It’s time to share the enchanting tale of Leah and Callum’s Buckinghamshire barn wedding, set against the picturesque backdrop of Notley Farm. This lovely couple’s big day was nothing short of sublime, with a beautifully curated lavender grey colour scheme that perfectly complemented their fun-loving skiing theme. From the stunning florals to the infectious energy on the dancefloor, every moment seemed to radiate joy and warmth. The stylish attire and vintage ski props added a touch of whimsy, while the majestic tower of cheese was a delightful surprise. I’m thrilled to report that Warble Entertainment brought the house down with their live band performance, leaving guests in high spirits. Huge thanks to Rebecca Walters for sharing these breathtaking images with us.
Buckinghamshire Barn Wedding
The Proposal
It’s hard to believe that it was on St Patrick’s Day 2019, amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Alps’ ski slopes, that we shared the most unforgettable moment – getting engaged! Our love story began during those carefree winter seasons when Callum was sharing his expertise as a ski instructor and Leah was charming guests at her chalet. As two souls who share an unbridled passion for skiing and a deep appreciation for the mountains’ majesty, it’s only natural that we sealed our commitment in such a picturesque setting. What makes this moment even more special is that Callum, with his thoughtful design skills, crafted the stunning ring himself – a testament to his thoughtfulness and creativity.
The Vision
As we embarked on wedding planning, we sought to infuse our personalities and passions into every aspect of the celebration without overwhelming the overall atmosphere. Given that we had an extended timeline due to COVID-19 (our fourth date!), we were able to prioritize what truly mattered: bringing together our loved ones to share in the joy and laughter. To achieve this, we focused on securing a fantastic band and ensuring an abundance of flowing drinks. Our shared love of skiing played a significant role in shaping our vision – it was beautifully reflected in our custom-designed stationery featuring a wedding logo that cleverly incorporated skis and our joint initials. The ski theme was also brought to life through the use of vintage skis as our table plan, with each table named after our favorite runs at Alp D’Huez, the picturesque resort where we first met.
The Venue
Notley Tythe Barn in Oxfordshire proved to be the perfect setting for Callum and Leah’s special day. As a farmer, Callum had a strong desire to celebrate his union in an authentic, rustic barn – not a modern, purpose-built structure. Happily, Notley Tythe Barn ticked all the boxes. This restored 12th-century beamed barn on a working farm offered breathtaking views of the Chiltern Hills and a grand driveway that added to its romantic charm. The couple was won over by the venue’s stunning grounds, making it an easy decision for them. Their culinary experience was also noteworthy, with Chef Petr – who has ties to the property – delivering delicious farm-to-table cuisine. The rack of lamb, in particular, did not disappoint, showcasing the chef’s skills and the quality of the locally sourced ingredients.
Your Outfits
The bride’s choice of attire was truly stunning, with a Maggie Sottero blush vintage sheath dress featuring a heavily beaded top with pearls and crystal embellishments, a deep V neckline, and a multi-layered tulle skirt with a peak-a-boo slit and long train. The look was completed with a cathedral-length veil. Victoria’s Bridal Boutique in Kent played host to the dress shopping experience, where the bride received expert guidance from Teresa and Vicky. Their exceptional service left the couple with nothing but glowing recommendations.For footwear, the bride opted for a block heel shoe from Dune’s bridal collection, selected specifically for its rugged charm that complemented the countryside setting. The groom’s attire consisted of a blue French Connection suit paired with a waistcoat from Moss Bros and a lavender grey woollen bow tie and pocket square from Etsy. A brown leather belt and shoes from Oliver Sweeney added the finishing touches.In a thoughtful gesture, Callum gifted his partner something old – the couple’s shared heritage in the form of his grandmother’s aquamarine necklace, which had been reimagined with diamonds to match her engagement ring. This heartfelt gift was all the more meaningful given that it had been bestowed upon her as a 30th birthday present.
