This weekend, I’m thrilled to share another stunning barn wedding inspiration with you all. Annalise and Peter’s special day was captured by Jez Dickson Photography and brought to life through the beautiful film work of Reel Love Films. The couple’s big day was a masterclass in blending glamour with rustic charm, with elements like chandeliers, ribbons, pearls, lace, and Louboutins perfectly complementing the intimate barn setting at Gaynes Park in Essex.
One of the highlights of the wedding was Annalise’s breathtakingly beautiful dress – a figure-hugging fishtail gown that showcased her tiny waist, paired with a delicate lace jacket, subtle smokey eye makeup, and luscious blonde curls.
The Colour Palette
In selecting our color scheme, we deliberately opted for a more subdued approach, settling on a trio of hues that effortlessly capture the essence of Spring’s soft, pastel-driven aesthetic. Muted peach, blush, and cream tones formed the foundation of our design, with each carefully chosen to avoid any jarring matchiness while still evoking the season’s characteristic lightness and warmth.
The Attire
My attire was comprised of two distinct pieces: The first, ‘Wicked game’, was a gown designed by Stuart Parvin for The Bespoke Wardrobe; the second was a lace jacket also sourced from this esteemed provider. To complete my evening ensemble, I donned ‘Jasmine’, a belt crafted by Stewart Parvin, and paired it with ‘Very Prive’ nude shoes courtesy of Christian Louboutin. The ladies accompanying me opted for blush/peach dresses from Warehouse, which proved to be an excellent value at £75.
To add a touch of elegance, they selected nude shoes adorned with jewel detail from Next, as well as cuff-style bracelets from Accessorize. These thoughtful additions effectively brought the entire outfit together. Meanwhile, Peter made a stylish impression by donning a grey three-piece suit, paired with a peach raw silk tie and pocket square from Terence Hill tailors in Chelmsford.
The Photography
The photographer Jez Dickson demonstrated impeccable skill, masterfully capturing the essence of the day’s joy and warmth in his stunning images.
The Flowers
To complement my bouquet, a delicate arrangement of cream and peach roses was chosen to avoid upstaging the dress. The look was further elevated by silk ribbon bows that added a touch of elegance. Meanwhile, the flower girls’ bouquets featured hydrangea poufs tied with lace, carefully selected to mirror the dress’s design and the bridesmaids’ attire.
In contrast, the boutonnieres were kept simple with cream roses, while a special touch was added to our mothers’ corsages by incorporating sweet peas to distinguish them from the rest.
Décor & Details
To create an enchanting ambiance, we enlisted the help of a stylist to transform the main barn into a whimsical wonderland. The interior was elegantly dressed with chandeliers and lace runners, while a pearl backdrop added a touch of sophistication. Outside, the trees were adorned with twinkling lights that seemed to dance in harmony. Lovely light cast a romantic glow on the barn wall with a ‘Mr & Mrs’ projection, complemented by soft pink lighting that infused the space with warmth.
The subtle ambiance was further enhanced by an array of candles nestled in hurricane lamps, which added a touch of rustic charm. One of our only DIY endeavors was crafting pom poms to decorate our sweet buffet, adding a playful pop of color to the overall aesthetic.
The Refreshments
After lunching at our family pub just a short stroll from the church, we laid out a selection of light bites to fuel everyone’s afternoon. Sandwiches, cakes, and an assortment of sweet treats like macaroons were on offer before we made our way to Gaynes Park. To quench our thirst, we served champagne cocktails and an array of canapés, including bite-sized hamburgers, fish and chips, and thinly sliced carpaccio of beef.
The evening’s culinary delights consisted of three courses: a tangy goat’s cheese course, followed by tender fillet of beef, and finishing off with a sweet and citrusy lemon tart for dessert. We presented a spread of sweets including M&M’s, macaroons, biscuits, and lollies. The star of the show was undoubtedly the trio of cakes: fruity, creamy vanilla, and rich chocolate.
Favourite Moments
As I emerged from the church as a newlywed, the air was filled with the joyful sounds of confetti popping and cheers erupting around me. The opportunity to connect with our loved ones and share in the joy of the occasion was truly special. Among the celebratory atmosphere, my husband’s heartfelt speech stood out as a highlight – it left me breathless and beaming with pride.
Music
As I walked down the aisle, the sweet melodies of Bitter Sweet Symphony filled the air, setting the tone for a truly unforgettable ceremony. The string quartet’s renditions of Mr Brightside and Hoppipolla provided the perfect accompaniment as we exchanged our vows and signed the register. The music continued to play an integral role in our special day, with ‘Use Somebody’ by Laura Jansen becoming the soundtrack to our first dance as a married couple.
In fact, our wedding bands feature a special message – ‘Someone Like You’ – serving as a poignant reminder of our love story.
Unique/Special Details
Embracing the charm of village life, we opted to walk from the church to the family pub, where we’d already celebrated many a family occasion. By keeping our guest list intimate, we were able to genuinely connect with each person in attendance, making every moment feel truly special. In the end, we did things our way, allowing us to infuse our wedding day with the unique spirit that makes village life so beloved.
Advice for other couples
We capitalized on the unique opportunity presented by a midweek wedding, successfully negotiating with our vendors to secure favorable terms. Moreover, we discovered that our guests were more than willing to adapt to an unconventional wedding schedule. Reggie from The Bespoke Wardrobe proved invaluable in helping me curate my wedding attire and overall bridal aesthetic. Additionally, opting for high-street bridesmaid dresses allowed us to allocate funds elsewhere.
As we celebrate the union of Annalise and Peter, we wish them a lifetime of joy, love, and happiness. A special mention goes out to their captivating wedding film, which is definitely worth checking out. Follow along with our latest musings on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Google+.