I’ve been indulging in a whimsical fascination with fairytale weddings lately. The enchanting blend of romance, magic, and celebration has captivated me from elegant ball gowns to captivating engagement shoots, Disney-inspired wedding dresses, and every charming detail in between (A testament to my obsession can be found on my Fairytale Weddings Pinterest board).
When I stumbled upon Katy Lunsford Photography’s dreamy captures of Helen and Richard’s rustic English barn nuptials, complete with a stunning Ian Stuart wedding dress for the bride, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy. The picturesque moments that stood out to me were the delicate rose-adorned wicker hearts suspended from the church entrance and pews, the rustic beams of the barn, and even the sweet gestures made by the flower girl – a delightful reminder of the beauty in the little things.
The Flowers
As we crafted our wedding vision, floral arrangements played a significant role after consulting with Laura, an expert in her field, we felt confident that she would bring our unique shabby chic style to life. To achieve this look, we carefully selected a range of vintage pink and purple roses in various shades for use in bouquets and buttonholes.
The church pews were transformed by interweaving flowers between white wicker love hearts, while floral arrangements marked each entrance with elegance. Ivory candelabras, adorned with delicate blossoms, served as the table centrepiece, adding a touch of beauty throughout the venue.
The Refreshments
As we cruised along the picturesque countryside in our vintage Beauford Tourer, the promise of a delightful reception awaited us at the majestic Sandhole Oak Barn. The atmosphere was set with the smooth sounds of Olly’s live jazz piano and the tantalizing aromas of canapés wafted through the air.
We mingled effortlessly by the serene lake, basking in the warm sunshine before settling in for a delectable wedding breakfast featuring an impressive spread of smoked salmon and asparagus, tender lamb, and a trio of decadent desserts. The real pièce de résistance, however, came in the form of three heartfelt speeches that left us laughing and crying in equal measure, forever etching memories of the special day into our minds.
Decor & Details
Tamaryn’s meticulous attention to detail brought the barn to life with delicate, shabby chic elements that perfectly complemented our wedding theme. Inspired by my profession as an educator and love for classic literature, we chose children’s book titles for table names, accompanied by custom bookmarks as a thoughtful favor for guests.
The vintage typewriter stationed at the guestbook allowed loved ones to leave heartfelt messages, while a birdcage safely collected our wedding postcards and vintage letterpress stationery ensured all notes were easy to read. To sweeten the celebration further, we indulged in a scrumptious sweet treat table featuring delectable cupcakes perfect for a traditional afternoon tea that delighted children of all ages.
The Wedding Music
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we transitioned from capturing the breathtaking beauty of our sunset photographs to igniting the night with an unforgettable performance. The sultry sounds of Arctic Monkeys’ ‘You Look Good on the Dancefloor’ took center stage, as talented musician James Franklyn and his soul band brought the house down with a lively rendition, marking the beginning of an evening filled with non-stop dancing and unbridled joy.
Advice for Other Couples
As I revel in the beauty that surrounds me, it’s astonishing how a day can be made complete by the essence of romance and loveliness. My childhood self was obsessed with planning every intricate detail of my dream wedding, never thinking twice about the possibility of making those fantasies a reality. The key to stress-free bliss lies in thorough research and collaboration with trusted professionals who can bring your vision to life.
I’m overjoyed for Helen and Richard as they embark on their happily ever after adventure.