Christina Teenz Tan and Ron Danziger’s Creative Wedding Proposal Strikes a Chord Before Their Elegant Hotel Bel-Air Wedding
THIS COUPLES HANDMADE TOUCHES WILL MAKE YOU WANT A RUSTIC BARN WEDDING
If you’re looking for even more rustic barn wedding inspiration this week, we’ve got a super cute rustic celebration to share with you today! Photographer Hannah Hall met Amy and Ryan at a Furtho Manor wedding fair back at the start of 2016 and it was love at first sight. Falling in love with Amy’s sense of style and Ryan’s attention to detail from the get go, it was no surprise that the trio ended up laughing their way through the pre-wedding shoot in the summer and knew that their wedding day wouldn’t disappoint, after all there were rumors of free flowing cider!
Be sure to stick around till the end for our favorite tips and creative ideas to help you plan your dream rustic barn wedding.
“Furtho Manor is an amazing wedding venue for a wedding but add two beautiful souls with MORE CONFETTI THAT I’VE EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE, plus Ryan’s incredible carpentry skills (Go and find “Fork Me”), a bridal party who know how to have fun, a country and western cover of Britney’s Toxic and allllll the cider in the world and you’ve got the recipe for the best day ever.” Hannah told us.
Keep reading to hear more from the bride herself…
“Ryan and I met when we were 3 at pre-school and carried on being best friends until we were 18 where we then went our separate ways. We got back in touch when we were 21 and have been inseparable ever since! We were each others first valentine and first kiss in high school.” Amy Began.
“The morning of the proposal, Ryan took me to my favourite place in Wales called Betwys y Coed, where we went trampolining in a cave and I broke my knee! After a stressful few hours being stretchered out of the cave and ending up in A&E I hopped down to the Fairy Glen, our favourite place where he eventually proposed. Much to the excitement of our parents who knew about the whole thing and were waiting in a near by restaurant!” She laughed.
“All we knew is that we wanted burgundy bridesmaids, sunflowers and as much vintage/homemade stuff as we could! We wanted people to walk in and think ‘wow this is so Amy and Ryan’ and I think that they did! It all worked out perfectly after hours and hours of hard work! It was better than we ever imagined!” Amy explained.
“We chose Furtho Manor for our wedding as it most reflected us as people and because we could put our own stamp on it. I also have many good memories as a child of Calverton church.” She added.
“I wanted a dress I could dance and be comfortable in and the ivory wardrobe in Woburn Sands completely got what I wanted and helped me choose the perfect dress; I love how simple it was! Ryan wanted a suit to fit in with the barn/vintage themes of the wedding and his best mate Simon picked out the perfect suits!”
“We chose Elton John Can you feel the love tonight as we also had it playing in the church when we signed the registers as Amy is a big Disney fan, we then cut it and played The Wurzels Cider Drinker as we both love cider and festivals and have seen The Wurzels live! We choreographed a short dance with our chief bridesmaids and best man and soon had everyone on the dance floor!”
“I loved that we just danced and danced and had so much fun! It all went so fast.”
We met Hannah at a Furtho Manor wedding fair after we had already booked it – she was so friendly and instantly relatable and we made the best choice ever! She fitted right in even partying with us until the very end and enjoying cocktails! She was THE BEST and the pictures are so different to the bog standard pictures you usually get at weddings – so US!”
“Make sure you do what you want on your wedding day – invite who you want and make time to enjoy it on the day. It’s your day and only happens once!”
Photographer: Hannah Hall Photography | Second Photographer: Charlotte Rawles Photography | Venue: Furtho Manor Farm | Hair + Make up: Tricia d’Costa | Gown designer: Maggie Sottero | Gown supplier: The Ivory Wardrobe | Florist: The Flower Story | Cake: Jamie Bakes Cakes | Transport: Spirit Wedding Carriages | Bridesmaids: Belle boutique | Grooms hire: Suitors of Buckingham | Caterers: Howe & Co Fish and Chips | Entertainment: The Bees Knees |
Why We LOVE Handmade Barn Weddings
As a wedding blogger, let me tell you why I’m head over heels for handmade barn weddings. These charming celebrations blend rustic elegance with heartfelt details, creating an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug from your favorite flannel shirt. Here’s why they steal my heart:
- Nostalgic Romance: Barns have stories etched into their wooden beams. They’ve witnessed generations of love, laughter, and maybe even a few barn dances. When you step into one for a wedding, it’s like time traveling to a simpler era – where love was handwritten and laughter echoed through haylofts.
