Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to James and Irah, the lovely couple behind the charming Gate Street Barn wedding in Surrey, which took place on November 9th, 2018. This wonderful pair envisioned a day that exuded coziness, relaxation, and elegance, culminating in a meaningful church ceremony that truly made their special moment unforgettable.
James and Irah meticulously planned every detail to make their day as thoughtful and memorable as possible. The result was a whimsical array of rustic DIY decorations that included a confetti bar, sparkler station, blankets for warmth, beautiful signs, and an awe-inspiring greenery-adorned table plan. In fact, greenery played a starring role throughout the celebration, with Eucalyptus taking center stage and producing truly stunning results.
The happy couple looked dashing on their special day – James donned a sleek blue suit and blush tie, while Irah radiated beauty in her Enzoani-designed gown. Be sure to also keep an eye out for the lovely bouquets, towering cake, and magical sparkler send-off that capped off the celebration.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Camilla J. Hards for generously sharing these exquisite captures of their truly remarkable wedding celebration.
The Proposal
As we cruised through the picturesque waters of Montenegro on our boat trip, James surprised me with a romantic getaway to an abandoned fortress, a blue cave, and a secluded beach. The perfect setting for a memorable celebration – my birthday was just around the corner! As we settled onto the sun-kissed sand, James suggested we toast to the occasion with a bottle of Prosecco at the nearby shack. I recall thinking it was a bit unusual for midday, but given his affinity for bubbly drinks, I brushed it off. When we discovered they didn’t have any champagne on offer, we opted to soak up the sun and relax instead. James seemed a tad anxious, frequently glancing around; I suggested we explore that quieter spot on the elevated rock formation. That’s when he began discussing our relationship, his voice filled with emotion as he uttered those fateful words: ‘I’ve got one question to ask.’ As he dropped down onto one knee, tears of joy streaming down my face, I forgot to say yes – the surprise and elation left me speechless! The ring fit perfectly, a customized diamond round cut platinum masterpiece. I’d always mentioned that sapphires were my birthstone of choice, but James wisely went against it, opting for a gem that would truly sparkle on my finger. His thoughtful gesture in asking my parents for permission before popping the question only added to the romance and chivalry of the moment.
The Vision
Our wedding vision was rooted in rustic elegance, with an autumnal charm that perfectly captured the essence of November, our anniversary month. The cozy atmosphere we envisioned was deeply personal, reflecting our shared love for this season’s warmth and coziness. As a hands-on individual, I opted to take on most decoration tasks myself, embracing the creative freedom that came with it. Our color palette centered around a soothing blue, subtly infused with blush tones, copper accents, and geometric elements that added depth and visual interest. Ultimately, our goal was to create a day of joyous celebration, surrounded by our closest loved ones and friends, where everyone felt welcome and had an unforgettable experience.
The Planning Process
With our two-year engagement, we had the luxury of planning our special day at a leisurely pace, allowing us to build a more substantial wedding fund as well. James took charge of managing the budget and spreadsheets, while I focused on the creative aspects, pouring over Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs for inspiration. In addition, I attended several wedding fairs with my bridesmaids, including one with James, to get a feel for different vendors and gather ideas for our DIY projects.
Budget
When planning our event, we initially allocated a specific budget. However, as the preparations progressed, we found ourselves needing to nearly double our initial allocation. Despite this adjustment, my partner and I made a concerted effort to prioritize spending on aspects that mattered most to us, such as catering. We aimed to strike a balance between our financial constraints and the need to maintain quality standards, ensuring our guests would leave satisfied and having enjoyed a memorable experience.
The Readings & Music
As I exchanged vows with my partner, the sweet sounds of Elvis’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ filled the church, a last-minute replacement for our original choice, Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’ on violin. The change was due to our violinist’s unexpected absence at the eleventh hour.Our worship was marked by three meaningful hymns: ‘Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer’ by John Hughes, ‘Lead Us Heavenly Father, Lead Us’ by Lowell Mason, and ‘Love Divine All Loves Excelling’ by John Stainer. These choices were made in consultation with my partner’s father, Nigel, a veteran of many weddings at his local Catholic church. The soothing strains of Bach-Gounod’s ‘Ave Maria’ accompanied our signature as we sealed our union.In addition to these musical elements, we selected readings that reflected our individual personalities, relationship, and aspirations for marriage and life together. My younger sister, Adrienne, beautifully read from Genesis 1:26-28,31, while Nigel brought the wisdom of Corinthians 12:31-13,18 and Matthew 5:1-12 to our ceremony.To ensure a memorable night filled with laughter and dancing, we hired Chris Haslam of Chess Disco. His expert guidance helped us navigate the evening’s musical flow, and he successfully got everyone on the dance floor – including my partner’s 90-year-old grandfather, who danced the night away!While we didn’t have a single ‘song’ that defined our relationship, choosing our first dance song was still a significant decision. My partner suggested Elton John’s ‘Your Song’, which I agreed upon. Its timeless quality and poignant lyrics made it an unforgettable moment for both of us – James, in particular, got emotional (a rare occurrence!)
