Whisky and Roses: A Delightful Barn Wedding Editorial

Hello lovelies, I’d like to give enormous thanks to the lovely team who worked on these images to share with you today.

Featuring just a single gown, but a super beautiful polka dot one at that, by independent designer Suzanne Harrington, these images were styled by Hayley of Starry Eyed Weddings as an example of the wedding day styling they can achieve for their clients. I hope you love.

“At Starry Eyed Weddings, we are all about enhancing the venue and being sympathetic to our surroundings. We wanted to create something that was a progression from twee country florals, log slices and jam jars, but still blended with a country side aesthetic. We were inspired by dusty saloon bars and a Wild West Romance and used a warm palette of dusky rose, pale oat, faded peach and rich caramel set the tone. We combined dried botanicals with fresh blooms and foliage to create a wild and untamed element.”

Images by Three Flowers Photography

“Back in January we met Bryony Graham from The Barns at Lodge Farm. She showed us around her rather amazing barns in the crisp, cold sunshine. We immediately saw the potential of warm summer weddings being held on this working farm. Not only does it have the prettiest of barns- the granary barn – complete with an attached mini barn – perfect for a bar, it also has THE most incredible views across the Essex countryside. You almost have to do a double take and remember you’re only 20 minutes from a central line station (Epping) It feels as if you are in the furthest part of the South West.”

Setting the scene

“We wanted our guests to feast in a rather intimate and cozy space within the darkest nook of the barn.  With shafts of summer sunshine beaming in through the wooden structure it was the ideal location. Stripped wooden tables, partially covered in a washed coral and fringed runner was set under a canopy of coloured silk ribbons which were tied and draped onto the beams framing the top the table. Scattered bunches of wheat and brown cider bottles, hand painted with mandalas adorned the scene.”

“The oversized ‘Lucky’ letters in weathered bronze and pewter metal, sat back against a singed wooden frame worked perfectly to create our statement backdrop.  The more delicate details, including, bleached effect stationery with subtle leather tassels and feathers embellished our top table beautifully.”

The Flowers

“The desert looking air plant, spidery Tillandsia, rust coloured hypericum berries, natural corn, wild grasses, stock and peach tuberose featured within bouquets and garlands. Additionally, collected buckets, lanterns and vintage farm paraphernalia added authenticity to our intimate sundown gathering.”

The Dress

“Our bride- Arianne, wore a Suzanne Harrington Bride design.  Suzanne suggested the relaxed and romantic style of a new two-piece from her most recent collection. The ‘Betty’ top is constructed in spot tulle over a delicate camisole, with covered buttons to fasten. The soft, frilled skirt ‘Dot’ is in matching spot tulle with a

waistband and bow detail at the back.”

Hair and Makeup

“Beauty was focused around a natural and fresh -faced theme encompassing the warm palette.  A burnt peach tone on the lips added a hint of glamour. Hair was tousled and informal.  A Bohemian, messy plait entwined and twisted around the base, texture and loose waves enhanced the wild wheat crown. Little ones had dried and fresh combinations on loaded garlands to compliment their crisp white cotton dresses.”

To Eat

“Gather and Feast Events devised a mouthwatering menu. Comprising of chargrilled steak, garlic and herb roasties, sweetcorn, chorizo and toasted almonds, accompanied by roasted roots, goats cheese and rocket salad, with mustard relish and mayo.”

“If there was enough room for something sweet, a truly decadent, chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake, with luscious salted caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream was beyond tempting.”

The wedding cake from French Made was tiered and smothered in a buttercream with an ombre colour sweep. Using muted shades with soft metallic copper accents. Each tier was a different height and the base layer was a delicious combination of chocolate, coffee and bourbon.  Lauren from French Made wanted to create something pretty that would reflect the wild and free spirited theme of the shoot.”

Scenery

“Making the most of a glorious sunset, we headed outside with the children bounding off into the fields. The scenery and golden sunshine was an incredible  highlight of our day.  The sheer polkadot wedding dress transformed into a translucent and ethereal gown in the glow of the evening sunshine and the joy of the rolling countryside made everyone beam and want to soak up every last ray.”

Later

“Later on, our wedding party snacked on ‘campfire’ pop corn and bangin’ mac n cheese – the perfect late night feast. A pop up bar in a separate outbuilding gave us the ultimate location for a ‘Secret Whiskey Den’ – the perfect opportunity for a cheeky dram in a hoedown hideaway.”

“Distressed chesterfield sofas, low wooden bar stools and a cotton reel table encouraged our bride and her girlfriends to gossip and sample the selection of bourbons on offer.  As darkness crept in and oil lanterns were snuffed out, it was time for us to leave this little corner of heaven deep within the Essex countryside.”