Magic numbers

Three words; simple, elegant, beautiful. Bride Sarah looked stunning in Jenny Packham, the bridesmaids looked effortlessly chic in Ted Baker and even the jam jars on the table got dressed up for the occasion sporting brown paper, hessian, twine and moss. The tables were all named with significant numbers, and thus we all learnt that our poor bride has endured nine games of football at Grimsby town (sorry Ben!) The couples black convertible mini cooper was polished for the drive back from the church, an undercover artisit did some inspired illustrations on the blackboard, the sun shone down, champagne corks popped, Ben and Sarah were married and a good time was had by all.

More fabulous pictures from Steve Carss aren't his shots amazing? 

Sarah's bouquet of peonies, lavender, roses, tulips, scabiosa and alchemilla mollis. Photo by Steve Carss

Bouquet from above. Photo by Steve Carss

Bridesmaids bouquets. Photo by Steve Carss

Jam jars get dressed up for the occasion. Photo by Steve Carss

Buttonholes and wrist corsages. Photo by Steve Carss

Lisianthus, lavender and succulent buttonhole. Photo by Steve Carss

Lisianthus, spray rose and lavender corsage for the mums. Photo by Steve Carss

Gorilla artist at work on the blackboard, can you come every week please? Photo by Steve Carss

The pew ends were bunches of lavender, rosemary and alchemilla mollis... Photo by Steve Carss

and were re-used after the ceremony on the oak supports outside the barn. Photo by Steve Carss

Tables set up in the barn with hessian runners, flowers and the 'magic numbers'. Photo by Steve Carss

 Thank-you notes tied with twine, lavender and wooden letters depicting the first initial of the guest - so simple yet beautiful and unusual. Photo by Steve Carss

Another lovely idea I haven't seen before, photos of Sarah and Ben's parents on their respective wedding days. Photo by Steve Carss

Barn frontage - how much are we loving having a roof and solid floor. Photo by Steve Carss

Ready for dinner. Photo by Steve Carss

Guests entrance. Photo by Steve Carss

Flowers on ribbon and lamps in tree. Photo by Steve Carss

The grounds at Rigaud lit up by 100+ candles. Photo by Steve Carss

Birdcage in the tree. Photo by Steve Carss

Brooklyn's Finest

Sometimes I don't get the opportunity to meet a bride before the big weekend, this was the case this weekend as our couple were based in New York. Before I met them I googled them to find out a bit more information; I like to do my homework. Big mistake. The bride is a photographers agent for a company described by Italian Vogue as 'one of the most prestigious agencies of the world' Then there's the groom, he's a TV/film editor credited on IMDB. To say I felt intimidated would be the understatement of the year. Alas it was much ado about nothing, turns out they're just lovely people, all be it uber cool lovely people. So somehow, despite many weeks of stressing, waking up in a cold sweat and the like I managed to pull it off...phew!

Brides bouquet of peonies, dahlias, sweet pea and roses

 

 

Pew end of peony, sweet pea, hydrangea, gyp, scabiosa, alchemilla mollis

 

Arrangements for bedrooms

Buttonholes and corsages

Gyp circlet for flower girl's hair

Coffee table arrangement

Circular tree base and hanging flowers

Hedgerow styled tree base for the ceremony

Jam jars outside the barn instead of the rustic cones

Barn entrance with blackboard written by Mary, curtain and chandeliers

Confetti system hanging over dancefloor

The barn ready for dinner

Placecards in wine cork holders

Table centres in vintage silverware

What Katie Did

 Wow, what a wedding! Lots of photos from fab couple Katie and Oli's creative, fun and picture perfect wedding this weekend that not even the rain could put a dampner on. Be prepared for big balloons, luscious flowers and a very special whisky all the way from Islay...

Willow obelisks with gypsophila

Pew end with hydrangea, rose and peony

Rose pomanders on chairs in church

Pew end with peony, rose and gypsophila

Church porch with gypsophila garlands

Gypsophila garland

Rose and succulent buttonholes

The balloons catching a ride with Eric

Balloons dotted round the gardens

Katie's bouquet of peonies, David Austin roses, equador roses and sage

Bridesmaid bouquet of peonies, roses and sage

Vintage suitcases of pashminas

Oli's grandad's very special single cask whisky from Bruichladdich distillery on Islay was bottled on his 90th birthday and was served to guests from a dedicated whisky bar

Table setting with grey linen napkins made by Katie's mum

Whisky favours

Barn door with curtain

Rustic cones on the barn doors

Willow obelisks 'recycled' after the church in the gardens

Outside the barn

Wedding barn

Candles lit in the barn

Succulent plant table centres

Candle shelf

Chef Steve saves the day capturing a rouge balloon with his special balloon capturing device (kitchen tongs)

Beautiful bride Katie looking happy after being re-united with the escapee balloon