As we dive into the wedding story of Debbie and Iain, get ready to be charmed by the unique personalities that shine through every moment. Their special day unfolded at Farbridge, a picturesque haven in West Sussex, where rustic charm meets elegance. The venue’s converted barns, brick walls, and abandoned dairy farm provided a serene backdrop for the couple’s celebration of love.
The proposal was a thoughtful reflection of their relationship, setting the tone for a wedding that would be filled with personal touches from friends, family, and the bride and groom themselves. With priorities aligned around great music (thanks to The Long Straws and Alive Network), stunning natural photography, free-flowing drinks, and an unforgettable pre-wedding pool party, Debbie and Iain’s big day was truly a reflection of their love.
The décor was inspired by the couple’s shared passions for travel, wine, and good times. Vintage cars, wine crates in bloom, doughnut towers, suitcases, and adventure-filled photos brought each table to life with personality. Meanwhile, wild florals like white roses, spray roses, lisianthus, freesias, gypsophila, delphiniums, and muscari added a touch of whimsy to the setting.
Join us as we relive the magic through Debbie and Iain’s journal entries and stunning photos from Jamie Dunn Photography, filled with emotion, light, and love.
The Proposal
As we prepared for our weekend getaway to Venice, my partner suggested extending our holiday with a dinner date the night before. We agreed to meet at Borough Market, unaware that Iain had planned an unforgettable surprise. He led me on a nostalgic journey, revisiting the same pubs where we shared our first date and culminating in a nightcap at the Shard, just like that memorable evening. The icing on the cake was when he revealed a beautifully curated book, filled with photographs from our time together – from colleagues to friends, and even more meaningful moments. As I delved into the pages, tears of joy streamed down my face, and by the final page, Iain got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever. It was an incredible proposal, thoughtfully planned and emotionally charged, leaving me with a heart full of love.
The Vision
We embarked on our wedding planning journey without a specific vision in mind, instead allowing our priorities to guide our decisions. We sought a ceremony and reception venue that felt authentic, ultimately choosing a charming barn near Hampshire as the perfect setting. Our desire for an exceptional natural photographer, a unique band with their own flair, and a free bar led us to create a celebration that truly reflected our relationship. In the process, we stumbled upon an unexpected theme of travel and wine, which beautifully encapsulated our connection even before we became a couple.
Christian, a close friend, took on the task of designing our wedding materials and created an impressive logo that incorporated all the elements of our special day into a whimsical design featuring stick figures representing us as bride and groom. The balloon they held together served as a clever representation of our love. This unique brand became the foundation for our stationery, tying in perfectly with our overall aesthetic.
The Planning Process
As an Event Manager, I brought a level of organisation to my own wedding planning that allowed us to enjoy the process without stress. We had 18 months to prepare and deliberately spaced out tasks over the months to avoid last-minute chaos. By the four-month mark, we had broken down our to-do list into manageable monthly chunks, and at one month out, we narrowed it down to a weekly schedule. With all tasks completed by the weekend before the wedding, we were able to fully savour the celebrations leading up to the big day.Throughout the planning process, we made a point to create special occasions for meaningful interactions with friends and family. For instance, we hosted a bridesmaid BBQ, where my closest friends could mingle with their partners, and afterwards, we celebrated the completion of alterations with a bottomless brunch featuring our entire bridal party and their significant others.Married on a bank holiday Sunday, we kicked off the weekend with a pre-wedding pool party at my parents’ place, inviting the bridal party, their partners, and our closest family members. Then, on the Monday following the wedding, we gathered everyone for a pub afternoon to nurse sore heads and prolong the celebrations. This approach allowed us to spend quality time with loved ones across the entire weekend.
