Rochelle says…
When we first visited Sandhole Oak Barn, it was a lovely sunny day and I could just see myself marrying Pete there. It had such a relaxed, quiet and secluded feel about it. I always said I wanted a converted barn type of wedding and Sandhole ticked all the boxes for me.
We really wanted a rustic vibe with an outdoor element and lots of colour! We just wanted everyone to feel comfortable and relaxed and able to enjoy the day, but also have lots of amazing things to look at.
I am not a very crafty person at all, but luckily one of my bridesmaids Nic is! The decoration I’m most proud of was a flower frame we made that was hung outside, under the clock tower, with views of the lake behind it. We also painted a pallet which had the order of the day on it. A lot of the decorations inside the barn were provied by the venue, we had drapped organza and fairy lights over the beams in the ceremony room and fairy lights around the beams in the room where we had our wedding breakfast.
Our main colours were pinks and purple, but the pink was a dusky pink and the purple was a lavender fog kind of purple. For the flowers, we mixed in ivory and white flowers to keep things fresh. We had three different types of centrepieces, two pedastalls at the end of the aisle and a long, low floral display on the table where we signed the marrigae certificate. We also had petals scattered down the aisle.
My dress was perfect, it just felt like it was me. The designer was Paloma Blanca. It was simple and timeless but with a hint of sparkle. It had the low back I wanted and was pretty figure hugging. When I went dress shopping with all my bridesmaids, only two out of the seven actually liked the dress I picked! Eventually they all came round and agreed it was the best dress for me. So be true to yourself when dress shopping!
I wore a long veil with sparkle on it, but to be honest it didn’t last long because it was just getting in my way. I wore a bangle my sister gave to me, it was present to her when she was born so that was also my something borrowed. My shoes were silver strappy Jimmy Choo’s. Pete also bought me some beautiful Carat earrings which I had been dropping hints for!
Pete wore a blue three piece suit by Ted Baker with a white shirt and a pink bow tie. My bridesmaid dresses were from ASOS, they mirrored my dress beautifully.
Our drinks reception was held outside because the weather was lovely. We also had a band Matt & Donal playing background music for us, everyone said it was a great touch. We had Pimms and bottles of beers for our guests and our canapés were Deep Fried Mac & Cheese (which was my favourite) Grilled Halloumi, Mini Burgers, King Prawn Tempura and a Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese.
We had a live band in the evening called The Collective who were amazing and really got everyone up and dancing all night long.
Best part of the day
It was actually what I was dreading the most, walking down the aisle. I don’t enjoy having lots of attention on me and the thought of having 120 pairs of eyes watching me walk was my idea of hell. Looking back now though I don’t even remember feeling nervous, I just remember smiling and trying to hold the tears in at the same time.
From one bride to another…
Don’t stress out because on the day it really won’t matter! I know its cliche but the day really does go so so fast and so enjoy every part! I wish I could do it all again and appreciate every second of the day!
Venue Sandhole Oak Barn
Photography Francesca Mason Photography
Catering Top Table
Florist The Flower Emporium
Dress Paloma Blanca from Pure Couture
Bridesmaids ASOS
Groomswear Ted Baker
Magic Mirror Cheshire Celebrations
Make Up Artist Emily Bowden
Hair Chloe Robinson