A SONG for you

Nikita and Ashley styled their big day with a festival vibe as a nod to their mutual love of music

Images courtesy of Ginger Jam Photography

Nikita met Ashley at a local gig. They were both immediately drawn to one another and quickly discovered much in common. Further down the line when Ashley had decided to propose, he booked a suite at the Townhouse Hotel in Manchester as a surprise for Nikita. Before heading to a White Lies gig one night, they decided to spend the evening in the spa, and it was here that Ashley got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. “It was the most magical moment, which we’ll both treasure forever,” says Nikita. It was fortunate that she said, “Yes,” as Ashley had arranged for their friends to join them the following morning, along with a surprise meal with family and friends the following night. “We returned home to a house full of balloons, presents and banners,” remembers the bride-to-be.

The couple were enthralled by the setting and scenic views at Sandhole Oak Barn, which was just the classy, rustic venue they’d been looking for. “We could add our own spin on a gig/festival theme,” explains Nikita. “We also loved the additional touches such as the smaller barn for an after party, accommodation for our guests, the outside space, the stunning interior of the barn, the bridal suite and the shepherds hut for the groom’s party.” The date was set for 9th July, 2022.

Join us as bride Nikita shares her treasured memories of the day as well as what went on behind the scenes...

Our flowerboy played a trick on us and pretended he’d lost the rings during the ceremony! We also had one of our best men act as flower man, and he performed a very funny dance before I walked down the aisle, which involved him throwing flower petals at guests. He was a huge hit!

We hired a pianist for the day who played during our ceremony.

For both of us, the moment we saw each other at either end of the aisle is one we’ll never forget, and still gives us butterflies even now.

We made our table plan ourselves using old record vinyls attached to a wooden pallet, and our tables were named after songs and artists that are significant to us. Our table was named after a White Lies song played at the gig we attended the night got engaged.

We had lots of flowers and candles, as well as logs to tie in with the rustic theme of the venue. We used a combination of tall and small arrangements for the centrepieces. We stayed very neutral with the flowers, using plenty of greens and whites. They were simply stunning.

We chose to have different cupcakes on a four-tiered cake stand with a small cutting cake for the top tier. Again this was kept neutral in its colour palette.

The place names had a similar theme to our invitations, which had a floral design and elements of a festival theme. We had vinyl records personalised to say ‘Leese Fest.

We had lots of games outside including Jenga, bean bag toss, ring toss and more.

We also had other music festival touches dotted around the venue such as vinyls with song lyrics on them, and signs featuring different quotes or lyrics, which meant something to us.

I wore a dress by Dando London. I didn’t think I’d have a fitted style, but fell in love with the detailing as soon as I tried it on. It had a low back and I had pearl buttons added. I accessorised with a simple veil, white heeled sandals and a diamond necklace. I also wore a Tiffany bracelet, a gift from my nan before she passed away.

Ashley, the flowerboy, best men, father-of-the-bride, and brother-of- the-bride all wore matching navy blue suits with a subtle check. They had tan shoes and we bought them all matching socks!

The bridesmaids wore long, sage green, halter-neck dresses. They paired these with heels in a neutral hue and personalised necklaces that we gave them as bridesmaids’ gifts.

We were entertained by live music from Adam Finney Music, as well as a DJ. My dad surprised us and booked a sax player for the evening, which guests loved. We wanted a range of music and a lively atmosphere. The dancefloor was full, with guests dancing all evening.

We continued the celebrations the following day with a barbecue for lots of our guests before travelling to Jamaica on honeymoon the following day. We had the best holiday ever!

My top tip is to be organised and have lists! Know exactly what you want and focus on what’s important to you, and not to others.

NIKITA AND ASHLEY’S SUPPLIERS

Venue, Sandhole Oak Barn, www.sandholeoakbarn-weddings.co.uk | Photographer, Ginger Jam Photography, www.gingerjamphotography.com | Dress, Dando London | Wedding rings, Beaverbrooks | Hair stylist, Amber Rose Hair, www.instagram.com/amberrosehair | Make-up artist, Sarah Broadgate MUA, www.instagram.com/sarahbroadgatemuaclients

Bridesmaids’ dresses, ASOS | Groom’s suit, Next | Cake, Oh Sugar by AJ, www.instagram.com/ohsugar.byaj | Flowers, Flossies

Weddings, www.facebook.com/FlossiesWeddings | Photo booth, Birdie Photobooth, www.birdiecampervan.com

Stationery, Designs by Gem, www.instagram.com/designs__by__gem | Entertainment, Finney Band, www.facebook.com/finneyband Catering, Top Table Events, www.top-table.co.uk

Sandhole Oak Barn is an idyllic wedding venue, boasting a lakeside location set in the beautiful rolling Cheshire countryside.

Exclusively yours on your special day, enabling you to have the intimacy you deserve with your family & friends. Exchange your wedding vows surrounded by your loved ones overlooking our stunning lake either indoors (up to 140 guests) or outdoors (up to 80 guests).

Sandhole Oak Barn is the perfect venue for you to create your dream day, with our barn offering a blank canvas to dress however you wish to create a day unique to you. The celebration doesn’t have to end when the music stops with the adjacent Sandhole Farm B&B providing accommodation for up to 40 of your guests. Come

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