Hanbury Barn Wedding: MARRYoke in the snow!
I had SNOW much fun capturing this deliciously different and delectably DIY-ed Hanbury Barn wedding for Mahisa and Youssef. It was the definition of ‘your day, your way’, teeming with talent and full of fun - I loved the mix of similar yet distinct cultures and traditions colliding in a fantastically un-traditional way! Mahisa and Youssef’s wedding brought me a whole lot of joy, so get ready to feast your eyes (quite literally) on the “marryoke” masterpiece to follow…
Wedding advice for a Hanbury Barn Wedding
I always ask my couples what their biggest piece of advice for the planning process is, and Mahisa and Youssef’s answer summed up their day perfectly and echoes something I say ALL the time: ‘you do you!’. There were lots of traditions that just didn’t feel like ‘them’, so they skipped them and embraced the elements they really vibed with. The entertainment was important to them but they decided not to have anything formal, instead opting for casual and fun activities that reflected their cultures. They had a big, colourful dance parade for their entrance which is known as an Egyptian Zaffa, and it was extra impactful against a backdrop of autumnal snow. Colour was a key element of the day, with Mahisa wearing the most beautiful red dress to buck tradition.
Entertainment for winter weddings at Hanbury Barn
The other defining features of the day were the karaoke which was in place of a dancefloor, and the FOOD - and these elements suited Mahisa and Youssef’s Hanbury Barn wedding to perfection. I’m still working on getting Mahisa onto the X-Factor and Youssef onto the Great British Bake Off! These two are such a talented couple, and it doesn’t end with the singing - so much of their day was DIY-ed in an epic way, including the INCREDIBLE macrame decorations handmade by Mahisa! Youssef baked all the cakes for the wedding himself - 5 of them! - and not one was left over by the end. Homemade blueberry jam was made for the favours, and the feasting was centred around everybody mingling, talking and eating. Buffet-style food served on trestle tables was a mix of Pakistani and Middle Eastern, and the amazing spaces at the venue made it possible to serve this way. Mahisa and Youssef were secretly hoping two people’s eyes might meet across a hand grazing the same slice of cake…!
An inspiring Hanbury barn wedding
Mahisa and Youssef’s Hanbury Barn wedding is a day I will NEVER forget, with all the little touches from the hidden alcohol to the flower crown and gaming stations. It was genuinely an honour that they chose me to capture it! A testament to just how fabulous the whole day was is its feature on Rock My Wedding, which you can have a nosey at here. I also want to mention the brilliant staff at Hanbury Barn - I’d come back here in a heartbeat, and I’ve heard they’re planning to extend and provide on-site accommodation!
Want your creative wedding photographed?
If you fancy tying the knot in the most fantastically un-traditional and personal way possible, Mahisa and Youssef’s wedding might have given you some inspiration. Check out my blog page to explore some of the other cool, unique weddings I’ve shot recently, including one on a boat and one featuring sombreros…and if you’re ready to chat about getting booked in, you can hit me up here to get the party started. Ready to get creative!?
Dream Team:
Venue: Hanbury Wedding Barn // Catering: Cheese and Chai // Florist: Everwild // Entertainment: Hire Karaoke // Videographer: Dan Dolan
