As we dive into this lovely Monday, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Nicola and Henry’s enchanting barn wedding in the picturesque Gloucestershire countryside. The couple exchanged vows on August 24th, 2019, amidst the serene atmosphere of Priors Court Barn. Following their church ceremony, they celebrated with a lively barn bash, where homemade decorations added a personal touch. Vibrant flowers adorned every corner, and the pièce de résistance was an exquisite flower cake that’s sure to leave you in awe. As night fell, the barn twinkled under fairy lights, accompanied by live music that filled the air with magic. The wedding party’s stylish attire is simply divine. To top it off, they arrived at the venue in style via a classic car, and the confetti moment was nothing short of adorable. Emily & Steve Photography did an incredible job capturing every memorable moment, allowing me to share these stunning images with you today.
The Proposal
Our whirlwind romance culminated in a surprise proposal on our alma mater’s campus, mere months shy of our first anniversary as newlyweds. The idyllic September day was filled with nostalgia as we strolled by the very ponds where our love story began – and it was here that Henry orchestrated an unforgettable moment, dropping to one knee amidst a gathering of curious ducks and their adorable brood. As if orchestrated by fate, the serene surroundings only added to the poignancy of the occasion. We savored the afterglow with chilled champagne and toasted to our future over sunset views, before indulging in a cozy evening of pizza and wine at a familiar haunt from our university days.
The Vision
Our dream wedding was all about showcasing our unique personalities. We wanted every aspect of the day to reflect who we are as a couple. It started with the invitations, which were actually a painting I created for Henry’s Christmas gift. The table plan featured the names of our favorite spots in our university town, a nod to our shared experiences and memories. When we imagined our special day, it was always vibrant, lively, and overflowing with love and joy – just like us.
The Planning Process
As Executive Assistants and Event Planners, Henry and I dove headfirst into wedding planning mode – think spreadsheets, mood boards, and detailed running orders. For us, this meticulous approach was all part of the fun, allowing us to relax on our special day knowing every minute detail had been meticulously planned. We even built upon a shared wedding planning spreadsheet from friends, turning it into our own comprehensive guide. This structured approach made the planning process more enjoyable and manageable. Initially, we focused on securing the big-ticket items: venues, caterers, photographers, and musicians. Then, we enjoyed a few months of relative calm before the smaller details took center stage. It was during this time that we truly put our own personal stamp on the wedding, indulging in the artsy, crafty aspects that brought us joy.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I embarked on an exhilarating journey while shopping for my wedding dress, trying on almost every style to make the most of this rare opportunity. As I fell in love with many dresses, it was difficult to resist the urge to keep one particular dress on – Rosa by Suzanne Neville was the winner! Its classic shape and stunning embroidered tulle skirt left me enchanted. Although I made some alterations to add a belt and slenderize the straps, The White Room’s ladies in Minchinhampton recommended pairing it with a beautiful cathedral veil, which turned out to be an inspired decision. I had a blast wearing it on the big day.My Godmother spoiled me with a fantastic pair of shoes, as I’d been craving flats for my comfort. A London shopping spree led us to discover Sophia Webster’s ‘Wifey for Lifey’ bridal collection – perfect! Meanwhile, Henry opted against formal tails and instead chose a more relaxed suit look for our English countryside wedding. He went for a navy double-breasted suit with a burnt orange tie that added a pop of color, complementing the vibrant flowers and his buttonhole. The tailored suit from Moss Bros featured a waistcoat that he swapped in for dancing – a perfect blend of style and practicality.
The Venue
As we strolled into Priors Tithe Barn in Brockworth, our hearts were immediately won over by the venue’s rustic charm. It was only the second location we’d seen, but it effortlessly stole the show. The owner, Tim, warmly greeted us, allowing us to envision our special day unfettered within his picturesque barn and lush gardens. With such a stunning backdrop, we barely needed to add any personal touches – the setting was truly perfect as-is.Interestingly, Tim didn’t have an online presence for the venue at the time; I actually discovered it through a local photographer’s website. When I reached out to him, he shared some incredible news: they’d just received a cancellation for the August bank holiday weekend. It was as if fate had brought us together!
Beauty
My experience of having my makeup done by my trusted Aunty Alison was truly wonderful. As someone who doesn’t often wear makeup, I wanted a natural look and felt at ease with her guidance. Having a familiar face behind the makeup brush made all the difference. For my hair, I had a vague idea to keep it up and loose, but it wasn’t until later that evening, while getting ready for bed, did I discover just how many hair pins were hiding in there! Paco Delgago’s effortless styling was certainly an inspiration.
