Siobahn and Chris – A Springtime Celebration
Siobahn and Chris chose natural colours, elegant décor and a delicious menu for their fun-filled wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn.
With an April wedding date in mind, Siobahn and Chris were on the lookout for their dream wedding venue in Cheshire. Sandhole Oak Barn was at the top of their list.
“We immediately fell in love with the venue,” smiles Siobahn. “The barn was set up for a wedding later that day and it looked stunning. We both wanted a relaxed and intimate wedding and instantly knew this was the place!”
Setting the Scene
Planning a spring celebration, the happy couple embraced the natural beauty of the barn. Some of the beams were adorned with fairy lights and small jars and jugs decorated with hessian and lace and filled with flowers were placed around the space.
“We wanted the day to feel like it represented us,” explains Siobahn, “so a lot of the decorations were things we had at home and the table numbers were pictures of us at different ages.”
All About Flowers
Loose flowers from a local florist were used to create bouquets and Siobahn and her bridesmaids made the other arrangements.
“There were even some left over flowers that I gave to mum,” smiles Siobahn.
Bridal Style
Visiting a boutique called 7th Heaven in Congleton, Siobahn chose a stunning dress by St Patrick called ‘Shivani’.
“It had a boat neck and an open back,” she says. “It was so comfortable and I felt like a princess in it.”
The beautiful bride accessorised with delicate jewellery and ballerina pumps from Dune.
Chris looked the part in a grey three-piece suit from Chaplains in Leek, along with a forest green tie and pocket square. Finally, the bridesmaids wore forest green dresses from TNFC.
“I wanted them to have dresses that they enjoyed wearing and they all decided on these dresses which I loved,” explains Siobahn. “I bought them each a bracelet featuring an infinity loop and their initials.”
Wedding Day Details
Following their romantic ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed welcome drinks, canapés and a ‘Pimp your Prosecco’ bar.
Roast chicken was a fabulous choice for the wedding breakfast main course, served with sage and onion stuffing and wrapped in parma ham. For pudding, a trio of desserts included chocolate brownie, lemon tart and a chocolate mousse.
“All the food was amazing,” says Siobahn. “Some guests commented that it was the best wedding food that they had ever eaten.”
Evening Celebrations
As the sun went down, the happy couple danced their first dance to ‘Halo’ by Beyonce.
“The DJ was brilliant,” smiles Siobahn. “He took requests on the night and the dancefloor was always full. We also had a photobooth which has given us some brilliant photos to look back on.”
Bacon rolls, pizza slices and chip cones proved a popular choice for evening dining, along with the delicious wedding cake.
“Our chocolate cake was made by one of our friends,” says Siobahn. “It was decorated with lace and hessian at the font and the back revealed a ‘Back to the Future’ theme.”
Siobhan’s Favourite Moment:
“I can’t choose just one moment – there were so many! Getting ready with my bridesmaids in the morning was fun and seeing Chris standing at the end of the aisle was the best feeling ever. I loved seeing our guests enjoying themselves during the wedding breakfast.”
Chris’s Favourite Moment:
“The moment I saw Siobahn walk in to the barn, I was stunned by how incredible she looked. I’ll never forget the smile on her face. I loved the whole day – it was truly the greatest day of my life.”
Advice from the Bride
“Make lists! And enjoy every moment of planning, no matter how stressful it may seem. It’s the build up to the most wonderful, special day of your life.”
If you are considering Sandhole Oak Barn for your celebration, we would love to show you all this wonderful venue has to offer. Please get in touch with our friendly events team to discuss your plans, receive a brochure or arrange a visit.
Photography courtesy of © Mr and Mrs K Photography
The Perfect Wedding Cakes for your Barn Wedding
There’s nothing we love more than a fabulous wedding cake that not only tastes delicious but also looks the part. We hope these designs will inspire your Sandhole Oak Barn wedding.
Naturally Naked
Naked and semi-naked cakes remain popular and are a perfect choice for a barn wedding venue. A delicate coating of buttercream or ganache adds a hint of colour, while the addition of flowers and fruit is effortlessly rustic.
