This amazing couple reached out to me last summer, and we began talking about how they could have the most personal and family-oriented ceremony. After visiting the venue, chatting online, creating a bespoke script and a lovely build-up to the wedding, I arrived on the day ready to get these two wed. 

The weather was glorious, warm, sunny, but with some much-needed cloud cover at times. The barns looked splendid, bathed in the bright summer light, and the gardens at the back were the perfect setting for this wonderful, and colourful celebration. 

Heather and Steve (my couple) are the loveliest people, dedicated parents to their two incredible boys (Logan and Blake), and such fun, caring and genuine individuals. I thoroughly enjoyed working with them all, and so on the day when I arrived, I was absolutely buzzing, and ready to help them celebrate. I met the groom and the two boys, who were busy setting out last-minute items (including the fab coloured aeroplanes), and Steve was expertly guiding and encouraging them and keeping them on track. What a great dad he is. 

I then met the bride's brother Malcolm, who was in charge of operating the music, and the venue staff and the amazing catering team from Browns Kitchen. Everyone was so excited for this couple, and it was the most beautiful atmosphere with everyone working together to get things ready. 

The setting was natural, simple, but with colour pops everywhere, and as guests started to arrive, they were treated to a fabulous experience, walking through the venue, from the big rustic welcome of the Threshing Barn, to the outdoor seating and chill out area, and then out into the vast grounds with spectacular views over the countryside. I heard lots of excited chatter, gasps of delight as people came outside and saw the outdoor space. Little did they know there was still the big reveal later for the wedding breakfast and reception inside the main Gildings Barn! 

As time ticked along and we approached the ceremony start time, I asked all to be seated and talked through all of the messages before the wedding party arrived. As I finished, I went out to greet the bride, and she had just arrived. . . perfect timing! After running through the procession details, I had the honour of escorting the bride's mum to her seat, and everyone cheered. 

With a few moments to settle in, Jay from the venue gave us the cue that Heather was ready, and so everyone took to their feet, and the music played as she and her lovely dad entered the setting. Heather looked absolutely sensational, in a gorgeous gown, and Steve looked so proud, and very excited to be reunited with her as she approached the front. Her dad kissed her on the cheek and shook Steve's hand, and then moved across to his chair. As everyone began to take their seats, I moved the couple into their positions, facing their guests, and we asked them all to make some promises to the couple, which they did so with real enthusiasm and a big cheer at the end! 

As the ceremony unfolded, and with everyone welcomed and now involved, we had the first reading from Steve's friend Chris (from Denver) and then details of their love story were shared, followed by a second reading from their eldest son Logan. Having people involved makes it so much more special, and they will cherish these memories of seeing their little boy coming up to take part in such a wonderful moment. 

We then moved the couple into the traditional position in the middle, ready for the exchange of vows and rings, and as they make their promises to one another, we recapped on why we present rings at a wedding, and what it all means. I love to share some details like this as it adds context, and people feel more connected to what is taking place. These two had placed their wedding rings in a safe 8 years ago, ready for the moment that they would get married (two little boys came along in between and family life took priority), so being able to share this and have all of their nearest and dearest rooting for them was just wonderful. 

To conclude this part of the ceremony, we had a multi-cord handfasting, and parents and siblings were invited up to lay different coloured ribbons over their hands. Without any prior choreography of this, and no idea who would choose which colour on the day, the two ribbons left at the end (green and yellow) were for Steve's lovely dad and sister, which represented his South African roots, were proudly laid, and this special moment was acknowledged. 

I had the privilege of tying the knot for them and then read a blessing of their hands before they held them aloft for all to see, and we preserved their handfasting knot in a lovely keepsake folder. 

The couple then signed their Wedding day certificate, and their two boys added fingerprints and their signatures, creating a wonderful family memento of this special day. 

We then lined up their guests with a fab alternative to confetti (brightly coloured aeroplanes) and the couple walked back down the aisle to cheers and a sky full of planes. It was fantastic!! 

Congrats to Heather, Steve, and their family, and I wish you all much love, happiness and adventures for your future together. 

Jenny x