It’s a perfect start to the week! Chloe and James’ Berkshire barn wedding was nothing short of delightful. I’m thrilled to see that Supplier Love member The Fiction brought their unique charm to the celebrations. The beautiful May 2019 ceremony at the church was followed by a lively reception at Templars Barn, where the couple’s vision of a natural, local, and laid-back affair with sage green undertones came to life. What I love most about this wedding is its effortlessly elegant vibe, which shines through in every detail – from the stylish attire choices to the lush greenery and beautiful calligraphy signs. The barn itself was transformed into a magical setting, complete with festoon lighting, disco balls, and an antique door table plan that added to the whimsical atmosphere. We’re grateful to Richard Skins Photography for sharing these stunning images with us, which perfectly capture the joy and beauty of this special day.
Berkshire Barn Wedding
The Proposal
The Vision
The Planning Process
As I began preparing for my special day, I’d already been envisioning every detail since before meeting James. To stay within budget, we decided to take on some DIY tasks and manage certain aspects of the wedding ourselves. In fact, I had already secured commitments from key vendors like the photographer, florist, and makeup artist by the time we confirmed our venue booking with the date set in stone. For those looking for inspiration and guidance, be sure to check out our comprehensive wedding planning checklist for a one-stop-shop on making your big day a reality.
Budget
Our budget for the project came in at approximately £30,000, although we did ultimately exceed that figure by a small margin.
The Venue
Our choice of Templars Barn in Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 7AH, was driven by its picturesque setting and warm ambiance. The team’s relaxed approach allowed us to arrive two days prior to the big day, giving us ample time to set up and decorate without feeling rushed or stressed.
Your Outfits & Accessories
The wedding attire was a beautiful ensemble, with the dress being a standout piece from Willowby by Watters’ Corella design. The intricate lace details and comfortable fit made it an ideal choice for dancing the night away. Meanwhile, the statement earrings from Grace Loves Lace added a touch of glamour to the overall look, with no other jewelry pieces competing for attention. A delicate veil from Ava Louise Bridal in Southampton, where I also purchased my dress, provided a romantic finishing touch. The shoes, courtesy of Jane Shilton, were a perfect match for the bridesmaids’ versions, although they donned different colors.
Beauty
As a testament to their exceptional skills, Phoebe Hayter, the make-up artist, had previously worked with me on another friend’s wedding. I was confident in her abilities, which were later validated by her win as TWIA 2020 Make-up Artist of the Year. She not only did an outstanding job on my own makeup but also took care of my mum and bridesmaids’ looks, making the morning preparations a breeze with her warm presence. Meanwhile, Cimone, who regularly cuts my and my mum’s hair, was responsible for styling all the bridesmaid’s tresses, as well as my mum’s, bringing a touch of elegance to our special day.
Groomsmen
For this stylish outfit, the team opted for a linen grey suit from renowned retailer John Lewis. To complement the suit, they chose a crisp white linen shirt from Marks and Spencer’s. The finishing touch was a pair of shoes that met their specific requirement: they needed to be brown.
Bridesmaids
When it comes to planning the perfect wedding party, one of the most important details is often overlooked: the attire. For our special day, we chose stunning bridesmaid dresses from the iconic fashion brand, H&M. The shoes were a beautiful pair provided by Jane Shilton, adding an extra touch of elegance to each bridesmaid’s overall look. To complete their ensembles, we opted for exquisite earrings sourced directly from the popular online marketplace, Etsy. Each unique piece added a personal and meaningful touch to the overall aesthetic.
The Readings & Music
As the bride makes her grand entrance, the air is filled with the sweet melody of Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, a timeless hymn that sets the tone for the joyous celebration to come. The ceremony begins with Hymn 1, Come to a Wedding, a beautiful and uplifting tune that invites all to join in the festivities. A poignant reading from Song of Solomon, chapter 2, verses 10-13, follows, serving as a reminder of the couple’s love and commitment to one another. The couple then seals their vows with Hymn 2, We Pledge to One Another, a heartfelt declaration of devotion. As the ceremony concludes, the majestic Wedding March – Incidental Music No. 9 from Midsummer Night’s Dream by Mendelssohn provides a regal exit for the newlyweds. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our curated playlists for first dance songs and father-daughter dance song ideas!
