Suffolk Barn Wedding
As we kick off the week, I’m thrilled to share with you the joyous celebration of Natalie and Jonny’s Autumn wedding at Suffolk Barn in the picturesque countryside of Suffolk on September 21st, 2019. If the Monday blues are getting you down, let this enchanting day lift your spirits! From the breathtaking golden hour portraits to the lively tunes provided by Warble Entertainment, a Love supplier, their special day was nothing short of spectacular. Natalie and Jonny’s vision for a relaxed, rustic, and fun-filled celebration came to life with a stunning blend of personal touches and elegant styling. The barn was adorned with thoughtful details like the chalkboard sign, terrarium card holder, and show-stopping cake. The lovely couple’s attire was nothing short of breathtaking, and I’m sure you’ll agree that Natalie and Jonny looked absolutely radiant. As you plan your own Autumn wedding, be sure to take note of the dreamy blooms, particularly the stunning bouquets and flower arch. A huge thank you goes out to Carrie Lavers Photography for sharing these utterly captivating images – a true feast for the eyes.
The Proposal
It was July 2018 when Jonny surprised me with a romantic getaway to the Fish Hotel in the Cotswolds – a perfect setting for a memorable birthday celebration. We arrived on Friday, settled into our cozy hut with its own private hot tub nestled among the woods, and spent the evening enjoying pizza room service and wine under the stars. Little did I know that this was just the beginning of an unforgettable weekend. Jonny’s early morning preparations hinted at something special, and as we got ready for a planned bike ride, he stopped me with a mischievous grin, revealing his surprise – a proposal! With a champagne toast waiting, we shared the news with loved ones before embarking on a shorter-than-planned bike ride to the Ebrington Arms in Chipping Camden. We toasted our happiness in the beer garden, watched the football, and then returned to the hotel for an evening of celebration.
The Vision
We strived to infuse our special day with an air of warmth and informality, ensuring that every moment felt tailored to our unique taste. Our aim was to create an atmosphere that was simultaneously rustic, laid-back, and joyful – a true celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on our wedding planning journey, we were pleasantly surprised by how smoothly it unfolded. Our venue search was a breeze, as we only visited one property – the barn we fell in love with. The owner, Rupert, exuded calmness and enthusiasm, making us feel at ease. We knew immediately that this was the perfect spot to create our dream wedding.Finding the right band proved to be a challenge, but after viewing online videos and attending a few trials, we finally found the perfect match. It was reassuring to know that our chosen musicians would deliver on the big day, and they did not disappoint.Our caterers were recommended by Rupert at the venue, as we didn’t have a wedding planner. It was crucial for us to find a team that could take care of all the logistics, and Movable Feasters exceeded our expectations. Although our initial menu concept didn’t quite fit with our Suffolk Countryside theme, Helen and Justin were incredibly accommodating, working closely with us to create a bespoke three-course menu featuring locally sourced ingredients with a contemporary twist. The highlight was undoubtedly the marmalade bread and butter pudding.The rest of the planning process flowed naturally, with us spending many weekends attending to various aspects and sourcing finishing touches. In all honesty, we relished every moment of it.
The Venue
Nestled atop a gentle hill, The Suffolk Barn in Hawstead presented itself as the epitome of rustic charm, its weathered facade a testament to the passing of time. As we gazed out upon the lush countryside unfolding below, it was clear that this idyllic retreat was precisely what we had been seeking.
The Flowers
When it came time to choose a florist, we turned to Terri from Angel Hill’s Flower Shop. Initially, I walked in with a laundry list of requirements for our flowers, only to discover that our budget wouldn’t quite stretch to cover everything on my wish list. However, Terri proved herself to be a consummate professional, expertly navigating our priorities and delivering an outcome we were thrilled with. One of the highlights for me was my bouquet, which left me absolutely blown away – I loved the vibrant mix of colors and it perfectly captured the vision I had in mind.
The Cake
Our wedding celebration was made all the more special by the incredible contributions of our friends, including Sophie (@sccakesandmakes), who crafted our three-tiered masterpiece. The cake’s foundation was a Victoria sponge base infused with white chocolate and raspberry filling, topped by carrot cake and finished with a vegan lemon drizzle tier. With aesthetics in mind, we worked closely with Sophie to achieve the desired look, and she expertly brought it to life. To top it off, she even arranged the display for service, incorporating macaroons and pop cakes to create a truly show-stopping spectacle. Another highlight was the addition of a cheesecake, courtesy of Suffolk Cheeses – a local favorite that I, as a self-proclaimed cheese enthusiast, couldn’t get enough of.
