Ruth couldn’t have been more surprised when Anthony dropped to one knee at home on an average Thursday back in 2019. “It was unexpected, understated and I loved it,” she reflects. “The best part was that he had also organised a surprise engagement party for the next evening. He told all our guests that it was a belated housewarming party, but we got to surprise them instead with our engagement news!”
Engagement celebrations over, the couple set about finding a venue for their vision of a “relaxed, rustic but people orientated wedding” – and Harefield Barn was the perfect fit. “One of our best decisions was that we chose to host our wedding at the very beautiful Harefield Barn,” says Ruth. “We loved the idea of DIY wedding where we could bring in suppliers who would fit our day, and the owners, Deborah and Robert, were so welcoming and helpful that we knew it was a good match!”
Ruth and Anthony relished the opportunity to put their stamp on their big day. “After the pandemic we were all just in need of some good quality time with friends and family, so we focused on great food, fun games, minimal formalities, and the best sangria recipe,” she says. The styling celebrated both the season and rural setting through a burnt orange hue paired with natural textures such as chipboard signage and bundles of dried flowers.
After the outdoor ceremony, where the couple took their vows before views across rolling meadows, the festivities kicked off in style with sangria, games and live music from Emma Pick.
In keeping with the summer vibe, the couple opted for a Greek feast – and flavours such as pork souvlaki, grilled halloumi, Greek salad and pitta breads – went down a treat. “We wanted hearty and delicious food that would be perfect for a summer wedding. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about it!” enthuses Ruth who savoured this special meal at a sweetheart table with Anthony. “We wanted the day to be all about time with family and friends but taking this moment to take it all in, enjoy our delicious Greek feast and people watch was a highlight.”
The pair also poured thought into their favours. “Our first date ended on a shot of Licor 43 so we wanted our married life to start on one,” says Ruth. “Anthony finished his fantastic speech and then asked all our guests to join us. Seeing all our loved ones take a shot with us was such a highlight!”
Their decision to do a last dance proved another standout moment. “We were both nervous at the thought of a sober first dance so we decided to finish with our favourite song, Mumford & Sons’ There Will Be Time, and it brought all our guests together for one final dance. What we thought would be daunting turned out to be one of the best bits.”
Their nerves at the prospect of posed photos were quashed on meeting their photographer, Kat. “She made us feel so comfortable and really became part of our day – in doing so, she was able to capture the real side of it, not just the picture-perfect moments,” says Ruth. “Don’t compromise on your photographer!” she adds as a note of advice.
Photography Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod kathrynclarkemcleod.com
Venue Harefield Barn harefieldbarn.co.uk
Dress The Wedding Company the-wedding-company.co.uk
Hair A Salon Called Hare asaloncalledhare.co.uk
Emily Zade Rickard instagram.com/emily.rickard84
Make-up The Brow Lady facebook.com/TheBrowLadyX
Kim Bowen instagram.com/kimbowenbeautymua
Bridesmaids’ dresses ASOS asos.com
Groom’s outfit Zebel zebel.co.uk
Catering The Greek Outdoors thegreekoutdoors.com
Exe Valley Pizza Co. exevalleypizza.co
Cake Ben’s Bakes bens-bakes.co.uk
Flowers The Barn Florist barnflorist.co.uk
Tableware South West Event Hire southwesteventhire.co.uk
Entertainment Emma Pick instagram.com/pick_emma
Retro Disco retrodisco.co.uk
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