BOWERCHALKE BARN WEDDINGS

A Gorgeous day with Liza, Alex, family and friends.  2 ceremonies and just so much fun and laughter the whole day through.  Please have a look at the super words from Liza and Alex, there is also lots of great advice!!

• How did you first meet and how did the proposal go?

  We were friends for a long time before we were 'together'. Alex proposed on Valentine's Day, with a ring that our friend (who is a jeweller) had designed and made. I was not expecting it at all. I was the happiest person alive in that moment!

• What did you think of the pre shoot and how did it go?

  LOVED the pre-shoot! Wasn't sure what to expect from it, but it was great to meet David beforehand and just get used to being around each other and being in front of the camera. I really wanted to get on with my wedding photographer, as they are a person that you don't really know, who is then part of some incredibly precious moments throughout your day. With David , it was instant, I knew he was someone I could get along with and someone who could share our day with us.

• Where did you get the dress from, why did you choose it and what was it like? How many dresses did you try before you found this one?

  I found my dress online the day we got engaged. It was from Monsoon. And I loved it's simplicity. I always knew I'd never wear a full on "wedding" dress, this was from the bridal range and I just knew it was "the dress" as soon as I saw it.

• Why did you choose the wedding locations and the wedding Venue?

  We wanted a very relaxed, natural environment for our wedding ceremony and reception. I always wanted the 'party bit' to be in a barn. A proper barn, nor a purpose built wedding venue barn. Bowerchalke Barn is just the most beautiful space. We had a legal ceremony in the morning, at Salisbury Registry Office, and then a very good friend led a ceremony that we wrote, with our guest all seated on straw bales outside the barn in a field. It was perfect.

• Who did your make up and any advice on this?

  This was the hardest part of the whole planning process for me. I really struggled to find someone that I clicked with, who I instinctively knew I could trust. But then I found Natasha Clark (Beauty by Natasha). She was incredible.

• When planning your wedding, did you have any help or did you do it mostly yourselves? What were the most important aspects for you (eg. the photographer, the food, the decor…)?

  We (that's the royal we) did everything ourselves. With lots of support from family, friends and Tim who owns Bowerchalke Barn. The MOST important thing for me, was the the day remained exactly as we wanted It, that all our guests were looked after and enjoyed the day with us.

• Bride: What advice would you give to future brides for their wedding day?

  Apart from the advice that everyone gives you (enjoy it, it goes so quick, take a moment on the day and soak it all up) my only advice would be... don't do anything that you think you 'should do' or 'have to do', it is absolutely your day and the thing that you are best at is being you, so just inject you in to every bit of your day.

• What’s your top tip for saving money?

  Do your research, get quotes for everything and get ready to negotiate. On everything.

• and which elements of your wedding are you glad you spent more on?

  Photographer and venue. The space created an incredible setting for our day and David captured the memories for us in a relaxed and informal way. I look at certain pictures and they bring back exactly how I was feeling in that moment.