The Venue
After scouring the area for the perfect barn venue, we stumbled upon Farbridge – our ideal match. Without needing to consult each other, we booked the date for our special day. The rustic charm of its brick walls, set against a picturesque backdrop of fields and sheep, won us over instantly. The abandoned dairy farm on site offered an additional photo opportunity that proved to be a highlight. What truly impressed us was the venue’s exceptional team, whose friendly and responsive approach made us feel at ease. They didn’t push their ideas, but instead provided helpful advice when we asked for it. On the day of our wedding, the team went above and beyond, ensuring everything ran smoothly without being intrusive. The Manager/Head Chef was instrumental in crafting a bespoke menu tailored to our tastes. We even had the opportunity to attend a tasting event, where we sampled four starters, four mains, and four desserts. The food was truly exceptional, with every guest raving about it – many stating it was the best they’d ever had at a wedding. Our bridal suite provided an elegant space for getting ready, while seven additional rooms on site accommodated some of our guests. We also enjoyed a leisurely full English breakfast in the morning’s lovely breakfast room.
The Readings & Music
As we exchanged vows, two readings took center stage. One was a personalized rhyme we penned ourselves, which a dear friend from university kindly read aloud. This special poem recounted the whimsical tale of how we met, a story we cherish since being friends for over a year prior to falling in love.
The second reading was written by one of my closest friends, whom we entrusted with the task. We didn’t want any spoilers, so we kept it under wraps until the big day. His words were nothing short of breathtaking – they brought the house down! Both readings struck the perfect balance of laughter and tears, infusing our ceremony with an air of warm informality yet deep emotional resonance.
Every note played during our wedding held a special significance for us. As I walked down the aisle to Rod Stewart’s ‘Have I Told You Lately,’ memories flooded back to the first time we saw him perform together at his Vegas show. Our ceremony playlist featured Birdy’s ‘Wings’ and George Ezra’s ‘Hold My Girl,’ both of whom we had the pleasure of seeing live at Glastonbury the previous year.
Our first dance was a sultry slow version of Ella Eyre’s ‘You Don’t Have to Take Your Clothes Off.’ This beautiful rendition became our anthem early on in our relationship, and it wasn’t your typical first dance song – which we loved about it! As we re-walked down the aisle together for our first dance, there was initial confusion when the music started, but by the time the chorus kicked in, all our guests were enthusiastically chanting along with us. This moment remains one of my fondest memories from that unforgettable day.
We also had Laura James, a talented acoustic singer with a voice like honey, providing the perfect ambiance during our wedding breakfast. Later that evening, The Long Straws – a fantastic swing/jive band – took to the stage for two sets, injecting new and old favorites with their unique jive twist. Both acts were absolute standouts, and our guests adored them!
The Details & Décor
As we planned our special day, a serendipitous theme of travel and wine emerged. To set the tone, we designed a world map on our table plan, featuring all the places we’d been together as a couple. Tiny easels held up photos of us in those locations, serving as table numbers. Vintage charm filled the air with old suitcases scattered around the venue, each containing a card holder. This whimsical touch added a personal flair to the space.Centrepieces consisted of wine crates, adorned with wine corks bearing the names of our loved ones. Jam jars, wrapped in recycled fabric strips from the bridesmaid’s dresses, added a playful pop of color throughout the room. A vintage ladder stood proudly in the corner, boasting plant pots and cherished family photos – a heartwarming nod to both sets of parents’ wedding days.Our guest book took the form of a photo album, much like the one we used for our proposal storybook. This unique keepsake allowed guests to find their own face or leave a heartfelt message in the blank spaces. One of our fondest memories from the day was the arrival cars – two vintage beauties, lovingly restored by my dad, and placed perfectly within the courtyard. They became an instant hit with kids and adults alike, serving as a picturesque backdrop for photos and creating lasting memories.