Simple and pretty, with delicate colours and white icing, this cake would work well at any time of year.
Image Courtesy of Kaitlin Maree Photography
This semi-naked drip cake with doughnut decoration is a lovely choice for winter.
Image Courtesy of Deidre Lynn Photography
We love this colourful fruit… and some chocolate too!
Image Courtesy of Blooming Hills
This naked cake is fantastic in so many ways, with its different flavours, simplicity and fresh flower decoration. Choosing a tall cake is a good idea in a barn with high ceilings.
Image Courtesy of Pear & Bear Photography
All About Flowers
Flowers are the most popular type of cake decoration and it’s always lovely to choose blooms that co-ordinate with the other floral arrangements on your wedding day. Fresh flowers are dreamy and sugar flowers can be absolutely exquisite. Do consider sugar flowers if you’re marrying on a particularly hot day or you want to include flowers on your cake that are out of season.
Pastel flowers and textured icing lend a vintage style.
Image Courtesy of William Innes Photography
For something completely different, speak to your cake designer about using edible flowers. This has a wonderful country style.
Image Courtesy of Bees Bakery
Individual tiers adorned with fresh flowers can make a real impact. We love this ‘just picked’ look – perfect for a barn wedding.
Image Courtesy of Heart and Colour
By their very nature, sugar flowers are generally more ‘perfect’ than their fresh alternatives. Choose colour and abundance for a rustic wedding.
Image Courtesy of Rosalind Miller Cakes
Artistic Options
Hand-painted cakes are, quite literally, works of art. Of course they are also entirely unique and designed to suit the style of your day and your venue.
These pretty wild flowers look almost real.
Image Courtesy of Bake Ashbourne
Elegant and pretty, there’s nothing quite as delicate as simple green and white.
Image Courtesy of Blue Rose Photography
Alternative and Quirky
Of course, you might decide to choose something completely different for your wedding cake – whether it’s a fun alternative to cake, a tower of miniature desserts or a chocolate extravaganza. Always consider your season if you’re choosing chocolate which can melt quickly on a hot day!
Informal and delicious, how about a doughnut cake or a doughnut wall?
Image Courtesy of Kaity Brawley Photography
A cake made from wheels of cheese and presented on wood slices is great for a barn wedding.
Image Courtesy of Eight Bells Wedding Imagery
These homemade pies look delicious!
Image Courtesy of Sara Byrne Photography
And, for a glorious summer wedding, there’s perhaps nothing finer than a pavlova.
Image Courtesy of Verity Quirk Photography
Don’t miss… the magnificent dog wedding cake featured at Sandhole Oak Barn on Extreme Cake Makeovers. It’s simply too good to cut!
If you have yet to visit Sandhole Oak Barn, we would love to show you all we have to offer. Simply call our friendly team on 01260 540007 or 01260 224215 or contact us online.
Kimberley and Thomas – Winter Sunshine at Sandhole
With a February wedding date in mind, Kimberley and Thomas wanted to find a venue with rustic style. Great food and music were high on their list of priorities and Sandhole Oak Barn was the perfect choice!
“We instantly fell in love with its homely feel,” smiles Kimberley. “We both felt so comfortable there and loved the fact that everything was in one place. Sandhole provided the rustic feel with a touch of elegance.”
Setting the Scene
The happy couple chose a navy blue and dusky pink colour scheme, keeping their décor simple to let the natural beauty of the barn shine through. The barn itself was decorated by Flossie’s Weddings to include trees at the entrance to the aisle, wooden LOVE letters and petals down the aisle.
Meanwhile Kimberley made the table centres using upturned wooden crates. Inside these, she placed candles alongside jars and milk churns filled with flowers.
“We used the milk churns to line the aisle too,” says Kimberley, “and decorated the outside of the barn with wooden crates.”
All About Flowers
Beautiful blooms adorned Sandhole Oak Barn, from ivory and pink roses to ranunculus, anemones, thistles and eucalyptus. While the colours were perfectly chosen to suit a winter wedding with spring in the air, it was a glorious sunny day.
Bridal Style
The beautiful bride wore a Ronald Joyce gown with a dusky pink underlay.
