The Maidens Barn wedding of Sophie and Alex was a truly unforgettable celebration of love and joy. With its stunning crystal crown, celestial earrings, and modern flair, it’s no wonder this day stood out from the crowd. As the happy couple described their big day as ‘Fun! Silly, Relaxed,’ it’s clear that they prioritized enjoying every moment with loved ones. One of the standout features was the creative approach to traditions – instead of the usual cake cutting ceremony, Sophie and Alex opted for vegan doughnuts, a sweet treat that perfectly captured their playful spirits.Other delightful elements included an evening glitter bar, round tables that encouraged mingling, and a romantic sparkler exit that left a lasting impression. The attention to detail was impressive, from the whimsical animal table names to the clever drinks covers on the place settings. And then there were the thoughtful sock favours – a brilliant idea for an autumn wedding that added a touch of warmth to the proceedings.The overall aesthetic was elevated by beautiful florals featuring pampas grass and dusky pink roses, as well as flawless hair and makeup and stylish attire. A huge thank you goes out to Sophie Oldhamstead Photography for capturing these incredible moments and sharing them with us.
The Proposal
As December 23rd, 2018 marked the day Alex decided to pop the question. Typically, we’d exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, but that year, I was working and he asked if we could do it then instead. We were at home when he surprised me with the ring, presenting it as an early Christmas gift. I felt a pang of guilt knowing I had already given him a shirt earlier that day. My concern, however, wasn’t the gift-giving itself but rather the fact that I was still in my dressing gown – not exactly the most glamorous attire for such a momentous occasion!
The Vision
As we envisioned our special day, we were determined to create an unforgettable experience for all involved. Rather than adhering to traditional wedding customs, we opted to trim the fat – literally, by eliminating tedious elements such as the ceremonial cake cutting ceremony. Conversely, we infused the day with unique and personalized touches, like a glamorous glitter bar that added an extra layer of excitement and whimsy.
The Planning Process
With a clear plan in place, we were able to move forward efficiently, completing tasks with remarkable speed. While there was a brief period about a month prior where some uncertainty crept in – I recall feeling a slight sense of unease as I wondered if I had overlooked something – ultimately, my confidence was unwavering and the planning process proved seamless.
The Venue
As we began our search for the perfect venue, Maidens Barn in High Easter stood out as our top choice from the very start. Although we did visit a few more options after seeing this one, none of them quite measured up. Given that our special day took place in November, we required a setting that would not only impress outside but also provide an inviting atmosphere within. What ultimately won us over was Maidens Barn’s unique setup, where the bar, dance floor, and seating areas were all conveniently located in one room. This allowed everyone to feel included, regardless of whether they chose to hit the dance floor or simply enjoy the festivities from a seat.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I’m thrilled to share that my dress was from Blush Bridal Gowns. The story begins with my sister-in-law, who’s also a bridesmaid, stumbling upon the Instagram post about their sample sale. She immediately showed it to me, and we decided to check it out together. As soon as I tried on the first dress, I knew it was the one – I couldn’t bear to take it off! It was a complete departure from what I or my friends had envisioned for me, but who wouldn’t want to wear a stunning big dress on their special day? Meanwhile, finding vegan-friendly shoes that fit my style and aesthetic proved to be a challenge. However, after some persistence, I discovered the perfect pair at Dune, which also served as my something blue. For the ceremony, I wore a crystal crown crafted by Twin Flame Styling, while my jewelry was designed by Victoria Percival. As for Alex’s suit, it was tailored to perfection by Henry Fashion – they’re his go-to tailor for work suits and did an incredible job.
Beauty
Before the big day, we treated ourselves to a little pre-wedding pampering session with Chloe from The Beauty Spot, who gave us a fantastic nail treatment and some relaxing bubble time. To help us unwind even further, our maid of honour Serena led a rejuvenating yoga session that really helped us relax and get ready for the celebrations ahead.