- Nature as Your Decorator: Mother Nature is the ultimate wedding stylist. Picture this: sunflowers in mason jars, burlap table runners, and twinkle lights strung across rafters. The barn becomes a canvas, and wildflowers are the brushstrokes. It’s eco-friendly chic at its finest.
- DIY Magic: Handmade barn weddings are like a Pinterest board come to life. Brides and grooms roll up their sleeves, armed with glue guns and dreams. From hand-painted signs to personalized favors, every detail is infused with their love story. It’s not just a wedding; it’s a masterpiece they’ve crafted together.
- Cowboy Boots and Lace: Who says you can’t wear cowboy boots with your wedding gown? Barn weddings embrace individuality. Brides twirl in lace, and grooms strut in suspenders. It’s a fashion show where authenticity steals the spotlight.
- Dancing Under the Stars: Barns were made for dancing. The wooden floor creaks like an old love song, and the moon peeks through gaps in the roof. As the DJ spins tunes, guests two-step and waltz, creating memories that linger long after the last note fades.
- Hay Bales and Hugs: Forget formal chairs; hay bales are where it’s at. Guests cozy up, sipping lemonade or mason jar cocktails. They chat, laugh, and maybe even steal a kiss. It’s like a down-home family reunion, minus the awkward uncle.
- Bonfires and S’mores: When the sun sets, the magic intensifies. Gather around a crackling bonfire, marshmallow sticks in hand. Love stories are shared, and s’mores are devoured. It’s warmth for the soul and chocolate for the heart.
- Sunset Vows: Barns have a way of framing love. Imagine saying your vows as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow. It’s like promising forever in a sepia-toned photograph.
- Whimsical Photo Ops: Barn doors, weathered fences, and old tractors – they’re all Instagram-worthy. Every corner whispers, “Strike a pose!” And when the photographer captures that stolen kiss in the hayloft, it’s pure magic.
- Love Blooms Like Wildflowers: Barn weddings celebrate love in its raw, unfiltered form. It’s not about perfection; it’s about authenticity. Like wildflowers, love grows where it pleases – sometimes in the cracks, sometimes against all odds.
So, dear readers, if you’re planning a wedding, consider a handmade barn affair. It’s where love meets craftsmanship, where twinkle lights and fireflies dance, and where memories are woven into the very fabric of the barn’s walls. 🌾🌟💕
Tips and Ideas for Planning a Rustic Barn Wedding
Alright, darlings, settle in with a cup of tea (or something stronger, no judgment here!) because we need to talk. After thirteen years swimming in the sometimes shark-infested, sometimes utterly sublime waters of the wedding world for Bespoke Bride, I’ve seen trends bloom and wilt like forgotten boutonnieres. But one trend that seems to have dug its heels in with charming tenacity is the rustic barn wedding. Oh, the allure of it! Fairy lights twinkling against weathered wood, the scent of hay (hopefully not too much hay), and that feeling of stepping into a simpler, more romantic time. But before you hitch your wedding wagon to the nearest barn, let’s have a real heart-to-heart.
So, You’re Dreaming of a Rustic Barn Wedding: Is It Really Your Fairytale?
I get it. The photos are captivating, aren’t they? Golden hour light streaming through the barn doors, a bride in lace looking ethereal, guests laughing around fire pits. It’s a potent vision. I remember attending a wedding just outside of Asheville a few years back – a magnificent, centuries-old tobacco barn, painstakingly restored. The couple had strung what seemed like miles of Edison bulbs, casting this warm, amber glow over everything. Wildflower arrangements spilled from mismatched vintage pitchers. It was, by all accounts, breathtaking.
