New Year’s Day proposal leads to Jemma and Sam’s rustic wedding

Careful planning set the scene for Sam Peat’s New Year’s Day proposal to Jemma Swainston – unfortunately the weather had other ideas.

“The backdrop of Edinburgh Castle seemed the perfect, romantic place; however, the torrential rain, hangovers and huge hill climb in gail-force conditions had different ideas,” Jemma, 25 says.

Twenty months later, the Derby couple, who describe themselves as best friends, celebrated their rustic wedding at Shustoke Barn, Birmingham on August 28, 2016.

“The ceremony was lovely… Saying our vows, looking into each other’s eyes with cheesy grins is a feeling we will remember forever,” Jemma says.

“We played a short game before the speeches. Testing the guests on the knowledge of the happy couple, whether it was Jemma or Sam, with questions like ‘Who is the spider catcher?’ and ‘Who said I love you first?’ (Jemma catches the spiders and Sam was the first to say I love you). Then the speeches, which were an absolute highlight.”

Jemma and Sam, 28, worked hard ahead of the big day to ensure all of their 120 evening guests were catered for and the end result was a meaningful day full of fun.

“From beer pong to sparklers and even an attempt at hijacking the band’s microphone for karaoke the party atmosphere kept everyone dancing until 1am,” Jemma says.

Photos courtesy of Jessica Raphael Photography.

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_001

Sam’s classic wedding band was sourced from Goldsmiths.

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_007

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_006

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_SBS_009 Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_SBS_007

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_017

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_018

Jemma says it was love at first sight when she spotted her wedding dress.

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_013

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_011

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_SBS_022 Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_SBS_001

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_009

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_019

Groom Sam looked dapper in a three-piece suit by Peter Posh.

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_022

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_023

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_024

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_SBS_015 Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_SBS_017

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_029

In Bloom created relaxed and rustic-looking arrangements for the big day.

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_030

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_035

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_034

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_032

  Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_SBS_023Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_SBS_018

The couple had a gorgeous ombre-style wedding cake with a splash of gold.

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_SBS_003 Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_SBS_012

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_042

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_040

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_041

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_027

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_039

Jemma recommends other brides start seeing to the smaller details sooner. “The last week was stressful and included lots of cutting and sticking and last-minute trips to Hobbycraft,” she says.

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_003

Jemma_Sam_Rustic-Wedding_043


Featured Suppliers:

Tags: barn wedding, blush wedding, jessica raphael photography, real weddings, rustic wedding

Similar Real Weddings