The Readings & Music
The musical aspects of our special day were truly memorable. The ceremony featured readings from our service, including Tilly’s heartfelt recitation of Tealights and Fee’s poignant interpretation of Colossians 3:12-17. A beautiful Processional, courtesy of Brian Crain’s enchanting Butterfly Waltz, set the tone for the occasion, with hymns such as Be Still for the Presence of the Lord, Be Thou My Vision, and Thine Be the Glory accompanying the church organ. The Registration of the marriage was accompanied by my brother’s soulful acoustic guitar playing. As we recessed, the classic Wedding March by Mendelssohn filled the air. At the reception, Stanley Park brought their unique energy to the party, and our first dance to George Ezra’s All My Love was truly magical. To add a personal touch, I entrusted my brother with creating a Spotify playlist that seamlessly merged into the band’s performances during their breaks, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for our guests.
Your Photographer
As we planned our special day, selecting the right photographers was a crucial decision for us. We adore photography and prefer a more relaxed, natural approach. After scouring online for the perfect fit, we stumbled upon Emily and Steve’s work and were immediately smitten with their authentic style. Our initial conversations with them only solidified our trust in their abilities. On the wedding day itself, they put us at ease, especially Henry who’s not typically a fan of being photographed! The couple shots felt like an intimate hangout session, with no forced poses – just genuine moments captured by Emily and Steve. We cherish those quiet moments we might have missed on the day, particularly the morning shoots for both bride and groom, which were an unexpected delight. Seeing the church’s atmosphere come alive as guests arrived was another highlight, one I’d initially missed. In the end, it felt like Emily and Steve were honorary wedding guests – we couldn’t have asked for better photos to treasure our special day. Choosing favourites for our wedding album is going to be a daunting task!
The Details & Décor
As we crafted the finer details and décor for our special day, I found myself reveling in the creative process alongside my mum. Together, we spent a significant portion of the summer in the garden, painting and building decorations that would bring our vision to life. One such project was the table plan, which originated from an old pallet sourced from a farm. We tea-stained and glued patterned card onto it to achieve a rustic look. Henry and I stumbled upon a vintage map that became the centerpiece for our table plan.We went on a mission to collect large, vibrant bottles that would serve as centrepieces for each table. To complete them, we continued with our signature tea staining technique, crafting table names into luggage tags that hung from the bottles like charms. A touch of gold was added through wax seals bearing our initials ‘H&N’. Each guest received a scroll containing thought-provoking questions and space to offer advice to the newlyweds. As they completed their notes, we encouraged them to pop their responses into the bottles on their tables. We plan to read through each one on our anniversary next year.Our decoration was largely a labor of love, with even the confetti being an innovative combination of leftover wedding supplies and dried petals from friends and family. This approach not only saved us money but also added a personal touch to our celebration. We scoured my parents’ home for blankets, bean bags, and cushions to scatter throughout the gardens. The atmosphere was further enhanced by homemade signs, garden games, and an old wheel adorned with ivy and cherished photos of Henry and me. It was an absolute delight to create so many special elements that would make our wedding truly unforgettable.
The Flowers
As Henry and I strolled through the charming barn venue, we were struck by the vibrant gardens that surrounded us. We quickly realized that finding the perfect floral arrangement to mirror their natural beauty was crucial. That’s when we met Deb and Emily from Fiorella Flowers – a mother-daughter duo who not only shared our vision but also happened to be local, growing many of their flowers in their own backyard. Over a warm cup of tea with my mum, I knew we had found the right people for the job. They understood our desire for a colourful, laid-back, and rustic country garden-inspired wedding look. For me, it was essential to have a bouquet that captured the carefree essence of a sunny meadow – no specific colour scheme in mind. I adored the final result, which had a gathered, organic feel that made it seem like I’d simply plucked the flowers from the wild. The best part? After the wedding, I even got it pressed into a tile, ensuring that I could treasure those blooms forever.
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids, Trin, Chloe, and Rebecca, looked stunning in their navy tea-length dresses from JJsHouse, which perfectly complemented their vibrant bouquets. Meanwhile, my sister and MoH Jo made a last-minute switch to long navy dresses from ASOS, just one week before the wedding, given her unexpected baby news. The result was a cohesive and stylish look for all the ladies involved. The flower girl and page boy added to the overall aesthetic with their adorable outfits from Monsoon Kids and John Lewis respectively. I even discovered the perfect burnt orange bow tie on Etsy for our page boy to match the groomsmen’s ties, adding a pop of colour to the overall ensemble.
