Hannah and Matthew – A Festive Winter Celebration
Setting a late December wedding date, the week before Christmas, Hannah and Matthew were on the lookout for their dream wedding venue in Cheshire. As soon as they came across Sandhole Oak Barn, they felt inspired by its rustic vibe and stunning scenery.
“I could see all my Pinterest boards coming to life and knew it was the perfect venue,” smiles Hannah. “We also loved that our friends and family could stay overnight at Sandhole bed and breakfast with its beautiful interior décor.”
Setting the Scene
The happy couple chose burgundy, red and gold as their festive colour scheme, with hues of pink and rose gold to soften the look.
A rustic style was adopted, creating a woodland effect with lots of greenery and beautiful flowers.
“I love the rustic look and anything boho so wanted to incorporate as much of this style as possible,” explains Hannah. “There was also an element of Christmas but I wanted to keep that simple with some gold accessories and sparkle as well as some Christmas music and scented candles.”
Sequin tablecloths, candles, lanterns and photographs set this romantic scene alongside log place names and creative stationery and signage created by the mother of the bride.
All About Flowers
Beautiful blooms played an important role in this special day, with ivy and eucalyptus bringing the outside in with an abundance of green. Black Baccara roses and other shades of pinks and whites were also featured.
“I wanted it to look like the flowers had been freshly picked from a field,” explains Hannah. “I think the florist created this look perfectly.”
Outside, flowers decorated the beam above the entrance as well as the clock tower. Inside, the aisle was lined with lanterns adorned with flowers and beautiful arrangements featured around the registrar’s table.
The tables were decorated with a combination of high and low table centres.
“The tall arrangements were almost like trees with hanging baubles and tea-lights,” says Hannah. “The low ones were made of log stacks and jars filled with flowers. It was a romantic, relaxed atmosphere with a hint of Christmas.”
Bridal Style
The beautiful bride wore “Vania’ by Pronovias – simple yet elegant with beautiful attention to detail.
“It was the first dress I tried on and nothing after that measured up!” smiles Hannah. “I knew it reflected me and my personal style.”
Hannah accessorised with Tiffany jewellery and fabulous silver and gold shoes by Jimmy Choo.
Meanwhile, Matthew looked dashing in a navy wool three-piece suit from Next with tie and pocket square from TM Lewin, a personalised pocket watch and a watch by Daniel Wellington that was a gift from Hannah.
Last but certainly not least, the bridesmaids were stunning in deep red chiffon gowns by True Bridesmaid.
Wedding Day Details
Following their civil ceremony, drinks and canapés were served outside on this mild December day.
Moving in to dine, parsnip and leek soup was followed by steak and ale pie with mash. And, for dessert, a choice of sticky toffee pudding or apple crumble.
“Our cake was made by my auntie,” explains Hannah, “a four-tier naked cake decorated with fruit. The florist also added some flowers.”
“We had singing waiters between the main course and pudding who surprised everyone when they started to sing,” she laughs. “They really got everybody into the party spirit.”
As day turned to evening, the newlyweds danced their first dance to ‘Live Forever’ by Noel Gallagher and a DJ filled the dance floor.
Hannah’s favourite moment:
“Definitely walking down the aisle and seeing Matty and our little boy, Leo.”
Advice from the Bride
“Relax and take things in as it goes in a flash. Also, keep a makeup bag of essentials behind the bar for touch ups!”
If you are considering Sandhole Oak Barn for your celebration, we would love to show you all this wonderful venue has to offer. Please get in touch with our friendly events team to discuss your plans, receive a brochure or arrange a visit.
Photography courtesy of © GNPHOTO.CO.UK