On the day itself, Evie Smith worked her magic to create stunning hairstyles for me and my bridesmaids. She was incredibly calm and lovely to work with, which really put us at ease. I had initially wanted my hair down with curls to match my crown for the ceremony, but knowing it would likely drop out quickly, Evie showed my bridesmaids how to style it in a half-up, half-down look for the wedding breakfast – a great solution that allowed me to change up my accessories too.
Elizabeth Joseph-Love was responsible for our beautiful makeup looks, creating gorgeous finishes for me, the bridesmaids, and even my mum. Her attention to detail and skill really helped us all feel like the best versions of ourselves on our special day.
The Readings & Music
As our wedding celebration unfolded, Alice’s reading of Louis de Bernieres’ poignant ‘Love is a Temporary Madness’ served as a touching prelude. Meanwhile, Dan and Steve opted for something more whimsical – Edward Monkton’s ‘A Lovely Love Story’, which just so happened to be all about dinosaurs! The atmosphere was set, and our first dance as husband and wife got underway to the gentle strains of Tom Odell’s soulful rendition of ‘Grow Old with Me’. Our ceremony entrance was accompanied by Christina Perri’s romantic ballad ‘A Thousand Years’, while our exit music featured Tom Walker’s catchy tune ‘Just You and I’.
The Cake
To avoid the disappointment of wasting a delicious cake, we opted for a unique alternative: a vegan doughnut wall supplied by Crosstown Doughnuts. This way, there was no chance of leftover treats at the end of the night, ensuring every guest had a sweet experience.
The Flowers
Elegant Stems brought the beauty of nature to life with their exquisite floral arrangements. What struck me was their attention to detail – when they dismissed a particular bloom as ‘too normal’, I knew we were on the same page. I had requested a unique blend of textures and foliage, punctuated by pampas grass, and they delivered. The versatility in their designs was another highlight, with each table featuring its own distinct style. And then there was the ceremony’s showstopping flower hoop – truly breathtaking. In fact, the flowers were so stunning that I’ve decided to preserve them as a paperweight, allowing me to relive the magic of our special day whenever I want.
Your Photographer
We chose Sophie Oldhamstead as our photographer because her natural style and ability to blend in with the crowd made her feel more like another friend at the wedding, rather than an outsider taking pictures. We were determined to avoid the traditional formal photo shoot experience where guests are confined indoors while the happy couple poses for hours. Instead, Sophie’s photography captured the essence of our special day – a joyful celebration shared among loved ones.
Your Filmmaker
Our behind-the-scenes team was led by Chris from First Kiss Films, who seamlessly blended into the scene, making it seem like he wasn’t even there. His unobtrusive presence allowed us to focus on what truly mattered – capturing the essence of our special day.
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids, Serena, Rachel, and Hannah, opted for dresses from ASOS’s Maya brand, each selecting a unique style that suited their individual tastes. To complete their looks, we were thrilled to find a mini version of the dress for our flower cat-ear adorned Kyla, whose adorable feature added the perfect finishing touch.
Groomsmen
While Olly, John, Mike, and JP’s matching suits from Henry Fashion were a cohesive touch, each groomsmen brought their own unique flair with different lining choices. From the subtle elegance of blue paisley to the bold statement made by gold skull and cross bones, each man’s suit was a reflection of their individual personality.
