Lucy and Aaron first met at university, and after years of dating, romantic Aaron popped the question the day the couple got the keys to their first home. "I went from having a boyfriend and living at home with my parents one day to an engaged homeowner the next!" laughs the bride. "It was a surreal but amazing 24 hours!"
Lucy knew right away that she wanted a spring wedding in a barn-like venue filled with flowers, so Gaynes Park in Essex was the perfect location for their wedding reception. "It was the first venue we viewed and nothing else compared," she says. "The grounds and buildings are beautiful, but the deciding factor for us was The Coach House. We loved the idea of having breakfast with our families the following morning to catch up and reminisce about the big day." In fact, the couple loved it so much, they booked it a full 20 months before the wedding day! Find your perfect barn wedding venue now!
The romantic, floral theme was brought to life by Megan at The Willows Flowers, who created the stunning foliage and floral archways, colourful bridal bouquet, adorable flower crowns for the flower girls and green and ivory bridesmaid bouquets. They looked just perfect against the bridesmaids' sage green, floor-length dresses.
On the tables, the adults had delicious limoncello favours ("who doesn't want more alcohol at a wedding?"), and the children had personalised goody bags filled with books and toys. Because the wedding day fell during the Easter holidays (so that teacher Luke could actually get married!), the couple arranged an Easter egg hunt for the children, as well as fun outdoor games and activities.Â
Top tip: "Try to enjoy the entire planning process as much as the day itself. It’s an excuse to do lots of nice things with family and friends that you wouldn’t ordinarily do."