Curradine Barns was only the second venue we visited but we knew straight away that it was right for us, we didn’t look any further. It’s hard to describe but it just felt right; close to home, gorgeous countryside location, good menu options, friendly staff and it was just the right size – small and intimate for our cosy winter wedding yet large enough for all our guests.
I wanted to keep the décor pretty relaxed but with a touch of sparkle because it was December! Also we both love Christmas and it was incredible to have a huge Christmas tree in the main room, it felt very special. I bought rose gold bunting, rose gold confetti, white and rose gold pin wheels, candles and string lights. Then we made up foliage rings, a eucalyptus leaf table runner and floral centrepieces the day before. My uncle made the table plan, table names and place settings. My auntie and uncle made Doughnut boards filled with Krispy Cremes and my dad made our wedding cake, his first wedding cake and it turned out very well! It was delicious, I was so pleased with it and proud that he could make it for our wedding.
For our flowers we used Memory Lane roses, anemones, wax flower and plenty of eucalyptus leaf. My work colleague used to be a florist, she was a great help in organising and making up the flower arrangements and bouquets.
I loved my dress so much, it was the Alyse gown by Odylyne The Ceremony and it was the most beautiful dress I’d ever seen! I found it at LA Bespoke in Worcestershire. The embroidered lace over the the silk slip with the low v neck and gorgeous sleeves was so beautiful, it caught the light and felt ethereal and romantic and perfect. My headband was from Luna Bea at LA Bespoke. I’d seen pieces from Luna Bea on Instagram and loved their romantic hand crafted pieces. The rose gold band went with my engagement and wedding rings plus the antique velvet flower was my ‘something old’! My shoes were rose gold (again!) from Kurt Geiger, they had a comfortable low heel and a closed toe because it was December!
Rob’s suit was made to measure from Moss Bros. and his shoes were from Churches. My bridesmaids wore multiway dresses from Victoria Lou Bridal. I envisaged my bridesmaids in something matching but different so these dresses were great – my four bridesmaids wore the same colour but styled their dresses differently so that they all felt comfortable.
We had a drinks reception with mulled wine, perfect for our winter wedding. I think it went down well with our guests and glasses were well topped up! Canapés consisted of squid and chorizo, mini shepherds pie, steak and chips and black pudding balls they were super delicious.
To start we had smoked bacon Scotch egg with apple puree and pancetta, followed by fillet of beef with dauphinoise potato and peppercorn sauce and then sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. We went for pizzas in the evening from the wood fired pizza oven outside. It was a great choice that went down well with all our guests!
Best part of the day
I loved every moment of the day! Walking down the country lane from the church to the reception venue with all of our guests following behind was special, we were very lucky with the weather; it was a crisp winters day, clear blue skies, the most perfect day for a winter wedding!
We loved walking into the wedding breakfast room, everyone stood and cheered and it felt amazing to have all of our favourite people in one room. Also we loved our sparkler send off!
From one couple to another…
Research a good photographer, we felt so lucky to have had a recommendation from a friend. Our photographer was so good on the day and produced some amazing photographs that we’ll treasure forever. Also don’t worry about the small things! And people had said beforehand that the day would just fly by so we made sure to enjoy every moment. You’ll have such a good time, it really is the best day!
There’s nothing I regret, although the day before the wedding was pretty crazy trying to get all the flowers ready. It take a lot longer than you think. If you want a relaxing day before, don’t do the flowers yourself!
Venue Curradine Barns
Photography Jessica Raphael Photography
Dress LA Bespoke
Bridesmaids Victoria Lou Bridal
Groom’s Attire Moss Bros.
Make Up Jessica Ava Make Up Artist
Confetti Shropshire Petals
Based on a weekday wedding in January.