As one of our wonderfully talented regular musicians, Joe had already experienced the warm South Farm welcome many times before — so it’s no surprise that even before the proposal, he knew our charming barn wedding venue in Hertfordshire was the one! With beautiful outdoor spaces, intimate and cosy barns, and a dreamy on-site Coach House suite where Emma could get ready in style, it was an easy “yes” to South Farm for their special day.
Catch all the details from their dreamy day in our latest blog… and just wait until you hear about Joe’s surprise on the big day — it was truly showstopping!!
Date of your wedding: 14th September 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?
Me and Joe actually met on Tinder, we had been talking for about four months over messages and phone calls before we finally met up. We went for a few coffee dates and cinema dates and everything just carried on from there!
Which parts of the venue you used for your big day?
We used the Old Dairy for the ceremony which was unusual, I’ve been told, as most Brides love getting married outside! However I didn’t want to leave the decision to the weather so decided I wanted the Old Dairy as a cosy intimate location to fit our friends and family. We had our drinks reception in the garden and the evening was based in the Tudor Barn.
Which was your favourite spot for wedding photos?
We loved the Monet Bridge, as well as the formal gardens behind the Summerhouse.
Tell us about any special colour schemes you had for your wedding day?
My Bridesmaids were in forest green, Joe was in a beige suit and Joe’s best man also in forest green. My bouquet had a mixture of burnt orange, greens, and cream coloured flowers. Our lanterns and table decorations were mainly sage green, forest green, white and gold.
How did you first hear about South Farm and what made you choose our venue for your wedding day?
Joe knew that he wanted South Farm as soon as we were engaged. He is a regular performer at the venue and always commented about how well he was treated by the staff there. The location was perfect as it isn’t too far from where the majority of our family live. Also we loved having a bridal suite that was on location and rooms that our guests could stay. We loved the outdoor spaces and that there were different places people could mingle in but not too sprawling to avoid people getting lost! When I visited South Farm for the first time we weren’t engaged, I had just come to see Joe whilst he was on a break during another wedding. The driveway and house were stunning and it just felt like you were in your own little world with no one else around
Tell us some detail about your special day?
Me and my Bridal party arrived first to get ready, followed by Joe. My sisters other halves helped to set up some of the decorations. I remember getting my hair and makeup done and hearing Joe through his PA system in the garden as he had brought his equipment for another musician to use. A long running question through our engagement was if Joe would perform at his own wedding which we both knew was a definite no no! The ceremony was perfect, I had a huge dress on and was conscious of knocking down the decorations down the aisle, but as soon as I saw Joe at the end I couldn’t stop smiling.
We had so much fun shooting the confetti tunnel at the front of the Farmhouse, and the big group photo. What came next was an utter surprise! We both walked through to the garden and The Hoosiers were there!! At first I couldn’t believe it as I am short sighted so I couldn’t quite make out who they were, but was thinking that voice sounded familiar! I burst into happy tears with Joe by my side. I really couldn’t believe that he had organised this huge surprise without me knowing!
We had loads of time during our drinks reception to mingle and take all the wonderful photos we had. We also had a content creator that day which was a last minute addition but really was well worth it. We then had our wedding breakfast and the speeches were fantastic. Me and Joe ended up dancing the whole night away and we really had the most perfect day. It was a beautiful warm sunny day and Joe always says he picked the best day haha!
How did you feel on the day?
I couldn’t help smiling and beaming once we had got married. The morning was full of jitters and went by so quickly! I’m glad the rest of the day went at a good pace.
What was your most memorable moment from your wedding?
The huge surprise that Joe had planned!
How did you choose your ceremony and first dance music?
We always had songs that meant a lot to us, mainly ones we would listen to on the radio in the car when we were first dating. We also chose songs that had meaningful lyrics, as you can imagine Joe was quite picky with the music but we both agreed on the ones we had.
How many Bridesmaids did you have and how did you ask them to be your Bridesmaids?
I had five bridesmaids, two were my sisters and the other three my cousins. I think my sisters just knew they were! And I just asked my cousins.
How did you pick your Best Men and Ushers?
Joe instantly knew he wanted James as his Best Man. They spent a lot of time during lockdowns playing online games together. We had both met James at Camp Bestival which they both performed at on the same stage. Who knew that in a few years time they would be thick as thieves!
The ushers were mainly my brother and sisters’ other halves – they had a lot of involvement in the morning of the wedding so it was just natural for them to be ushers.
How many speeches did you have and do you have any advice for anyone giving a speech?
We had four, my siblings did one which included a message from my Dad, Joe’s Dad, James and Joe. Joe always wanted to do speeches first as he didn’t want people to be worrying about doing it throughout dinner. This was so they could all relax and enjoy the food!
What did you wear?
I wore a strapless A-line dress with leafy details. I had two off shoulder straps added which were detachable. I felt like a princess! It was definitely a bigger dress than I had gone looking for at first but I am so happy I went all out! I felt so comfortable and could definitely bust out all the dance moves I normally would on the dance floor.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
Nothing!
What are your top tips for other couples?
Do what you want to do, you can’t please everyone and it is your day to enjoy together.
Where did you go on honeymoon?
We went on a mini moon straight after to Rhodes, still deciding where to go for the honeymoon!
Suppliers
Photographer: Mark Nortcliffe Photography
Videographer: Content Creator- The Mystery Guest
Dress: Wed2b (alterations by Bridal Pixie)
Grooms & Groomsmen outfits: Cavani
Bridesmaid Dresses: Next
Cake: Family friend Alma
Hair: Natalie from Cambridge Make Up Artist
Makeup: Valentina from Cambridge Make Up Artist
Flowers: Flowers By Pinky
Entertainment:
DJ Gary
King Konga
Daniel Lumley
Dean Maudsley
The Hoosiers
We just loved catching up with Joe & Emma hearing all about how they first met, Joe’s epic surprise and how they planned their perfect day. Having Joe as a regular performer at South Farm made their celebration feel even more personal, and we’re so thrilled they chose our countryside wedding venue to say “I do.” Wishing this wonderful couple a lifetime of love, laughter, and music-filled memories!
If you are looking to book your dream wedding just get in touch. We’d love to hear all about your wedding plans and to show you around our converted barn wedding venue set in stunning gardens on the borders of Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. We have a fantastic choice of ceremony and reception spaces to suit weddings large and small and offer exclusive use for your wedding day so you can enjoy our eco friendly wedding venue in complete privacy! Contact us today to book a showround or discuss our availability.