Groomsmen
We opted for bespoke suits for our groomsmen – Will, Mark, Tom & Tom – courtesy of Moss Bros. Their convenient service allows for in-store fittings and then delivers the attire to a location of your choice for collection the day prior to the wedding. In contrast to Henry’s double-breasted suit, we wanted the groomsmen to have a distinct look, which they achieved with three-piece navy suits and tweed waistcoats, paired with burnt orange ties that added a pop of color. To tie everything together (pun intended), Henry gifted each of his groomsmen a pair of bright orange socks from the London Sock Company, ensuring a dapper and coordinated appearance.
The Cake
The cake was truly a masterpiece, exceeding our wildest expectations. Its flavour profile was as impressive as its aesthetic appeal, with a seamless integration of colours and textures that perfectly captured the essence of our special day. The Victoria sponge top layer, infused with the sweetness of raspberry jam, gave way to a tangy lemon drizzle in the middle, while the bottom tier boasted a rich chocolate brownie cake paired with the perfect balance of salted caramel. The entire structure was beautifully framed by yellow icing, adorned with delicate cascades of dried flowers and fresh blooms that connected each level. What’s more, we had the added pleasure of having an old friend, who happened to be our talented cake maker, bring this edible work of art to life.
The Honeymoon
As our trip with Henry got underway, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an itinerary for our adventure (a perk of being an Executive Assistant!). The excitement built as we left our gate at the airport and headed to Venice for a city break. We stayed at the breathtaking Ca Maria Adele, a true gem. From there, we traveled by train to Lake Como, where we spent time in the charming fishing village of Varenna. This destination held special meaning for me, as my grandparents celebrated their honeymoon there over sixty years ago – it was an honor to revisit this romantic spot with Henry, making our trip all the more meaningful.
Memorable Moments
We cherished several unforgettable moments on our special day. One such memory was exchanging love letters with each other to start the morning of our wedding. It was a beautiful gesture that added an extra layer of romance to the occasion. We also received a thoughtful surprise from Henry – a stunning bracelet inscribed with our wedding date, which he had cleverly hidden at my parents’ home. This lovely memento will always be treasured alongside the heartfelt letter.The church service was another highlight for us. It was an intimate and joyful celebration that filled our hearts with love and happiness. We felt grateful to have shared such a special moment together.After the ceremony, we had a fantastic confetti exit, followed by a peaceful interlude where our driver took us to a picturesque viewpoint overlooking Painswick to enjoy a glass of bubbly. This quiet moment was a lovely respite before the lively reception that lay ahead. We savored every second of it as newlyweds.As we entered the barn to the sounds of ‘Oh What a Night’, we were thrilled to see all our loved ones gathered in one place. It was wonderful to see everyone from different parts of our lives mingling and laughing together, surrounded by the rustic beauty of the barn that exceeded our expectations.The speeches were truly unforgettable. Our parents, Henry, and our best man delivered heartfelt, humorous, and emotional orations that left almost every guest in tears. We felt grateful to have such supportive loved ones in our lives.
Advice For Other Couples
As I stood at the altar about to embark on this new chapter with my partner, our wedding car driver’s words of wisdom still resonate with me today. He reminded us to ‘remember to remember’ – a phrase that took on a profound significance as we exchanged our vows and celebrated our love. The day unfolds so rapidly, it’s easy to become swept up in the excitement and before you know it, the moment has passed. But my driver’s sage advice was spot on: take time to soak up every moment, letting go of worries about the minor details that often plague us on special occasions. Instead, focus on savoring the joy and love that fills the air as you celebrate your union.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With the rustic charm of Priors Court Barn as their backdrop, Nicola and Henry’s special day was nothing short of enchanting. Their talented team of vendors included Emily & Steve Photography, capturing every tender moment in perfect focus. The stunning floral arrangements were a collaborative effort between Fiorella Florals and botanicalpressart, adding a touch of whimsy to the overall aesthetic. As guests arrived, they were treated to a sleek ride courtesy of Satin and Lace Weddings’ stylish car. Meanwhile, McBaile kept everyone’s taste buds tantalized with their delectable catering options. And for dessert? The Boho Bakery’s exquisite creations left no one wanting. With Paco Delgado working his magic on the hair front, and a breathtaking gown courtesy of Suzanne Neville at The White Room, Nicola looked every inch the radiant bride. A heartfelt thank you to this lovely couple for allowing us to share in their joy.