Join me in welcoming Samantha and Matthew, the lovely couple behind the enchanting Shustoke Barn wedding that took place on December 2nd, 2019, in picturesque Warwickshire. As we step into their winter wonderland, we’re immediately immersed in a cozy atmosphere, thanks to a rich burgundy colour scheme, twinkling lights, and opulent flower arrangements featuring pampas grass. The modern twist is palpable, with stylish elements like painted perspex signs and a show-stopping gold leaf-adorned cake that perfectly blend tradition with trend. A thoughtful touch is the star-shaped Christmas decorations used as place names and favours, allowing guests to treasure these keepsakes for years to come. The attention to detail is impressive, extending to the attire of the wedding party. Samantha’s dramatic fit-and-flare lace gown boasts an epic train, while Matthew and his groomsmen opt for sleek grey tweed suits paired with burgundy ties that harmonize beautifully with the bridesmaid dresses. It’s a truly stylish celebration. I’m grateful to Oxi Photography for sharing these captivating shots of a joy-filled day that exudes romance and warmth.
The Proposal
As we marked four years of togetherness in Edinburgh, one of our most cherished destinations, Matt surprised me with an unforgettable gesture. On the Friday, we embarked on a scenic stroll up Calton Hill, taking in the breathtaking panorama of the city. As we reached a secluded spot, Matt’s usually chatty nature gave way to an unexpected silence. I initially thought he was just catching his breath after the climb, but little did I know, he had been holding onto a precious secret. He revealed that he had written a heartfelt poem, which culminated in the most romantic and unforgettable proposal – ‘Will you marry me?’
The Vision
As we envisioned a whimsical and intimate celebration, we opted for a winter wonderland wedding, with the magic of Christmas as our backdrop. The season’s cozy atmosphere aligned perfectly with our desire for a warm and romantic affair, while also allowing us to avoid the sweltering heat that often accompanies summer weddings.
The Planning Process
We got creative with our styling and decorating on a budget by enlisting the help of my Dad, who crafted stunning centrepieces for us. To further reduce costs, I took matters into my own hands and created handmade clay stars with guests’ names, which they could hang on their Christmas trees as a reminder of our special day. Our DIY photo booth was another cost-effective solution – we constructed the frame using steel and foamex, then added an Instax camera with film for endless fun throughout the celebration. I also sourced affordable candle and bud vases from various shops, allowing us to resell them afterwards to recoup some expenses. As a graphic designer, I leveraged my skills to hand-paint custom signs on cheap perspex, adding a personal touch to the venue. And, thanks to our early arrival the day before the wedding, we were able to style the space ourselves, saving us even more money.
The Venue
At first, we were hesitant about visiting Shustoke Barns due to its popularity, seeking a more unique experience. However, after viewing around 7 venues, we decided to give it a chance, drawn in by its picturesque setting and proximity to our location. The moment I stepped inside, I was struck with emotion, my eyes welling up with tears as I knew instantly that this was the one for us – thankfully, Matt shared my enthusiasm.
The Flowers
The Lanes, our talented florist, exceeded our expectations by transforming Hannah’s Pinterest boards into stunning bouquets and centrepieces that perfectly captured our wedding vision. To add an extra layer of romance to our special day, we also commissioned a breathtaking flower installation at the altar – a delicate floral spray filled with our signature bouquet flowers, pampas grass, and a few soft candles. With flowers being a top priority for us, it was essential to have them incorporated in a meaningful way. In fact, our wedding blooms were one of our largest expenses, as we wanted everything to be nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. As a lovely gesture, we gifted the flowers to our loved ones, allowing them to keep the beauty alive long after the big day had passed. I personally preserved my bouquet so that I could cherish some of the delicate petals and blooms as a cherished memento of our magical wedding celebration.
The Cake
In a momentary lapse, we decided to order a last-minute cake from Solihull’s renowned cake artists. Our primary concern was simplicity, yet we still desired a design that harmoniously blended with our overall wedding aesthetic. To achieve this, we cleverly incorporated gold leaf accents, thoughtfully aligning them with the existing décor to create a seamless visual cohesion.
