Thursday, August 30, 2018

Picture of the Day – Steve Gerrard Photography

Bride and groom in rowing boat on lake - Steve Gerrard Photography

Image © Steve Gerrard Photography

Website: www.stevegerrard.com

The post Picture of the Day – Steve Gerrard Photography appeared first on The Wedding Community Blog.

Luxury Safari Wedding Inspiration in South Africa

I’m pretty sure that I’ve never featured any wedding inspiration that features a giraffe before, and I’m super-excited to share these incredible ideas for a luxury safari wedding.

If you’re considering a wedding abroad you may have visions of a deserted beach or poolside setting, but have you thought about a safari location? Once you see these ideas I’m sure you will be adding a safari location to your list of wedding abroad options.

Bride and groom next to safari truck

Of course, the beautiful, natural surroundings of the bush landscape takes centre stage. Set right in the heart of the Bushveld, Cheetah Ridge Lodge in Nambiti Private Game Reserve, South Africa, it is the perfect setting for these fine art, luxury, yet rustic wedding ideas.

I love the romantic, minimalist tablescape with the fabulous blooms, beautiful glassware, and gold candleholders, cutlery and antlers. The addition of rustic items such as the leather chairs and napkin rings adds a subtle nod to the location. Rich, warm textures of leather and wood mixed with the soft silk, tulle and lace create a real sensual feast.

The tipi style ceremony arch is so cute, providing a pretty backdrop without obscuring the incredible views.

Coordinated by Oh Happy Day, this safari wedding styling lends itself perfectly to a fabulous destination wedding or a romantic, intimate elopement. Enjoy these gorgeous pictures, captured by Bright Girl Photography.

Romantic Safari Experience

“We wanted to create a signature, luxury experience to appeal to both international couples and local brides wanting a safari-style wedding in the African Bush. You could extend this concept further, to honeymoon and elopement options for international clientele seeking an authentic and romantic safari experience. Often overlooked by brides, so we wanted to showcase what KwaZulu-Natal has to offer from a safari perspective.

Stationery for a safari wedding

Bridal lingerie Bridal lingerie and dressing gown

Bride with black top in South African bush

Bride with foliage bouquet over her shoulder

Bride and groom holding hands in South African bush

Bride crouching down

Bride with plait bun updo

Bride and groom about to kiss

Bride and groom in South African bush

Bride standing holding bouquet by her side Bridal bouquet with large flower and lots of foliage

Bride and groom standing in front of tipi style ceremony arch

Bride standing in front of tipi style ceremony arch Bride twirling in front of tipi style ceremony arch

Bride and groom walking across Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Bride and groom facing each other

Bride and groom walking across Nambiti Private Game Reserve

“We wanted the beauty of the bush to be the highlight of our shoot, and chose a natural colour palette with luxury finishes. Key elements included the gorgeous bush-inspired stationery suite and choice of florals. By using options that reminded us of Africa, while staying true to and complimenting our surroundings, we let the natural beauty of the bush speak for itself.”

Groom holding bridal bouquet with large flower and lots of foliage

Small wedding table in South African bush

Rustic wedding table styling Wedding menu and gold cutlery

Wedding table display of large flowers and foliage

Wedding place setting with large floral display Wooden wedding chairs

Small wedding table under tree at Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Giraffe at Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Animals roaming at Nambiti Private Game Reserve Zebras at Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Safari truck

Bride and groom holding hands in front of safari truck Bride and groom holding hands

Bride and groom holding antlers

Small table under tree at Nambiti Private Game Reserve Bottle of Champagne on small wedding table

Bridal bouquet with large flower and lots of foliage on ground

Bride and groom standing in front of tipi style ceremony arch at Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Photography: Bright Girl Photography

Styling, Co-ordination and Flowers: Oh Happy Day

Shoot Location: Cheetah Ridge Lodge, Ladysmith, South Africa

Dresses: Laced in Love Bridal

Accessories: Lauren Batchelor Jewellery

Hair and Make-Up: Blend Makeup and Hair

Suits: Kingsly Heath

Rentals: Crystal and Vine, M&B Events and The Furniture Lab

Stationery: Chrystalace

Lingerie: Lauren Judith-Anne

Brand Consultant: Ask Ashe

Models: Chantelle and Brad from York Models

The post Luxury Safari Wedding Inspiration in South Africa appeared first on The Wedding Community Blog.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Picture of the Day – Rosie Cutbill Photography

Bride and groom walking holding hands past wedding guests with sparklers - Rosie Cutbill Photography

Image © Rosie Cutbill Photography

Website: www.rosiecutbillphotography.co.uk

The post Picture of the Day – Rosie Cutbill Photography appeared first on The Wedding Community Blog.