However, I also recall the bride’s mother, bless her heart, quietly fanning herself with a ceremony program because the “charming, authentic” barn lacked anything resembling modern climate control, and it was a sweltering August afternoon. The romance can sometimes obscure the reality. A barn is, at its core, an agricultural structure. This isn’t to say it can’t be transformed into a palace of love – it absolutely can! But it’s a different beast than a hotel ballroom, which is essentially a pre-packaged wedding box, just add water (and a hefty deposit). With a barn, you’re often starting with a more… elemental canvas. This can be a thrilling prospect for creative couples, but a daunting one for those who prefer a plug-and-play approach.
Think of it like adopting a rescue dog versus buying a purebred puppy. The rescue (the barn) might come with a few more quirks, need a bit more patience, and perhaps some unexpected vet bills (read: logistical costs). The purebred (the ballroom) is more predictable, but maybe, just maybe, a little less unique in its story. Neither is better; they’re just different paths to happily ever after.
What’s the Real Deal with Barn Wedding Ambiance: Charming or Chilly (Literally!)?
The beauty of a barn is its inherent character. Those aged wooden beams, the soaring ceilings, the often-sweeping views of countryside – these are features you simply can’t replicate in a purpose-built venue. I’ve seen couples lean into this beautifully. One particularly memorable affair featured long, communal wooden tables, family-style service, and a bluegrass band that had everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, kicking up their heels on the slightly uneven floorboards. It felt genuine, warm, and utterly joyful.
The symbolism is potent too, isn’t it? Barns often represent harvest, abundance, community, and a connection to the land. In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, hosting your union in a space that speaks of groundedness and shared history can be incredibly meaningful. My worldview leans towards valuing experiences that feel authentic and tell a story, and a well-executed barn wedding certainly does that.
But let’s not get completely swept away by the pastoral fantasy. That “authentic character” can sometimes translate to “drafty” or “dimly lit.” I once attended a November barn wedding where the bride, determined to wear her gossamer-thin dream dress, was visibly shivering by the time speeches rolled around. Her something blue? Her lips. Humorous in hindsight, perhaps, but a lesson learned. Effective lighting is paramount – it’s the difference between “rustic chic” and “slightly depressing shed.” And climate control, or at least very clever strategies involving fans, heaters, or perfectly timed seasons, is non-negotiable for guest comfort.
For inspiration on barn decor that wows, Brides offers fantastic visual guides: [https://www.brides.com/gallery/rustic-wedding-decor-ideas]
How Do You Avoid a Barn Wedding Becoming a Logistical Labyrinth?
This, my friends, is where the romantic vision often collides with cold, hard reality. Many barn venues are just that – barns. They may not come equipped with commercial-grade kitchens, ample (or any!) indoor restrooms, or sufficient power for your DJ, caterers, and all those pretty lights.
I’ll never forget a wedding where the generator – a crucial afterthought – sputtered out right as the first dance began. The sudden silence, punctuated only by the chirping of crickets and the collective gasp of 150 guests, was a moment of pure, unadulterated panic. The father of the bride, a man I’d previously only seen exude calm, looked like he was about to spontaneously combust. They got it working again, thankfully, but the magic was definitely… interrupted.
Planning the logistics for a rustic barn wedding is akin to being the executive producer of a major film. You are responsible for everything. Power sources, restroom trailers (and please, spring for the nice ones with flushing toilets and running water – your guests will thank you!), accessibility for elderly relatives or those with mobility challenges, parking in a potentially muddy field, sound systems that can handle the acoustics of a vast, open space, and robust contingency plans for inclement weather. If your barn doesn’t have a solid Plan B for rain, you need to create one, whether that’s a sturdy marquee on standby or a clear understanding of what “cozying up inside” really means for your guest count.
WeddingWire provides a helpful checklist for questions to ask your venue, many of which are pertinent to barn-specific challenges.
Can Your Dream Dress (and Guest Attire) Survive a Stroll Through the Hay?
Let’s talk fashion, because what’s a wedding without a little sartorial splendor? Barn settings often inspire a more relaxed, bohemian, or vintage aesthetic. Flowing A-line gowns, delicate lace, perhaps even a touch of whimsy like a flower crown, look utterly at home. For the gents, tweed, linen, or even smart denim can work wonderfully.
