Manor Farm inspires vision for Natalie and Andy’s rustic wedding

Bride Natalie Barker is the first to admit she made life difficult for herself when planning her rustic wedding.

The 30-year-old Bicester local married her beau Andy Hallsworth, 29, on August 22, 2015 in Oxfordshire. The bride knew she wanted to marry at St Mary’s Church in Ardley as it was a place of family significance. But she was struggling to find the right reception venue.

“When I couldn’t find a local wedding reception that I liked I went a little off-piste,” explains Natalie. ”After various random Google searches I found a place called Manor Farm which hosts small music festivals.” After speaking with the owners about her vision it was decided the beautiful old stone farmhouse with private garden field – just three minutes’ walk from the church – would set the tone for her reception.

“Our families thought I had lost the plot slightly when I presented a field with no facilities as our perfect reception venue – but I assured them that I ‘had the vision’ and it would all come together,” smiles Natalie. And indeed the venue came to life using lots of flowers, plants and trees to bring the beautiful garden setting into the marquee itself. “Planning the wedding was a lot of hard work, I definitely did not make life easy for myself,” laughs Natalie. “However our family and friends – and Andy – were very supportive.”

Photos courtesy of Charlotte Bryer-Ash Photography.

Natalie’s maids wore blush coloured gowns from Ted Baker and carried pretty posies of David Austen roses and country garden blooms.

Natalie graced a gorgeous high-neck gown with lace appliqué and Andy’s dashing dark navy suit was found at Slaters.

Natalie and Andy decked out their marquee in a canopy of fairy lights, as well as olive trees hired from a local garden centre.

The four tier wedding cake included chocolate, lemon, carrot and fruit cake flavours and was adorned with fresh flowers.