our guests to mingle and engage in conversation Our team, led by Rebecca from Bespoke by the Crown, did an outstanding job of bringing our vision to life We took it up a notch by surprising our guests with the opportunity to carve their own meats.
Donning chef hats, aprons, and carving knives, they were initially taken aback but soon got into the spirit, laughing and chatting as they worked together to prepare their meals.
Cheese Tier Wedding Cake
Our cheese selection was sourced from the renowned Neil’s Yard in Borough Market, where we spent a delightful day sampling an array of artisanal cheeses To make things even more convenient, they kindly delivered our chosen varieties directly to our event venue at no extra cost We showcased our curated selection on a unique, homemade stand crafted from reclaimed timber sourced from my parents’ garden, adding a personal touch to the overall experience.
Advice For Other Couples
To make the day truly special, I recommend infusing it with personal touches that reflect your unique bond as a couple For instance, my fiancée and I were fortunate to have our loved ones lend a helping hand just the day before our big day It was an incredible experience, transforming the venue together in a fun-filled atmosphere.