Bridesmaids
My wedding party consisted of six fabulous bridesmaids, with five of them being my siblings and one dear friend from work. The dusty blue hue holds a special place in my heart, which is why I incorporated it into the bridesmaid dress color palette. To add some variety to their looks, I opted for multiway dresses that allowed each of them to select their preferred shade and style based on their personal preference. My instruction was simple yet empowering: ‘Choose your blue tone and style.’ My sisters Gen and Hazel took charge of sourcing the perfect multiway dresses from the Philippines, conducting Skype calls to ensure the colors matched our vision.
The Flowers
Gill Pike’s stunning flowers brought a touch of elegance to our special day, saving us from last-minute stress. Originally, we had planned to take on the DIY flower arrangement task ourselves, with James’ mum Linda lending a helping hand. However, a few months prior to the wedding, Linda suffered a wrist injury that left her unable to assist. It was then that Gill stepped in and proved to be one of the best decisions we made. I adored my bouquet, featuring a palette of white, blush, and subtle blue hues, with an abundance of silver eucalyptus – its scent is simply intoxicating! The bridesmaids’ gypsophila bouquets perfectly complemented their blue dresses, creating a beautiful contrast. To add to the lush atmosphere, we incorporated foliage throughout the venue, adorning chandeliers, the table plan, patisserie bar, and top table.
The Venue
As soon as I conceived the idea of having a barn wedding reception, I knew that was the perfect setting for our special day. The rustic, cozy ambiance of a barn is exactly what James and I were looking for. We started by searching online for barns in the London area, and it wasn’t long before we stumbled upon Gate Street Barn, nestled in the Surrey hills. Our first viewing left us smitten – the high wooden beams and wooden floor perfectly captured the essence of our dream wedding. Without hesitation, we booked the venue on the spot. When it came to planning our ceremony, our Catholic upbringing led us to seek a church service that would be both solemn and spiritual. As we had fond memories of living in Wimbledon, Sacred Heart Church was an obvious choice. Its significance held great importance for us, making it the perfect location to exchange our vows.
The Food
When booking Kalm Kitchen, it wasn’t just about the quality of their cuisine that impressed us – their attention to presentation also played a significant role in our decision. We wanted to provide an exceptional dining experience for our guests, and we knew Kalm Kitchen would deliver on both counts. From start to finish, we were thoroughly impressed with every aspect of the meal. For starters, we opted for duck, which was followed by pork as our main course. To top it off, we set up a patisserie bar offering three delectable pudding options: chocolate mess, banoffee pots, and elderflower jelly, giving our guests a delightful choice to indulge in. Meanwhile, the evening’s food festivities were taken care of by a pizza van, which was an absolute hit with our guests – Chris from Fine Street Co being a major contributor to the success of the event.
The Cake
When it came to designing our wedding cake, we were fortunate to have Elizabeth Wood of Cakebuds bring her creative vision to life. We discovered Liz through a wedding Facebook group we followed and were impressed by her work. During our consultation, she presented us with an impressive array of ten different cake flavors – each one was absolutely delicious. We shared our ideas for the cake’s design, including a semi-naked, copper-colored geometric pattern adorned with fresh florals. Elizabeth crafted multiple sketches to illustrate her concepts, and we ultimately chose three tiers with distinct flavors: classic Victoria sponge with raspberry filling, rich chocolate, and moist carrot cake. We also requested that the tiers have varying depths, adding an extra layer of visual interest. The copper brush strokes were a last-minute addition, but they ended up being a stunning touch.
