The Wedding of Mr & Mrs Graham
We had the absolute pleasure of hosting the unforgettable wedding of Mr & Mrs Graham at Southend Barns—a day filled with love, laughter, and truly incredible moments. Their celebration was a perfect reflection of their love story, bringing family and friends together in the most magical way.
A Dreamy Beginning
Threshing Barn Setup
Zoe’s vision for the décor was simple yet stunning—there could never be too many candles!
The day started bright and early as our fabulous layup team transformed the Threshing Barn with six-foot round tables dressed in sleek black linen and a stunning long top table.
The tables were beautifully styled with bespoke black napkins, hired from Crystal Hire, and paired with elegant smoke grey tumblers, goblet chalices, and matching charger plates, adding depth and drama to the overall look. Gold-rimmed wine glasses and our signature Southend Barns gold cutlery provided a luxurious contrast that really made the table settings pop.
The floral arrangements, created by the incredibly talented See Rose Floral Design, were a striking mix of black and beige pampas intertwined with exquisite black and white fresh florals. To complement the centrepieces, black tapered Southend Barns candles cast a soft, intimate glow over the tables.
Adding a personal touch, the stunning stationery, including place names and table numbers, was designed by the amazing Birdhouse 197. Each guest was also treated to a beautifully crafted biscuit from Baked by Steph, shaped like a cupid’s angel to complement Zoe and Rory’s love story.
The Driveway & Entrance
The entrance to Southend Barns was nothing short of enchanting. The long driveway was decorated with pumpkins in warm autumnal hues and glowing lanterns, creating the perfect first impression.
As guests made their way into the Collecting Yard, tiered lanterns filled with flickering candles lined the steps, setting a beautifully romantic tone for the day ahead.
Pre-Ceremony Delights
The celebrations began with pre-ceremony drinks served from our Roots Terrace Bar in the picturesque Collecting Yard.
Guests sipped on chilled Prosecco and refreshing Elderflower Spritz while soaking up the relaxed yet exciting atmosphere.
The sun was shining, the drinks were flowing, and the air was filled with anticipation for the ceremony.
The Stunning Ceremony
A Magical Setting
The Dairy Barn was transformed into an intimate and elegant haven.
Dramatic black drapes cascaded from the original oak beams, providing a striking contrast against the barn’s soft, neutral tones. The aisle was lined with a breathtaking abundance of candles, leading to two grand floral podiums overflowing with roses and lush greenery—a picture-perfect backdrop for Mr & Mrs Graham as they exchanged their vows.
The combination of flickering candlelight and fragrant florals created an enchanting atmosphere, making it a moment to remember.
A Feast for the Senses
Culinary Excellence by Roots Catering
A huge shout-out to our incredible Roots Catering chefs, who truly brought Zoe and Rory’s vision to life with a spectacular menu.
Guests enjoyed a delicious selection of canapés, including Roots pork belly nuggets, pea & mint risotto balls, and Thai fishcakes, all perfectly paired with Prosecco and Elderflower Spritz from our Southend Barns drinks package.
The Wedding Breakfast
Zoe and Rory wanted their wedding breakfast to be a nostalgic nod to the 80s—a retro-inspired feast with all the classic flavours. Our chefs had so much fun bringing their vision to life with a menu that truly delivered on flavour and nostalgia:
• Starter: Classic prawn cocktail with brown bread and fresh lemon wedges
• Main: Roast sirloin of beef with all the trimmings, complete with lots of gravy jugs
• Dessert: Vanilla & tonka bean crème brûlée
And the verdict? Simply delicious!
Guests raved about the food, with many saying it was one of the best wedding meals they had ever had.
Evening Delights
As the evening unfolded, guests were treated to a fun and vibrant cocktail hour, featuring personalised cocktails crafted by our expert Roots Bar Team.
Mr & Mrs Graham chose two of their favourites:
• The Apple-Kraktwister, a fun twist on the classic Dark & Stormy
• The Mojito Piña Colada, our signature house cocktail and a crowd favourite, served with a personalised Alice in Wonderland topper—Zoe’s childhood favourite, adding a sentimental touch.
Meanwhile, in the Collecting Yard, the fire pit crackled as guests gathered around our interactive s’mores bar. With giant pink and white marshmallows, melted chocolate sauces, and biscuits, it was the perfect sweet treat for a cosy autumn evening.
A Night to Remember
The Threshing Barn Party
As the sun set, the Threshing Barn was transformed into the ultimate party space. With live entertainment taking centre stage, guests danced the night away under the rustic beams, celebrating love.
Outside, the scent of wood-fired pizzas filled the air as our outdoor kitchen served up delicious Roots BBQ Chicken & Chorizo and Roots New Yorker pizzas—perfect for guests to grab a slice and keep the party going.
Fireworks Finale
To round off the night in spectacular fashion, Selstar Fireworks lit up the sky with a breathtaking display, adding one final touch of magic to an already perfect day.
Heartfelt Words from Mr & Mrs Graham
“Every aspect of our wedding, from start to finish, was handled with professionalism and care. The team went above and beyond to bring our vision to life. From the stunning décor to the delicious food, everything was perfect. We couldn’t recommend Southend Barns enough – thank you for making our day so special!”
Mr & Mrs Graham xx
Rag n bone man & Zoe
A Grateful Farewell
Mr & Mrs Graham, it was an absolute honour to host your incredible wedding day at Southend Barns.
Every moment was a joy to bring to life. Wishing you both a lifetime of love, happiness, and unforgettable memories!