Your Outfits & Accessories
From the moment I envisioned my wedding, I knew that an Enzoani gown was exactly what I wanted. The Katerina dress, in particular, had caught my eye and I was determined to try it on. With the help of Mimi Toko, a bridal boutique in Derbyshire, we managed to get the dress ordered specifically for me as none of the other boutiques in the West Midlands had it in stock. What ultimately stole the show for me was the stunning Latte underskirt that perfectly accentuated the Ivory lace. Meanwhile, Matt and his groomsmen opted for suits from Duncan James in Walsall, selecting a charming Grey tweed to harmonize with our carefully chosen colour scheme.
Beauty
When it comes to my makeup routine, I’m quite meticulous, so I opted to do my own makeup for the day. Meanwhile, my hair was expertly styled by Sonya Jayne Bridal Hair, who gave me a stunning Hollywood-inspired wave that added to my overall look. My bridesmaids, on the other hand, preferred to keep their locks loose and relaxed, opting for a half-up, curly hairstyle that framed their faces beautifully.
The Readings & Music
Our selection of a live performance by Florence + The Machine, specifically ‘Never Let Me Go’, was influenced by our shared admiration for the artist and her remarkable vocal talents.
Groomsmen
Bridesmaids
In our special day, we chose to adorn our bridesmaids in attire from Davids Bridal in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre. We opted for a rich burgundy hue that harmoniously tied in with the winter atmosphere and wedding colour palette, perfectly capturing the essence of the season.
Your Photographer
We embarked on an exhaustive search for the perfect photographer, recognizing the significance of this investment in capturing our special moments. Our discovery of Oxana stemmed from a serendipitous online encounter, where her natural documentary style resonated deeply with us.
Oxana’s effortless ability to put us at ease before the camera (a feat typically challenging for us) was nothing short of remarkable. Her infectious enthusiasm and positive energy permeated every moment of our wedding day, leaving an indelible mark on our collective experience.
As a creative force behind the lens, Oxana masterfully captured the essence of our love story – the laughter, tears, and intimate moments that comprise the fabric of our relationship. We are thrilled to have these treasured memories preserved in stunning photographs, serving as a poignant reminder of our joyous celebration.
Your Filmmaker
We were introduced to Roo Stain’s captivating videography style, which immediately left us smitten. His exceptional skill as a storyteller, coupled with his warm personality, earned him the title of legend in our eyes. With unerring instinct, he captured the essence of our special day, imbuing the film with an unmistakable sense of love and joy. The reaction from our loved ones has been overwhelmingly positive – family, friends, and even acquaintances have all praised it as one of the most enchanting wedding videos they’ve had the pleasure of watching.
The Honeymoon
As we were planning our dream honeymoon getaway, my partner and I couldn’t help but be drawn to Norway’s breathtaking landscapes and winter wonderlands. After years of shared wanderlust, we finally decided to take the plunge and experience the magic of Norway for ourselves.
Memorable Moments
One of our most cherished recollections is the instant we first laid eyes on each other as we exchanged vows down the aisle. The air was electric with anticipation and excitement as we shared that unforgettable glance, savoring every moment of this special occasion.
Advice For Other Couples
Investing in a videographer for your wedding may seem like an unnecessary expense, but I’m here to tell you it’s an absolute game-changer. My husband and I had differing opinions on the importance of hiring a professional to capture our special day, but after some convincing, we managed to save up and make it happen. It was one of the best decisions we made together. The reality is that your wedding day flies by in a blur, leaving you with memories that are fragmented at best. But with a talented videographer on board, you’ll be able to relive those moments again and again. They’ll capture details you forgot happened, and even moments you weren’t present for. Watching a professionally edited video of your wedding is an experience like no other – it’s as if you’re stepping into your very own cinematic masterpiece.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
When it comes to capturing the essence of a special day, Samantha and Matthew’s wedding team truly outshone themselves. Behind the lens was Oxi Photography, who beautifully framed every moment. The picturesque setting of Shustoke Barn served as the perfect backdrop for their love story to unfold. Meanwhile, Roo Stain expertly captured the magic on film, providing a captivating visual narrative that will be treasured for years to come. As Samantha and Matthew exchanged their vows, they were dressed to impress in attire from Duncan James of Walsall and Enzoani from Mimi Toko, respectively. The lovely bride’s locks were styled by Sonya Jayne, while her bouquet was arranged with love by The Lanes. A sweet treat awaited the newlyweds and their guests, courtesy of The Cake Artists’ delectable creations. It’s no wonder that Samantha and Matthew’s wedding story is one for the ages, filled as it is with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. We’re thrilled to have had a front-row seat to this romantic tale unfold.