Emma & Matthew’s No-Corkage Wedding

Date of Wedding: 11/01/2019
Photographer: Sky Photography
Style or Theme: 10 Years together, wintery and blue

For my 16th birthday party, I had a Halloween-themed house party; which Matt and his friends decided to crash. With Emma being a nice person, she let us in. We met at the party then a few weeks later we went on our first date; which was outside McDonalds in Matt’s Fiat Punto!

A big surprise. We were at home on the weekend, I had cooked a curry – Matt’s favourite. We were enjoying listening to our favourite music and having a dance in the living room. When Matt popped to the bedroom with a rather big grin. When he returned we danced to our favourite song and midway, he got down on one knee and proposed. I thought he was joking until he showed me the ring. It was perfect.

I found my dress at Heritage Brides in Hatfield. It was my second day of searching and I had almost given up. The dress was sheath style with lots of lace, the complete opposite of what I had imagined. But Sam at Heritage Brides http://www.heritagebrides.co.uk was fantastic and so reassuring, I tried it on and fell in love. The dress was my something new. I had Blue Ted baker shoes which were my ‘something blue’. I was very lucky that my Grandma let me borrow her Grandma’s Minnie’s locket – which was ‘my old and borrowed’.

Slide Away by Oasis: we both have loved and sung this song since we met, so it was the perfect pick. We had Embassy Band for our evening wedding entertain and they sang our first dance song perfectly. It our favourite video to watch back.

Firstly we fell in love with the view from the venue and how remote it feels. Dodford Manor Barns felt so homely and looked beautiful. We loved that we could decorate the venue and make it our own. The no corkage fee was also a big part of our decision and what attracted us to visit the no corkage wedding venue. Lastly, the staff at Dodford Manor Barn wedding venue made us feel so welcomed, they were so approachable, helpful and honest.

Walking down the aisle music was Our Song by Elton John and this was played by Vynes String quartet. They were amazing, they played prior to the ceremony, during the signing of the register and drink reception. We received many compliments and everyone enjoyed, I would highly recommend. We had little bags with confetti on every chair, petals on the floor and a heart hanging from Mortain Barn’s  ironstone wall. 

Our flowers were from Jack Haddon https://www.jackhaddon.co.uk/ – Selina and her team were extremely helpful and always so responsive to any questions. We had winter blue/grey flowers. I showed Selina our bridesmaids’ dresses and she found the perfect flowers to compliment them. 

Our cake was from Gardners Bakery http://www.gardnersbakery.co.uk/, they offer a budget wedding cake option which was perfect. As we didn’t want to spend huge amount on the cake – the cake was perfect and tasted delicious, a simple design with blue flowers (again many compliments!).

For decorations in the Oak Barn wedding breakfast, instead of normal place card settings, we found funny pictures of each guest and had these printed on a retro print out. It was a great ice breaker for the tables. We had 10 tables, so each table was a year we had been together and the table decorations were two pictures of us from that particular year. Also each table centre piece had a white jug full of white and blue flowers. 

We had a gift table close in the Dairy (Bar) Barn, where guests could leave wedding cards and gifts. Additionally on this table, we had a polaroid camera with a guest book, so our guests could take photos and sign. We found this is lovely keepsake from the day. We also had a glass wall hanging, from which we asked guests to sign corks from the Prosecco served on our wedding day!  

Firstly Jenkinsons Caterers at Dodford Manor are amazing; so helpful and food was very tasty. Fantastic service.

Canapes
Fish and Chips served in cones with Tartare sauce, Thai Fillet of Beef Skewers, Chargrilled Asparagus with Tapenade served on Garlic Croute, Smoked Salmon with lemon on brown bread

Wedding Breakfast Starter
Mango and Brie Parcels with Mango Salsa and Rapeseed oil

Main
French Trimmed Chicken filled with mushrooms, tarragon and sundried tomatos with a white wine and tarragon sauce (or asparagus and broad bean risotto in a baked pepper), served with a love heart shaped fondant potato, honey glazed carrots and shredded savoy cabbage with smoked bacon.

Desserts
Trio of Mini Desserts: Chocolate Brownie, Toffee Apple Creme Brulee and Lemon Cheesecake

Evening Food
Pulled Pork Shoulder bap with Spicy Tomato Relish and Sweet Apple Sauce, Roast Beef Baps with Creamed Horseradish Sauce and Vegan Sausage Baps

Remember the day is about yourselves and don’t worry about your guests having a good time. We spent so long panicking about this when everyone will have an amazing time because it a day full of happiness.

One thing we are most grateful for is our wedding video.

Best day ever!