CELEBRATIONS Countryside Nikki and Mark’s dreamy day was filled with twinkling lights, personal touches, and moments that felt straight out of a storybook Images courtesy of Cat Lane Weddings These lovebirds first connected on Bumble in 2019. After months of chatting, they finally met at a bar in Watford, and the rest was history! Four years later, Mark proposed at an alpaca farm, and the wedding planning adventure officially began. The couple had always dreamed of a barn wedding and spent countless weekends touring venues across Hertfordshire. Just as they were starting to lose hope, they stumbled across South Farm online. “I remember scrolling through the website and tearing up thinking, ‘this is the one,’” Nikki recalls. “We quickly booked a viewing and as we drove down the driveway, we both just knew South Farm was the one. It ticked every single box for us.” The pair loved the multiple wedding spaces, the on-site accommodation, the beautiful grounds, the flexible catering, and the warm, welcoming staff. “From our first visit to the big day itself, nothing ever felt like too much trouble, which we truly appreciated,” Nikki says. The venue’s resident pigs were a major hit, too. The couple hoped to snap a photo with them on the day, and they got their wish, piglets and all! To complement the rustic setting, Nikki and Mark chose a soft dusty blue colour palette with touches of pink. As big theatre lovers, they added a subtle theatrical twist to the decorations. They discovered a small business on Etsy that illustrated their favourite London theatres and shows, which were printed on cards and framed for each table. Since Mark works for Lindt, chocolate was a must! Guests were treated to Lindt favours and a large basket filled with Lindor balls. Unsurprisingly, not a single one remained by the end of the night! After a week of rain, the big day dawned with blue skies and fluffy clouds, instantly lifting everyone’s spirits. Nikki got ready at a nearby hotel before arriving at the venue for final touches, while Mark and his groomsmen got ready onsite. “The morning was full of laughter, happy tears, and excitement,” Nikki shares. “Our wedding planner, Evie, checked in on us several times and instantly put us at ease. She was just amazing!” The bride wore a stunning Morilee gown, the very first dress she tried on. Though hesitant to commit so quickly, she couldn’t stop thinking about it. “My mum and I visited multiple shops to try some dresses, but I kept going back to that first one,” Nikki recalls. “We booked a second appointment, and when I put it on again, both Mum and I burst into tears. Even Sarah, the owner of Ivory & Lace Bridal, teared up.” Nikki walked down the aisle with her dad to Elton John’s Can You Feel the Love Tonight, beautifully played by Harriet Flather Harpist. During the ceremony, the couple exchanged personal vows coincidentally, almost word-for-word! “We always say that seeing each other at the end of the aisle is a feeling we could never replicate,” Nikki adds. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception with delicious canapés, mini golf, and plenty of laughter. After attending South Farm’s tasting evening, the couple had full confidence in the food, and their guests agreed. The vegetarian and diet-friendly options were praised as “the best wedding food ever.” As music lovers, Nikki and Mark planned an action-packed evening of entertainment. Mark had previously seen Callum McMorran perform in Southport and said even before proposing that Callum had to play at their wedding. The lovebirds also hired No Limit Street Brass Band, a roaming brass ensemble that may not be traditional, but was a hit. A standout moment from the day was the three speeches from the father-of-the-bride, the groom, and the best man. “You never really know how people will feel standing up in public, or what they’ll say,” Nikki reflects. “But I couldn’t have felt prouder of all three of them. I’m so glad we had a videographer so we can look back and relive those moments.” REAL WEDDINGS 19
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