“It was the first dress I tried on and I fell in love with it!” smiles Kimberley. “I loved its vintage style, the detail on the bodice and the simplicity of the skirt.”
She completed the look with delicate jewellery, a blush pink ostrich feather wrap and shoes by Benjamin Adams.
Meanwhile, Thomas looked the part in a navy suit with white shirt and bow tie while the bridesmaids were stunning in navy multiway dresses from Debenhams.
Wedding Day Details
While Kimberley and her bridesmaids got ready in the bridal dressing room, Thomas and his groomsmen prepared for the day in the Shepherds Hut. Following their romantic ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed welcome drinks and canapés outside.
“The weather was so nice,” says Kimberley. “We had a ‘Pimp your Prosecco’ bar with fruit and juices.”
Pianist Benjamin Clarke played throughout the ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast.
Moving in to dine, guests were given a choice of two starters and two main courses, with a delicious trio of desserts for pudding.
“We chose our favourite foods,” explains Kimberley. “After our tasting, we couldn’t decide, it was all so nice! The lamb dish was cooked to perfection.”
Evening Celebrations
As the sun went down, the happy couple danced their first dance to ‘Dreams’ by Gabrielle and live band, The Viscounts, filled the dance floor.
“The second dance was Baby Shark for our daughter,” laughs Kimberley. “Everyone was doing the dance!”
Bacon butties proved the perfect choice for evening dining, served alongside the magnificent cheese wedding cake, breads and crackers and a sweet buffet.
Kimberley’s Favourite Moment:
“Walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time. Sparklers in the evening and the speeches!”
Advice from the Newlyweds
“Enjoy it – even the planning! It comes around so quickly. Keep a lot of the details to yourselves. Our guests knew nothing about the entertainment etc which meant they enjoyed it more on the day.”
If you are considering Sandhole Oak Barn for your celebration, we would love to show you all this wonderful venue has to offer. Please get in touch with our friendly events team to discuss your plans, receive a brochure or arrange a visit.
Photography courtesy of © Carpe Diem Photography
Hannah and Matthew – A Festive Winter Celebration
Setting a late December wedding date, the week before Christmas, Hannah and Matthew were on the lookout for their dream wedding venue in Cheshire. As soon as they came across Sandhole Oak Barn, they felt inspired by its rustic vibe and stunning scenery.
“I could see all my Pinterest boards coming to life and knew it was the perfect venue,” smiles Hannah. “We also loved that our friends and family could stay overnight at Sandhole bed and breakfast with its beautiful interior décor.”
Setting the Scene
The happy couple chose burgundy, red and gold as their festive colour scheme, with hues of pink and rose gold to soften the look.
A rustic style was adopted, creating a woodland effect with lots of greenery and beautiful flowers.
“I love the rustic look and anything boho so wanted to incorporate as much of this style as possible,” explains Hannah. “There was also an element of Christmas but I wanted to keep that simple with some gold accessories and sparkle as well as some Christmas music and scented candles.”
Sequin tablecloths, candles, lanterns and photographs set this romantic scene alongside log place names and creative stationery and signage created by the mother of the bride.
All About Flowers
Beautiful blooms played an important role in this special day, with ivy and eucalyptus bringing the outside in with an abundance of green. Black Baccara roses and other shades of pinks and whites were also featured.
“I wanted it to look like the flowers had been freshly picked from a field,” explains Hannah. “I think the florist created this look perfectly.”
Outside, flowers decorated the beam above the entrance as well as the clock tower. Inside, the aisle was lined with lanterns adorned with flowers and beautiful arrangements featured around the registrar’s table.
The tables were decorated with a combination of high and low table centres.
“The tall arrangements were almost like trees with hanging baubles and tea-lights,” says Hannah. “The low ones were made of log stacks and jars filled with flowers. It was a romantic, relaxed atmosphere with a hint of Christmas.”
Bridal Style
The beautiful bride wore “Vania’ by Pronovias – simple yet elegant with beautiful attention to detail.
“It was the first dress I tried on and nothing after that measured up!” smiles Hannah. “I knew it reflected me and my personal style.”
