Rachael & Matthew – A Rustic Celebration
Rachael and Matthew were searching for the perfect wedding venue in Cheshire for their October wedding. When they came across Sandhole Oak Barn, they knew it was the one.
“The rustic look and warm, homely feel drew us in and made us never want to leave. We loved the sheer amount of space and the fact that it would suit our autumnal wedding theme.” – Rachael
Setting the Scene
Embracing the season, the happy couple wanted to create a warm, cosy vibe and chose rich colours, ambient lighting and bright flowers. Pumpkins made perfect centrepieces and decorations incorporated conkers, acorns, pine cones and autumn leaves alongside hessian table runners.
“We chose a rich aubergine purple and a bright orange to reflect our favourite elements of autumn – the colours of the leaves.” – Rachael
Fairy lights adorned the beams, candles sat on the table and fabulous illuminated ‘LOVE’ letters stood on the dance floor.
“My parents carved a ‘Mr & Mrs’ pumpkin to be lit in the evening which was a lovely touch.” – Rachael
Looking the Part
In the two years running up to the wedding, Rachael lost eight stone in weight in order to feel wonderful in her wedding dress. Unsurprisingly, choosing that dress was an emotional experience. The beautiful bride fell in love with a dress from the Catherine Parry collection by Welsh designer Maria Ryan.
“I loved the delicate lace details, the corseted back and the huge train. I felt magical.” – Rachael
This dream dress suited the religious ceremony, with a bolero and veil that could be removed for the evening.
Matthew looked the part in a pale grey morning suit from Moss Bros with cream waistcoat and purple tie. Meanwhile, the three bridesmaids were elegant and stylish in long plum coloured gowns from D’Zage.
Wedding Day Details
Rachael and Matthew held their ceremony at the beautiful church of St James & St Paul in Marton, just five minutes from Sandhole Oak Barn. Returning back to the barn on a vintage red bus, guests enjoyed Winter Pimm’s and delicious cocktails before moving in to dine.
Top Table created an exquisite wedding breakfast, starting with butternut squash and sweet potato soup, moving on to a chicken main course and for pudding… toffee apple crumble with custard.
“Matthew is an avid crumble fan so it was a must for our dessert! The stand out dish for me was the starter – so warm and rich.” – Rachael
Evening Celebrations
After the sun went down, the newlyweds danced their first dance to ‘Everything I Do’ by Bryan Adams. A photo booth captured special evening moments and the guests went outside to create some amazing shots using sparklers. Pork rolls and chip cones made a great evening feast and the happy couple and their guests dance the night away.
“It broke up the evening a little and showed the guests the beautiful exterior of the barn illuminated at night” – Rachael
Rachael’s Favourite Moment:
“Taking photographs net to the lake beside the Clock Tower. It was just Matt and I with our photographer. We snuck moments like this throughout the day to spend time together, relishing getting married!”
If you’re looking for more autumn inspiration from the Cheshire wedding venue of Sandhole Oak Barn, take a look at Lorna & Paul’s beautiful day.
Photography courtesy of © HBA Photography
