Real Weddings
Real Weddings Ashford: Gemma and Owain’s pretty barn wedding
Soft pinks and greys and a picturesque barn venue were the key ingredients for this stylish big day. Our WED2B Real Weddings feature reveals more…
Gemma and Owain were at the same school when they met. “Our first date was to the cinema,” says Gemma. “We both felt at ease and made each other laugh,” Owain proposed on 18th April 2019. “We had been together for eight years and were in Wales on holiday,” says Gemma. “I was completely taken by surprise and I could tell that Owain was very nervous!”
Wedding dresses Kent
Gemma found her dream dress in WED2B’s Ashford store. “I saw that a WED2B had opened in Ashford,” she says. “So I went to have a nose but ended up trying on dresses! I found my first dress on that first visit and was very pleased with my experience. Following a wedding delay, due to Covid and having a baby, I returned to WED2B to get my second dress, and the service was even better. I liked how helpful the staff were and the range of dresses.”
“My first dress was made from a lightweight crepe material and very simple and elegant,” says Gemma. “It was what I wanted at the time and perfect. However, after having a baby, I felt differently about my body and wanted a new dress. So, I went for Hayden, an A line with thin straps that I absolutely loved. I was so glad I changed to this more bridal looking dress. I loved how princessy it made me feel!” (For similar styles try Ariella, Kaur or Minnie)
A beautiful venue
The couple married at Winters Barns in Kent. “It was the first and only place we visited,” says Gemma. “We had researched venues online and then fell in love with it in person. The staff were also super helpful and not pushy at all. Thanks to Covid delays, we eventually got married on our third date, the19th October 2021!”
The big day
“Myself and my bridal crew stayed overnight at Broome Park, which is a lovely venue,” says Gemma. “We then got ready in the bridal room at Winters Barns, which was like a big salon. It was such a lovely experience to get ready together with no stress."
"It was raining when we woke up so, after a quick message to my fiancé, we decided we would have our ceremony inside, just in case! However, the weather really brightened up and we were able to get some lovely pictures outside, too.”
“My dad walked me down the aisle to ‘Marry Me’ by Train. We also had two readings by Owain's family. The most special part of the ceremony was having our six-month-old little girl be part of it.”
After the ceremony there were drinks, canapés and lots of photos, followed by a delicious three-course meal. “In the evening, more guests arrived and we cut our cake and had the first dance,” says Gemma.
“Our song was ‘Stuck on You’ by Lionel Richie, as we had heard it played on a holiday together in 2018. It was also one of the songs we would play to get our baby girl to sleep, and still is!”
Blush pinks and greys
The colour theme was blush pink and grey. “We chose it together very easily,” says Gemma. “We wanted classy and simple, which I think was achieved with the decor. The food served was pork loin or chicken with delicious dauphinoise potatoes. Guests also had a choice between two menus for each course, which was perfect.”
“Owain's auntie made our wedding cake and it was just so beautiful,” says Gemma. “It was a three-tier, semi-naked cake in chocolate, lemon and Biscotti. We also had favours made by Owain's mother in cute little heart-shaped boxes, which really went with our theme. In the evening there was a DJ and some games/colouring for the kids, which went down a treat.”
“My most memorable moments were the first time I saw my dad and also giggling at the altar with Owain ,” says Gemma. “Also, I loved having time for just the two of us, while I fed the baby, and the lovely speeches by our families."
My top tips…
“My top tip would be to relax and try and enjoy the day,” says Gemma. “Let others help before and during the wedding. Also, most importantly, take time to be just the two of you, even if it’s only for 10 minutes. So you can soak it all in!”
Gemma’s Dream Team
Photographers: Jodie Donovan and Dan Packham
Venue: Winters Barns
Wedding dresses Kent: WED2B
Flowers: FlowerArt by Michele
Caterers: Scott Anderson
Suits: Slaters
DJ: Iain Baker
Makeup: Kate Banyard
Hair: Charlotte Horvath (Lovelocks)
If you would like your big day to be one of our real weddings please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Or click here for more details about WED2B’s Wedding dresses Kent
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