Laura and Andrew celebrated in style at their Sandhole Oak Barn wedding.

Giving themselves plenty of time to plan their special day, Laura and Andrew first visited Sandhole Oak Barn in 2015, two years before their June 2017 wedding. They were looking for a Cheshire wedding venue that could accommodate 100 guests during the day and an extra 50 in the evening and where they could also choose many of their own suppliers. Sandhole Oak Barn ticked all the boxes!

“The barn was picture perfect. When we were shown the breakfast room at the end of the viewing, overlooking the wedding barn and the lake, my mum and I burst in to tears! I turned to look at my future husband and we smiled – we knew we had found our special place.” – Laura

Having bed and breakfast accommodation just next door to the barn was an added bonus – especially with guests travelling from as far away as South Korea. And, of course, the beautiful Granary Cottage for the newlyweds.

“We actually cancelled a future viewing at another barn wedding venue as we knew in our hearts that nothing would compare to Sandhole Oak Barn!” – Laura

Setting the Scene

The happy couple chose a romantic theme with ivory and gold as the main colours, alongside pastel coloured flowers.

“With a summer wedding date, I was hoping for a beautiful sunny day to show off the gold beautifully – a natural bit of sparkle!” – Laura

Spectacular candelabra floral arrangements sat on the tables, alongside Wedding Day fragrance candle favours. Laura made the seating plan using a large gold-framed mirror.

Looking the part

The beautiful bride wore ‘Elana’ by Ronald Joyce, a stunning gown with lace-capped sleeves on a fishtail silhouette.

“If it wasn’t for the girls at The Confetti Box, I would never have tried on a fishtail style. When I tried it on, I didn’t want to take it off!” – Laura

With an intricate neckline, Laura didn’t need to wear a necklace. Instead she chose crystal drop earrings and a diamond tennis bracelet, her something borrowed from her mum. To complete the look, Laura wore a hair vine by Rachel Chaprunne, a mid-length veil and ivory satin shoes with silver platform from Rainbow Club. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of peonies, spray roses and lisianthus in delicate shades of blush pink and ivory.

Andrew also dressed to impress in a navy suit with tweet waistcoat and navy tie.

To complement the gold and ivory colour scheme, the bridesmaids wore floor length gold sequin gowns by Jenny Packham at Debenhams.

Wedding day details

Following their civil ceremony, drinks and canapés were served alongside delicious canapés before the newlyweds and their guests moved in to dine. The light and airy barn was filled with beautiful flowers and candles, greeting guests as the wedding breakfast was served.

“We both love food and wanted to offer a choice so opted for a menu that provided a couple of options. The rack of lamb main course was perfection!” – Laura

In keeping with the romantic theme, the stunning five-tier cake had ruffles, lace stencilling and beading.

“It stood on a beautiful glass cake stand and really finished the look. All the flavours went down well but our guests were very pleasantly surprised by the salted caramel tier!” – Laura

As day turned to evening, a live band played ‘Wherever You Will Go’ by The Calling for the first dance.

“The dance floor was always full – we knew we had achieved what we wanted, keeping our guests happy and on their feet having a smashing time!” – Laura

Laura’s favourite moment:

“We enjoyed every moment, but my favourite would have to be when Andrew and I snuck off after the first dance. We went for a walk and sat overlooking the lake, taking it all in and chatting about the day together.”

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 team to discuss your plans, receive a brochure or arrange a visit.

Photography courtesy of © Wayne Langley Photography

Setting an August wedding date, Gemma and Matthew were on the lookout for their perfect wedding venue and fell in love with Sandhole Oak Barn.

“It took our breath away when we turned the corner and saw the lake. We enjoy the outdoors and wanted a relaxed day and we liked the fact that we could have our ceremony and reception in one place.” – Gemma

Setting the Scene

The happy couple chose blush pink as their main colour, beautifully romantic for a summer celebration. They adorned the barn with candles and pretty flowers, featuring two large blossom trees and lanterns on the table centres surrounded by gypsophila. Continuing the natural theme, place cards were made from a tree in their garden.

“My dad chopped the branches in to place cards and I spent hours painting guests names on to them!” – Gemma

Looking the part

Searching for a backless design that she would also be comfortable dancing in, Gemma struggled to find anything she liked. After trying on around 70 dresses, she visited a boutique back in her home town of Stockport.

“I came out with my dress! It was by Sincerity and I had alterations to make it backless and add a diamante belt. I felt comfortable all day and danced all night!” – Gemma

The beautiful bride accessorised with earrings from her bridesmaids and a bracelet from her husband-to-be. She completed the look with a bespoke cathedral length veil, designed with her grandmother.

Matthew dressed to impress in a navy suit from House of Fraser with blush pink tie. Finally, Gemma’s four bridesmaids looked stunning in long blush pink gowns by Little Mistress.

Wedding day details

Following their civil ceremony, drinks and canapés were served on the verandah before the newlyweds and their guests moved in to dine. A main course of belly pork was followed by a delicious trio of chocolate brownie, Eton mess and blackcurrant sorbet.

“Belly pork is a real favourite of both of ours so we tried to copy that on our wedding day. We really enjoyed it and got lots of comments on how yummy the desserts were!” – Gemma

Gemma’s favourite moment:

“Walking down the aisle, towards my future husband with my dad by my side.” – Gemma

Advice from the Bride:

“Try to stick to your budget. It’s so easy to get carried away! Also remember that this day is about the two of you and what you love and enjoy.”

Photography courtesy of © Imagen Photography and Design