The Flowers
As we were planning our wedding, we stumbled upon Earth Seed to Bloom, a company based near Chichester owned by Gill, who offered us a variety of gorgeous flowers at an unbeatable price. With a blue theme in mind, we had limited options but trusted Gill’s expertise to curate the perfect selection for us. We opted for a mix of white roses, spray roses, lisianthus, freesias, gypsophila, delphiniums, and muscari, ensuring they were not too manicured. For our tables, we purchased wine crates from Majestic for £5, which contributed to charity, and Gill filled them with the stunning flowers. She also crafted a breathtaking backdrop in the ceremony room using seven hanging chains, attaching the flowers to foliage, creating an extraordinary display. The ceremony chairs were adorned with small gypsophila bunches wrapped in hessian ribbon. For our bouquets, I received a beautiful arrangement of blue and white mix, while my bridesmaids sported gypsophila bunches tied with hessian ribbon. To prevent the bouquets from wilting on tables during the wedding, we strategically placed 4 grey jugs and 1 big white jug throughout the venue, adding to the overall decoration after the ceremony.
Best Women, Ushers & Bridesmaids
In a departure from traditional wedding party norms, our celebration featured a unique group of attendants. While Iain had two best men, a female usher, and a male usher, my own support team consisted of three bridesmaids and a Maid of Honour – all female.Iain and Mark opted for suits from Moss Bros, choosing grey-checked ensembles with waistcoats, crisp white shirts, and matching brown shoes from Next. The bow tie was a stylish touch courtesy of Etsy shop Men Lau.To add some visual flair to the proceedings, we decided that our female attendants would wear identical dresses in different colors. My side opted for blue hues, while Iain’s side matched their suits with grey attire, making it clear who was on whose side. The dresses themselves were lovely – flowing chiffon designs with simple silhouettes, sourced from JJs House.
The Cake
While we’re not typically cake enthusiasts, we have a soft spot for Krispy Kreme treats. So when the opportunity arose to create a donut tower that rivaled its sugary counterparts, we jumped at the chance! Our edible masterpiece was adorned with white and blue flowers, a nod to our love of travel and wine. And to add an unexpected twist, we topped it off with an unorthodox cake topper from eBay – a silhouette of a groom lifting his bride, complete with a glass of wine in hand, perfectly capturing the essence of our celebration.
Your Outfit & Accessories
As I ventured into Anya Bridal, a charming barn conversion housing hundreds of exquisite gowns, I knew I was in for an authentic dress shopping experience. The space features a dramatic reveal curtain, a raised platform, and a massive mirror that allows you to approach from a distance, as if imagining yourself walking down the aisle. My search for the perfect dress came to an end with the first one I tried on – a stunning Stella York chiffon creation adorned with delicate lace at the top. Though I continued to explore other shops, trying on 20 additional dresses just to be sure, none compared to my showstopper. It was as if mine had been tailor-made for me, a gorgeous white floaty dress that embodied everything I had envisioned for my special day.
Beauty
Despite an initial mishap with my first hair trial and makeup appointment, I was relieved when my Maid of Honour suggested Suzanne Hair and Makeup at the last minute. Elliose, who would be styling my locks, was available for a trial just days later. I was impressed by her warm demeanor and willingness to work with me after hearing about my previous less-than-ideal experience. Her natural makeup approach and creative updo – featuring a voluminous messy bun and elegant plait – put me at ease. On the wedding day itself, I felt carefree and able to fully immerse myself in the celebrations, trusting Elliose’s skills without a second thought. To complete my look, my mom gifted me a breathtaking hair vine from Bleu Bridal’s Twilight Designs collection, which beautifully wrapped around my bun.
Your Photographer
We were thrilled with our photographer, Jamie Dunn! Initially, searching online for photographers seemed daunting, but attending a wedding show at ExCeL allowed us to meet several professionals in one go. We highly recommend using these events to find your perfect match – it’s crucial to connect with the person as well as view their work.We instantly clicked with Jamie, who was warm and welcoming. His photos were breathtaking, capturing natural moments and telling a story through each image. He has a deep understanding of light and incorporates it skillfully into his photography.Jamie’s second photographer, Lloyd, was equally impressive, sharing a similar style to Jamie’s. Both were friendly, approachable, and got along well with our guests.Throughout the day, we barely noticed them, as they effortlessly captured candid moments, leaving posed photos to more traditional photographers. We simply trusted they’d be capturing the essential shots without drawing attention to themselves.During our couple shoot, Jamie put us at ease, making it a breeze to capture relaxed, beautiful moments of just the two of us.We’re overjoyed with our incredible photos and can’t sing Jamie’s praises enough – he truly exceeded our expectations!
