A kiss under the oak tree leads to Rachel and Gareth’s rustic wedding

Gareth Edwards took long-time love Rachel King back to the school yard where they first met for a proposal with a difference.

“He proposed to me in the school grounds by the big oak tree where we used to meet for lunch,” Rachel, 28, explains. “Friends of ours had decorated around the tree with fairy lights, candles and lanterns – it was so beautiful.”

A week later the couple had booked their local church and the planning began for their rustic wedding. Rachel, who had recently opened her own hairdressing salon, got through a jam-packed to-do list with the help of her clients’ advice.

The Reading pair married at St Mary’s Church, Burghfiled, Berkshire on August 16, 2015 in front of 92 guests. Eighty-five guests stayed on for the evening celebrations at Ufton Court in the venue’s glorious Tudor barn.

Hanging lanterns and gorgeous blooms in recycled jars looked at home alongside the exposed beams and rustic interior.

Rachel and Gareth, 28, say their special day was the perfect combination of emotion and fun.

“We had the most perfect wedding day from the fun morning getting ready with the girls to the band in the evening,” Rachel says.

“The whole barn looked beautiful, all our guests noticed the little touches and said what a romantic, fun day it was.”

Photos courtesy of Benjamin Stuart Photography.

Rachel looked stunning in a Justin Alexander lace-embellished gown that was teamed with a veil from Anna McDonald Bridal Gallery. A silver pair of Jimmy Choo heels rounded out the look.

The beautiful bridesmaids looked the part in blush pink dresses to match the pastel roses in the bouquets.

“I love everything about Gareth from his caring loving side to his hilarious sense of humour,” Rachel says.

The newlyweds spent their first night together as husband and wife at The Swan At Streatly.