We’re thrilled to share Emma and Mark’s wedding story at Owen House Wedding Barn in Cheshire, where rustic charm meets whimsical wonder. On April 6th, 2019, the couple exchanged vows amidst the stunning countryside backdrop, declaring it the ‘best day of our lives.’ As their wedding planner, I was delighted by their styling choices, which perfectly harmonized with the venue’s natural beauty. The pièce de résistance? A show-stopping lighting installation above the top table, complemented by lush florals and personal touches that made the space uniquely theirs. Their towering log cake stand stole the show, a unique touch that left me impressed. Beyond the aesthetics, it was lovely to see Emma and Mark savoring their special day with quiet moments at the pub and a joyful confetti release. Huge thanks to Nessworthy Photography for capturing these unforgettable moments.
The Proposal
It was a chilly January evening in 2017 when Mark surprised me with an unforgettable proposal. We were about to head out for a dinner date, marking four incredible years together. Little did I know, Mark had been secretly planning a special moment to commemorate our milestone anniversary. He cleverly engineered a custom-made dog tag reading ‘Will you marry my daddy?’ and attached it to our furry companion Willow’s collar. As I walked over to admire the thoughtful gesture, he dropped down to one knee, revealing his true intentions. The memory of that magical night remains etched in my mind, a testament to Mark’s thoughtfulness and commitment.
The Vision
As we envisioned our dream countryside wedding, we sought out venues that exuded a rustic charm. Our search led us to Owen House Wedding Barn, where we were immediately captivated by its one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Upon reviewing their available dates for 2019, we were thrilled to discover a few Saturdays still up for grabs in the spring. We decided to seize the opportunity and set our sights on April. Given the barn’s natural rustic beauty, we opted to incorporate this theme into our decor and keep our colour palette simple yet elegant, focusing on a soothing combination of white, green, and mauve hues.
The Planning Process
As the venue and colour scheme were settled, the rest of the planning process fell into place with ease. Over the course of 16 months, we had ample time to deliberate on every detail. The first order of business was selecting Mark’s suit and Emma’s dress – a crucial aspect that set the tone for the entire event. To further fuel our creativity, we created a Pinterest board and attended venue open evenings, where we gathered inspiration from recommended suppliers. With Emma’s background in interior design, she brought a unique vision to dressing the barn, infusing the space with her signature touch. One of the most personal touches was the favour selection – we opted for homemade jam for the men and marmalade for the women, with the mother of the bride taking charge of crafting these special tokens.
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
Emma’s wedding attire was a perfect blend of elegance and personal style. She chose her dress from Love Bridal Boutique in Altrincham, featuring designer pieces by Made With Love Bridal. The dress was complemented by a pair of stunning shoes from Karen Millen. To complete her look, Emma opted for a beautiful bracelet and earrings set from John Lewis. Mark, on the other hand, was equally stylish in his attire. He chose ties from Swagger & Swoon’s Frosted Fig collection, adding a touch of whimsy to his overall appearance. The pièce de résistance was his suit from Ted Baker, which he loved for its navy blue base with purple stitching and a subtle checkered pattern. To stand out from the traditional brown shoe crowd, Mark selected dark red brogues also from Ted Baker. Rounding out his look was a crisp shirt from TMLewin.
Beauty
When it comes to their looks, Emma and Mark have definitely got the style factor covered. Emma’s hair was a stunning work of art crafted by Jodie A Smith, who just happened to be my go-to stylist on the day. Meanwhile, Emma’s makeup was flawlessly applied by Maxine Smith, giving her that extra touch of glamour. As for Mark, he turned heads with his dashing locks, courtesy of Joe at Esquire Barber’s in Burscough, a master of his craft who really knows how to bring out the best in his clients.
The Readings & Music
When it comes to describing love, people often turn to metaphors. One popular comparison is that love is akin to owning a dog. Just as dogs bring joy and companionship into our lives, so too do romantic partners. This idea is reminiscent of the old adage that ‘a happy marriage is like a warm puppy – it needs to be nurtured and cared for in order to thrive.’ In this sense, love requires effort and dedication from both parties involved.For some people, the concept of love may be more closely tied to memories or moments rather than abstract feelings. This could be seen in the idea that ‘on your wedding day, you are marrying not just the person you love, but also the journey you will take together.’ The rituals and traditions surrounding weddings serve as a tangible representation of this commitment.Musically speaking, The Royale’s evening band sets the tone for a romantic night out. Their smooth tunes evoke feelings of intimacy and closeness, much like the way love can bring people together.
The Cake
In the picturesque town of Altrincham, Bloomsbury’s renowned for crafting exquisite three-tiered masterpieces that never fail to impress. One such showstopper features a delectable Victoria sponge as its foundation, followed by a middle layer infused with the rich flavors of dark chocolate and tangy orange. The pièce de résistance is the top tier, an stunning red velvet cake that adds a pop of vibrant color and indulgent charm to this already impressive dessert.