Hannah accessorised with Tiffany jewellery and fabulous silver and gold shoes by Jimmy Choo.
Meanwhile, Matthew looked dashing in a navy wool three-piece suit from Next with tie and pocket square from TM Lewin, a personalised pocket watch and a watch by Daniel Wellington that was a gift from Hannah.
Last but certainly not least, the bridesmaids were stunning in deep red chiffon gowns by True Bridesmaid.
Wedding Day Details
Following their civil ceremony, drinks and canapés were served outside on this mild December day.
Moving in to dine, parsnip and leek soup was followed by steak and ale pie with mash. And, for dessert, a choice of sticky toffee pudding or apple crumble.
“Our cake was made by my auntie,” explains Hannah, “a four-tier naked cake decorated with fruit. The florist also added some flowers.”
“We had singing waiters between the main course and pudding who surprised everyone when they started to sing,” she laughs. “They really got everybody into the party spirit.”
As day turned to evening, the newlyweds danced their first dance to ‘Live Forever’ by Noel Gallagher and a DJ filled the dance floor.
Hannah’s favourite moment:
“Definitely walking down the aisle and seeing Matty and our little boy, Leo.”
Advice from the Bride
“Relax and take things in as it goes in a flash. Also, keep a makeup bag of essentials behind the bar for touch ups!”
If you are considering Sandhole Oak Barn for your celebration, we would love to show you all this wonderful venue has to offer. Please get in touch with our friendly events team to discuss your plans, receive a brochure or arrange a visit.
Photography courtesy of © GNPHOTO.CO.UK
Winter Wedding Food and Drink ideas
From warming welcome drinks to exquisite wedding breakfast ideas, the talented caterers and bar team at Sandhole Oak Barn offer some inspirational thoughts for your winter wedding food.
Winter Welcome Drinks
Following your romantic ceremony, it’s a lovely idea to greet guests with a hot cocktail, whether you like the idea of warming winter Pimm’s, mulled wine or hot apple cider. You might even decide to offer boozy hot chocolate spiked with a liqueur of your choice. Fruity cocktails, sparkling apple juice and elderflower and mint mocktails make perfect non-alcoholic options.
“If fizz is your choice of tipple, we can decorate it with a few cranberries in the glass,” says Sara Griffith from the bar at Sandhole Oak Barn. “A rosé fizz looks even prettier with cranberries… or perhaps you might have an Aperol Spritz.”
Images Courtesy of Cat Mayer Studio and A Healthy Life for Me
Say it with Canapés
When it comes to winter canapés, Yioda Boyd at Top Table Weddings and Events suggests shots of spicy butternut squash soup, filled miniature Yorkshire puddings or brie and cranberry filo baskets. We also love the thought of their sticky honey and wholegrain mustard glazed chipolata sausages – delicious treats to delight your guests.
Image Courtesy of Stephen McGowan Photography
Image Courtesy of Top Table
Image Courtesy of Top Table
Your Wedding Breakfast
Moving in to dine, a winter menu offers an abundance of seasonal delights. You might consider a soup for starter, honey roasted parsnip being a particular favourite of Top Table. For your main course, roast turkey with all the trimmings is an absolute crowd pleaser at this time of year, or you might opt for beef bourguignon or fillet steak, often considered too ‘heavy’ for a summer wedding but a wonderful choice for winter.
Image Courtesy of HBA Photography
Image Courtesy of HBA Photography
Image Courtesy of Top Table
As for pudding… “Sticky toffee pudding is a firm favourite,” says Yioda. “Our homemade Christmas pudding ice cream goes down a storm, as does bread and butter pudding or apple and toffee crumble with custard.”
Image Courtesy of Top Table
Image Courtesy of HBA Photography
If you’re looking for the perfect wine, while you might choose something a little more full-bodied at this time of year, the most important thing is to select something you like that goes well with your food.
Evening Treats
As day turns to night, welcome evening guests with a Cranberry Fizz or a non-alcoholic Sandhole Sundowner (a Tequila Sunrise without the tequila!). “Beer tokens are a great idea if couples would like to buy evening guests a drink of their choice,” says Sara.
