Sophie & Pete

This adorable couple, and their baby girl Imogen, not only had the perfect rustic wedding at The Gilbert White’s 16th Century Hampshire Barn but they also have the cutest love story, and tales of their relationship to match. I mean, who else can say they resolve an argument over a can of cherry coke?! Opting for an intimate Afternoon Tea wedding breakfast and oven pizzas for the evening, and adding their personality to the venue with hanging paper lanterns, flower stems in vases, plus a naked wedding cake and calligraphy 'on the day stationery' from our very own gal Alice. All the love and attention to detail was documented beautifully by Joasis Photography, who featured on these very pages only last week with another beautifully captured real wedding.

Love Story

Sophie the Bride: We met on Guardian soulmates as mentioned in Pete’s speech. Pete proposed at a National gig in September to the song “I need my girl” which we used for our first dance. We’ve been together for 7.5 years and almost two years ago had a beautiful daughter called Imogen.

The Gilbert White’s 16th Century Hampshire Barn

We wanted to find a beautiful rustic space that was a blank canvas to add our own touches and personality. We didn’t want anything overly formal.

Gold, Grey & Green Wedding Fashion

We had a colour scheme (gold, grey and green) and everybody worked off it in whatever way they chose to. We didn’t want anything to match as it’s just not us! For the bride’s dress I wanted something quite ethereal looking but never thought I’d go for something so wedding dress-y! When I tried it on it just felt like he right one for the day! (Although maybe not the most practical for dancing but I gave it my best shot) and the groom has always fancied a herringbone suit and this was the perfect excuse! Smart but grounded!

Wedding Styling

No one thing in particular, we just went with our instincts at the time. The barn and view to the field is so gorgeous, we wanted it to be relaxed and fun with no particular formalities. We wanted people to just enjoy each other’s company in beautiful surroundings.

Wedding Flowers

We made the ribbon display using a branch from our garden as we wanted a backdrop for the ceremony. The flowers were pulled together and arranged by friends on the morning of the wedding. Everyone did an amazing job pulling stuff together. The lanterns were hung from the beams on the morning to create a magical feel.

Wedding Ceremony & Readings

We selected the readings very carefully. Neither of us are into the overly lovey dovey stuff so we found a mix of readings that speak to us and our relationship. We had the Vow by Clare Shaw, a poem by Tracy Emin, Shakespeare’s sonnet “let Not the marriage of true minds...” and a song by Leonard Cohen (dance me to the end of love) as Leonard Cohen is one incredible man!

Wedding Photography

Jo was amazing!! From the first Skype to the end of the day - she told us she would exceed expectations and she did! We had 100 per cent these Jo would do a brilliant job and her style is captivating. An extremely talented and gifted photographer and all round lovely person. Very professional and very reliable. We are just so glad we found Joasis Photography for our wedding. Thank you so much!

First Dance Song

The National - I need my girl - the song Pete proposed to me too after he had spilt a drink on me (by accident) at Hammersmith Apollo. Our music tastes can be quite different but we meet in the middle with The National and their music resonates with both of us.

Wedding Entertainment

We chose the playlist as we were keen to just have Music we and our friends love and we thought we’d select that better than any DJ

Special Wedding Day Moments

Apart from the ceremony, which was magical, the speeches were an emotional rollercoaster. But all of it was amazing - we loved every minute although it all went way too fast. We are hoping the photos might help us fill in the gaps! The atmosphere in the barn was incredible.

Wedding Day Advice

Take a minute to stop and take it all in. Don’t sweat the small stuff - if you have everyone you love to spend time with you there, it really doesn’t matter. People make a wedding, not things.