Elegance in the Countryside

I met the Lisney-Smith family when Hannah and her sister Amy were little. Both girls, like my own were horsey mad and enjoyed even then being outside in the fresh country air.

Over the years I kept in close contact with Hannah and Amy's parents, Chris and Jan who are two of my most wonderful friends.

When Jan got in touch to tell me Hannah and her lovely boyfriend Steve had got engaged I was thrilled. I had met Steve many times before and he is a wonderful man and they were always so happy together and full of life. When Hannah then asked me to do their wedding flowers I was delighted - what an honour! 

Hannah and Steve met back in August 2008 at a family friends 21st Birthday party. Their love for each other grew over the years and in 2013 Steve decided it was time to 'pop the question'. Steve had it all planned...Boxing day morning was the perfect time! So before his parents big Boxing day party, Hannah and Steve took the dogs for a walk in crisp morning air out the countryside surrounded by fields, trees and a light dusting of frost.

To ensure the proposal was one to remember Steve had enlisted the help of his brother Greg. Greg had the task of hiding a bottle of Champagne next to a bench in the field...the spot Steve planned on using for his proposal. With all the excitement and nerves, Steve hadn't allowed Greg enough time to get to the bench and get back unnoticed. Upon placing the Champagne in the perfect spot poor Greg had to hide in a bush to avoid being spotted by Hannah! After the question was popped and Hannah said yes (& Greg now out of hiding) they all headed back to Steve's parents house to celebrate with family. 

Hannah and Steve got married on 26th June 2015. Their ceremony was at the stunning Knebworth Barns with Lawrence Hill playing on guitar as Hannah and her dad Chris walked down the aisle. The barns are set in the grounds of the magnificent Knebworth House and overlook the amazing parkland and gardens. The barns have recently been restored and created the most wonderful setting for this graceful wedding. 

In the week leading up to the wedding we all kept our eyes on the weather with our fingers crossed - to everyone's relief the sun shone throughout the day which turned the gardens of Knebworth house into a magical wonderland for Steve and Hannah's stunning wedding photos.

Hannah's beautiful dress was from the wonderful Heritage Brides based at Hatfield House. Designed by Maria Senvo and her shoes are by Merle & Morris, also from Heritage Brides. 

To add to Hannah's elegance she wore her grandmother's diamond watch and pearl earrings. Her hair was created by a hairdresser from Toni & Guy and her beautiful make up was by the talented Natalie Sharman. 

The mother of the bride Jan, wore a fabulous dress from Cream in Royston. 

Hannah had one of her friends and wonderful sister Amy as her bridesmaids. Their dresses were from Monsoon Limited Edition. They are simply stunning and such a fantastic colour with beautiful embroidery, beads and sequins. The four adorable flower girl dresses were from John Lewis. To complete their outfits each flower girl and bridesmaid wore beautiful fresh water pearl bracelets from Not On The High Street.

Following the country style theme of the wedding Steve the handsome groom, father of the bride and groom and his grooms men were dressed in beautiful tweed suits from HRH Holmes & Son. Don't they look handsome!! 

Hannah and the wedding party were driven to the wedding in true country style... a convoy of Land Rovers! The party then began at Tewin Hill Farm which is a family friends farm. The setting was perfect for the celebrations to start! With amazing views of the countryside, a huge marque, fantastic band, and a country theme throughout, using straw bales and elegant lighting the setting was beautiful.

When Hannah explained to me their vision for a personal, country style wedding with a festival theme we got to work on the flowers creating a wonderfully natural and elegant theme throughout. 

Along with their top table, centre pieces and bouquets, I also supplied vintage bunting and large standing hearts filled with Ivy. 

Hannah and Steve are 'foodies' and part of their check list for the perfect wedding was something a bit different. They didn't want a sit down 3-course meal as rightly that wouldn't have worked with their theme. Therefore they had hampers on each table with pies, salads, cold meats, and various other yummies. One person on each table had to open the hamper and pass the food round the table. Everyone absolutely loved it and it was a great conversation starter for people that didn't know each other. After the meal the hampers were taken away and lanterns with foliage and flowers were placed on each table which completely transformed the marquee, the candles in the lanterns were then lit ready for the evening. To keep hunger at bay they then had a delicious hog roast in the evening.

The party was taken into full swing with Soul Funk Secret a 7-piece band who played into the night and introduced Hannah and Steve's first dance.

When I asked Hannah about their day she said "Overall, it was even more perfect than we could have imagined, and everything went to plan. There isn't anything I would have changed."

I am so delighted to have been part of their day and to have been there to celebrate with Hannah, Steve and their wonderful families. I wish you both many years of happiness, filed with love, laughter and wonderful memories.  

Thank you to all the suppliers of the day:

All photo credits to - www.jacksonandcophotography.com

Flowers/ Venue Décor - www.bettyandbearflowers.co.uk

Venues - Knebworth Barns & Tewin Farm

Dress - Maria Senvo from Heritage Brides

Shoes - Merle & Morris from Heritage Brides
Bridesmaid dresses - Monsoon (Limited Edition.)
Flower girl dresses - John Lewis.
Grooms wear - HRH Holmes & Son. All the Groomsmen wore tweed.
Mother of the Bride - Cream in Royston.
Rings - Cool Rocks.
Jewellery - Not On The High Street (bridesmaids & flower girls)

Hair - Toni & Guy
Make up - Natalie Sharman.
Cake - Naked wedding cake made by family friend
Entertainment - Lawrence Hill & Soul Funk Secret
Transport – Family Land Drovers
Wedding Stationary - designed by Amy Lisney-Smith

Anne x