The Details & Décor
As we celebrated our special day, my friend Beca’s beautiful macrame pieces stole the show, with a Lego element added to commemorate our unique Valentine’s Day gift tradition. The intricate designs seemed to come alive as our two mischievous cats peeked out from beneath Heart of Bricks’ (Etsy) meticulous craftsmanship.Meanwhile, my talented friend Hannah crafted the wedding invites and table plans, which were brought to life by my mum’s artistic flair. To reflect our shared love for animals, we opted for animal-themed tables, complete with tiny finger puppets tailored to each child’s table assignment. My mum also created personalized coasters that read ‘Please don’t take my drink, I’m dancing,’ adding a touch of whimsy to the proceedings. The geode-inspired place names were a collaborative effort between my mum and me.To make the occasion even more memorable, we offered bespoke cocktails inspired by our beloved felines, Socks and Bella – Dark and Stormeowy Bella and an A-purr-ol Socks! The thoughtfully curated drinks menu was just one aspect of our meticulously planned celebration.As I envisioned a woman playing a significant role in the speeches, my mum and dad delivered a heartfelt joint speech, while my maid of honour also shared her well-wishes. The orations were punctuated by humorous moments, including my dad’s daring attempt to extinguish a match on his tongue and my mum’s impromptu donning of a dinosaur mask.To keep our guests warm and stylish, my mum personalized faux leather jackets from Primark for me and the bridesmaids. These practical yet thoughtful touches proved invaluable in the chilly, wet weather that greeted us on our special day.Luna Glitter bar brought an added layer of magic to the proceedings with their enchanting glitter bar. The talented team ensured every guest left with a sparkling smile, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
The Honeymoon
As we bask in the serene atmosphere of our Maldivian retreat, we can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this incredible opportunity to celebrate our love in paradise. The crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and lush greenery surrounding us only add to the magic of this special time.
Memorable Moments
As the evening wore on, I found myself in the midst of a whirlwind of excitement. My brother’s question about the flammability of my dress left me feeling a bit uneasy, to say the least! The night was filled with an array of unexpected moments – like when I ended up perched on someone else’s shoulders and everyone donned a tie around their head in a show of solidarity. But perhaps the most unforgettable moment came when my mum took the stage wearing a dinosaur mask, or my dad’s impressive display of fire-starting skills by putting out a match with his tongue. It was truly a night to remember!
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the freedom to make your wedding truly reflective of you both. Ditch traditional expectations and prioritize creating a celebration that genuinely resonates with your unique style. Don’t feel pressured to incorporate elements that don’t bring you joy. We opted out of a formal top table, instead gathering everyone around a circular table where we could mingle and share the experience with our closest friends and family. By doing so, we created an atmosphere that was relaxed and inclusive. And when it comes to catering, why not take a cue from our own veggie-filled wedding? Not only did our guests appreciate the variety of plant-based options, but it also allowed us to showcase our values and passions. The key is to focus on what makes your special day special – don’t try to please everyone else’s expectations.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding celebration of Sophie and Alex was a vibrant and personalized affair, brought to life by the collective talents of various creatives. Behind the lens was Sophie Oldhamstead Photography, capturing every special moment in its entirety. Meanwhile, First Kiss Film ensured that the big day would be remembered for years to come through their filmmaking expertise.The atmosphere was further elevated with the presence of Glitter Bar, Luna’s sparkly creations adding a touch of whimsy and magic to the proceedings. Elegant Stems’ floral arrangements added a pop of color and elegance, while Crystal Crown’s styling expertise brought out the best in Sophie and Alex.Twin Flame Styling ensured that every detail, from the dresses to the suits, was meticulously crafted to reflect the couple’s unique personalities. Crosstown Doughnuts provided sweet treats for guests to indulge in, adding to the celebratory mood.The wedding party’s looks were polished thanks to Evie Smith’s hair styling prowess and Elizabeth Joseph-Love’s makeup expertise. Blush Bridal Gowns’ stunning dresses had Sophie looking radiant, while Henry Fashion’s suits ensured Alex looked dashing.As the day went on, The Beauty Spot’s talented nail artists added a touch of glamour to the overall aesthetic. Maidens Barn provided an enchanting venue for the festivities to take place.The entertainment was taken care of by Piano DJ and Lego, who brought their unique blend of music and creativity to the proceedings. Victoria Percival’s exquisite jewellery pieces added an extra layer of sophistication to the celebration.As Sophie and Alex exchanged their vows, it was clear that they had put their heart and soul into every aspect of their special day. And as we bid them farewell, we’re reminded that with a little bit of creativity, imagination, and love, even the most magical of days can come together.