Logistical nightmare turns into dream country meadow wedding in Dorset

Kayleigh and Jac’s country meadow wedding was like “spending an evening with 162 best friends,” says the bride.

The pair, aged 32 and 31 respectively, married on April 13, 2017 in Sherborne, Dorset with a ceremony and reception at Stockbridge Farm Barn. “We both come from large families and enjoy a wide circle of friends, so finding a venue large enough to ensure we could celebrate with our nearest and dearest was high on the agenda,” says Kayleigh. “We visited Stockbridge and immediately both fell in love with it.”

The venue itself was a shell, so the couple spent 18 months planning and sourcing for each and every detail from toilet blocks to tablecloths. “We married 80 miles from home in a stone-cold barn with no heating or toilets — some might say a logistical nightmare,” laughs Kayleigh. “But by the end of the day it couldn’t have been a more familiar, loving, warm environment.”

Photos courtesy of Helen Strong Photography.

The bride wore a mixture of borrowed and new jewellery.

“Helen made us feel totally at ease and by the end of the day she felt more like a friend,” praises the bride of their photographer.

“Following the ceremony our guests enjoyed drinks and snacks in the sunshine whist we were whisked off by our incredible photographer,” says Kayleigh.

“Before long I was dragging Jac to every wedding festival and event I could find,” the bride says of after they were engaged.

“We enjoyed a relaxed reception with barbecue food and free flowing drinks,” smiles Kayleigh.