Your Photographer
Richard Skins, an accomplished photographer, has a knack for capturing breathtaking moments through his lens. His skillful artistry is what makes the memories preserved in his photographs truly irreplaceable and invaluable.
Your Filmmaker
Given my financial constraints, I opted to allocate a larger sum towards hiring a photographer, which ultimately meant sacrificing the services of a filmmaker. The decision was a difficult one, but I prioritized capturing high-quality photographs that would do justice to the moment.
The Details & Décor
We had a seamless experience with Classic Crockery, effortlessly editing our rental order up until the week before the big day. Meanwhile, my husband’s expertise as a qualified electrician allowed us to take charge of the lighting, sparking an idea for our own wedding lighting venture, Ginger Fox and Co. My calligraphy course in London, courtesy of Alice Gabb, inspired me to tackle the name cards, signs, and table plan myself. The icing on the cake was that our venue didn’t charge corkage, which gave us the green light to build a DIY bar. We collaborated with Majestic Wine to source an impressive selection of wine, reaping the benefits of any unopened bottles being returnable. Their expertise in calculating quantities also ensured we had ample supply. To complement the wine, we ordered three barrels of beer from a local brewery, which we placed on the bar for guests to help themselves. This hands-off approach allowed our attendees to focus on enjoying themselves without worrying about drink expenses. As an added bonus, our caterer provided staff to manage the bar for us. The final touch was adding mirror balls above the dance floor, sourced from eBay and installed by my husband – a truly dazzling effect.
The Flowers
I had the pleasure of working with Wessex Flower Company’s Alicia, who brought a touch of magic to our special day. Her deep knowledge of the venue shone through in every detail, and I was particularly drawn to her unique, wild, and whimsical approach.
The Cake
My friend’s generosity knew no bounds when they baked a cake that left me in awe – its massive size caught me off guard, and before I knew it, we were indulging in sweet treats for what felt like an eternity.
The Honeymoon
After the whirlwind of the wedding, my partner and I, both avid surfers, sought refuge in a serene AirBnB in Polzeath, Cornwall for a week-long respite. It was the perfect opportunity to catch some waves and rejuvenate after the intense planning and execution.
Memorable Moments
The day’s unexpected highlights included an impromptu photoshoot in the cornfields, which resulted in hilarious and captivating shots. The evening was filled with non-stop dancing as the band, The Fiction, kept everyone entertained all night long. I highly recommend them! The speeches were also a major hit, with my dad’s nervous energy adding to the humor. To accommodate his big moment, we paused between courses, allowing the caterer (quintin_catering) to facilitate the speeches without disrupting the flow of the evening. This thoughtful approach ensured everyone enjoyed their main course before moving on to pudding and the final touches of the night. My brother’s speech was particularly impressive, featuring a custom-written poem that spelled out our names in a visually stunning display.
Advice For Other Couples
Weddings can be overwhelming with expenses adding up quickly. To prioritize what matters most to us, we allocated more funds towards the photographer, florist, and caterer. These professionals were instrumental in making our special day unforgettable.
As much as you try not to stress on the big day, unexpected situations will arise. For instance, one of my bridesmaids had a stain on her dress mere hours before the ceremony, prompting an emergency wash cycle followed by an ironing mishap – resulting in a water stain and another round of washing. We managed to get it dry just in time for the procession, only 15 minutes behind schedule. It’s now a funny anecdote we cherish.
Trust your wedding suppliers to know what they’re doing (it’s their profession!). Using vendors familiar with the venue can also provide valuable insights on what has worked well previously.
Throughout our planning process, we were grateful for the expertise of Richard Skins Photography, Quintins Catering, and The Fiction DJ Band. Kirsty Sprules from Wedding Entertainment ensured a seamless coordination. Wessex Flower Company crafted our beautiful arrangements, while Cimone Guggiari styled my hair and Phoebe Hayter applied my makeup. Our stunning dress was designed by Corella, with earrings by Grace Loves Lace. John Lewis provided James’s dashing suit, Classic Crockery handled the tables and chairs, Ginger Fox and Co lit up the space with their lovely lighting. We also took a calligraphy course from Alice Gabb to add a personal touch.
Ramsbury Brewery kept our guests refreshed with their delightful beer selection. In the end, it was all worth it – our barn wedding in the Berkshire countryside turned out truly magical.