The Readings & Music
When our original plan for the registrars didn’t seem feasible, we hatched a ‘Plan B’ – having one of our closest friends officiate our ceremony. As it turned out, we were able to secure the registrars after all, but by then we had already grown so fond of the idea that our friend Lucy (@_lucyneilson) would be the one to guide us through our vows. Little did we know, this impromptu decision would become the highlight of our wedding experience.
The day before the big day, we had a legal ceremony with our bridal party and closest family members at the same venue. Initially, we viewed it as a necessary step, but it soon evolved into an unforgettable bonus day. We exchanged vows, popped some champagne, and then headed to a local pub for a feast – it was absolute perfection!
What made this experience even more special was how personal it felt. Lucy did an incredible job of weaving our story, the reasons behind our decision to get married, and everything that marriage meant to us.
We faced a challenge in finding readings that weren’t too religious or somber – it took some trial and error to find ones that resonated with us. In the end, we had a mix of serious, with Jonny’s Dad reading an excerpt from ‘The Union’ just before our vows, and light-hearted, with Hayley reading ‘Wedding Day’ by Robert Palmer. We also incorporated some talented family friends who delivered a stunning rendition of ‘Everywhere’ by Fleetwood Mac – their performance meant the world to us (and was an absolute blast!).
Your Outfits & Accessories
I found my dream dress at House of Snow in Bury St Edmunds – the stunning Juno design by Watters Wtoo. It was truly perfect.Initially, I had no clear idea of what designers or styles I wanted, but I knew I wanted something ‘romantic’. With my best friends and bridesmaids by my side, we visited a few boutiques in London, but none of them left me feeling completely convinced.The next day, I took my mum, sister, and sister-in-law to House of Snow. We all fell in love with the boutique’s atmosphere, and they suggested trying on the Juno dress. Although I was initially hesitant due to the underlay color, they assured me it could be made in ivory, so we went for it.As soon as I put it on, I knew that was the one. My friends and family were all impressed, and I felt like the romantic vision I had in mind was coming together. It wasn’t just about the dress, though – it was also about finding the right accessories to complement it.I ended up choosing a pair of comfortable yet fun shoes from Aldo on ASOS for my big day. My earrings were from Liberty in Love, and my hair comb came from Lola and Alice. These little touches added up to create the perfect look for me.When it came to Jonny’s suit, we knew we wanted something special. We decided to go with a tweed three-piece from The Vintage Suit Hire, which allowed us to rent the groomsmen’s suits as well. He ended up choosing a navy blue option that I was thrilled about – the contrast to my mink-colored dress would be stunning.The one thing that proved tricky was deciding on Jonny’s tie. We went through countless options before settling on a ditsy floral green bow tie from The Tie Room. It turned out to be the perfect choice, as we also bought classic ties for the groomsmen and even had kid-sized versions made for our page boys!Jonny’s shoes were a classic pair of brown brogues from Russell and Bromley – now only worn on very special occasions.
Bridesmaids
The wedding party’s attire stood out, with the bridesmaids donning the stunning Vienna dress from We Are Rewritten. I was captivated by their understated yet sophisticated styles, which exuded a sense of refinement and poise. The dresses were far from traditional, yet perfectly suited each of the girls. We opted for the soft Vienna hue, which complemented their unique features and brought out their individual personalities.
Groomsmen
The groomsmen’s attire was a testament to the power of coordination. They donned matching navy suits courtesy of The Vintage Suit Hire Company, which provided a flawless fit despite being hired. To add a touch of uniformity, they all wore ties from The Tie Room – identical to Jonny’s bow tie. One groomsman, a self-proclaimed dance enthusiast, got a bit carried away and accidentally ripped his suit. But don’t worry, The Vintage Suit Hire Company was nothing but understanding and accommodating in their solution, ensuring that the gents’ wardrobe woes didn’t break the bank.
