Rachael & Matthew – A Rustic Celebration

Rachael and matthew's real life wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn

Rachael and Matthew were searching for the perfect wedding venue in Cheshire for their October wedding. When they came across Sandhole Oak Barn, they knew it was the one.

“The rustic look and warm, homely feel drew us in and made us never want to leave. We loved the sheer amount of space and the fact that it would suit our autumnal wedding theme.” – Rachael

The Oak Barn was lit with pretty fairy lights along the beams and coloured lights lit up the walls

Setting the Scene

Embracing the season, the happy couple wanted to create a warm, cosy vibe and chose rich colours, ambient lighting and bright flowers. Pumpkins made perfect centrepieces and decorations incorporated conkers, acorns, pine cones and autumn leaves alongside hessian table runners.

“We chose a rich aubergine purple and a bright orange to reflect our favourite elements of autumn – the colours of the leaves.” – Rachael

Fairy lights adorned the beams, candles sat on the table and fabulous illuminated ‘LOVE’ letters stood on the dance floor.

“My parents carved a ‘Mr & Mrs’ pumpkin to be lit in the evening which was a lovely touch.” – Rachael

Pumpkins were used as vases for colourful flowers at this barn venue in Cheshire

Wood slices and seasonal natural items decorated the tables at this Autumn barn wedding in Cheshire

The wedding cake was simply but beautifully decorated with autumnal leaves and the wedding message board was hand painted to match the autumn wedding theme

Looking the Part

In the two years running up to the wedding, Rachael lost eight stone in weight in order to feel wonderful in her wedding dress. Unsurprisingly, choosing that dress was an emotional experience. The beautiful bride fell in love with a dress from the Catherine Parry collection by Welsh designer Maria Ryan.

“I loved the delicate lace details, the corseted back and the huge train. I felt magical.” – Rachael

The brides make-up was kept beautifully natural and she wore a delicate lace bolero with a sweetheart wedding dress

This dream dress suited the religious ceremony, with a bolero and veil that could be removed for the evening.

Matthew looked the part in a pale grey morning suit from Moss Bros with cream waistcoat and purple tie. Meanwhile, the three bridesmaids were elegant and stylish in long plum coloured gowns from D’Zage.

Guests throw colourful natural confetti over the newlyweds at this barn wedding in Cheshire

Wedding Day Details

Rachael and Matthew held their ceremony at the beautiful church of St James & St Paul in Marton, just five minutes from Sandhole Oak Barn. Returning back to the barn on a vintage red bus, guests enjoyed Winter Pimm’s and delicious cocktails before moving in to dine.

Top Table created an exquisite wedding breakfast, starting with butternut squash and sweet potato soup, moving on to a chicken main course and for pudding… toffee apple crumble with custard.

“Matthew is an avid crumble fan so it was a must for our dessert! The stand out dish for me was the starter – so warm and rich.” – Rachael

the happy couple take a moment to pose for a photo at Samdhole Oak Barn in Cheshire

Delicious warming soup was served to guests at this autumn wedding in Sandhole Oak Barn Cheshire

Mouth-watering and warming wedding food was served at this Cheshire barn wedding venue

Warming wedding food was served to guests at this barn venue in Cheshire

The bride makes a speech at her wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire

Evening Celebrations

After the sun went down, the newlyweds danced their first dance to ‘Everything I Do’ by Bryan Adams. A photo booth captured special evening moments and the guests went outside to create some amazing shots using sparklers. Pork rolls and chip cones made a great evening feast and the happy couple and their guests dance the night away.

“It broke up the evening a little and showed the guests the beautiful exterior of the barn illuminated at night” – Rachael

The bride and groom take to the dancefloor for their first dance at Sandhole Oak Barn

The bride and groom ended the evening perfectly with a sparkler send off at this barn venue in Cheshire

The bride and groom steal a moment at their wedding evening at Sandhole Oak Barn

Rachael’s Favourite Moment:

“Taking photographs net to the lake beside the Clock Tower. It was just Matt and I with our photographer. We snuck moments like this throughout the day to spend time together, relishing getting married!”

The bride and groom pose for a photo by the lake at this beautiful barn venue in Cheshire

If you’re looking for more autumn inspiration from the Cheshire wedding venue of Sandhole Oak Barn, take a look at Lorna & Paul’s beautiful day.

Photography courtesy of © HBA Photography