Today, we’re thrilled to share the enchanting story of Dan and Rachel’s Doxford Barns wedding, which took place on September 21st, 2019, in Northumberland. This joyous celebration was filled with love, laughter, and a strong focus on family, making it truly unforgettable. The rustic barn setting was transformed into a haven of warmth and elegance, featuring soft hues, delicate festoon lights, candles, and plush blush silk fabric. The pièce de résistance, however, was the exquisite flower arrangements that added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings. Rachel’s bouquet in particular stole my heart, and I have no doubt you’ll be charmed by the stylish attire, show-stopping semi-naked cake, and chic table plan as well. We’re grateful to Lara Frost Photography for sharing their stunning captures of this truly magical day.
The Proposal
As Rachel’s 30th birthday was just around the corner, we planned a trip to Paris to celebrate on New Year’s Day. In preparation, I presented her with a thoughtful gift the night before our departure. Although it may not have been extravagant, it held sentimental value. The gift consisted of a card and a modest cushion from Tesco, adorned with a minor stain that didn’t detract from its overall charm. Recognizing Rachel’s fastidious nature, I knew she’d need to remove the protective case soon after unwrapping it. Little did she know, her initial impression would quickly give way to surprise as she discovered the hidden message within. When she lifted the case off, she found a personalized cushion featuring our beloved pets, Maggie and Oscar, standing side by side with signs bearing the heartfelt question ‘Will you marry me?’ The ultimate token of my affection was the restoration of Rachel’s Great Grandma’s engagement ring, carefully preserved for the moment when – hopefully – she would say yes.
The Vision
Envisioning the perfect celebration, our initial concept centered around an intimate barn wedding, set against the warmth of a late summer afternoon. The picturesque scene would be brought to life by a delicate arrangement of flowers, exuding simplicity and charm.
The Planning Process
Selecting the perfect venue was crucial, as it needed to align with our envisioned celebration while also being welcoming to our furry friends. This initial decision served as a foundation for the rest of our planning process. With a venue in mind, we turned to Instagram for inspiration, pouring over profiles and getting ideas from other couples who had shared their special days. The digital research expedition was accompanied by an abundance of spreadsheet analysis, laying the groundwork for a well-organized and stress-free wedding planning experience.
The Venue
Rach had been enamored with Doxford Barns for years, having stumbled upon its online presence before Dan even popped the question. Despite initially considering other options, their first in-person viewing of the venue was a non-negotiable moment that solidified Doxford as the top choice for their special day. Its rustic charm and sprawling grounds left no doubt – this would be the perfect setting to exchange vows with the love of her life.
Your Outfits & Accessories
While Dan had his heart set on a dark green suit, our search for the perfect one proved challenging. Our journey took us to Review, a local suit shop in Stockton on Tees, where we stumbled upon a stunning grey-blue Marc Darcy three-piece suit that stole the show. The finishing touch? A dashing pink blush woven bow tie. Meanwhile, Rachel opted for a classic white Kenneth Winston dress style 1774 from the exceptional Victoria Robson Bridal in Northallerton. The level of service at this boutique was truly remarkable. And speaking of remarkable, Rach’s chief bridesmaid sent a beautiful long soft veil all the way from British Columbia, Canada – a thoughtful and generous gesture that left us in awe.
Beauty & Grooming
Groomsmen
Dan had a trio of groomsmen who opted for matching navy blue suits, courtesy of Review in Stockton on Tees. Adding a touch of whimsy to their ensembles were pink blush woven bow ties that provided a delightful pop of color.
Bridesmaids
Rach’s entourage of four bridesmaids made a stunning impression, clad in a harmonious ensemble of taupe-hued gowns sourced from the popular online retailer ASOS. The uniform attire added to the overall elegance and cohesion of the wedding party, allowing Rach’s friends to shine in their respective roles.
The Readings & Music
Instead of a traditional wedding playlist, we opted for an intimate and personalized approach to music. Rachel’s walk down the aisle was accompanied by Tracy Chapman’s soulful rendition of ‘The Promise’, setting the tone for our special day. The acoustic covers of classic hits like Meg Birch’s ‘Right Here Waiting’ and Ane Brun’s ‘Show Me Heaven’ created a warm and nostalgic atmosphere, while Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Songbird’ and a family favorite, ‘Edelweiss’ by the Mayries, added to the emotional depth of our ceremony.
Your Photographer
We discovered Lara Frost, a talented photographer, on Instagram, where her natural and authentic style immediately caught our attention. When we met up with her in Doncaster for a pre-wedding shoot, we knew we had found the perfect fit to capture our special day. From start to finish, Lara was an absolute pleasure to work with, and her friend Lianne Gray, who also played a key role in our wedding photography, was equally impressive. In fact, it’s fair to say that these two talented ladies were instrumental in making our wedding day the unforgettable experience it was.
The Flowers
With a touch of elegance, the flowers played a vital role in setting the tone for the event. Wild With Love’s Sharon Wright generously provided a stunning bouquet that featured vuvuzela roses, carnations, cappuccino roses, and jasmine, exuding a warm palette of peaches, creams, and pale pinks. Throughout the entire process, Sharon demonstrated exceptional professionalism, consistently exceeding expectations with her attention to detail and genuine warmth.
The Cake
Perched atop the delightful display was a show-stopping, two-tiered masterpiece from ‘That Cake’, a esteemed bakery nestled within the charming Lilian Daph store in Saltburn. The bottom tier featured a delectable combination of white chocolate and raspberry, while the top tier boasted a light and airy lemon sponge. To add an extra layer of elegance, the cake was adorned with fresh figs and lush foliage.
The Details & Décor
To add a touch of elegance to our celebration, we opted for understated yet charming decorations. Floral centrepieces from Wild with Love, featuring brass candlesticks and tapered candles, were arranged amidst dusty pink fabric ruching on round oak tables. For added personal touches, we included homemade fudge from Dan’s sister Genna, served in personalized jars, and individual scratch cards for each guest, accompanied by shiny new pennies.
The Honeymoon
As we planned our dream honeymoon, we yearned for a destination that would allow us to bring Maggie along, unwind, and reminisce about our special day. We discovered the Alpnhaus in Singdean, Scottish Borders, nestled near Kielder Forest – a hidden gem we stumbled upon on Instagram. This luxurious chalet, surrounded by lush forest and bereft of phone signal and WiFi, offered us an unparalleled retreat from the world. Our exceptional hosts, Christa and Del, went above and beyond to ensure our stay was nothing short of perfect. We still salivate at the thought of the delectable homemade breakfasts they provided each morning – a true highlight of our idyllic getaway.
Memorable Moments
One of the highlights of our special day was the band, Redwings, who got everyone on their feet and dancing. Their impressive talent left a lasting impression on us and our guests, with many commenting on their fantastic performance long after the reception. The speeches were another unforgettable moment, particularly Lee’s hilarious best man speech that had everyone in stitches. Steve, Rachel’s dad, also delivered a great mix of humor and heartwarming moments. On the other hand, Dan’s speech was a bit of a mixed bag – he got flustered and had to improvise after messing up his cue cards! But even that wasn’t enough to overshadow the joy of watching Rachel and her dad make their way down the aisle.
Advice For Other Couples
In the midst of a chaotic and action-packed day, it’s essential to carve out moments to truly soak in the joy and love that surrounds you. Take time to appreciate the people who have gathered to celebrate with you, savoring the fruits of your laborious planning and organizing efforts. The day flies by all too quickly, so make an effort to stay present and take it all in, allowing yourself to fully revel in the moment.