Image Courtesy of Stephen McGowan Photography
Fish and chip cones or turkey and cranberry barm cakes are a popular choice when it comes to evening food, as are hot food options such as chilli and rice. And, of course, this is a great time of day to serve your wedding cake.
Whatever you choose, we hope you enjoy every moment of this most special occasion.
To learn more about wedding catering at Sandhole Oak Barn, please give our friendly team a call on 01260 224215 or visit our online catering page.
Jade and Matt – A Glamorous Springtime Wedding
Setting an April wedding date, Jade and Matt started to plan their spring wedding. They decided on a religious ceremony and were on the lookout for a great venue in Cheshire for their celebrations. The happy couple wanted to find somewhere in the countryside that offered exclusive use. They came across Sandhole Oak Barn and fell in love!
“It was the last venue we saw and, as soon as we walked in, we looked at each other because we just knew.” smiles Jade. “We wanted a blank canvas that we could dress ourselves and we loved the family feel of Sandhole Oak Barn. I couldn’t stop smiling. It was perfect!”
Setting the Scene
Jade and Matt decided on a contemporary theme with a hint of glamour. Gold accents were teamed with white flowers and fabrics and modern acrylic invitations and signage.
‘A backdrop behind the top table was decorated with tulle, silk and eucalyptus and we made our table plan and painted table letters,” explains Jade. “We dressed some of the tables with tall blossom trees and candles and the others with gold mirrors and small floral arrangements.”
Silk rose garlands and fairy lights were draped around the beams and gold chairs completed the effortlessly glamorous, romantic look.
Bridal Style
The beautiful bride wore a gown by Stella York from Swan Brides in Congleton, after falling in love with the low back and the stunning train.
“I was concerned that the neckline wasn’t really for me,” explains Jade “so I had some alterations, making it off-the-shoulder, creating a sweetheart neckline and adding a belt.”
Jade accessorised with a simple diamond necklace from her grandmother, earrings from Matt and fabulous Jimmy Choo shoes.
“On the day of the wedding, my parents gave me a lovely Swarovski bracelet to wear too,” she smiles. “And, in honour of my great-Nanna, I had her rosary beads wrapped around my bouquet.”
Matt looked the part in a grey suit by Noak with waistcoat by Burton. Finally, Jade’s four bridesmaids were stunning in silver dresses by ChiChi London.
“On the day I actually felt jealous not to be wearing their dresses!” laughs Jade.
Wedding Day Details
Jade and Matt married at the picturesque St James’ and St Paul’s Church in Marton, just a mile from Sandhole Oak Barn.
Following their romantic ceremony, welcome drinks and canapés were served back at the barn, alongside an ice cream cart offering a host of delicious flavours including Prosecco and strawberry.
“The girlfriend of one of our groomsmen sang during the ceremony and back at Sandhole Oak Barn,” explains Jade. “It was beautiful and really set the emotion of the day.”
Moving in to dine, a fabulous selection of tapas including salt and pepper calamari and Spanish tortilla was served, followed by a trio of desserts.
“The food was such a hit with everybody,” says Jade. “We can’t thank Top Table Events enough for their standout service and the quality of the food. It was incredible!”
Evening Celebrations
The brilliant ‘Funk Soul Family’ live band played in the evening and really got the party started.
“They were great entertainers and even had us doing a dance-off,” laughs Jade. “The guests loved them and didn’t want them to stop!”
Delighting their guests once again, the newlyweds chose pizza and chips as their informal evening menu.
“The chefs were great and open to anything. We asked that pizza and chips be handed to everybody, whether they were sitting or dancing and it was brilliant,” says Jade.
Jade’s favourite moment:
“Standing at the altar, holding hands having not spoken since the day before and realising… this is it!”
“The whole day was incredible from start to finish. We didn’t stop smiling the entire time.”
Advice from the Bride
“Let the small things go. They don’t matter. All that matters is that you’re marrying the love of your life.”
“Delegate and trust other people to do things on the day.”
If you are considering Sandhole Oak Barn for your celebration, we would love to show you all this beautiful venue has to offer. Please get in touch with our friendly events team to discuss your plans, receive a brochure or arrange a visit.
