Old Greens Barn Wedding
As we bid farewell to the warmth of summer, Brett and Vicky’s enchanting Old Greens Barn wedding in Surrey welcomed the magic of Autumn with open arms. The couple’s love for the season led them to choose September 15th, 2018 as their special day. To match the occasion, they opted for a palette of rich burgundy and dusky pink hues, paired with breathtaking flower arrangements that will leave you spellbound. The rustic barn was further transformed by twinkling fairy lights and candles, casting a cozy and romantic ambiance. Thoughtful touches abounded, including board games, blankets, and a fire pit – a true reflection of the couple’s personalities. We’re thrilled to see two Supplier Love members featured in this celebration: Tailored Entertainment provided the live music, while Vintage Camper Booths brought the magic with their photo booth. Brett and Vicky shone alongside their wedding party, exuding elegance in their carefully chosen attire. The banner table plan was a stylish touch that added to the overall charm of the occasion. We’re grateful to Matt Penberthy Photography for sharing these captivating images today.
The Proposal
As we sipped drinks at the pub, Brett’s quirky behavior that day didn’t seem so out of character. But little did I know, he had a surprise in store for me. After declining his initial invitation to go for a walk, I agreed when he asked if I’d like to visit one more spot. As we drove down the country track at our local park on that cold December evening, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through Brett’s mind. Fortunately, my trust in him prevailed, and I was rewarded with an unexpected proposal from ‘our bench’ by a serene moonlit lake. The ring sparkled beautifully under the night sky, and I had to wait until we returned to the car to fully take it all in. Brett later revealed that he chose this special spot because it would be easy for us to revisit and relive the happy memories when our furry friends finally join our family.
The Vision
We envisioned an atmosphere that was relaxed, cozy, and exclusive – a private setting where we could share our special day with our closest loved ones. As winter babies, my partner and I have a deep affection for Autumn, its golden light, vibrant hues, and the sense of evening drawing in. My passion for nature’s beauty led us to incorporate flowers and greenery into our celebration, and we felt that a rustic barn would provide the perfect backdrop. The warm, earthy tones of the venue aligned perfectly with our natural affinity for the rich colors of forest fruits.
The Planning Process
Our initial plan was to tie the knot in Cornwall, where Brett grew up and where we first met. However, after visiting several hotels, we realized that while they were all stunning, none truly fit our vision. We struggled to find a barn that matched our expectations, with many either including accommodation in the price or having other stipulations that didn’t work for us. Ultimately, we decided to look closer to home and stumbled upon the perfect venue for us.
With our venue secured, we began booking the essentials – caterer, photographer, furniture hire, and more. Then, each of us selected three things we really wanted to have at the wedding, followed by a few extras that were on our wish list if budget allowed. Music and a photobooth were high priorities for both of us.
The Readings & Music
As I entered the ceremony, I was greeted by the soothing sounds of Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major being played on the organ. The atmosphere was set with a traditional flair, and it only added to the sense of reverence as I exited to La Rejouissance by GF Handel. A trio of hymns followed, including the timeless classic ‘Jerusalem’, which held special significance for me given my mother’s fondness for it. Her partner took their turn at the podium, delivering a stirring reading from Colossians 3:12-17 and Duet by SElina Jobbins. As we signed our names to the register, a beautiful instrumental rendition of Annie’s Song by John Denver filled the air, adding an extra layer of poignancy to the moment.
Budget
When planning our event, we took a flexible approach to budgeting. Instead of allocating a specific amount from the start, we focused on securing a suitable venue and then prioritized our needs. We tackled the must-haves first, gradually adding in secondary considerations as funds allowed.
