This couple brought loved ones together from all over the world to enjoy their Cotswolds barn wedding and elegant barn wedding styling ideas...

Bride and groom holding hands at the end of their wedding ceremony. Simple cream wedding cake displayed at the couple’s reception

Key takeaways

  • Oxleaze Barn is a family-run Cotswolds barn wedding venue set in beautiful countryside surroundings.
  • Lottie wore a modern satin wedding dress by Sofia Cruz from wed2b, featuring a fitted bodice and flowing skirt.
  • The couple’s proposal took place in Austria after weather disrupted an original mountaintop plan.
  • The wedding had a relaxed, personal feel with DIY décor and bilingual touches for international guests.
  • Standout moments included the heartfelt ceremony, fun games and bringing family together from different countries.
Close-up of the bride placing a wedding ring on the groom’s finger during the ceremony

How Lottie and Jonas First Met

Lottie and Jonas’s first meeting was complete luck. Both had travelled to Iceland with friends — Lottie from the UK and Jonas from Germany — when fate brought them to the same spot. “We were both visiting one of the waterfalls there,” says Lottie. “A queue to take a photo was forming, so I started speaking with some people close by, a little irritated. I soon found out the reason for the queue was Jonas taking some professional photos and I was complaining to his friend about it!”

“After that we’ve been inseparable. We navigated a long-distance relationship, before quitting our jobs to travel the world together. We’ve now settled in Germany with our dog.”

Their First Dates Across Two Countries

Black and white photo of the bride and groom outside as guests throw confetti over them

Exploring Cheltenham & Sunday Roasts

The couple’s first UK date took place in Cheltenham, where Jonas experienced a true British rite of passage - his first Sunday roast.

Sleeping in an Igloo in the Alps

In Germany, their dates reflected their shared love of adventure. “We drove to the Alps and spent a night in an igloo on the top of the highest mountain,” says Lottie. “We never do things by halves!” 

Bride and groom walking back up the aisle holding hands after their wedding ceremony

The Alps Proposal in Austria

Take One — The Windy Mountaintop Attempt

Jonas originally planned to propose at the top of a mountain during a weekend break in the Austrian Alps in April 2024. “However, it was extremely windy and too scary for me,” says Lottie. “So, unknowingly to me, he hiked up and back down the mountain with the Champagne and the ring in tow.”

Bride having her makeup applied on the morning of her wedding day

Take Two — The Anniversary Proposal

The following day, their actual anniversary, Jonas proposed quietly in their hotel room. “It was perfect,” says Lottie.

Close-up of the bride holding her wedding bouquet. Back view of the bride’s wedding dress hanging up before the ceremony

Finding the Dress at wed2b Birmingham (Shirley)

The Shopping Experience

Lottie visited wed2b Birmingham (Shirley) after a friend recommended the store. She had her heart set on trying one particular dress, but there was only one sample in her size, and it was already with another bride. “Once the staff were 100% sure she didn’t want it, they ran and got it for me to try!” she says. “I knew the second I tried it on it was ‘The One’.”

Why Lottie Chose the Renzo Dress

Lottie chose Renzo, a crisp modern satin wedding dress by Sofia Cruz that matched her ‘modern with a twist’ vision perfectly. "It had to be a sleek satin style, not tulle,” she says. “I loved the tight fit at the top and flow of the skirt, it did wonders for my figure!” 

Accessories

To complete her look, Lottie also chose a long cathedral-length veil from wed2b. The dramatic length added elegance and impact while complementing the clean lines of her satin gown.

Read more: Explore satin wedding dresses

Choosing a Cotswolds Barn Wedding Venue

Back view of the bride and groom holding hands as they walk outside among their wedding guests

Why Oxleaze Barn Was “The One”

Lottie and Jonas knew they wanted a Cotswolds barn wedding, so they viewed several venues before finding Oxleaze Barn, which offered everything they needed in one beautiful location.

What made it stand out was:

  • It had adaptable spaces that flowed well throughout the day.
  • A balance of rustic charm and modern flexibility.
  • The on-site accommodation for 12 guests, as half of the guests were travelling from Germany.

The Wedding Morning at Oxleaze Barn

Back view of the bride and groom holding hands while walking through the grounds of their wedding venue

Getting Ready in the Dutch Barn

Lottie spent a lovely calm morning getting ready in the venue’s Dutch Barn, with her mum, twin sister (her maid of honour) and close friends.

Weather Transformation

The morning began overcast but, just as guests arrived, the clouds lifted and the sunshine appeared. “Literally, the second our guests got here the sunshine and blue sky came out,” says Lottie.

