When looking for a venue for my own wedding a few years ago, I searched and searched for an indoor barn venue in my home county of Northumberland, but such a thing just did not seem to exist at the time (we booked a different venue in the end, which we loved to bits, so it all worked out). I’m so pleased (and a little envious) that such a lovely barn wedding location is available now.
Meet Elliot, a logistics manager and music producer and Michaela, front office coordinator for a recruitment company, who married on the 25th of June 2017 at the beautiful Healey Barn in Northumberland. The couple were blessed with the most beautiful weather on the day and so were able to enjoy drinks and photographs outside after the ceremony and a romantic walk with their photographer, Helen Russell, later in the day.
Michaela’s stunning dress was by Pronovias and purchased from The Wedding Club in Birmingham. The lace on the barely-there bodice is just exquisite.
“I originally had my dress made in Hong Kong and then had it altered in London. It was full lace, backless and beautiful. However when I went to collect my dress and try it on after final alterations, my dress was about five inches too short. My mum saved the day and made an appointment the following weekend with Kate at The Wedding Club in Birmingham.”
Images by Helen Russell Photography
“I was very nervous as I knew I was cutting it fine but after trying seven dresses I loved all of them. Kate suggested I try one more on that she thought might arrive in time and that I would love. She was right- it had capped sleeves, lace top and the most beautiful train. It was totally different to what I originally wanted and I’m so glad I changed my mind.”
“We wanted a barn style wedding but with an elegant modern twist. The colour theme was navy, white and gold as I love navy and wanted simple elegant colours to match. I didn’t want anything so fussy that people wouldn’t look at the surroundings and as Healey Barn has a beautiful fireplace, scenery and original barn features I wanted these to be exposed.”
Hair and make-up was the work of Lisa Dunbar and Karina Belfield from Dollicious in Newcastle.
The bridesmaids looked fabulous in glamorous navy dresses custom made by Sara Laverick, to compliment the shape of Michaela’s own gown, and worn with heels from Ted Baker and necklaces and earrings from Debenhams.
Michaela’s beautiful lace-edged veil was custom made in Hong Kong while her killer shoes were by Valentino.
“Elliot and I met in 2009 in Ibiza on a boat party when we were nineteen and twenty one. Elliot then got a job in Hong Kong and we decided we would move. Before moving he proposed on Boxing Day 2013 then he left for Hong Kong for three weeks and I shortly followed.”
“We actually got married in a registry office in Hong Kong in March 2014 with two family friends to witness and we then partied at the Mandarin hotel after. As fun and inexpensive this was I knew I would eventually want a UK wedding too so we booked it once we had decided to return home.”
“We had legally been married since 2014 on our wedding day- which was announced to those who were unaware on the big day.”
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Elliot looked very smart in a grey checked suit jacket from Frank Rostron in Manchester, worn with a blue waistcoat and trousers, crisp white shirt and blue patterned tie.
Michaela walked down the aisle with her dad to ‘The first time ever I saw your face’ by Roberta Flack.
“My dad is my absolute world and I cried as soon as I stepped out. This was the song my dad played when I was born so it meant a lot as he was giving me away.”
“Our vows where very special as our best friend Andy Johnson read them out (as we were already legally married we didn’t have a registrar). This was just a perfect touch to the day and set the mood.”
To cement their vows, Michaela and Elliot exchanged rings from Diamond Mansion.
The fabulous floral arrangements were by Pip and Hatty Bloom. I especially love how much texture and shape there is in the blooms, which were all in shades of white to keep with the colour scheme. The table arrangements give wonderful height to the styling to fill the high barn ceiling.
“Karen was amazing from start to finish- the flowers were incredible and family and friends took car-fulls home.”
Today’s gorgeous photos come to us from the wonderful Helen of Helen Russell Photography. I love how many smiles and little important moments she has captured here.
“Helen was incredible, she knew what I wanted and the photos are amazing. We didn’t want posed family photos- I wanted Helen to capture the day and she did just that. Myself and family members didn’t notice she was there and she made the most of the venue. She really captured the fun and laughter.”
“The speeches were my favourite part of the day. They were all so meaningful and individual. My dad’s was just very heartfelt and he had everyone crying, Elliot’s was so touching and again had everyone is tears and Elliot’s dad had everyone laughing. He’s the clown of the family and we are so glad we saved him until the end. Andy, the best man, was great too as he told stories of our holidays as a trio and included funny antics we got up to.”
For their first dance as a newly-married couple Michaela and Elliot chose ‘Love Never Felt So Good’ by Michael Jackson and it looks like they had such fun dancing to it as well.
“We chose this song because of the words and we love to dance! We wanted a feel good song to set the evening off and we would dance endlessly to this track in our tiny apartment in Hong Kong so it brought back good memories.”
Words of Wedded Wisdom
“Take a few minutes and stop and take it all in, the venue, the people and your new hubby. The day is over before you know it- it feels like a dream- so enjoy and embrace every second.”
Huge thanks to Michaela and Elliot for sharing their beautiful sunshine filled day- its certainly brightened up this January day for me. I have a head full of flowers and sunshine now.
Do you love Michaela’s Pronovias gown as much as I do? Take a peek here for more Love My Dress brides in this ever popular brand and here for a few more weddings at beautiful Healey Barn. If its Helen Russell‘s gorgeous photography that has turned your head this morning, visit here for some more fabulous Love My Dress real wedding features, all captured by this talented lady.
Much love,
S x
