Verity & Sam – A Summer Family Celebration

Verity and Sam's real life wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn

With a beautifully delicate colour scheme, stylish décor, pretty blooms and an abundance of fabulous entertainment, the June wedding of Verity and Sam was a delight for all.

With two daughters of their own, Verity and Sam were looking for a beautiful barn venue where they could create a relaxed, family atmosphere.

“With 26 children at our wedding, we wanted everyone to have fun,” says Verity. “As we got married after having children, it was important to us that the day was as much about them as it was about us.”

They finally came across their perfect wedding venue in Cheshire – Sandhole Oak Barn.

“We fell in love with the venue straight away,” smiles Verity.

Setting their June wedding date, the planning began!

The barn was set up for the wedding ceremony with pretty fairy lights around the beams and lanterns down the aisle

The Oak Barn was set up for the wedding breakfast with tall candelabras as centrepieces at this barn wedding

Setting the Scene

With so many children at the wedding, the happy couple created a spectacular family fun day. Nannies were hired to look after the children and a circus skills workshop took place after the ceremony. A magician entertained younger guests during the speeches and all the catering was ‘child friendly’, even down to snack boxes being served on arrival.

When it came to the décor, Verity enlisted the creative team at Precious Things.

“Jacklyn completely understood our vision and created the perfect setting for our day,” explains Verity. “We chose a colour scheme of gold and blush with large candelabra centrepieces, fairy lights and tea lights.”

Elegant clear baubles filled with candles were used to decorate this barn wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire

Tealights in pretty glass jars were used to decorate this barn wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn

The couple chose simple yet elegant handmade made place cards for their barn wedding in Cheshire

The table plan was printed onto a beautiful framed mirror and tall candelabras were used as centrepieces at this barn wedding

The bride chose a simple but elegant 3 tier wedding cake decorated with delicate flowers for her barn wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn.

All About Flowers

Calla lilies, peonies, astilbe and roses adorned the tables while flowers also featured above the entrance to Sandhole, on the cake cables and, of course, in the bouquets.

The buttonholes were made from beautiful delicate pastel coloured flowers at this barn wedding

The brides bouquet was made from beautiful white calla lilies and pastel pink astilbe at this barn wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn

The ceremony table was decorated with an arrangement of delicate pale pink and white wedding flowers and lush green foliage

Looking the Part

Verity was stunning in an elegant, slim-fitting gown by renowned designer David Fielden, accessorising with a blue topaz bracelet from her mother as a ‘something blue’.

“I attached a gold charm which was my nana’s for ‘something old’,” says Verity. “My dad bought me some Pandora earrings as my ‘something new’.”

Meanwhile, Sam looked the part in a pale grey suit from a local tailor.

Verity’s best friend, Charlotte was her one adult bridesmaid and chose a beautiful two-piece skirt and top in pink, while the couple’s two daughters and their niece wore pretty flower girl dresses from Monsoon.

The bride prepares for the wedding ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire

The happy bride-to-be and her father walk down the aisle at this North West barn wedding

Wedding day details

Following their civil ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn, canapés and fizz were served while a pianist entertained the newlyweds and their guests.

The wedding breakfast began with a trio of starters moving on to lamb with seasonal vegetables and a trio of desserts.

“The food was really important to us and Top Table did a fantastic job,” smiles Verity. “We wanted to make sure we chose something for everyone.”

As the sun went down, a buffet was served and Verity and Sam took to the dance floor for their first dance to ‘You’ve Got The Love’ by Florence & The Machine – a wonderful finale to an undoubtedly special day.

The happy couple say their vows at their wedding ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn

The happy newlyweds have their first kiss at their wedding ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn

Mouth-watering canapes were served at the wedding reception at Sandhole Oak Barn

The bride and groom pose for a photo with their bridesmaid and best man at this waterside wedding venue

Simply elegant white printed wedding menus were placed at each place setting at this Sandhole Oak Barn wedding

The happy newlyweds share a moment away from the celebrations at their barn wedding in Cheshire

The newlyweds take to the floor for the first dance as their wedding guests look on at Sandhole Oak Barn

The bride and groom have wedding pictures taken as the sunsets at this beautiful barn venue

Verity’s favourite moment:

“It’s so hard to choose – I loved every minute! Getting ready, walking down the aisle… the speeches were very special and our first dance. Also, seeing our children having such an amazing time.”

The bride and groom pose for a photo at the waterside of this barn wedding venue

Advice from the bride:

“Keep things in perspective. It’s only one day – don’t let it take over your life and do make sure you enjoy it. Roll with it and don’t worry about the details.”

The happy couple have a romantic photo taken at the lakeside at Sandhole Oak Barn

Photography courtesy of © Neil Parry Photography