The Details & Décor
While I thoroughly enjoyed planning every detail of our special day, it’s no secret that wedding prep can be overwhelming at times. As someone who loves intricacies and has a keen eye for detail, I’ve given considerable thought to even the smallest aspects – from napkin folding to overall aesthetic. Over the past year, I’ve accumulated various items that could be repurposed as decorations. Each time I brought them home, James would chuckle and ask, ‘Where are you going to put all of those?’ To ensure everything stayed organized, I kept a scrapbook filled with photos, sketches, and ideas for how I envisioned our rustic barn setting. My siblings and I worked tirelessly on many DIY projects, including the stunning 4-foot LOVE letters crafted from recycled storage boxes, paper mache, and paint. A few decorative pieces – like geometric patterns and faux flowers – were sourced from a flea market in the Philippines. As the big day approached, my family came together to transform the barn into our dream setting. This was an opportunity for me to appreciate having such a large, loving family – it has its perks! My talented sister Angel, who also served as my Maid of Honour, created beautiful blackboard signs that exceeded my expectations. I was thrilled with the geometric pieces we spray-painted copper and added faux flowers using a glue gun. Seeing all our hard work come together in the barn was incredibly satisfying.
Groomsmen
James opted for a harmonious colour scheme by selecting greyish-blue suits for his two best men, which would perfectly complement his own attire. The bespoke suits came from renowned retailer Burton. To add a touch of whimsy, James chose dusty pink ties and pocket squares from the online marketplace Ebay.
Beauty
In the whirlwind weeks leading up to my wedding, one crucial decision slipped under the radar until just three weeks before the big day: booking a professional hair and make-up artist for myself and my two mothers. Initially, I had planned to have my younger sister Adrienne handle my beauty needs in order to keep costs down. However, as we pored over our timeline, it became clear that her services would be stretched thin with responsibilities to the other bridesmaids and my parents. With a heavy heart, I decided to outsource the task to a pro, ensuring that both myself and my mothers would receive top-notch treatment on the wedding day.I discovered Suzanne through a hasty Google search and was immediately smitten with her portfolio. Her website showcased an impressive array of natural, effortless looks that resonated deeply with my own aesthetic goals. I contacted her straightaway, relieved to find that she was available for my special day. Throughout both our make-up trial (a week prior) and the actual wedding, Suzanne’s assistant Michaela proved to be a skilled and understanding collaborator.The final result was a testament to Suzanne’s expertise: a stunning, yet understated look that perfectly captured my vision of effortless elegance. My something borrowed – an Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Intense Nude lipstick lent by my sister – added the perfect pop of color to complete my overall appearance.Meanwhile, my bridesmaids took matters into their own hands and managed to create their own breathtaking hairstyles and make-up looks, leaving me utterly impressed with their collective effort. The end result was a cohesive, radiant ensemble that perfectly complemented our wedding’s overall atmosphere.
Your Photographer
We stumbled upon Camilla during an online search, and she was one of the first photographers we contacted. Her natural photography style resonated with us, so we quickly reached out to inquire about her availability – fortunately, she had a spot open on our desired date. From the onset, we enjoyed seamless communication with Camilla, who patiently addressed all our questions. Our initial engagement shoot was a great opportunity for us to get to know her better, and we felt instantly at ease in her presence. After receiving our photos from the session, we were confident that we had chosen the perfect photographer to capture our special day. On the big day itself, Camilla did an outstanding job of capturing the emotions and moments that made the experience truly unforgettable. We’re absolutely thrilled with our photographs and know they’ll remain treasured memories for years to come.
Your Filmmaker
I recall the ardent persuasion it took for me to convince James that hiring a videographer was essential for capturing our special day. I was willing to make compromises elsewhere, even going so far as to alter my wedding attire in order to secure their services. Initially, he wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about the idea of having our wedding filmed, but after watching our highlights reel, his perspective underwent a significant transformation. He was thrilled that I had convinced him to take the plunge and hire Nomad Studios, led by our trusted family friend Coy, to capture every moment of our celebration. Their dedication went above and beyond what we could have ever hoped for, leaving us with no regrets about our decision.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I began searching for the perfect dress, I was pleasantly surprised to find that finding ‘the one’ was actually a breeze. My indecisive nature had me wanting to see all the options before making a decision, but it turned out that the dress was the easiest and quickest choice I made during the entire wedding planning process. I almost wished it took longer so I could savor the experience. In hindsight, it’s no surprise that I fell in love with Enzoani dresses – their traditional yet modern designs perfectly captured my style. A quick Google search led me to The Wedding Dress Shop in Wimbledon Park, where I made an appointment and returned a second time with my Mum and younger sisters, who were also my bridesmaids. My Mum actually chose the dress for me, and despite initial reservations, I fell head over heels in love with the neckline, mermaid silhouette, and lace details as soon as I put it on. The best part? It was on sale! I had detachable sleeves added to give it an off-shoulder romantic look.A veil was essential to complete the overall look and give me that special bridal feeling. My custom-made cathedral-length veil from the Philippines, where I spent most of my childhood and teenage years, featured a thick lace edging reminiscent of a Spanish mantilla veil.I opted for understated accessories, choosing to wear earrings only. In the days leading up to the wedding, I struggled to find the perfect pair, relying on my bridesmaids for advice. Little did I know, James had been secretly planning to give me a pair as a wedding gift – and what a surprise it was! On our special day, I received a thoughtful package containing sapphire earrings, my birthstone and something blue.James, meanwhile, had found the perfect suit online at Moss Bros., taking advantage of a discount. His bright blue three-piece suit was complemented by a blush tie and pocket square from Ebay, paired with brown monk shoes from Asos. I had given him a watch as a wedding present, which he’d been eyeing for some time – it was the perfect gift for my husband to wear on our special day.
