What a way to start the week. We’re getting all pretty and rustic today with this fabulous hand crafted barn wedding.
WWW readers Katie and James got hitched on the 16th April 2016 and held their reception at Pangdean Old Barn in Sussex. They envisioned a relaxed atmosphere for their celebrations and as you will see from the images, everyone had a right roaring time. The delicate pale pinks used in the bridesmaid frocks and Spring blooms were an utter delight. Not to mention the reception space, the barn looked magical festooned in fairy lights and bunting.
Katie looked the chic boho bride in Sara by Limor Rosen; a detailed top and swishy skirt combo. The gents meanwhile looked very handsome in their Topman ensembles with wool waistcoasts. Such a stylish couple.
Thanks so very much to Sara Reeve for sharing these exquisite images.
THE PROPOSAL | Coincidentally it was one year ago to the day of the wedding. We were heading off to Sri Lanka on a holiday of a lifetime, and James had popped the ring box on a silver platter in the suitcase! At first, I thought I wasn’t supposed to have found it, and quickly closed the suitcase, but James came up the stairs with a glass of champagne and asked the big question!
THE VISION | We wanted a relaxed wedding, where the guests were the main focus, and we knew we wanted to either be in London where we live, or in Brighton where are originally both from.
THE PLANNING PROCESS | James was in charge of the spreadsheet (which had the budget/cost tracker/table plans etc), and I was in charge of the arts & crafts – it was a fun planning process
BUDGET | All we will say is that it’s hard to stick to your original budget.
THE VENUE | Pangdean Barn, near Brighton.
THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES | Sara by Limor Rosen from Luella’s Bridal in Wimbledon. Shoes from Rachel Simpson.
FINDING THE DRESS | Probably my favourite part of it all! Was very daunting at first, but the more different styles you try on, you can slowly narrow down what you feel comfortable in. I narrowed it down to two very different dresses, and in the end went with the most comfortable one, and I don’t regret it!
GROOM’S ATTIRE | James and the ushers bought their suits from Topshop, which worked perfectly; and the ties can from Swagger & Swoon. I bought James a pocket watch for his wedding morning gift, which ended up complimenting the suit perfectly. James went for a slightly different material for his waistcoat, and they all had the same ties.
THE READINGS & MUSIC | James’ cousin played the organ beautifully, and we were lucky enough to have a family friend marry us – he came all of the way from his home Parish in Barbados!
We had a few Bible readings, and psalms, and then a reading called ‘I Promise You’ which we found on Pinterest, which we really liked.
BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS | I had 5 lovely bridesmaids, and wanted to find a dress that would suit them all, and that they could change if they wanted. I initially thought of having different colours, but ended up going for the same colour! I loved the multi-way dresses, and found a lovely lady on Facebook, that I would highly recommend, Victoria Lou.
THE FLOWERS | We had a lovely local lady called Bettie Rose do the flowers for the wedding, including the bouquets and the table jars. We went for a relaxed feel of muted colours, including some eucalyptus which I loved. My Mum collected 100’s of jars (forcing my Dad to eat countless jars of jam and pickled gherkins!), and we decorated them with ribbons and lace.
THE CAKE | We didn’t want to just have one cake, so we went for 10! Another wonderful local supplier, Baked Bliss, in Brighton, created a selection of tray bakes and cakes, and we displayed them all together on one table, and they looked incredible, and delicious.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER | We were lucky enough that the wonderful photographer who my friend Valerie had at her wedding 5 years previously was free, so we jumped at the chance. She was incredible, and created the exact relaxed, non-posed feeling that we were after.
THE DETAILS & DÉCOR | James created some fantastic large letters (a J and a K) out of wood, that we had hanging from the barn hay bales (they ended up being the perfect focal point for the dinner!), and my Mum made metres and metres of gorgeous white bunting. The rest of the bits were all hand-made, by ourselves, or some of our special friends!
THE HONEYMOON | Was a trip in a lifetime to Costa Rica, we felt so lucky to be able to go somewhere where we’ve always wanted to go. The climate, animals and setting was incredible.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS | Walking down the aisle was my favourite bit, but also walking through to dinner, past of our our loved ones smiling and cheering was very special.
ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES | Enjoy every minute of the day itself. It really does fly by…
CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE |
Photographer | Sara Reeve
Grooms Ties | Swagger and Swoon
Bridesmaid dresses | Victoria Lou
Venue | Pangdean
Florist | Bettie Rose
Dress shop | Luellas
Bride shoes | Rachel Simpson Shoes
WOW.
Thank you Katie and James for sharing your incredible wedding story today, gorgeous xo Lou