Sutton & Geary Wedding
All images by Dan Rayner Photography.
Every wedding we have the pleasure of hosting at Stratton Court Barn is special and unique and a wonderful celebration of the love each couple feels for each other. But once in a while, there is a wedding that is so special, so perfect for the barn and everything we enjoy and hold dear. Laura and James’ wedding was one of those. I’ll explain why.
Although not a local couple, Laura and James chose to get married in our lovely village church, St Mary & St Edburga in Stratton Audley. They also made the most of the picturesque village by staying in one of the Manor Mews houses (available via AirBnB) and the groomsmen met up at the village pub before the service.
The weather was, unfortunately, not quite playing the game, with rain threatening at all times. This didn’t seem to dampen any spirits while getting ready. And how could it – look at those shoes, that dress and the flowers!
The dress was a Maggie Sottero dress, purchased from The Ivory Wardrobe in Woburn. The ‘Ettia’ is a tulle and Vogue satin sheath dress, with a delicate tulle overlay, adorned with Swarovski crystals and pearl beads. Utter sophistication.
The flowers were commissioned from Kidlington based florists The Flower Fairies, and to our pleasure, were created on their behalf by our favourite freelance florist Marcelli. Terrariums for centrepieces and the use of succulents made them bang-on-trend. Speaking of trend: James was equally well turned out, in a country tweed suit, available exclusively from Jack Bunneys of London.
Lucky enough to have a friend with a classic gold Rolls Royce (!) the happy couple did a quick detour on the short route from the church to the venue, and stopped by the stables belonging to Stratton Audley Park for a few photos on their own.
Meanwhile, the guests were treated to a fantastic welcome at the barn: A personalised gin bar, serving four of the couple’s favourite craft gins, with requisite Fever Tree tonic and appropriate garnishes, in large gin goblet glasses.
At this stage, the weather was also kind enough to allow for guests to enjoy their drinks, with canapés, outside in the sunshine. They also had the opportunity to admire the chalkboards by freelance designer Claire Goodwin, and the beautifully illustrated table plan by Robyn Gates Stationery, an Ampthill based illustrator.
The food was provided by the ever-fantastic Lemon Zest, with the wedding breakfast comprising of cured sea trout, followed by Lamb Noisette and finished with a trio of dessert of prosecco jelly, chocolate orange cheesecake and lemon meringue pie.
The Main Barn looked stunning, with That Event Company’s fairy light canopy adding extra sparkle, but the real show-stopper was the wedding cake. It was made by The Sugar Cube Cakery, and consisted of three tiers – banoffee, lemon cream and orange truffle – decorated with edible lace, scalloped embroidery, beading and hand-painted scroll mouldings. A serious work of art!
And this is where every wedding takes a pivotal turn: what happens after the meal and speeches? Well, in Laura and James’s case, a serious party takes place. Live band, reckless dance moves, wood fired pizza and a few shots later… #Squad Goals.
Laura and James little book of suppliers:
- Dan Rayner Photography
- The Ivory Wardrobe
- Jack Bunneys
- That Event Company
- The Flower Fairies
- Lemon Zest
- The Sugar Cube Cakery
- Robyn Gates Stationery: Instagram rg_stationery
- Claire Goodwin (designer)
- Luca Buca Pizza
- The Beat Roots via BandsforHire
- Richard Young Illusionist
