Rach has finally married her Mr Wright and Kris has married the girl of his dreams while little Roman partied the night away with mum and Dad like the little star that he is ❤️
We loved welcoming our lovely couple over to Southwood Hall on Wednesday to add their finishing touches to the barn amidst the masses of fairy lights installed by KWF. Never has the barn been so full of gorgeous twinkling lights adding such a warm golden glow. Masses of flickering candles were added to line their aisle and decorate their tables adding perfect splashes of sage supported in cute cut bottle green glass holders. A giant wicker heart was adorned with yet more lights and LOVE shone bright. Their table plan of bottles carefully labelled echoed the sage green touches and fairy lights combined.
You can never have too many emergency fixes on hand and we have all sorts ready to help – as Kris made good use of allen keys and spare bolts to put together his photobooth frame wire cutters were found to add trails of wisteria and draping was added to surprise even himself how handy he had been. Meanwhile the girls made good use of colour perfect green floristry tack to secure their floral garlands to the welcome sign and make sure candles stood perfectly tall. A team effort to make Rach’s vision come to life.
We knew from our planning meeting that Rach was a savvy shopper tracking down the best buys and she curated detail after detail. Kris was surprised to see just how far their budget had spread as the special touches kept coming, all carefully considered and all making the barn their own. A warm and welcoming haven that looked better and better as their wedding day went on amidst their masses of fairy lights, festoons and flickering candles shining bright as the sun faded.
Practicing the all-important walk along the aisle when work was complete we found the perfect moments for everyone to make their entrances and we couldn’t wait for our bride to make the walk for real as we knew that the sparkle that Mr & Mrs Wright share would shine bright.
As their wedding day dawned relievedly warm and bright Sonya added English Country Garden blooms to complete the look. The scent was gorgeous as the stocks and peonies filled gorgeous seasonal displays amidst petite blooms, Memory Lane roses topped their matching chocolate and vanilla cakes ensuring it was a day they would never forget.
A relaxed morning in the Cartshed Lodge and Butlers duly followed the busy preparations of the day before. Amie Kelly at Beau Hair & Beauty worked with Lauren to ensure our stunning girls were aisle ready with plenty of time to slip into the most perfect dress tracked down so brilliantly. With her twisted up do safely securing her veil she was ready. As Dad was encouraged away from the bar to see her in the Cartshed Lodge we promised to be on hand with one last pint before the aisle. Seeing his most gorgeous girl sparkle in her stunning gown adorned with delicate embroidery over layers of tulle and a deep V fronted allure neckline he couldn’t help but well up with pride.
Roman wasn’t even a twinkle in Kris’s eyes when they booked their Southwood Hall wedding but he knew Daddy would be waiting in his military uniform so didn’t want to let their gorgeous family down. He sported his shorts, bow tie and waistcoat ensemble with the confidence of a chap who knows just how cute he looks; his blonde curls and smiling socks making him the most adorable paige boy ever.
Finally the wait was over – as her bridesmaids sang ‘Going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married’ our Bride collected her things ready to head to Barn. Rachael shared that cheeky pint with Dad Stephen moments before their ceremony music began. Her bridemaids, paige boys and flower girls led the way and the twinkle in Kris’s eye turned to tears as little Roman made his way down the aisle to Dad.
Rachael and Kris glowed as they locked eyes as she made her was towards him. The sun was most definitely up in the blue skies as RuthAnne “The vow” began. When you have walked the earth every inch and mile the aisle doesn’t seem so long but taking her time Rachel glided to Kris’s side. Their ceremony was full of love and emotion and not wanting to be left out Roman called out to our beautiful bride. Bride for a day but never a day off from being mum!
In the cutest moment Rachel bounced with excitement as they were finally announced as husband and wife. The longest kiss ever was shared and hugs soon followed, a theme that was repeated throughout their day 😘 As confetti was thrown another kiss was shared under a shower of eucalyptus leaves. Long after guests had ran out their kiss continued before they remembered to make their way to the end!
