From school sweethearts to soulmates, Libby and Josh’s story is a decade-long journey that began at just 14 and 15. “We had our first kiss on the corner of the road my parents lived on,” reminisces Libby. Years later, a romantic getaway to London became the setting for a heartfelt proposal. Josh popped the question in Hyde Park before sweeping Libby off to a West End show and a celebratory dinner. The engagement ring was a timeless design lovingly chosen to echo her late nana’s – a sentimental tribute after she passed away the previous year.
When it came to choosing a venue, it was love at first sight. “I’d already fallen for Brickhouse Vineyard after seeing it online,” says Libby, who also had fond memories of the venue from her time as a registrar. The couple chose a spring wedding date just days after their 10-year anniversary.
Inspired by the season, their spring wedding bloomed in a dreamy palette of soft pastels. Guests were invited to follow a chic dress code and Josh’s custom herringbone linen suit set the tone for the day’s breezy elegance – a perfect match for the venue’s exposed brickwork and lush gardens. Libby’s dress brought whimsical romance to life with ethereal floaty sleeves and intricate 3D floral lace, while her bridesmaids shimmered in satin dresses in shades of blush, cream and lilac.
Florals played a starring role in the day’s design, with a focus on seasonal, locally-grown blooms. Thoughtful choices stretched the budget beautifully – from towering ceremony pillars crowned with urn arrangements to meadow-style boxes overflowing with blush, cream and lilac lining the aisle. The tables were dotted with delicate bud vases filled with dainty stems, adding soft, organic charm.
The ceremony was highly personal, with a string quartet enhancing the ambience. “We decided to both write our own vows and two family members shared readings,” says Libby. After the couple’s “I dos”, guests spilled into the sunshine for drinks and canapés, with strings providing the soundtrack to garden mingling.
An English garden party-style afternoon tea followed – complete with a surprise twist. “I was a bit nervous about the singing waiter not landing with our guests, but he was a massive hit,” laughs Libby. “So many of our guests said it was the highlight of the day.” The surprise singalong even led to an impromptu 50-person conga weaving joyfully through the barn.
As the sun dipped, the celebration hit full volume. Setting the tone for a night of fun, Libby and Josh opened the dance floor with a first dance to Love You for a Long Time by Maggie Rogers, complete with a lift and a dip kiss. “We’ve both said how much we loved learning it together,” says Libby. “All our guests joined us on the dance floor straight afterwards.” Live band The Waves Collective kept the party in full swing all evening.
When asked about her standout moment, Libby doesn’t hesitate: “Having my grandpa walk me down the aisle was so special. But as a couple it’s a tie between seeing all our loved ones having fun with the singing waiter and our first dance”.
Her advice to other couples? “Make a pact not to leave each other’s side as much as possible. We did, and it means that we have all the same memories from the day.” She adds: “Remember that the couple set the tone – if you have the best day then your guests will too.”
Photography Mimosa Photography mimosaphotography.uk
Venue Brickhouse Vineyard brickhousevineyard.co.uk
Dress Evolved Bridal instagram.com/evolvedbridal
Bridesmaids’ dresses Pretty Lavish prettylavish.co.uk
Suit Moss moss.co.uk
Groomsmen’s suits Next next.co.uk
Make-up Josie instagram.com/just.Josie.mua
Flowers Poppys Flower Studio poppysflowerstudio.co.uk
Catering Astridges Catering astridgescatering.co.uk
Entertainment 4tissimo String Quartet 4tissimostringquartet.com
Bravo Singing Waiters bravoentertainment.co.uk
The Waves Collective thewvscollective.com
Videography Annie Rose Photography & Film annierose.co.uk
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