Photography courtesy of ©Mr and Mrs W Wedding Photography
Reasons to Choose a Lakeside Venue
There’s something wonderfully romantic about marrying at a waterside venue, whether you choose a coastal location or a beautiful barn beside a lake. Let’s take a look at all the elements we love about being beside the water at Sandhole Oak Barn.
Breathtaking Views
Wherever you are at Sandhole Oak Barn, you will enjoy beautiful views across the lake. During warmer months, we hope you’ll celebrate with your drinks reception on the lawn and make the most of the verandah, looking out over the lake. In the autumn and winter, the views are spectacular from the warmth of the barn, surrounded by the ever-changing beauty of the landscape.
Image Courtesy of Samantha Broadly Photography
Image Courtesy of Lee Brown Photography
Image Courtesy of Lee Brown Photography
Great Photo Opportunities
Waterside photographs are always stunning, with the water providing such a romantic, peaceful background that changes in colour throughout the day and the seasons. Spring mornings with the mist hanging over the water, hazy summer days with the sun shimmering on the lake, Autumn arrives with the irises providing a bronze halo around the lake, and Winter bringing dramatic sunsets reflected on the lake, the perfect backdrop for your wedding awaits at Sandhole Oak Barn.
Image Courtesy of Suzy Wimbourne Photography
Image Courtesy of Lee Brown Photography
Image Courtesy of Adam Riley Photography
Image Courtesy of Lee Brown Photography
Idyllic Ceremony Settings
Whether you choose to marry in the Oak Barn or Under the clock tower here at Sandhole Oak Barn, you will be beside the beautiful lake. Our Clock Tower is licensed for ceremonies between April and October and offers an idyllic setting on the shores of the lake. The Oak Barn looks over the lake with doors leading on to the lakeside verandah. Exclusively yours, you really will feel like a princess for the day.
Image Courtesy of Luke Slattery Photography
Image Courtesy of Lifeline Photography
Image Courtesy of Suzy Wimbourne Photography
Image Courtesy of Mr & Mrs W Photography
If you have yet to see Sandhole Oak Barn for yourself, we would love to show you all we have to offer. Simply call our friendly team on 01260 224215, or contact us online.
Jessica & Patrick – A Vintage Country Celebration
Setting an April wedding date and deciding on a religious ceremony, Jessica and Patrick were looking for a beautiful venue in Cheshire. It was important for them to choose the ideal setting, close to their church where Jessica’s parents had also married and with a rustic, vintage style.
“The barns are just gorgeous and the style really suited our personalities,” explains Jessica. “As dairy farmers, the vintage look with a clean, modern finish fitted in with our passion for farming. Sandhole offered everything we needed in one place.”
Setting the Scene
Adopting a country vintage theme, the happy couple embraced the countryside with bright colours and channelled their creativity. Milk churns and wellies were filled with flowers, bunting hung from the tables and crates were filled with cards and plants.
Tables were adorned with hessian and lace and favours included homemade jam and chutney.
All About Flowers
Jessica’s mother used to be a florist, so flowers were always going to play an important role in this special day.
Wellies filled with flowers lined the aisle in the church alongside other beautiful arrangements. These were then brought back to Sandhole Oak Barn after the ceremony.
For the table centrepieces, small arrangements sat on top of milking units. Flowers also adorned the archway to the barn and even the table plan featured a backdrop of blooms.
‘All the flowers were a mixture of colours with a country meadow theme,’ says Jessica. “We used several herbs and included thistles as we currently live in Scotland.”
Bridal Style
Jessica had an idea of the dress she was looking for and quickly found ‘the one’. Her tea-length dress suited her and the vintage style perfectly.
“The bodice was lace with a sweetheart neckline,” explains Jessica. ‘The skirt consisted of a floral pattern and two pockets where I could keep my ‘something borrowed’. I absolutely loved my dress and couldn’t have imagined wearing anything else.”
The stylish bride accessorised with a short veil, pearl jewellery and peep-toe shoes.
