24/11/2024
Thereâs no place like Southwood! Thereâs no place like Southwood! Thereâs no place like Southwood!
Strong winds blew in from the west, unsettling the surroundings yesterday while in the comfort of the Cartshed Lodge our lovely Bride Roxy was feeling completely self assured. Sheâd spent months preparing for her special day (featuring Graham). Obviously he had played his part (darts mostly) giving her evenings of crafting to complete stunning centrepieces, fabulous decorative touches and gorgeous favours. And now it was finally here!
The barn had taken on green tones throughout, willow sashes on every seat and an abundance of fresh florals from Dear Luna. Grahams arch stood pride of place at the end of the ivory carpeted aisle through their ceremony seats lined with flickering candle filled lanterns and white petals. Dramatic white swags across the space lined with twinkling lights completing the warm welcoming glow.
Blowing in like a hurricane Graham and his groomsmen arrived at Coronation Barn suited and booted to celebrate their special day. With their buttonaires in tact (and a spare just in case he wrote one off đ they were ready to greet their guests as they took shelter from the swirling winds outside.
Flamingo Amy Hair Styling and Lucy Morris started bright and early keeping preparations calm away from the weather outside as her glam squad put the final touches to Roxyâs gorgeous look - so much more than âthatâll be alrightâ. As the guests snuggled into the warmth of their seats it was time for Roxy to put on her gown, the dress sheâd been excited for from the first moment she tried it on. A fitted mermaid gown with tiny buttons, layers of lace and just a touch of sparkle. All held together with the help of toupee tape!! đ Her glamorous headpiece made her look like a Hollywood starlet.
With three clicks of her heels (well trainers) she was transported to the cosy Barn to collect her thoughts and prepare to marry her man. Guests were entertained by Carrie - Event Pianist before she gave way to the opening notes of kygoâs acoustic âFirestoneâ, his melodic voice softly singing across the Barn. Mum and their Munchkin led the way followed by bridesmaids Chelsea and Bex in soft sage floor length gowns. All that was left for our stunning bride to do was to follow the yellow brick road as on the arm of very proud Dad Frank honoured to es**rt his daughter to Grahamâs side.
Our Groom was left wondering âwhat is this feelingâ and we all felt the moment he laid eyes on his bride. The moment Graham had been waiting for as Roxy beamed with joy, almost levitating with happiness to meet her soon-to-be husband at the end of the aisle.
Their reading was so apt. Graham had always thought that Roxyâs seating plans looked like rows of little dinosaurs instead of chairs and now finally reunited they held hands as their friend Conner read âThe lonely dinosaurâ, a story that perfectly encapsulates these lovebirds story.
The rings were exchanged before they exchanged their (now even length) vows as Graham shared âyou gave me time, love and unconditional acceptance. You climbed my walls and melted my heartâ đ„°.
More magical moments were created as our newlyweds were showered by confetti before being gathered for a celebratory group photo. All captured by the snap-happy Wizard that is Sam Gee Photography.
The Prosecco flowed in the moment of celebration before snacks were added to our rustic ladders. Warm sasuage rolls, southern chicken strips, mini jacket potatoes, baked goats cheese & red onion gallate, and feta topped bruschetta were all eagerly devoured.
Toto, Iâve got a feeling weâre not at Southwood Hall anymore! Before guests very eyes the room was transformed, as if by magic. Large oak tables appeared, adorned with green cheesecloths runners and deep emerald knotted napkins on each table. Pride of place were golden hand cut snowflakes encapsulated within baubles for each guest to treasure. We will be sure to add ours to our Southwood Christmas tree.
Like great balls of fire the newlyweds appeared, dancing and singing their way to Top Table as their friends and family cheered them on.
Like the Wicked Witch herself our camemberts were perfectly melted, bubbling away for our guests to enjoy with crisp, crunchy toasts. The entire menu was like something from a storybook; lamb fritters with warm spring green salad & mint creme fraiche, Aberdeen Angus cheeseburgers with moorish relish & chunky chips (with obligatory Heinz ketchup for our bride). Others joined Graham in enjoying chicken assiette.
Frank was the first to say a few words, the proudest Dad in all of Oz. Commanding the room he thanked all that had travelled so very far and wide to be here on such a special day. He acknowledged those that couldnât be here, but were definitely there in heart. Frank reflected on the day he found out he was going to be a Dad again and then the pure love and emotional he felt the first time he held his baby girl. The hugs and support have been abundant across the years, supporting his daughter as she trained as a paramedic and faced the world as a strong, independent woman. And now here she stands, a beautiful Bride, doting wife and a wonderful mother and was excited to welcome Graham to the family - his daughterâs true love and a brilliant dad. Frank may have initially had his doubts that Graham could handle the family, but now heâs confident Graham is fully in the driving seat (although that may not be for the best đ).
We think Graham got off lightly here⊠Not only was his new father in law full of praise for our charming Groom, even Best Man Mike didnât have a bad word to say about his long time friend.
Mike was nervous to follow such brilliant speeches, but with the courage of a lion he persisted. He joked about the early days of their friendship, beginning as colleagues. Always the prankster Graham won Mike over immediately, admiring his creative âdrawingsâ and playful attitude to life. Despite the years and the distance these best friends still speak most days. Our courteous Best Man was even kind enough to return Roxyâs missing tights that had been pinched for the stag do đ
Graham had been apprehensive about the secrets Mike may share and was relieved to get out unscathed! Although Emotion doesnât come easy to Graham, the love and care he has for his new wife spilled out of our Groom as he spoke. Sheâs stood by him in his darkest times and has always been his safe place. She never judges and she even forgave him ghosting her early doors. Despite their rocky start and the challenging times this couple have faced our beautiful Bride found this Tin-Manâs heart and has kept it safe ever since â€ïž
Surrounded by their chosen family Graham thoughtfully thanked two very important people; his stepdad David and partner Lynette. Their love and support has been ever enduring and there wasnât a dry eye in the house as he confessed for the very first time how much he loves them, especially David, the man he considers his father.
Keeping the moment sweet Hannah hopped on her broomstick & delivered their dessert - moorish white chocolate and raspberry creme brûlée, delicious Biscoff cheesecake or decadent chocolate brownie. Shrugging off the emotional moments it was definitely time to lighten the mood and soon we were ready to start the party! We knew this lovely couple would be popular, as was evident as their evening guests arrived to celebrate with them.
The cocktails were freshly poured and fresh hot fish and chips served to satisfy the evening munchies. The most gorgeous cake from Claire's Custom Cakes of course cut beautifully and was soon devoured. Their sweetie cart was finally unveiled keeping energy high.
âItâs not where you are but who you are with that is importantâ In the middle of the dancefloor, fully surrounded by their loved ones our newlyweds danced their first dance as husband and wife. As a surprise for their guests The Jet Setters swing band struck up their first cords and dance moves that were defying gravity continued well into the night.
As our family headed outside, with a tap of their magic wands the sparklers were aglow but as the wonderful Wizard of Oz once said, everything must come to an end, sometime.
With your home landing so close to where it all began we hope you continue to âdance through lifeâ together as we know this is âfor goodâ. xx
