When we got married in 2003 we had a rustic Barn wedding in Sussex. It was an amazing day. Our only regret was that it flew past so quickly and we only got to spend a short time catching up for family and friends who had travelled long distances to be there with us, before everyone dispersed to their hotels and B&Bs. In setting up Clifford Barton Weddings we’ve talked a lot about how we would do things differently if we got married again. So here is our dream wedding.
VICKI AND GAVIN’S DREAM WEDDING
Friday
12 noon – V&G, our parents and some friends arrive at Clifford Barton and lay and decorate the tables in Swallow Barn, settle in.
Afternoon – Friends and family arrive and help to finish off setting up. Family and friends stay in the 3 cottages, Bell Tents and Sweet Meadows campsite next door
6pm – Delagate BBQ duties to best man and maid of honour. BBQ and drinks around the fire pit
8pm V and Bridesmaids enjoy a toast in the wood fired off grid Hot Tub
9pm – G and Groomsmen turn to enjoy a toast in the Hot Tub
10pm – More drinks around the hot tub
11pm – Early night
Saturday (Wedding Day!)
8am – V – Hair and makeup with Bridesmaids in Bridesmere….G
8am – G and groomsman go for a morning run in Fingle Woods to Upperton Weir for a pre wedding wild swim.
12.30pm – Guests start to arrive and wander down to Bridesmere Bridge. It’s an 8 min stroll – laminated photos of all guest hanging on trees on the way down. A string quartet playing on Bridesmere Bridge
1.45pm – G and best man row across the lake to Bridesmere Bridge. Relatives not able to walk are dropped off at the Bridge
2pm – V and Bridesmaids arrive on a pony and trap for the Ceremony
2.45pm – The Cake Van brings tea and cakes to the lake. Also Wheelbarrows with ice and bottles of Pimms and G&T
3.30pm – A piper (got to get the Scottish bit in there somewhere) leads a walk around the lake and back to the Courtyard for the Reception
4pm – Games on the Grass, – tug o war, crazy golf, nerf gun range, photo booth. More drinks and nibbles and games in the Corn Barn
5.30pm – Wedding Feast
6.30pm – Speeches and Cake Cutting
7.30pm – 10pm – Ceildh and first dance
10pm – 11.30 DJ Disco
11.30pm – Marshmallows and sparklers around the fire pit
12 midnight – Carriages
Sunday
10am Breakfast from the Bacon Sarnie and Bloody Mary Van for all staying site and guests camping at Sweet Meadows
11.30am – All meet for a walk along the River Teign to Fingle Bridge Inn for a carvery on the River Bank.
Evening – V&G enjoy an evening under the stars by themselves
Monday
Say good-bye to any stragglers and head off home. Job Done!
