“ The happiest, most full of love and joy we’ve ever felt…. It was beautiful in every way “. These are just a few of the beautiful and heartfelt words Abbie & Simon shared about their special day with us last year at our countryside wedding venue… After searching for the ‘best wedding venue’ in their area, South Farm popped up! They booked a viewing and instantly fell in love — the rest is history. Read all about their intimate winter wedding story in our latest blog.
Date of your wedding: Wednesday 21st February 2024
Time of your ceremony: 2:00pm
Location of your ceremony: The Old Dairy
We’d love to hear your first date stories or tell us how and when you first met!
It all started at two swipe rights & “It’s a Match!” in November 2015. Simon was VERY slow to ask Abbie out on a date so (being this was her first ever Tinder potential date) she went and sat in the audience of the show Simon was in at the time in London to double check he was real. Turns out, oh yes he was, BUT Abbie did not expect Simon to ask her for a drink afterwards so suddenly panicked and said she wasn’t quite looking her best (TRUE!!) and so Simon thought she’d seen him, not liked what she’d seen and backed out. The next day when Abbie text him and said “So… when are we going on this date then!?” Simon was stunned and finally set up the date!! The rest is history. Thank you Tinder, we got there in the end haha.
Which parts of the venue did you use for your big day?
All of it! Ceremony was The Old Dairy, drinks the same, evening dance in the Horse Barn. Tudor Barn for delicious wedding breakfast. All rooms were occupied too.
Which was your favourite spot for wedding photos?
Oh wow, so hard to choose. Romany caravans and outside the beautiful house.
Tell us about any special colour schemes you had for your wedding day?
We we went for peach/pinks, creams, golds, rusts, natural greens.
How did you first hear about South Farm and what made you choose our venue for your wedding day?
We actually went to view our first venue, left feeling very underwhelmed so went and searched “best wedding venues” in our area and BINGO. Found South Farm, came for a viewing and utterly fell head over heels. The team couldn’t do enough for us and the grounds were breathtaking. We were giddy!
Tell us some detail about your special day?
We arrived to the most welcoming team the day before to set up. Everyone was so accommodating and excited for us. The day was seamless. Evie was our coordinator and she was a dream. Kept checking in, making sure all guests were happy, parents looked after etc. We always had a drink ready for us. Everything was just beautiful. It’s hard to pick out moments because we were both in a haze of total joy and bliss the whole day. Our ceremony was a complete “pinch-me” moment and like a fairytale. When the venue got turned round for the different segments of the day, nobody even noticed any transitions. South Farm are wizards! They are top of their game and we couldn’t have been more cared for and celebrated.
How did you feel on the day?
The happiest, most full of love and joy we’ve ever felt. Utterly supported, celebrated and very at peace. It was beautiful in every way. I feel teary even thinking about it.
What was your most memorable moment from your wedding?
So many! It’s so hard to choose. Our wedding breakfast was unbelievable. The team curated an entirely gluten and dairy free menu so myself (the bride) and many of my family who have allergies were totally safe and free to enjoy every single thing. Everyone was raving about the food. Another moment was the surrealness of waiting just before we saw each other at the end of the aisle. Our amazing friends and family sang us down the aisle. A moment we’ll never forget. I also LOVED hearing everyone’s reactions to the personal poems we’d written for each guest and left on their dinner places. That was a real talking point. I’m so glad we took the time to do those.
How did you choose your ceremony and first dance music?
We adore the music of John Mayer and he has been very prese in our relationship over the past decade. However, he kind of purely sings about heartbreak (haha!), so we formed a medley of three of our favourite songs of his and our talented friends and family members played and sang us down the aisle to the arrangement we’d made. For our first dance, we found Lionel Richie’s – More to me than words, and sobbed our hearts out at the song. It was perfect. We knew it was the first dance song when we went and listened to it again and did the exact same thing. Haha. It will always make us cry I think.
How many Bridesmaids did you have and how did you ask them to be your Bridesmaids?
I had seven Bridesmaids (I know, diva!!) I could not choose. All of those ladies mean the world to me and have been there for me in different ways growing up. My Maid of Honour being my little sister. We got scratch cards made for each of them.
How did you pick your Best Men and ushers?
Best Man was Simon’s brother – it was a no brainer. His Groomsmen and one Grooms Woman have been there for him through tough times, amazing time, and formative times. They all HAD to be by his side.
How many speeches did you have and do you have any advice for anyone giving a speech?
We had six speeches! Two during the drinks reception (which we recommend) and then Bride, Groom, Father of the Bride and Mother of the Groom. I’d say practice your speech and time it and then add a minute on for the actual day’s timings. Be strict with your family with speech lengths haha. But I don’t regret it, they were so heartfelt and lovely.
What did you wear?
I wore a dress designed in Barcelona that I put on and fell head over heels for. The type of dress I never thought I’d like but on I felt like a million bucks. I also had a lovely Monsoon Bridal jacket for the outside shots and a beautiful veil too. My heels were from Monsoon Bridal. Super comfy! Simon was in a three piece Navy and tweed design suit with a burnt orange tie to match his Groomsmen. We both felt amazing.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
Maybe stress less on the lead up so I didn’t break out in spots haha. But no, I loved everything we did. I wouldn’t change anything. Which feels so amazing to say.
What are your top tips for other couples?
Remember what you are doing this for. This is a celebration of your love. Don’t get wrapped up in drama, allow families to play out their own drama. On the day, everyone is there for YOU. If you can find little, personal ways to make your guests feel cherished and thought about, it goes such a long way.
Where did you go on honeymoon?
We went to Bali for two weeks. What an INCREDIBLE trip. Best trip ever! We even came back with tattoos in Balinese with one of our vows written on us forever. We planned it with Luxury Escapes. 10/10 recommend.
Suppliers |
Photographer: Bubear Photography
Cake: Sam & Ross Bakery (all GF DF)
Hair: My mum (ha)
Makeup: Boho Beauty Hitchin
Flowers: Hannah Hall Floristry
Entertainment: DJ Gary South Farm – Legend!
We absolutely loved catching up with Abbie & Simon and hearing all about how they first met, their special wedding touches, and their top wedding tips. It brings us immense joy to know that we made you and your families feel so welcome at South Farm and that you felt completely looked after. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we will certainly pass on your wonderful comments to the entire team at the Farm.
If you are looking to book your dream Hertfordshire garden wedding venue for your wedding day please get in touch. We’d love to hear all about your wedding plans and to show you around our countryside wedding venue, rustic wedding barns and stunning gardens. Our fantastic choice of ceremony and reception spaces is perfect for weddings all year round. There are so many gorgeous spaces to choose from and we offer exclusive use for your wedding day, guaranteeing you total privacy on your special day. What’s more, our friendly, experienced team will make sure your perfect wedding day runs exactly to plan in our beautiful barn wedding venue.