Jessica’s five bridesmaids were elegant in floral vintage-style dresses in a delicate pink. Meanwhile, Patrick looked the part in dark beige trousers with a white shirt, tweed waistcoat and pink tie to coordinate with the bridesmaids.
Wedding Day Details
Following their romantic ceremony at St Oswald’s Church in Lower Peover, drinks and canapés were served back at Sandhole Oak Barn while guests mingled on the terrace.
Moving in to dine, chicken breast stuffed with spinach and sundried tomatoes was followed by a delicious trio of desserts.
“The food was to die for,” says Jessica. “The flavour in the chicken was just amazing and a lot of guests commented on how good the canapés were.”
Evening Celebrations
As the sun went down, a live band played, followed by a DJ. Jessica and Patrick danced their first dance to ‘Everything I Do’ by Bryan Adams.
“We didn’t choreograph our dance,” smiles Jessica. “We just swayed around the dance floor doing the odd spin to show off my dress with the gorgeous skirt!”
Cheese and biscuits was served along with the wedding cake – the perfect evening menu… and the happy couple and their guests danced the night away!
Jessica’s favourite moment:
“If I had to pick one moment, it would be how excited I was standing at the top of the aisle walking down to stand by Pat. I’m so glad I can now finally say I’m his wife!”
Advice from the Bride
“Do exactly what you want, be organised and plan everything well in advance. Enjoy being the centre of attention for this one day when it is perfectly OK to be the centre of attention!”
If you are considering Sandhole Oak Barn for your celebration, we would love to show you all this wonderful venue has to offer. Please get in touch with our friendly events team to discuss your plans, receive a brochure or arrange a visit.
Photography courtesy of © Joanna Eardley Photography
Decorative Touches for your Valentine Wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn
Love is in the air! Let’s take a look at some fabulous Valentine wedding ideas and how you can incorporate them into your Sandhole Oak Barn wedding.
Setting the Scene
Before you consider the details, think about your wedding style. You might decide to go all-out red or opt for a more delicate pink theme.
Red is an obvious colour choice for this style of wedding. It’s a bold colour so need only be used sparingly, perhaps in your flowers. Pink and more neutral tones also work well in a countryside setting.
Images Courtesy of Joy Marie Photography and Gillian Ellis Photography
The word ‘love’ should appear as much as possible on your day! How about some giant letters? You might even have illuminated letters on your dance floor.
Image Courtesy of Mick Cookson Photography
A ‘love letter’ box is just the thing – a fun addition to your celebration. Why not ask guests if they would like to send Valentine messages to each other?
Images Courtesy of Abbey Jiu Photography and Let’s Frolic Together
Fun balloons make great props for photos and don’t forget some heart-shaped sparklers.
Images Courtesy of Jess Palatuci Photography and Paper Heart Photography
All About Flowers
Flowers are the most obvious way to add colour, and red blooms are wonderfully romantic. It’s time to incorporate some red roses to your arrangements!
Roses are a lovely choice. Stay on trend by incorporating plenty of foliage, bringing the outside in. We love this heady combination of pink and red blooms.
Images Courtesy of Olive Strohm Photography and Figlewicz Photography
Once again, pink and red combine to create a more delicate colour palette. You might even hang red roses from the ceiling – the Valentine equivalent to mistletoe!
Images Courtesy of Olive Strohm Photography and Levistolove Photography
These table arrangements are oh-so-pretty.
Images Courtesy of Everlasting Moments and Ashley Tingley Photography
Bridal Style
When it comes to dresses, the most important thing is to choose a style that you love. Consider the season, opting for a wrap or a sleeve, and perhaps add a hint of red or a love heart to your accessories.
While you might like to include red in your colour scheme, not every bride wants to wear a red dress. It does, however, make a perfect choice for bridesmaids.
Image Courtesy of GN Photo
Embracing winter style, we love this romantic bouquet with a faux fur stole to stay warm! You might even choose a dress with a red skirt.
Images Courtesy of Heather Faulkner Photography and Deer Pearl Flowers
Adopt 50s style with a tea-length dress and red shoes. Sometimes, the only accessory you need is a pair of fabulous shoes!
