An Autumn affair

With a wedding to plan, the first thing Hayley did was purchase a notebook to jot down all her wedding wishes – one of which was finding an exclusive use wedding venue that ticked all of the right boxes. The couple wanted plenty of space for all their friends and family, great food, beautiful surroundings and nothing too formal.

“Finding the right venue was actually really hard, but when we walked into Rivervale Barn we knew it was the one. It was just so pretty and warm.”

Handmade haven

Rather than gathering inspiration from magazines, Hayley sought help from her creative friends who helped her plan her dream autumn wedding theme. Beautiful blooms in peach, gold and red sat alongside gorgeous homemade decorations.

“We love the colours of the season and are big fans of the great outdoors and nature, so autumn was an ideal wedding theme for our day. My mum made all of our stationery and wedding favours and our friends and family all helped by baking lots of rustic-looking cupcakes.”

Dream designs

Much like the rest of their wedding planning, finding the right attire for the day was enjoyable for both Hayley and Oliver. While Hayley found exactly the type of dress she’d been dreaming of – lace in an A-line style with a low back – Oliver found the perfect grey suit to hire from Austin Reed.

“We went to pick the suits for Oliver and his groomsmen together. He looked so handsome in it, definitely like the man I wanted to marry.”

Keeping it personal

Hayley and Oliver’s autumn celebration took place on 11th October in Rivervale Barn.

“We loved the setting because it had gorgeous beams and looked out onto the beautiful gardens.”

The ceremony was very much a family affair with Oliver’s sister singing one of the couple’s favourite songs as Hayley walked down the aisle and their siblings giving readings.

Autumnal feast

For their drinks reception, the pair decided on a variety of tipples and canapés including buck’s fizz and Kir Royale, along with deep-fried crispy pork belly and hoi sin marinated salmon. The feast continued with a wonderful wedding breakfast featuring a smoked bacon Scotch egg, roast rump of English lamb and an apple and blackberry compote.

“During dinner, it was actually my mum and two best friends who gave speeches as my dad was too ill at the time. Before, my two friends read a poem about Olly and me, which was hilarious if not slightly embarrassing!”

Rock the party

Come evening, it was all about the party on the dance floor. The couple even provided glow sticks and props, such as wigs, glasses and inflatable guitars, which really got their guests in the party spirit. The band also arranged dance offs between the bridal party members, which kept everyone amused.

“We chose a band that would play all the classics as we wanted everyone to get on the dance floor. It really was perfect, we wouldn’t change a thing.”

Hayley’s Top Tip

“Involve close friends and family as much as possible to share the jobs both before the wedding and on the day. It gives you less things to worry about and also makes people a bigger part of your special day.”

If you would like to find out more about weddings at Rivervale Barn, get in touch with us today.