The Venue
As we finally discovered Old Greens Barn, we knew instantly that it was the perfect fit for us. The sprawling grounds boasted picturesque fishing lakes and charming rustic farm buildings, creating an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility. With a three-day rental period, we had ample time to set up with the help of family and friends, allowing me to infuse my personal touch into every detail.The blank canvas presented by the barn proved both exhilarating and overwhelming as we had to bring in everything from cutlery to furniture, including a field kitchen. This freedom to curate our own suppliers and decorations added an extra layer of creative fulfillment, although it also brought with it moments of stress and indecision.Once we secured the venue, we knew that a traditional church service was essential to us. However, our local churches were too far away from Old Greens Barn, prompting a weekend-long search for the perfect location. We sought out a short list of local churches and spent a sunny Sunday visiting each one, seeking a connection that went beyond mere proximity. It was during this search that we stumbled upon St Barnabas, a gem nestled in the picturesque North Downs. The service itself left us feeling at peace, solidifying our decision to hold our ceremony there.
The Cake
As a thoughtful wedding gift, my long-time friend Sam went above and beyond by whipping up our scrumptious cake. We decided to keep things straightforward and opted for a timeless vanilla sponge, complemented by the subtle freshness of Eucalyptus. The real showstopper, however, were the custom toppers crafted from model pandas – a creative touch that my resourceful sister took to new heights by fashioning a delicate flower crown for them!
The Flowers
Felicity, our exceptional florist, was a joy to collaborate with. Her deep understanding of our vision allowed her to bring it to life with precision and flair. She demonstrated a remarkable willingness to adapt, embracing my suggestion to cultivate many of the flowers at our allotment to stretch our budget (a thoughtful gesture that likely required extra effort on her part). Felicity also enabled us to contribute creative elements, such as vessels and structures, to enhance the overall arrangement. The resulting bouquets were truly breathtaking, with intoxicating scents and varied textures that filled my heart with joy. Our must-have flowers included dahlias and roses in hues of burgundy, raspberry, dirty pink, and apricot, while eucalyptus and love lies bleeding added depth and visual interest.
The Details & Décor
As the creative force behind our wedding, I was thrilled to involve my family in the planning process. My sister took charge of designing the table plan, while my mum dedicated hours to dyeing moss for the place names, ensuring a perfect shade of green. Meanwhile, my stepdad spent countless hours cutting up wood from an old tree that had fallen on our family property – a unique touch we’ll cherish as a keepsake. Brett and I also collaborated on building our own bar, a fun project that brought us closer together while working in my dad’s garden.To ensure everyone had a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the day, we created a cozy side room with plush sofas, blankets, and refreshments. The outdoor area featured a fire pit and seating for breathtaking views. Lawn games kept things lively, while kids’ gift bags on the tables helped keep little ones entertained. We also prioritized ample food and drinks, hiring an acoustic guitarist to set the tone during the day and a live band to get everyone dancing in the evening.To create a warm and inviting atmosphere within the barn, we suspended our own fairy light canopy and filled the space with candles – replacing real flames with LED lights near the kids’ tables. Brett crafted a stunning copper frame that served as a backdrop for the florist’s beautiful arrangement. And as a last-minute splurge, we upgraded the charger plates and colored glassware, which beautifully tied together the tablescape.
Bridesmaids
When selecting bridesmaid dresses, I encountered a challenge finding styles that would suit everyone’s taste while also incorporating my desired light pink color scheme. The bouquets would be beautifully highlighted against this hue, but it had to be more of a subtle dusky rose than a bright baby pink. After considering various options, I ultimately decided on the Maya collection from ASOS, which offered a range of coordinating styles that allowed each bridesmaid to choose an outfit that made them feel confident and comfortable. To add a special touch, I surprised them with personalized matching bracelets to wear on the wedding day.
Groomsmen
Brett was given free rein when it came to selecting suits as long as they fell within a narrow colour palette of grey or navy. Initially drawn to tweed-inspired ensembles, he ultimately settled on navy suits paired with waistcoats featuring subtle tweed patterns. His go-to destination for these essential items was Debenhams, where he managed to snag them during a sale and even treated himself to a unique, yet complementary, waistcoat from Next. The finishing touches came courtesy of Slater Menswear, which provided the shoes, shirts, and accessories – all carefully chosen to harmonize with our selected colour scheme, including burgundy ties and pocket squares that added a pop of sophistication.