The Honeymoon
We were determined to have a unique honeymoon experience that would allow us to explore different cultures while also relaxing on the beach. James suggested Mexico, which we’d both heard great things about, and after discovering how close Cuba was, our decision was made. A quick conversation with Trailfinders sealed the deal and we found ourselves booking the trip. Two days after saying ‘I do’, we jetted off to Havana, immersing ourselves in the vibrant city for five days. We indulged in Cuban culture, sipped rum cocktails, danced the night away to salsa beats (with yours truly taking center stage), and even cruised around town in a vintage car. The following 12 days took us to Cancun’s Riviera Maya region, where Mexico proved to be the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. We tried scuba diving for the first time and were hooked – we’re now determined to earn our PADI certification! Our other highlights included exploring ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum, swimming in an ethereal cenote, feasting on mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, and sipping Margaritas galore. Let’s just say it was an unforgettable experience.
Memorable Moments
As we reflect on our special day, a plethora of memories flood my mind. From my perspective, it’s the emotional moments that stand out – like seeing my bridesmaids in tears as I walked down the aisle, or being showered with love through heartfelt speeches. Even the impromptu sparkler ceremony, which unexpectedly brought everyone together, is etched in my memory. Meanwhile, waiting to be introduced as Mr and Mrs while calming my anxious groom-to-be was a unique experience that added to the excitement. For my partner’s perspective, it’s the anticipation that built up before our big reveal – from the moment we were told the bride had arrived, right up until being formally introduced as husband and wife.
Advice for Other Couples
As you embark on your wedding planning journey, consider delegating tasks to your trusted wedding party. Leverage your creative friends and family’s skills to help streamline the process.On your special day, be sure to carve out a moment of solitude with your new spouse. It’s crucial to take a step back, reflect on the significance of this milestone, and truly absorb the magic of it all – as they say, the day does fly by in the blink of an eye.I learned firsthand that leaving things until the last minute can be a recipe for disaster. While I was meticulous with my planning, indecision crept in, resulting in some last-minute purchases. Don’t worry if your wedding doesn’t go exactly as planned; it’s the memories and love shared with your partner that truly matter.Rather than stressing over minor mishaps, focus on the joy and happiness of your special day. We made a mistake by forgetting to scatter confetti – I was particularly upset because I’d been agonizing over the perfect choice just days prior! Yet, in the end, we were relieved that there weren’t any major hiccups.One investment worth considering is Amazon Prime – it was our savior for last-minute necessities. With its rapid shipping and convenience, it’s a valuable asset to have at your disposal during the wedding planning process.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photographer behind the stunning visuals of James and Irah’s special day was Camilla J. Hards, capturing every precious moment with ease. The idyllic setting of Gate Street Barn played host to the joyous celebration, where Kalm Kitchen served up delicious cuisine and Gill Pike Florist brought the venue to life with their beautiful blooms. The wedding dress, a stunning creation by Enzoani, was the perfect choice for the bride, while James looked dashing in his Moss Bros attire. The best men, no doubt feeling proud and honored, wore suits from Burton. The talented Suzanne Dusek Makeup team worked their magic to ensure the bridal party looked radiant on camera. A vintage wedding car from Cars For All Occassions added a touch of elegance to the proceedings, while Brian Belton kept the proceedings running smoothly as toastmaster. Chess Disco got the party started and kept it going all night long, with Nomad Studios capturing every memorable moment on film. Fine Street Co provided the evening’s culinary delights, and the invitations, designed by For The Love Of Lettering, set the tone for a truly unforgettable celebration.