However, practicality must be your co-pilot here. That magnificent cathedral-length veil might look stunning sweeping down a church aisle, but it’s going to act like a very expensive Swiffer on a dusty barn floor. Similarly, sky-high stilettos and uneven, grassy terrain are a recipe for a twisted ankle or, at the very least, a very undignified sinkage. I once saw a bridesmaid’s heel disappear entirely into a patch of soft earth during an outdoor ceremony. She handled it like a champ, hopping on one foot until she could be rescued, but it’s a cautionary tale.
Encourage your guests to choose appropriate footwear. Wedges, block heels, or even stylish flats or boots are your friends. Perhaps include a polite note on your wedding website. It’s not about dictating fashion, but ensuring everyone can navigate the venue comfortably and safely. After all, you want them on the dance floor, not in the first-aid tent.
For ideas on venue-appropriate bridal wear, Green Wedding Shoes often showcases stunning real weddings in unique settings.
Will a Rustic Barn Wedding Actually Save You Money, Or Is That Just a Bucolic Myth?
Ah, the million-dollar question (sometimes literally). There’s a persistent notion that a barn wedding is a shortcut to a budget-friendly celebration. And sometimes, it can be. If you find a venue with a lower initial rental fee than a traditional banquet hall, and you’re a DIY queen (or king!) ready to roll up your sleeves, you might see some savings.
But hold your horses, because this is where things can get surprisingly complicated. That “blank canvas” appeal I mentioned earlier? It means you’re often bringing everything in. Tables, chairs, linens, cutlery, glassware, a mobile catering kitchen, portable restrooms, generators, lighting, sound equipment… the list can go on and on. Each of those rentals adds up. What initially seems like a steal can quickly escalate as you furnish and equip your empty barn. It’s like buying a charming fixer-upper house – the purchase price might be attractive, but the renovation costs can be a shocking surprise if you’re not prepared.
I’ve seen couples create stunning, deeply personal barn weddings on a relatively modest budget through sheer ingenuity, a lot of hard work, and calling in favors from talented friends and family. I’ve also seen budgets balloon unexpectedly because the sheer scale of “starting from scratch” was underestimated. The key is meticulous research and brutal honesty about what you can realistically achieve yourself versus what you’ll need to hire out. Don’t assume “rustic” automatically means “reduced cost.”
A rustic barn wedding can be an utterly magical, deeply personal, and unforgettable way to celebrate your love. The charm is undeniable, the photo opportunities are glorious, and the feeling of creating something truly unique is incredibly rewarding. But it demands a certain spirit of adventure, a healthy dose of pragmatism, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. If you go in with your eyes wide open, ready to tackle the unique challenges, you might just find that your barn fairytale comes true.
Quick Tips for Your Barn Adventure:
- Visit at different times: See the barn in daylight and at night, and if possible, during the season you plan to marry.
- Read the fine print: Understand exactly what’s included in the venue rental and what’s not.
- Talk to previous couples: If the venue allows, ask for references. Real-world experience is invaluable.
- Embrace the imperfections: A slight slant in the floor or a bit of authentically weathered paint is part of the charm.
- Hire a planner (or a VERY organized friend): If logistics make your head spin, professional help can be a lifesaver for a barn wedding.
People Also Ask:
- What do guests wear to a rustic barn wedding?
- Think “dressy casual” with comfortable footwear. Sundresses, khakis, linen shirts, boots, or wedges are often good choices.
- How do you keep a barn cool in the summer?
- Look for venues with large doors/windows for cross-ventilation, inquire about industrial fans, or consider portable AC units (though these can be costly and require significant power). Scheduling your ceremony and reception for later in the day can also help.
- Are barn weddings still popular?
- Yes! Their appeal lies in their customizability and unique atmosphere, which many couples continue to seek out.
Good luck, and may your wedding day be everything you’ve dreamed of, hay bales and all!
Lovely photos! Looks like a fun wedding!
That cake is a work of art.
Fotos Muy frescas y únicas de una hermosa novia…
What an amazing wedding both of you looked amazing in the pictures and the cake looks delicious.
Congratulations Amy and Ryan wish you lots of luck in the future.
Great Photos what a fantastic memory