Inspiration

Catherine and David's wedding is just gorgeous in every way. From Catherine's stylish bridal attire by Emma Beaumont, to the decor, to the food, every element is done well. The pair kept things really simple and clean, with lots of foliage and fairy lights, which is always the best way to enhance an already lovely space. It's rustic, but it's also elegant and it's very, very RMW. Images come from the lovely Paul & Kelly at Paul Joseph Photography. Enjoy gorgeous ones!

The Bride

Catherine The Bride: I wanted a contemporary relaxed look, I liked the idea of getting different pieces which were bespoke and which I could wear again. I’ve already worn the bomber jacket since!

The Groom

David's outfit was pulled together over time – he didn’t want to wear a suit so always aimed to have a ‘separates’ approach and really liked the waistcoat which was the key pattern within the outfit.

The Venue

We wanted a rustic laid back vibe which didn’t feel too ‘weddingy’ and where our family and friends could relax and enjoy themselves.

The Decor

We wanted a natural, rustic feel in keeping with the rural barn setting. We didn’t want anything too opulent or overblown as it just didn’t suit the venue or us. We stuck to natural wood, white and green with hints of lavender blue. We wanted to create a warm and inviting mood with strings of festoon lights, candle lanterns on the table and lit white paper lanterns hung from the ceiling which cast an awesome glow over the dance floor in the evening. Our good friend, Dave, who’s a designer, designed the bicycle logo and then Dave (groom) pulled together the typeface, colours and illustration which we then used for all stationery and print materials – table plan, orders of service, place names and table names. We wanted the feel of the wedding to be personal and reflect us (table names were named after significant places we’d been together including ‘Moreton-in-Marsh’ where Dave proposed). We also wanted it to be fun and didn’t want to take ourselves too seriously – ‘the moment of truth’ table plan and ‘what’s for dinner?’ menus. We had a prosecco cart and bought a polaroid camera and emoji face mask props for our guests to use instead of a traditional guest book. We also had wedding speech bingo cards on the tables to get a bit of crowd participation going during the speeches.

The Flowers

Opted for table runners of loose, fresh flowers - green eucalyptus leaves, fresh lavender, white gypsophila, interspersed with lanterns (glass vases and candles bought by bride and groom from IKEA). Wanted to keep everything natural and simple. Brides and bridesmaids bouquets used similar flowers as well as white hyacinths and blue thistle.

The Wedding Party

I liked the idea of bridesmaids in nude pink – simple and effective. I also liked the idea of them not wearing identical dresses but being able to chose a style to suit them dresses so we chose two different styles in the same colour) Groom’s neice, Brannagh, wore an ivory gown passed down from my niece – she wore wore it at her christening 10 years previously – I liked the idea of it being a family dress and it getting another outing at our wedding day! The outfits our son’s Malachy (3) and Huey (1) wore were our favourite outfits of the day - custom made bow ties (to match groomsmen) braces, and chinos from Zara and brown suede chukka boots from GAP. We didn’t want to hire suits for Groomsmen and wanted them to wear what they already had within a broad theme of dark blue, white shirts and brown shoes. The ties and socks were all the same to pull the look together and then we also gave them school ‘prefect’ badges with Usher and Best Man on them.

The Ceremony

We had a civil ceremony at the barn. We wanted it to be meaningful but again relaxed. Our eldest son Malachy clearly got the informal vibe and spent most of the ceremony holding mine and David's hands and swinging in between us both as we said our vows! We chose a number of readings including Edward Monkton’s Lovely Love Story. It spoke to the child in us and we knew it would be a big hit with our sons too!

The Entertainment

Our good friend, Theo played acoustic guitar as our guests arrived, the band covered the evening entertainment – two part medley band – totally unique – skipped seamlessly from Spaneau Ballet, True, through to Coolio, Gangster’s Paradise and Jungle Book, King of the Swingers in one set!

The Food

It was the best wedding food we’ve ever tasted (although we’re biased!) – starter was butternut squash and chilli soup + artisan breads, main was beer battered cod and fat cut chips and pea puree, followed by a trio of our favourite desserts.

The Photography

Paul and Kel are a class act! We knew when we first chatted with them they got our style and would fit in seamlessly with us on the day. Added to that they were a really good laugh and pleasure to have around. Pick them if you can’t stand cheese and want people who do things a bit differently!
Fern Godfrey

Written by Fern Godfrey

Bride: Emma Beaumont | Day Time Top: Laure De Sagazan | Shoes: Louboutin | Pumps: Kate Spade | Florist: Maggie Earl | Venue: Owen House Wedding Barn | Cake: Cakes By Millrise | Catering: Vanilla In All Seasons | Bridesmaids: ASOS | Groom: Hackett | Paul Smith | Entertainment: Truly Medley Deeply

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