Images Courtesy of Elisabeth Millay Photography and Style and Story Creative
Cake, Glorious Cake
Your wedding cake gives you the opportunity to impart your wedding style.
We love this elegant, simple cake adorned with fresh flowers and a Cupid’s Arrow. Naked or semi-naked cakes are also perfect for a Valentine’s theme.
Images Courtesy of Heather Saunders Photography and Red on Blonde Photography
Add a little fun to your décor with this contemporary design or how about a hidden heart in the very ‘heart’ of your cake?!
Images Courtesy of Martin Hobby and Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium
Food, Favours and Sweet Treats
Add colour and Valentine style to your menu and, of course, send your guests home with a heart-shaped chocolate or two!
Pink fairy cakes with red sugar roses would be just the thing for your dessert table, and chocolate dipped cherries or strawberries add a touch of romance.
Images Courtesy of Brian Leahy Photography and Simple Provisions
Don’t forget a romantic cocktail for your welcome drinks and evening party or of course Champagne, the most romantic of all.
Images Courtesy of Jillian Harris and KT Moffitt Photography
Meringue kisses are a lovely addition, either to your dessert or as a favour and these chocolate brownie hearts say it all.
Images Courtesy of Domestic Gothess and Eddie Judd Photography
For an alternative favour, how about Cupid’s arrows that also double up as place names and pencil favours?
Images Courtesy of Celebrate Mag and Cider and Faun
If you’re looking for more ideas for your winter wedding, we think you’ll love these winter food and drink ideas. And, if you have yet to visit Sandhole Oak, Barn, we would love to show you all we have to offer. Simply call our friendly team on 01260 224215 or contact us online.
Louise & Paul – A Rustic Autumnal Wedding
Planning a late September wedding, Louise and Paul were looking for the perfect barn wedding venue in Cheshire, ideally with wonderful countryside views and accommodation for their guests. As soon as they saw the lake at Sandhole Oak Barn, they knew it was the place for them!
“It was absolutely stunning,” smiles Louise. “It was neutral enough for us to personalise it but so pretty that it didn’t need too many ‘extras’.”
Setting the Scene
The happy couple decided on a simple, rustic theme to suit the venue, dressing it with hessian and gypsophila. Pale blue was chosen as a soft, muted colour that was in keeping with the early autumn season.
Beautiful blooms including roses, blue hydrangeas, gerberas and eucalyptus were featured in the bouquets, posies and buttonholes.
Bridal Style
Louise found the perfect dress soon after booking Sandhole Oak Barn. The ivory, A-line gown featured delicate sparkle and was accessorised with a Jon Richard hair vine and shoes from Pink Paradox.
Meanwhile, Paul looked the part in a navy Ted Baker suit with eye-catching peacock-style lining.
Finally, Louise’s bridesmaids were stunning in blue dresses from Dessy with floral hair clips.
Wedding Day Details
Following their romantic ceremony in the barn, welcome drinks and canapés were served beside the lake as the sun shone. A pianist played during the ceremony and continued to play throughout the drinks reception.
Moving in to dine, a fabulous menu commenced with a caramelised shallot, roasted pepper and brie tart, moving on to a roast chicken main course. For pudding, a trio of desserts including sticky toffee pudding, fresh strawberry compote and chocolate brownie was set to delight!
Evening Celebrations
As day turned to evening, live band ‘The Rush Band’ filled the dance floor and the newlyweds danced their first dance to ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by The Killers.
“There was no choreography,” smiles Louise. “We just had a shuffle around the dance floor before everyone joined in!”
An outdoor barbecue with burgers, sausages, halloumi and chicken proved to be the perfect choice for evening dining.
Louise’s favourite moment:
“Walking back down the aisle as husband and wife.”
Advice from the Bride
“Don’t stress – at the end of the day, you’ll be married. No one remembers the rest. I also wish I’d been a little more organised with my timings as I was a bit late!”
If you are considering Sandhole Oak Barn for your celebration, we would love to show you all this wonderful venue has to offer. Please get in touch with our friendly events team to discuss your plans, receive a brochure or arrange a visit.
Photography courtesy of © Shane Webber Photography