The Ceremony & Music
As I exchanged vows with my loved one at St. Mary’s church in Haddenham, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque thatched cottages, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the joyous atmosphere that enveloped us. Rev. Casa brought a contagious energy to the ceremony, infusing it with love, laughter, and enthusiasm. The hymns we chose were special ones that our parents had at their own weddings, adding an extra layer of sentimental value to the proceedings.The music was a highlight of the day, with Jenny’s beautiful organ playing providing a stunning backdrop for the bridal party’s entrance. Pachelbel Canon in D set the tone perfectly, and I must say it gave me goosebumps. We also had Brittany, my talented sister-in-law, serenading us with her piano skills as we signed the register to Glasgow Love theme from Love Actually.As we mingled with our guests during canapés, my best friend’s dad and boyfriend treated us to an impromptu acoustic guitar performance on the lawn. The atmosphere was electric, and it got everyone in the mood for a great time. Speaking of which, the ‘party’ element of the reception was extremely important to us – we love dancing with our family and friends. Lose Yourself to Dance, a fantastic band with a sax player who wowed the crowd, helped us get our groove on. We danced together as a couple, and later with our loved ones, having the time of our lives. And, just for kicks, we even had a ‘last dance’ to Elton John’s I’m Still Standing – a fitting ending to an unforgettable day.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
We had the pleasure of working with Rebecca Walters, our photographer, whom we met through mutual friends at a wedding where Leah was a bridesmaid. From the initial communication to the big day itself, Becky’s friendly and laid-back demeanor made us feel like we were getting married among old friends. Her candid approach and ability to capture the genuine emotions and moments of our special day left us absolutely thrilled with the final product. We were initially hesitant about hiring a videographer, but a well-timed recommendation led us to Timmy at Murch Films, who, despite his specialty in sports videography, brought a whole new level of excitement and joy to our wedding story. To this day, I still can’t help but smile when watching the video he created for us.
The Styling & Decor
To achieve our rustic and ski-inspired wedding decorations, we incorporated vintage elements such as antique skis and an old-fashioned toboggan to display our unique guest book – built from Jenga blocks! Our color palette was a beautiful combination of lavender and grey, which we carried through in the bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen’s bow ties, and stationery. To add some pops of color, we brought in lush meadow-style flowers that complemented our overall aesthetic. Flowers were a top priority for us, as I’d been following Henrietta Hickling on Instagram and admired her vintage, rustic approach to flower arrangement. She created stunning bouquets, as well as a show-stopping floral beam for the barn and unusual centerpieces that resembled moss-covered brick walls. We also loved the subtle blush tones mixed with bursts of blue and coral. My mother-in-law, Jacky, was instrumental in our decorations, hand-making lace and hessian bunting and creating beautiful flowers for the church and groomsmen’s buttonholes. As a former florist, her expertise was invaluable, and I felt especially grateful walking into the church knowing how much she’d contributed to our special day. It was lovely having not only a caring but also a creatively talented mother-in-law. We opted for a cheese cake instead of a traditional sweet one, which surprisingly became a huge hit! Jacky also decorated it beautifully with fruit and flowers, as well as a delightful ski-themed cake topper.
The Honeymoon
As we were planning our wedding, our honeymoon plans went through a series of changes and postponements! To make up for it, we took a mini-moon to the charming Greek island of Andros, where we indulged in some much-needed R&R. I highly recommend taking a break from reality and simply enjoying the quiet moments with your partner after the big celebration.
Fast forward to our actual honeymoon: South Africa and Mauritius stole our hearts! The safari adventures and scenic winelands in South Africa were incredible, while the stunning beaches in Mauritius left us breathless.
Memorable Moments
Our ceremony, led by Rev. Cassa, was an unforgettable experience. With her willingness to have a laugh, it set the tone for a joyful celebration. The crowd even joined in on a rousing rendition of Shine Jesus Shine, just like Callum had done at a friend’s wedding years prior. This lighthearted moment perfectly captured the happiness and excitement of our special day.As we embarked on our newlywed journey, being chauffeured in our vintage Rolls Royce felt like a fairytale come true. The added bonus was having a quiet moment to ourselves as the lovely driver stopped to open the roof, allowing us to take in the breathtaking views. It was surreal to think that this was now our reality – we were finally married and couldn’t be happier.The dance floor at our reception was electric, with an endless stream of guests eager to let loose and have a great time. The expresso martinis flowing freely certainly didn’t hurt!