These newlyweds chose Bassmead Manor Barns in Cambridgeshire as the backdrop to their relaxed summer celebration…

Lauren and Jonathan first met at their local park in 2011. “We were both there because there were some fairground rides,” says Lauren. “For our first date we went skating at a nearby ice rink.”

Jonathan proposed while the couple were on holiday in Vietnam. “It was in March 2019,” says Lauren. “We went for a nice evening walk around the grounds of our hotel before dinner. He chose a spot surrounded by fairy lights and then proposed.”

Shopping for the dress

“I discovered wed2b when my best friend bought her wedding dress there a couple of years ago,” says Lauren. “My experience was the best. I wish I could do it all over again! Millie in the Milton Keynes store looked after me and my bridal party. She was so nice and just couldn’t fault her in any way, she was that good.”

Lauren chose a simple crepe sheath with elegant pearl edging by Anna Sorrano. “I loved this dress, as it was plain and simple but still had the pearl details,” she says. “The dress made me feel elegant and very bridal, which is what I wanted. I also bought a hair piece, a belt, a veil, three bridesmaid dresses, a flower girl dress and seven tie and cufflink sets!”

A rustic barn wedding venue

The couple booked Bassmead Manor Barns, in Cambridgeshire, for their big day in June. “We found it through Instagram,” says Lauren. “It was a great mix of modern and rustic, and we both knew it was right as soon as we saw the venue in person.”

The big day

“I got ready with my maid of honour, my two bridesmaids and my mum at Bassmead Manor Barns,” says Lauren. “The sun was out while we were all getting ready and my dad and grandad both walked me down the aisle.”

“After the ceremony, Jonathan and I had a celebratory drink and took a few moments just to be with each other,” says Lauren. “Then we had our confetti and group photos.”

Beautiful blues

“Navy blue was one of our main colours, as this is the colour of Jonathan’s favourite football team, Schalke,” says Lauren. “For decorations, we went for silk flowers in white, green and light pink and gold plinths, bud vases and tall candles."

"There was also a neon sign that said ‘Happily Ever After’ and a rustic wooden ladder filled with photos of our lost loved ones who couldn’t be here with us. The wedding cake was a naked, two-tier cake, with a tier of coffee flavour and a tier of white chocolate and raspberry. The evening entertainment was provided by a DJ and a magician.”

The best bits...

“The most memorable moments were walking down the aisle and seeing my future husband, cutting the cake and our first dance,” says Lauren.

My top tips…

“Make sure you keep yourself hydrated,” says Lauren. “Then just relax and have fun, as it’s your and your partners’ day.”

Lauren and Jonathan’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Michelle White Photography

Venue: Bassmead Manor Barns 

Wedding dresses Buckinghamshire: wed2b 

Veil: wed2b

Grooms Suit: Moss Bros 

Bridesmaids & flower girl dresses: wed2b

Florist: Le Fleur Boutique

Videographer: White In Motion Films 

Décor: Allensis 

Cake: Cakes by Laurel 

Magician: Ricky Locke Magic 

DJ: Strobe Disco Roadshow 

Makeup: Sharpe Faces 

Hair: Katrina Kelly Wedding Hair 

Spray tans: Joam Glow 

Bride’s nails: Pippa May Beauty 

Photo booth: Picture Perfect Pod

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this wedding at Bassmead Manor Barns, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest wed2bis closer than you think, click here for your nearest store and here for what to expect when you visit.