Hannah & Sam were searching for their dream wedding venue with a rustic feel offering an elegant and modern twist. They just loved that South Farm offered a ‘South of France’ feel in a gorgeous English countryside setting offering many locations for their gorgeous wedding day photos. Read all about the story of their stylish wedding day in our latest blog…
Date of your wedding: 01/06/2023
Time of your ceremony: 2pm
Location of your ceremony: The Summer House
We’d love to hear when you first met!
We actually met through Sam’s sister, Molly. Hannah went to school with his sister and got to know Sam through Molly after seeing a photo of them together. After Molly granted permission, we started chatting and the rest is history!
Which parts of the venue did you use on the big day?
Our ceremony was on the lawn in front of the pond, we had our drinks reception outside and the evening dancing was in the Tudor Barn.
Which was your favourite spot for wedding photos?
We loved walking through the garden, hidden away behind the summer house. Of course, also in front of the iconic blue door.
Tell us about your special colour scheme and how you styled your big day?
The vibe / style for the day was classic, elegant and timeless. We wanted white florals with greenery and table décor to match. We used Thatch & Roses and they helped style the barn beautifully with sage green table runners and a mix of green and neutral dinner candles. We used floral arrangements on the ground to highlight the end of the aisle.
How did you first hear about South Farm and what made you choose our venue for your wedding day?
We knew we wanted a venue with a rustic feel and as soon as we saw South Farm on our searches, we knew it was the one. We loved that it brought a feeling that you could be in the South of France in a country farmhouse. It was the different options of location throughout the day and the stunning gardens that sold it to us when we had our first look round.
Tell us some detail about your special day?
The day was absolutely stunning. Overcast in the morning but the sun came out just as we were about to get married. Our whole vibe for the day was elegant, timeless but also with a modern twist. The groomsmen all looked dapper in their black tuxedos and Hannah had a classic ballgown with a nod to modern bridal looks with a slit in the gown and a bow. We were so lucky we could have the ceremony outside, and we both read personal vows which was so beautiful. We really wanted the ceremony to feel super loving and romantic. The drinks reception was in the garden and our Saxophonist really set the mood for the day. Sun shining, great music, ice cream and drinks. Simply stunning.
We knew the food at South Farm was amazing and so we wanted our guests to experience as much of it as possible. The ice cream van, wedding breakfast and EVENING LAMB ROLLS were a big winner. Some of our guests went back for thirds on the evening food!
We had a live band for the evening and we decided to do this in the Tudor Barn so that people who wanted to sit down felt like they were still a part of the party.
How did you feel on the day?
We both had the most incredible day and felt sheer joy and happiness throughout. Even though we had spent months planning the wedding, as soon as we arrived we were at ease. We didn’t worry about a single thing throughout the day – You guys did an excellent job and everything was perfect.
What was your most memorable moment from your wedding?
A few! Having a moment to ourselves in the drawing room just after we got married. That surreal feeling of “Wow, we’re actually married! The day is actually here!”. That was amazing and our event manager was there like a magician appearing with drinks for us both and even helping Hannah to clean the mud off her shoes.
How did you choose your ceremony music?
For the ceremony music, we had heard the song “Turning Page – Sleeping at Last” before and it was so beautiful. For the signing the register music, we wanted a mix of old and modern songs. Hannah loves music from the 40s/50s/60s so we included some Aretha Franklin. We’d spent many evenings dancing to our songs in the kitchen so it felt right to include them.
How many bridesmaids did you have and how did you ask them to be your bridesmaids?
We had five bridesmaids – four were Hannah’s sisters and one was Sam’s sister. I didn’t actually have to ask them as we’d all decided LONG ago growing up together that we would all be bridesmaids for each other.
How did you pick your best men and ushers?
Sam went to university with his best men and ushers. His best man, Chris, had been his closest friend at university and was one of the first people that Hannah met from the group. Having always been there to offer support and friendship to Sam, he was a perfect choice. Chris was actually travelling before our wedding and got back three days before! We had to hope and pray that his suit would fit after he sent his measurements via WhatsApp. Thankfully it was OK!
How many speeches did you have and do you have any advice for anyone giving a speech?
We had the traditional speeches from the groom, best man and FOB. However, Hannah’s parents decided to do the FOB speech together. They said “As Hannah is both mine (Mervyn) and Carol’s daughter, I feel it’s only right that this speech comes from both of us today”. It was a nice surprise for us!
Our advice was, everyone in the room is there to support you. And if it goes wrong – Just raise a glass to the bride and groom!
What did you wear?
Sam wore a custom tuxedo from Moss Bros which had our wedding date embroidered into the lining of the suit. Hannah wore a classic ball gown with a skirt slit and detachable bow/collar for the ceremony from South African designer Elbeth Gillis. Later Hannah had an outfit change into a Madi Lane lace dress – ready to party the night away.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
Nothing!! We wish we had more time. Everyone says it goes so quickly and it really does. Actually, we would have eaten more lamb rolls…
What are your top tips for other couples?
– Spend the whole day together or as much as possible, so that you both have the same memories of the day and can reminisce together.
– Take moments for just the two of you to take it all in.
– Everything will come together in the end.
Where did you go on honeymoon?
We had a week in Dubai and a week in Cyprus.
Suppliers |
Photographer: Ailsa Reeve Photography
Videographer: Ed Southwell
Dress: Ceremony Dress: Elbeth Gillis / Evening dress Madi Lane from Blush Ely
Grooms & Groomsmen Outfits: Moss Bros
Bridesmaid Dresses: Coast
Cake: Tom’s Cake
Hair: Leigh-Anne Fagg Hair
Makeup: Chloe Eleanor MUA
Flowers: Thatch & Roses
Transport: White 7 Bedford LTD
Entertainment: Mesh Band / Rob Griffiths Music (Saxophonist)
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Hannah & Sam hearing the story of how they planned their magical day! We are just thrilled to hear that South Farm was the perfect backdrop for their ‘classic and elegant vibe’ and that our fabulous team at the Farm were able to help make their wedding dreams come true!
If you are looking to book your dream garden wedding venue in Hertfordshire for your wedding day please get in touch. We’d love to hear all about your wedding plans and to show you around our Hertfordshire wedding venue, rustic wedding barns and stunning gardens. Our fantastic choice of ceremony and reception spaces is perfect for intimate weddings or larger guest numbers. There are so many gorgeous spaces to choose from and we offer exclusive use for your wedding day. What’s more, our friendly, experienced team will make sure your perfect wedding day runs perfectly to plan in our garden wedding venue.