The Details & Décor
When it came to decorations and décor, we opted for a DIY approach, tapping into our network of friends and family for creative contributions. For instance, the entrance chalkboard was crafted from an old door and some chalkboard paint, while the ‘Meet the Bridal Party’ sign was cleverly clipped onto a grid – a project that surprisingly took five times as long to complete! Meanwhile, the terrarium used for displaying cards was a treasured family heirloom passed down from my grandmother, discovered in her garage just months before the big day. We also made use of some rented items from ‘The Little Lending Company’, a local business near Kings Lynn that offers a range of stylish props. From their collection, we hired beautiful Persian-style rugs to line the aisle, delicate table lantern centre pieces, and a few decorative troughs for serving drinks.
Your Photographer
Carrie Lavers, an exceptional photographer, was commissioned to capture the special moments of our wedding. I discovered her on Instagram, where her personal and captivating images immediately caught my attention. It was clear that she had a remarkable ability to freeze time and preserve memories in an incredibly natural way.
As soon as Carrie arrived at the house on the morning of the big day, everything fell into place seamlessly. She effortlessly blended into the background while knowing exactly when to guide us to ensure we got the most stunning shots – and the golden hour was indeed a highlight. We were overjoyed with our teaser album, which arrived just before we embarked on our honeymoon (a few happy tears were shed at this point). And when the final album was delivered a couple of months later, we were left utterly speechless by its beauty.
The Honeymoon
Indonesia was the perfect destination for our honeymoon, offering a mix of adventure and luxury. After months of research, we finally decided on this tropical paradise, eager to explore its uncharted territories and indulge in pampering experiences. Our 16-day escapade took us to several stunning locations, starting with Lombok, where we luxuriated at the opulent Lombok Lodge. This incredible hotel boasted a poolside dining area, private jetty, and exceptional staff that made our stay truly unforgettable. Next, we ventured to Nusa Lombongan, opting for a one-bedroom villa perched on the cliffside – a tranquil retreat that provided a welcome contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Lombok. Here, we spent our days lounging at beach clubs, snorkeling, and soaking up the laid-back vibes. Our journey continued in mainland Bali, with a stopover in Ubud for some invigorating hikes. Finally, we arrived at the breathtaking Ungussan Cliff Resort in Ulluwatu, where we treated ourselves to a few days of relaxation at the beach club – kayaking, paddleboarding, and sipping on refreshing cocktails as the sun set over the ocean.
Beauty
For my special day, I was thrilled to have Zena McQuiston handle my wedding hair and makeup. After discovering her online and scrolling through her Instagram, I knew she was the perfect fit for the job. On the big day, Zena brought along an assistant, and together they worked their magic on not just me, but also four of my bridesmaids and my mother-in-law! My brief to Zena was simple: make me look like myself, but on a really good day. During our trial run, I shared some reference photos with her, but ultimately, I wanted a relaxed and natural-looking makeup job. She proposed we go for a peach-inspired palette instead of the pinks I originally considered, and after seeing the results, I was convinced it was the right choice. Meanwhile, Jonny headed to Adam’s Barbers in London just before the wedding – he’d been there for a test run beforehand and loved it! They did an excellent job, and Jonny even enjoyed the complimentary cocktail that came with his grooming experience!
Memorable Moments
As we reflect on that unforgettable day, it’s clear that every moment was truly special. The sheer joy and energy in the air as our loved ones gathered together is a feeling that’s hard to put into words. But if I had to pinpoint the top highlights…
The ceremony will always stand out – having our closest friend officiate and do such an incredible job made it feel so personal and meaningful to us.
There was also that magical moment after the ceremony, where we got to take a step back, share a glass of champagne, and just bask in the glow of our special day. Mainly, though, it was a chance for us to relive the highlights and make sure they really sank in.
And then, of course, there was the dance floor – we always knew that would be a highlight, and from our first dance to the last song, I don’t think either of us stopped smiling. It was truly an experience to remember.
And let’s not forget the icing on the cake: planning a follow-up celebration with close family and friends just 24 hours later, so we could relive those special moments all over again.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning a wedding, it’s easy to get caught up comparing yours to others’, but the key to an unforgettable celebration is making sure it genuinely reflects your unique relationship and personal style. Focus on what truly matters – having a blast with your partner! The most magical weddings are those where every detail, from the dress to the decorations, feels like an authentic expression of the couple’s love story.
Huge thanks to Natalie and Jonny for sharing their enchanting Suffolk barn wedding with us. If you’re searching for inspiration for your own rustic wedding, we have a treasure trove of beautiful barn weddings in our archives – Lou