Vibrant Whimsical & Quirky Bassmead Manor Barns Wedding

WWW readers Stacey and James are spreading the colour and joy through their dreamy Bassmead Manor Barns wedding story in Cambridgeshire today. And I am so here for it!

Their day was packed full of personality, fun, colourful style and smiles all round. They chose to incorporate their favourite colours, green and orange into the outfits. Plus they used tones of pink, red and gold alongside monochrome touches to represent their relationship. The results were stunning.

From the boho-style cake to the dreamy flowers, tassels, modern stationery and barn setting, it was all really gorgeous. A bold and romantic day indeed.

Thanks ever so much to Two-D Photography for sharing with us such beautiful images that clearly show how much joy there really was all day long.

Stacey and James on WWW

WWW was one of the many platforms/sites I followed during the planning process. I loved the features of ‘REAL’ weddings and taking inspiration from a design, colour, theme and wedding collective, perspective.

Bassmead Manor Barns Wedding

The Proposal

Very laid back – I (Stacey) didn’t want a “proposal”, I don’t like that whole Prince Charming getting down on one knee, vibe. I wanted it to be a joint decision – something we both wanted.

So it was a conversation whilst watching Big Bang Theory.

The Vision

J didn’t have much input on this (he’s happy to go with the flow) and largely trusted me. We’re not very traditional. I wanted it to match our personalities.

It had to be boho, whimsical. Rich in colour and vibrant, relaxed yet full of energy. I wanted it to come alive with the addition of colour and styling. Stationery had to be monochrome – a nod to us as a couple (ying/yang). I wanted pampas and tassels, crocheted bunting to elevate the style along with the vibrant floral displays.

The Venue

Bassmead Manor Barns – the only venue we looked at. J said “it couldn’t be any more perfect” (he’s a carpenter/cabinet maker by trade, and LOVED the barn), so I ran with it!

Your Outfits

My dress was two different dresses brought together – Harlow (topper) and Winona (dress), both Shikoba Bride.

I had to have tassels but also wanted pockets on my dress. I wanted a skirt with room and a longer train, the Harlow skirt was too restricting for me. I wore DM sandals – I wanted to wear them again and didn’t see the point in wearing heels, they’re just not comfortable. I purchased my ‘something blue’ from eBay – a vintage blue leather jacket.

James wanted a relaxed suit so avoided a jacket and opted for an ASOS green waistcoat and trouser 2-piece and t-shirt, with Converse.

Our fave colors are green and orange, hence the dresses/suits. For me = the guys in green and the ladies in their mixed-style dresses represented flowers; each of us are different in style and bring something unique to the table.

Our daughters also wore white DM sandals, I wanted to add snippets of continuity throughout the whole day.

James made his own wooden wedding ring and I designed my wedding ring with the talented Max at Fields Jewellery. I told him I wanted black and white stones to represent me &an James (ying/yang) and 2 x gold elements to represent our girls – because they’re worth their weight in gold.

The Ceremony & Music

Aisle song – Mumford & Son ‘Believe’. I didn’t believe I would ever find such happiness. But look at me now!
Seating music – we wanted to play songs that meant things to us as a couple. We didn’t want sad songs. We wanted to play songs that we sang in the car, as a family – Rag’n’Bone Man, RUDIMENTAL, Rihanna. Songs which make you want to turn it up loud!
Signing song – had to be Encanto, The Family Madrigal. This day was about us as a family – becoming united. And it was fun!
Exit song – Ella Eyre ‘Came Here For Love’ – that’s exactly why our guests were there.

Your Photographer & Filmmaker

Had to be Two-D – James was dead ert on that. We’d seen their work before and knew we would get the best results. We weren’t disappointed. We LOVE our images and our video. We’ve had so many compliments on the images and how Dan/Sarah work. The guests loved them!

I’ve lost count of the tears that we’ve shed looking back over them – these guys really are a couple to rave about.

The Styling & Decor

I wanted to continue the warmth and richness from the flowers, and dresses into the décor with pops of gold, green and monochrome.

My aim was to source as many 2nd hand items as possible. I love being able to reuse/upcycle. I also thought about purchasing items to then sell on. But the truth is I couldn’t find as many bargains as I wanted and costs were starting to increase. Thankfully I stumbled across Miss Carlysle & Co. for styling and Beth was happy to work with the items I had already purchased.

I had crocheted (tasselled!) bunting made and decided to incorporate tassels macrame on the cake too. I found a design and Jess at One Part Love Bakery nailed it!

I wanted my signage to match/mirror my stationery. I’d been following Bewilderly for ages. Her work is incredible and organic. I also wanted to add my own design element into my cocktail and cake signage, which worked really well and Frankie was more than happy to accommodate. The results were fantastic!

My flowers were by Feather & Fern. My colour palette changed a couple of times but we got there in the end and Becky nailed the brief. I wanted big, bold and quirky, but whimsical. I purchased the pampas from Ukraine!

My floral headband was Frida Khalo inspired. I wanted to stand out with simple tussled curls.

We had immediate children present so added a children’s corner and garden games, plus a magician for the big kids.