Super Pretty Country Barn Summer Wedding

Summer weddings are undoubtedly very popular and it’s easy to see why when you clap eyes on a celebration like today’s real wedding feature. Mary and Ben’s wedding reception was held on the 21st July 2018 at Granary Estates in the stunning Suffolk countryside following a church ceremony. The barns really made for a magical setting, full of character and decorated beautifully with drapes and flowers galore. For a modern touch they added perspex table names, which really looked so chic and on trend.

Pale pinks were used throughout the day, with bridesmaids in long pink frocks, rustic bouquets in blush and pink glassware on the tables. It really made their day ever so pretty. Mary chose a beautiful Ronald Joyce gown with her hair in a lovely up-do, while Ben chose a navy suit and bow tie combo.

Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography and Film Studio caught all the memories and details on camera with beautiful photographs and film as a result, which we are just so grateful to be sharing. Enjoy the summer vibes.

The Proposal

Ben proposed when we were holidaying in New York. He tried to ask twice whilst cycling around Central Park but I was complaining too much about my shoes hurting. He later did it in our holiday room. He’d booked a special meal in Budakan for after.

The Vision

We loved the country feel that The Granary Barns provided. We tried to include some modern touches like the Perspex signs on the tables with our favourite songs.

The Planning Process

Lots of magazines and Pinterest was used. Loved the Rock My Wedding book too. I’m a teacher so had lots of colour coordinated stationery to keep everything clear. I used some wedding planning apps too but mostly used planning notepads.

The Venue

Trinity Church, Balsham

Granary Estates, Wooditton, Newmarket

The Readings & Music

We had the harp playing during the ceremony which was so romantic and lovely. Our first dance was The LA’s – there she goes.

We’d been trying to find ‘our song’ for ages. We were away in Southwold on a break away and it came on and we both just knew.

Your Outfits & Accessories

Bride – Ronald Joyce

I’d tried on so many dresses but couldn’t decide. My mum came over from Ireland to look at dresses with me which put pressure on finding the right dress when she was there.

I’d actually seen the dress several times in magazines and when I wasn’t finding any I liked I searched the dress and loved it as soon as I put it on.

Beauty

The brilliant Elly Jayne did my make up and the bridesmaids. I love make up so we had a brilliant day trying looks. As soon as I had my trial I felt so confident and excited.

My hair was done with my mum at Genesis in St Ives early on in the day. I wanted some special time away with my mum before the madness started.

Your Photographer & Filmmaker

Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography and Film Studio

The ladies were brilliant. So friendly and reassuring. We were worried about feeling awkward but we were so relaxed.

Bridesmaids

Sarah – maid of honour

Kristine

Emma

We got the girls dresses in London when my mum and aunt were over from Ireland. I was trying to find the colour for ages. As soon as I saw them I loved them.

The Flowers

The beautiful flowers at the venue and the church were done by Liz, Ben’s mum. She spent so much time researching and trialling flowers. She also had some help from her friend Allison who also does church flowers at the church. They looked incredible and we were so happy. They had finished before the dress rehearsal so I had some time to really appreciate them the night before.

Groomsmen

Nick

Simon

Dan (brother of groom and best man)

Groom – suits were purchased in Marks and Spencer’s . Ben’s Dad is 6’3 and mine is 5’7 which meant we had to find somewhere with a good range. Ben and the groomsmen went for a slightly slimmer leg whereas the fathers went for a more traditional fit.

Ben decided last minute on a bow tie as he wanted to stand out from the groomsmen.

The Cake

Toms Cakes in St Ives is one of our favourite places to have cake in Cambridge. Having them do the wedding cake was a no brainier. We had lemon and salted chocolate caramel. A few weeks before he wedding I’d jokingly asked Ben could I put cake in his face and he said go for it. So I took my chance on the day.

The Details & Décor

Hall and Co were amazing and had so many props available. They were so professional and relaxed- it really put us at ease.

The Honeymoon

We went to the Swan in Southwold for two nights before going to France for two weeks. We stayed in Ben’s parents house in the south of France for a week and then stayed at The Hoxton in Paris which was so beautiful. We just got back from St Lucia which was our big honeymoon. It was such a special holiday. The views and atmosphere was more than we could have hoped for.

Memorable Moments

It was a boiling 33 degrees and we added an ice cream stand that Elizabeth Hall provided the week before which turned out to be the best idea ever.

My dads speech had the room in tears and the best man had everybody laughing.

Advice For Other Couples

Enjoy the planning. I definitely stressed myself out and made a million back up plans that I never needed. Trust your suppliers but check in to put your mind at ease. Remember you are a team and don’t try take it all on yourself.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

How very gorgeous.

Thanks so much to Mary and Ben for sharing their very special wedding story with us xo Lou