The Wedding Ceremony at Oxleaze Barn

Bilingual Blessing from Jonas’ Parents

Lottie walked down the aisle with her father. Later, Jonas’s parents gave a heartfelt blessing in both German and English, reflecting the couple’s international family.

Close Friends as Celebrants

Front view of the bride and groom holding hands while walking through the grounds of their wedding venue

Two of Lottie and Jonas’s closest friends acted as celebrants, which meant the ceremony felt very personal and meaningful.

Secret Ring-Bearers Under the Chairs

As a playful touch, the couple’s rings were hidden under guests’ chairs, with the secret ring-bearers revealed during the ceremony.

Drinks, Canapés & Live Music at Oxleaze Barn

Back view of the bride and groom walking hand in hand through tall wheat grass

Afterwards, guests enjoyed drinks and canapés accompanied by live music from a singer and saxophonist who created a fun, relaxed atmosphere. “The live music was beautiful and the singer was amazing,” says Lottie.

Wedding Breakfast & First Dance at Oxleaze Barn

Traditional English Dishes for Guests From Abroad

Bride and groom sharing their first dance together as a married couple

The couple served a three-course, sit-down meal, featuring traditional English dishes, many of which their German guests were trying for the very first time.

First Dance to Shania Twain – ‘You’re Still The One’

Their first dance was to ‘You’re Still The One’ by Shania Twain. "Jonas was adamant we were going to do the  first dance properly, so we practised and practised!” says Lottie. “The song is a childhood favourite of mine and I’d always envisioned it being a part of my wedding day.”

Groom twirling the bride on the dance floor during the evening reception

Barn Wedding Styling Ideas & Personal Touches

Baby Blue & White Theme

The couple chose a white and soft baby blue wedding palette and did much of the decor themselves. “We didn’t have a specific theme, we just wanted the day to be personal and fun,” says Lottie. “We love hosting!”

Wedding reception tables styled with soft light blue details

DIY Stationery by Lottie & Sister

Lottie and her sister designed all of the stationery, while Lottie’s best friend made the wedding cake.

Games — Including the Legendary Stein-Holding Challenge

The couple also planned a few games, including a much-loved challenge to see who could hold a full litre beer stein the longest, in a nod to Jonas’s German roots.

Flip-Flops & Toiletry Boxes for Evening Guests

Thoughtful extras included toiletry baskets filled with essentials and flip-flops for guests to change into for the evening celebrations.

Standout Moments from Lottie & Jonas' Cotswolds Barn Wedding

For Lottie, the most emotional moment was realising that all their loved ones from different countries were together in one place - something that is unlikely to happen again. “The games were just incredibly fun and the speeches so touching,” she says. “However, for me, it was the realisation this may be the one moment in our life with all our loved ones together. We loved how well they all got on and how much they enjoyed our day with us.”

Bride and groom wearing sunglasses as guests throw confetti after their wedding ceremony

Lottie’s Advice for Other Couples

  • Enjoy every moment - the lead-up goes so fast.
  • Do what suits you, don’t be swayed by trends or expectations.
  • Don’t stress about perfection.
  • Try not to get separated too much on the day.
  • Take time to soak it all in together.

Cotswolds Wedding Suppliers

Photographer: Greenhill Photography
Venue: Oxleaze Barn Wedding
Wedding dress: wed2b
Florist: The Cutting Garden
Singer: Lisa Moini
Saxophonist: Caroline Priestley
Catering: Ross & Ross
Cake: Rosie Bear Cakes

FAQs About Planning a Cotswolds Barn Wedding

Why is a Cotswolds barn wedding so popular?

Cotswolds barn weddings are popular for their countryside charm, flexible layouts and scenic settings, offering a balance of rustic character and modern comfort.

What makes Oxleaze Barn a unique wedding venue?

Oxleaze Barn stands out for its adaptable event spaces, on-site accommodation and peaceful farm location, making it ideal for relaxed and personalised weddings.

What time of year is best for a Cotswolds barn wedding?

Late spring to early autumn is a popular choice for Cotswolds barn weddings, as the weather is milder and outdoor spaces can be fully enjoyed.

What wedding dress styles suit a barn wedding venue?

Barn venues suit a wide range of wedding dress styles. Sleek satin gowns work well in contemporary barns, while lace and softer silhouettes complement more rustic settings.

How can you plan a bilingual or international wedding ceremony?

Including bilingual readings, translations and thoughtful signage helps international guests feel involved and ensures everyone can enjoy the ceremony.

Read more: Real wedding stories UK

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