The Honeymoon
We typically handle our holiday bookings independently, but with wedding planning taking over, we opted for Trailfinders’ expertise instead. Their assistance was invaluable, as they not only matched prices we discovered elsewhere but also handled every detail with ease.
Our journey of a lifetime began in Zanzibar, where we spent a few days unwinding after the wedding. From there, we ventured into Tanzania for an unforgettable private safari experience, exploring both the Ngorongoro crater and the Serengeti. Following this adventure, we recognized the need to recharge our batteries, so we headed to the Seychelles to relax and soak up some sun. Our escapade concluded in Nairobi’s vibrant cityscape, where we indulged in more wildlife encounters before returning home. The experience was truly remarkable.
Memorable Moments
As Iain recounts, his most treasured memory is the moment he saw me at the top of the aisle, when all his nervous energy melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of joy. For me, there were a few defining moments that stand out – the morning preparations with my closest friends being one of them. The excitement and camaraderie we shared made it feel like we’d already had the perfect day before the wedding even began.Walking down the aisle was undoubtedly the most emotionally charged experience I’ve ever had. My face was wet with tears, and having my loved ones gathered around me, including my beaming dad by my side, was simply indescribable. The first dance was another highlight – our ceremony room transformed into a dance floor, with Farbridge’s unique layout encouraging our guests to form an aisle for us to stroll down together, as our song played in the background. It was a far cry from my initial aisle walk, yet equally special in its own right.The entire day unfolded like a dream, despite feeling like it flew by in the blink of an eye. I remember every detail vividly – from waking up that morning to the ceremony, reception, and quiet moments with our photographers. The incredible food, hilarious speeches, and wild party, complete with jagerbombs circulating among the guests, all combined to make it the best day of my life. It’s a memory we’ll treasure forever.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning your wedding, don’t put off key decisions until the last minute. In fact, it’s never too early to start preparing. One essential step is finding the perfect photographer – attending a wedding show or seeking out recommendations from friends and family can be incredibly helpful in this process. Additionally, don’t underestimate the time it takes to find the right entertainment for your big day. Your band or DJ will set the tone for the entire celebration, so take the time to find one that truly resonates with you. To make the most of your wedding weekend, consider turning it into a mini-vacation by booking accommodations and activities for the days leading up to and following your ceremony. And when it comes to decorations, bring some empty jugs or vases to the venue – you never know when they might come in handy. Finally, don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to table arrangements. An oval top table, for example, can provide a unique and intimate atmosphere that encourages guests to mingle and socialize.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
A memorable wedding celebration was recently held, featuring the lovely Debbie and Iain as the happy couple. Their special day was captured beautifully by photographer Jamie Dunn Photography, while Lloyd Richard Photography also joined in to provide additional coverage. The ceremony took place at the picturesque Farbridge Wedding Venue, a WWW wedding suppliers member specializing in providing exceptional venues for couples. To add a touch of elegance and romance, Earth Seed to Bloom created stunning floral arrangements. Debbie’s breathtaking wedding dress was designed by Stella York, while her hair and makeup were expertly styled by Suzanne Hair and Beauty. A stylish hair vine from Bleu Bridal by Twilight Designs completed her look. For footwear, Debbie opted for beautiful Rainbow Club shoes. The bridesmaids looked lovely in their JJs House dresses. Iain and his groomsmen added a touch of sophistication with Menlau bow ties. Entertainment was provided by the talented band, The Long Straws via Alive Network, who kept guests enthralled throughout the evening. Acoustic singer Laura James also took to the stage, adding an intimate atmosphere to the celebration. Debbie and Iain’s romantic getaway was planned through Trailfinders, a popular choice for honeymoon planning. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Debbie and Iain for sharing their joyous occasion with us, and to Jamie Dunn Photography for capturing these unforgettable moments.