Getting to Know – Sandhole Oak Barn

Venue Name: Sandhole Oak Barn

Location: Near Congleton, Cheshire

What type of venue is Sandhole Oak Barn and how old is the building?

Sandhole Oak Barn is a breathtaking barn wedding venue that provides a relaxing and romantic setting with truly idyllic surroundings. Set on the banks of a private lake and with rolling Cheshire countryside all around, you’ll struggle to find a more picturesque place to tie the knot.

Sandhole Oak Barn wedding venue in Cheshire

Tell us a little about the beautiful venue’s history.

Sandhole has been home to the Worth family for five decades. Originally all farmland, Sandhole began hosting weddings in 1995 and is believed to be the first farm in Britain to do so. In 2005 the stunning, oak-beamed barn was built and now provides an enchanting setting for country weddings. Sandhole is still family run and we take immense pride in our venue and our collective bespoke approach.

Couple by lake at Sandhole Oak Barn

What is the capacity for a wedding ceremony and wedding reception at Sandhole Oak Barn?

Couples will find plenty of space for up to 140 guests for both ceremonies and wedding breakfasts. In the evening, you’re welcome to invite a further 40 guests.

Wedding ceremony in Ceremony Barn at Sandhole Oak Barn

What rooms are available for couples hosting their wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn?

When you tie the knot at Sandhole Oak Barn you’ll have the whole place exclusively to yourself.

When your guests first arrive they have the Small Barn to meet up in before the wedding and enjoy a tea or coffee. The main Oak barn is split into two parts; the Ceremony Barn for you to exchange your vows and later dance the night away, and the Dining Barn for your wedding breakfast and reception. You can also make the most of the exquisite location by marrying outside under the Clock Tower. Set on the banks of the lake, there is no more romantic place to say ‘I do’.

Enjoy drinks on the verandah and explore the grounds, and when the Oak Barn closes at the end of the main celebration your B&B guests can then wind down in the Small Barn before heading off to bed.

Clock Tower at Sandhole Oak Barn

Is exclusive use included as part of your packages or is there an extra charge for this?

Exclusive use comes as standard at Sandhole Oak Barn – why share it with someone else!?

 

Is catering provided for weddings or can couples bring in their own caterers?

The award-winning Top Table takes care of the catering and event coordination at Sandhole Oak Barn, and has been delighting couples and their guests for over fifteen years at the venue.

They offer an extensive range of dishes and menus and will work with you to create the perfect wedding breakfast to treat your loved ones too. They also have extensive experience in running weddings and are by your side throughout the build up to your wedding and on your special day. Planning a wedding doesn’t have to be stressful with Top Table helping you!

Wedding tables in Dining Barn at Sandhole Oak Barn

What would a typical wedding breakfast menu be?

There are plenty of options for your wedding breakfast, from British classics to modern European dishes. With Top Table’s vast wealth of experience and restaurant quality catering they can easily put together a mouth-watering bespoke menu to suit your tastes.

Does Sandhole Oak Barn have a set price for weddings or is there a tiered pricing structure? What packages do you offer?

The venue hire fee at Sandhole Oak Barn changes depending on the day of the week and the time of year. Get in touch with us to find out more about prices and what’s included.

Couple leaving wedding ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn

What can couples expect from having their wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn?

When you choose Sandhole Oak Barn as your wedding venue you can expect a day full of country romance, natural beauty and unforgettable moments.

With the lake and surrounding countryside providing a stunning backdrop you’ll have the most amazing views to accompany each aspect of your day. After celebrating under the beautiful oak beams in the barn, enjoying fantastic food and drink and dancing the night away with your loved ones, you won’t have any regrets about picking this enchanting venue.

Bride and groom in grounds of Sandhole Oak Barn

What is the best thing about having your wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn?

It’s hard to choose just one, but we think our idyllic country setting makes us stand out from the crowd. When you’re looking out over the tranquil lake, watching lambs gambolling through the fields or taking a quiet stroll together, it’s tough to think of a more beautiful place to hold your special day.

Bride and bridesmaids in field at Sandhole Oak Barn

Does is Sandhole Oak Barn have rooms for guest to stay?

Located just a few metres from the wedding venue, Sandhole Farm B&B can provide accommodation for you and your loved ones. With your own Dressing Room from 9am, a luxurious honeymoon cottage and space for a further 37 guests, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after your wedding.

Wedding first dance at Sandhole Oak Barn

Describe Sandhole Oak Barn in three words.

Idyllic, magical and personal.

What’s your top tip for choosing the perfect wedding venue?

Go with your heart and you’ll have a wedding day that you and your guests will never forget.

Couple by lake at Sandhole Oak Barn at dusk

Where can I find out more about is Sandhole Oak Barn?

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