Your Photographer
Selecting the right photographer for our special day was a crucial decision. We wanted someone who could capture the love and atmosphere perfectly, without breaking the bank. After thorough research, we stumbled upon Matt, whose natural documentary style resonated with us. His warm and inviting photos were exactly what we had in mind – candid, relaxed, and full of emotion. We appreciated his ability to blend into the background, allowing us to enjoy our day while he worked his magic. Moreover, Matt was a consummate professional, effortlessly putting us at ease during the couple’s shoot, even for those of us who aren’t typically camera-friendly.
The Honeymoon
After the whirlwind of wedding celebrations, we took a well-deserved week off to recharge before embarking on another adventure – a romantic getaway to Santorini. I had previously visited as part of a college trip, but this time around, Brett and I were eager to experience it together in style. The opportunity to indulge in luxury accommodations was too enticing to resist! Santorini’s reputation as a dreamy honeymoon destination is well-deserved, and we spent an unforgettable week soaking up the charm and creating new memories to treasure. One evening, as we savored a candlelit dinner accompanied by the soothing sounds of a live pianist, I checked my phone and discovered an email from our photographer with a sneak peek at our wedding photos. We sat mesmerized, enjoying a bottle of wine and dessert while reliving the magic of that special day.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I opted for a unique Maggie Sottero dress featuring intricate vintage-inspired beading in a light gold and pewter hue. The fitted design and lack of bulky fabric or large skirts allowed me to feel effortlessly elegant, setting it apart from other dresses I tried on. To add an extra touch of glamour during the day, I paired the dress with a jewelled headband from Debenhams and a simple necklace gifted by Brett on the morning of the wedding. As the evening arrived, I made the switch to a more relaxed Phase Eight gown featuring long sleeves and a bohemian flair that perfectly complemented my flower crown, which had been the main attraction all along.
Beauty
When it came time to prepare for my big day, I was thrilled to work with Olivia, who handled not only my hair and makeup but also those of my four lovely bridesmaids. Beforehand, we had a trial run, which gave me a chance to get to know her better. Her warm and welcoming demeanor helped put me at ease, especially given my skin’s tendency to be a bit finicky! On the day itself, Olivia was a lifesaver, calmly navigating the chaos of the hotel while making sure everyone felt happy and relaxed. It was crucial to me that my bridesmaids had their own unique hairstyles, so we kept things natural and low-key with our makeup choices.
Memorable Moments
A haze of happiness envelops most of the day, but certain moments stand out in vivid detail. One such instance is our first dance, which I initially approached with a hint of trepidation, only to forget about the audience and savor the intimacy of the experience. The added touch of having George Ezra’s ‘All My Love’ performed live by the band made it truly unforgettable.
Another cherished moment came as we settled into our hotel room, exhausted but content. We’d procured a pizza to share, having gone without dinner in our excitement. As we sat on the floor, devouring the delicious pie, we took a few precious moments to ourselves, reflecting on the day’s wonders before venturing back downstairs for a final round of drinks with dear friends.
Advice For Other Couples
As I vowed to be more organized, I found myself constructing the order of services until midnight the day before the wedding. Thankfully, I had good company, help from Hayley, and a few glasses of gin to keep me going. However, I learned that everything takes twice as long as you expect it to. As the big day approached, I tried not to stress too much when things didn’t go according to plan. And you know what? It didn’t matter in the end. With good times and loved ones surrounding us, we just rolled with it and enjoyed every moment. After all, none of our guests would have known any better! Despite a few hiccups, we managed to have an amazing day, thanks to some fantastic vendors who helped make it happen.
I’d like to give special thanks to Matt Penberthy Photography for capturing our special moments. The beautiful decorations were provided by Newdigate Estates, while Gastro Catering kept our guests well-fed with delicious pizza. Willys Wagons brought their vintage camper booths, which added a fun touch to the photobooth experience.
I’m also grateful to Crystal Hire and Glasswear & Napkins for providing us with some lovely tableware. Lady Lissy Floristry created stunning arrangements that really made our wedding stand out. The Alchemist Bakery crafted a beautiful cake that was almost too pretty to eat (almost!). And, of course, Tailored Entertainment kept the music going all day long.
Overall, it was an incredible day that I’ll always treasure. Brett and Vicky, thank you for sharing your special story with us.