As guests grabbed a drink from the terrace cooler the canapés began to circulate. Mini Yorkshire pudding with peppered beef and horseradish cream were once again a firm favourite and quickly devoured. The gorgeous day was perfect for relaxing on the terrace and competitive games of Jenga but as the scent of the barbecue began to fill the air it was time for guests to find their seats.
Sunglasses donned and smiles in place our newlyweds received a high energy welcome into the barn – it was certainly nice to meet the new Mr & Mrs Wright and their guests sang, cheered and waved their napkins as they got up off their feet. With a twirl and a dance they made their way to cut their cake, sharing a piece before they settled for the speeches 🥰
Proud Dad Stephen had told us that he had been writing his speech for many years and on draft 28 thought he had nailed it! Here with his binder he had penned his masterpiece – 4 hours worth of speech which was luckily just a joke! It was perfect – short enough to keep it interesting and long enough to be decent 😂 He wanted to truly enjoy the next 5 minutes as the only thing Rachel hasn’t planned and has no control over!
The day his daughter was born he knew she’d changed his life – she changed his default setting from “no” to “yes” and it would have been rude for him not to point out the things that make Rachel special as he shared tales of her growing into a kind, independent charming woman. He wanted her wedding day to reflect her beauty and her grace as they all have the best day ever together. Dad was clearly so very proud of Rachael surpassing all of the expectations he ever had for her – she is a great mum to Roman and she’s married a great guy in Royal Marine Kris. Dad knew he’d protect their most prized possession.
Kris’s speech followed and was perfect in every way. Surprisingly we learnt that Kris didn’t have much to do with the planning – other than seeing Rachael’s mood board (which maybe we loved just a little bit more than the groom) 😂
Acknowledging how fortunate they are to have such wonderful family and friends to share their day with Kris thanked everyone for travelling from near and far. Talking to their parents and about the true importance of family caused kris to well up and prove what a sweetheart he is before he turned his attention to the person who wears the trousers – his beautiful wife! The strongest person he knows, his rock, his best friend and soul mate. Their journey over the past 10 years may not have been the easiest, full of ups and downs, but having welcomed Roman into their lives he made sure Rach knew how much her two handsome boys love her as he shared his hopes that they can offer her everything she deserves 😭
Lewis (the self proclaimed better looking brother!) was honoured to be Kris’ best man. Lewis was nervous about his speech but found his cool! We are just glad he was at the wedding as the last time he had such an important date to help his brother (filming the proposal) there was a little mix up with dates – now we know why Shaun was trusted to take care of those rings!
We love these brothers and the love that they share – with just the right about of family banter as Lewis confessed to having always had an advantage as mums golden boy. As more tears were shed it was time for the serious bit. He couldn’t be prouder of the life our couple have built, watching their relationship grow it’s clear that what they share is a deep deep love. The third man to show true appreciation for such a lovely kind and caring bride Lewis thanked Rachael for loving his brother and thanked his brother for being a fantastic man he can look up to, a wonderful best mate and for being such a role model in his life.
With emotions high it was time to step outside and take a breather as guests were ready to head to the barbecue. Once guests had been fed the opportunity was taken to feed the cows in the meadow who appreciated the offerings just as much as guests had earlier. There were even more sloppy kisses for Rach as Reggie pushed his way to the front of the herd as always!
Dad once more claimed his little girl as he took her to dance before once again handing her hand to Kris. “You are the reason” the perfect soundtrack as they danced, soon joined on the floor by everyone as the tempo lifted and the party truly began.
As the light faded it was true to Rachael and Kris’s wedding that more sparks flew and the twinkle of sparkler light was shared. Using her artistic flare once more hearts were drawn as our bride and groom glowed sharing such memorable moments.
Roman was by their sides celebrating every moment with mum and dad, the last one on the dancefloor he enjoyed every second of their day too. As our House DJ played their final dance in this mornings early hours as echoing their story the lyrics could not have been more perfect, you are so lucky to have found one another 🥰.
You two (now three) have been stars the whole way along your Southwood wedding journey and we have all loved helping you to celebrate in such a perfect way! We hope that you always keep in touch and that your spark never dies xx
