Winter weddings hold a special place in our hearts here at Micklefield Hall. That beautiful winter sun, the crisp air and the jolly, festive feeling that December brings. Steph and Chris’ wedding day was no different. As we approached their wedding day, the weather was looking dull and rainy, however, remaining the ever optimists that we are, we continued to hope for a nice day.
Low and behold, the sun shone for the whole day. Beaming down on their guests as they were showered with confetti after their ceremony and enjoyed drinks in the French Courtyard.
The day was captured perfectly by recommended photographer Lily Lane.
The Morning Of
Both Steph and Chris got ready for their celebrations on site, in the bridal suite and groom’s rooms.
Steph was joined by recommended hair and makeup artist Charlotte George, who looked after her and her bridesmaids for the morning. Steph and her bridesmaids enjoyed breakfast whilst getting glam and sharing sentimental gifts and letters (always very emotional!).
Chris and his groomsmen spent the morning in the groom’s room (after very helpfully setting up the guest book table and décor in the Orangery!), again sharing gifts and stories. We learned throughout the day that Chris was extremely talented and artistic, crafting the knife they used to later cut their wedding cake but also creating the groomsmen gifts (pictured below).
Once everyone was ready, it was time for the ceremony!
The Ceremony
The couple chose to have their civil ceremony in the Great Barn. One of our recommended florists, Andrew Fleming, created the most beautiful asymmetric arch which then framed the couple as they shared their vows.
Smaller details like beautiful floral pew ends and personalised order of services added to the beauty of the barn, as the Winter light shone through the glass.
The ceremony was full of lots of laughter and romance, the love the couple share between each other was clear for all to see but also the love their guests had for them as a couple too, as they looked on with beaming smiles on their faces (and a few tears!).
The Drinks Reception
The drinks receptions can often feel like a slightly odd time for the guests, when they are kept waiting for the next part of the event. We always suggest providing some sort of entertainment, whether it is a live singer, cocktail bar, garden games or magician.
Steph and Chris truly lent into the festive feeling, introducing carol singing to their reception. Their guests took to this like professionals, belting out classics like ‘deck the halls’, whilst enjoying a glass of Cremant next to the fire in the Orangery.
Steph and Chris’ wedding was full of lots of personal touches like a photo board of their memories together, personalised order of the day signage and photos of loved ones who sadly couldn’t be a part of this special day in person.
The Evening Reception
The newlyweds opted for long banquet style tables, which filled the Great Barn with even more festive feeling. Dressed in traditional foliage (again by Andrew Fleming Florist) and accompanied by personalised menus for each guest.
Partner caterers, Kalm Kitchen, provided a delicious three course meal, which included family style sharing platters. We overheard lots of ‘this is delicious’ and ‘oooooos’ when the food arrived!
The Kitchen Croxley, a lovely local bakery, provided the beautiful (and yummy!) cake which took center stage on the dancefloor.
The guests enjoyed some very entertaining speeches, including a personalised rendition of the 12 days of Christmas, renamed to the 12 days of CHRISmas. The whole evening was very jolly and joyus.
Later, Truly Medley Deeply, kept the dancefloor alive for the entire night, before Antonio’s Pizza provided some perfectly timed pizzas to the guests.
The Couple
Steph and Chris were a gorgeous couple, during the planning process and on the day. We are truly grateful for them choosing Micklefield Hall as their wedding venue and allowing us to be a part of their special day.
Following the wedding, the newlyweds took some time to provide some very detailed feedback of their day (which we ALWAYS love to receive). Here is a quote which stood out to the team:
“We held our winter wedding at Micklefield Hall and it was magical. Fairy lights twinkling in the barn, a glorious Christmas tree, a roaring fire outside and festive greenery and candles running down the tables.
The grounds were stunning giving us opportunity for beautiful photos outside in the winter sun. We retreated to the orangery for drinks and canapés with the sun twinkling in through the windows.
The team were exceptional, with Izzy in particular somehow being everywhere at once while remaining calm, warm and helpful.”
We wish you both all the best for the future.
A shoutout to the suppliers who made the day the success it was:
Venue ~ Micklefield Hall
Photographer ~ Lily Lane Photography
Florist ~ Andrew Fleming
Catering ~ Kalm Kitchen
Cake ~ The Kitchen Croxley
Hair and Make Up ~ Charlotte George
Evening Band ~ Truly Medley Deeply
Evening Pizza ~ Antonio’s Pizza
Additional Lighting in the Barn ~ Cosmic Events