The Flowers
Gillian McKeever, a family friend who moonlights as a wedding planner, brought her unique touch to the event’s decor. The tablescape featured elegant white hydrangeas paired with delicate amaranthus and twigs, creating a serene ambiance. Meanwhile, smaller vases held Memory Lane roses surrounded by soft gypsophila, adding a touch of whimsy to the arrangements. The ceremony room and top table were draped in lush green garlands composed of eucalyptus, ivy, ruscus, and trailing amaranthus, setting the tone for an intimate and romantic celebration. For the gentlemen, buttonholes were crafted with ivory roses, eucalyptus, lavender, and veronica, adding a subtle yet stylish touch to their attire. The pièce de résistance was the bride’s bouquet, featuring Memory Lane roses, lavender, wax flower, eucalyptus, ivory veronica, ivory stocks, and ivory roses – a stunning arrangement that perfectly captured her personal style. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were miniature versions of the bride’s, creating a beautiful sense of cohesion throughout the celebration.
Bridesmaids
When it came to choosing the perfect ASOS dress for my wedding party, I opted for a stunning all-mink coloured number that perfectly complemented my maid of honour’s unique style. Her attire was distinct from mine, but we still managed to create a cohesive and stylish look that reflected our special bond as bridesmaids.
Groomsmen
When it comes to dressing up for a special occasion, the key is to strike the perfect balance between stylish and timeless. The groomsman’s suit, for instance, plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the overall aesthetic. In this case, the Moss Bros blue sharkskin suit with dark brown shoes provides a sophisticated backdrop that exudes confidence and elegance. Meanwhile, the addition of a tie can add a touch of personality to the outfit. Swagger & Swoon’s frosted fig colour option brings a subtle pop of colour to the ensemble, adding a layer of sophistication and refinement.
Your Photographer
The Details & Décor
The ceremony space was transformed into a warm and inviting atmosphere through a thoughtful combination of decor elements. At the top table, a personalized chalkboard backdrop served as a unique DIY photo booth, where guests could capture memories and leave heartfelt notes. A Polaroid camera and props were conveniently placed next to it for easy use. Above the top table, Luminate Events suspended Edison bulbs, adding a touch of warmth and whimsy to the space. The tables themselves featured an assortment of log slices in varying sizes, creating a cozy and organic feel. In the ceremony room, cylinder vases in 30cm and 45cm sizes were placed down the aisle, each containing a floating candle that added a soft, ethereal glow. Larger cylinder vases served as table centrepieces, adding to the overall ambiance. The Wooden Knot was utilized for the seating plan, welcome sign, and table numbers, tying together the rustic charm of the space. Finally, crates from Owen House were repurposed at the entrance, filled with essential details such as the order of the day, flowers, a sign, and tealights, setting the tone for the special occasion.
The Honeymoon
Following our special day, we embarked on an intimate four-day minimoon in Florence, Italy. This romantic getaway served as the perfect precursor to our more extensive adventures later this year. In September, we’re excited to venture out to South Africa for a thrilling safari experience and then head to Mauritius for our main honeymoon celebration.
Memorable Moments
As we exchanged vows, the moment was filled with excitement and joy. Emma’s father, witnessing her radiant beauty in her dress, was visibly moved. The atmosphere was electric, with confetti filling the air. The perfect weather added to the euphoria – a rare sunny day in April. The speeches were particularly memorable, with Emma’s dad delivering an emotional tearjerker that brought many to tears. Our first dance as a married couple, set to ‘Paradise’ by George Ezra and performed by the talented band The Royale, was a truly unforgettable experience. After the meal and speeches, we took a moment to relax at the nearby pub with some alone time. Before cutting the cake, we were whisked away for some romantic photos in the picturesque surrounding fields. The venue suggested driving to a local pub for a drink, which we thoroughly enjoyed. This interlude allowed us to reflect on the day’s events and toast our new life together with a tequila shot. Our caterers, Vanilla In All Seasons, did an outstanding job of serving exquisite cuisine – we even collaborated with them to create a customized menu featuring three of our favorite courses, including a delectable Lemon Pie for dessert.
Advice For Other Couples
As you bask in the joy and warmth of the occasion, remember that fleeting moments are what make memories truly special. Make a conscious effort to step away from the festivities and savor the quiet, intimate moments shared with loved ones – it’s here that true connections are made.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As I delved into the enchanting world of Emma and Mark’s wedding, I was struck by the meticulous attention to detail that brought their special day to life. From the talented photography duo Nessworthy Photography and second shooter Kieran Bellis Photography, to the picturesque venue Owen House Wedding Barn, every aspect seemed carefully curated to create a unique and unforgettable experience.
The couple’s love story was beautifully reflected in the thoughtful details they incorporated throughout the celebration. The stunning letter lights from The Word Is Love added a touch of whimsy, while the stylish ties from Swagger & Swoon brought a dash of sophistication. Suspended Edison bulbs from Luminate Events cast a warm glow over the proceedings.
Of course, no wedding would be complete without an exquisite cake from Bloomsbury Wedding Cakes, and Emma’s stunning dress was courtesy of Love Bridal Cheshire. The beautiful signs from The Wooden Knot provided a lovely touch, while Ted Baker supplied the groom’s dashing suit. Vanillas in All Seasons kept guests well-fed throughout the celebration.
As Emma and Mark exchanged their vows, officiated by Your Ceremony, it was clear that they had found their perfect match. Jodie A Smith Makeup and Maxine Smith Makeup worked together to create a flawless beauty look for the bride. The groomsmen suits were courtesy of Moss, while The Royale Band kept the party going with their infectious beats.
As I wrapped up my coverage of this magical day, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to Emma and Mark for sharing their joy with us. With love and gratitude, thank you both so much for having me be a part of your special celebration.