Sunshine in the country with a woodland theme

Real Life Wedding – 04.07.18

Following a surprise Las Vegas engagement, Jaime and Craig started planning their English country wedding… and what better place to choose than Mythe Barn!

Just the Place

We love a romantic proposal, and Craig certainly took Jaime by surprise by popping the question in Las Vegas. As soon as they came home, the happy couple started to look at wedding venues. Quickly deciding they would like a venue with a wow factor, they searched for barns and contemporary venues within a reasonable distance of their home.

“Mythe Barn seemed to tick all our boxes” says Jaime “and as soon as we visited, it was love at first sight.” They fell in love with the fact that everything was under one roof, yet with separate distinct areas, alongside the high ceilings, beautiful gardens and chandeliers. A September date was booked and the planning began!

The Wedding Theme

A combination of Craig’s love of trees and the Mythe Barn logo inspired Jaime and Craig to have a woodland themed wedding. “Craig’s other idea for a theme was Batman, and clearly that was a no go!” laughs Jaime. The ‘Whimsical Woodland Wedding’ theme was decided upon, with Pinterest proving to be a great source of inspiration.

Green was the main colour choice, alongside peach. “The two colours work so well together” says Jaime. “With a September wedding, we really hoped the weather would be kind, and the combination of peach and green screamed ‘summer’ to me.”

Putting her creative hat on, Jaime made the wedding stationery, as well as personalising various things from vases to jars. “For me, this was one of the most enjoyable parts of the wedding planning” she says. “I’m a total perfectionist and wouldn’t let anyone help me!”

All About the Dress

Jaime’s ‘Allure Bridal’ dress was from Wedding Belles of Four Oaks. She had already decided that she would like to wear a gown with a high neck and open, low back and saw the dress advertised before trying it on. “As soon as I put it on, I loved it” she smiles. “If I could wear if every day of my life, I would!”

With a high neckline, a necklace wasn’t an option, so Jaime chose some statement, blue crystal drop earrings from Swarovski. Sparkly metallic shoes by Michael Kors completed the look, with a three-inch heel – perfect for the dancefloor!

The Groom and the Maids

Craig wore a navy blue tweed suit by Duncan James. Wanting the ushers to look slightly different, they wore plain navy suits with tweed waistcoats to match Craig’s suit. “The contrast of the two materials worked really well and created the look we wanted” says Jaime.

With eight bridesmaids, Jaime had to choose a dress that would suit them all! They wore dresses by Phil Collins with beautiful lace bodices (complementing the lace on Jaime’s gown) and chiffon skirts. The two younger bridesmaids wore a slightly different design. Continuing the colour scheme throughout the attire, four bridesmaids wore peach, with four in a lovely sage green.

As for the Florals…

Peach and green are beautiful colours for flowers, and Jaime carried a hand-tied bouquet of peach David Austin roses, ‘Avalanche’ roses, white hydrangeas, spray roses and foliage. The bridesmaids carried smaller posies of the same flowers, without the David Austin roses, while the groom and his ushers wore buttonholes of peach ‘Avalanche’ roses.

When it came to the venue flowers, a beautiful arrangement was created for the ceremony which was then carried through on to the top table. Gypsophila filled the room in the jars created by Jaime, and the bridesmaids wore gypsophila in their hair. Flower filled lanterns also featured a candle, lining the ceremony aisle and acting as table centerpieces.

Time to Celebrate!

A glorious sunny day meant that the drinks reception could spill out on to the courtyard. Guests were treated to Peach Sangria and delicious canapés. “Craig and I made sure we had time to enjoy the canapés too” says Jaime. “I’ve heard so many couples say they didn’t get time to eat on their wedding day. We were excited to sample the amazing food we had spend such a long time choosing.”

While a saxophonist had entertained guests on arrival, an acoustic guitarist and singer played during the drinks reception. “James McClean really set the mood and atmosphere we had wanted during our drinks reception” says Jaime.

The Wedding Breakfast

After deciding it was almost impossible to create a menu that every guest would love, Craig and Jaime decided to choose their own favourite food, and created an amazing menu with expert on-site caterers. They started with a smoked bacon scotch egg, and then served fillet of beef with potato dauphinoise for main course. And for pudding… triple chocolate brownie!

Let Them Eat Cake!

A rustic style cake surrounded by 50 cupcakes and sugar flowers was presented on a wooden slice, tying in with the theme of the day. As well as looking fabulous, the cake tasted delicious with each tier a different flavour – chocolate orange, lemon and carrot cake.

Jaime’s lovely bridesmaid, Saranne, made vanilla and sea salt fudge for the favours, presented in cellophane bags and tied with twine.

As the Sun Goes Down

As day turned to evening, DJ Tony from A1 Discos filled the dancefloor with a playlist created by the newlyweds.

Free standing illuminated letters really set off the dance floor, and Craig chose the food for the evening party. “Craig chose a fire pit barbecue teamed with beer barrels” says Jaime. “He felt it added a touch of masculinity to a rather girly day!”

Jaime’s Favourite Moment

“We loved the drinks reception. It was so lovely to see people outside, laughing and chatting with the Sangria and canapés. It makes me smile whenever I think about it. I love looking back at the photos, it was just perfect from start to finish.”