Wedding Barn Inspiration with The Country Garden Florist.

When it comes to floral artistry, Donna Willingham, owner of The Country Garden Florist, is a true visionary. Renowned for her ability to transform spaces with breathtaking florals, Donna played a key role in our latest photoshoot, curating several stunning looks to showcase the versatility of Thetford Farm Barn.

We caught up with Donna for a Q&A on the inspiration behind the shoot!

What was the main inspiration behind the looks created in the photoshoot at Thetford Farm Barn?

The barn mainly! It’s such a beautiful blank canvas, my mind had been whirring from the first moment with all the ways you could style it. I knew I wanted to use drapes to romanticise the space, and of course the stairs lend themselves beautifully to be draped in foliage and flowers.  It’s really such a stunning spot to get married, I encourage anyone with wedding plans to go and have a look around!

Did you follow any key trends, or was there a specific theme you wanted to highlight?

Not trends as such, but I just wanted to combine lots of the things I love – flowers, drapes and a ton of candlelight.  Often I’ll have an idea in my head, and it evolves as I’m designing, almost designing itself. I like to stay open to being creative throughout the whole process. It’ll start off as an idea, but I often find my best work comes when I just get on site and allow the materials to do the talking.

How did you choose your colour palette and flower selection?

First I chose the rose, a gorgeous one called Moccachino that’s a stunning muddier peach tone. I’d never used it before, so this was the perfect chance to try it out. I used that as my base colour, adding in other lighter peaches and creams. I then added the blue delphiniums last minute as they had been such a fantastic stem that week. They were a perfect contrast for the Moccachino – I’m so obsessed with this palette.

With an expert eye for design, Donna created a series of wedding styles, from romantic and timeless to modern and boho. Each setting told a story, blending carefully chosen blooms, thoughtful details, and creative styling to inspire our future couples dreaming of their perfect day.

Can you talk us through the creative process when styling florals?

I just knew I wanted to stay true to my own personal taste. Creating in a loose, wild and whimsy style… a just-picked-from-the-garden vibe. My love of flowers started with a love of gardening since I was very young. Having completed a course in garden design also, the elements and skills I have learned along the way have always stuck with me into my floristry.

What floral trends are you loving right now for weddings?

I’d have to say the draping, as it really softens the space and enhances the floral styling. It was such a great addition to lower the ceiling and make the space feel more intimate. Also I’m loving serpent tables! I thought this was a fantastic oppotunity to reuse the florals in the dining room to try this out. It’s a great way to get all your guests around one table, especially if you’re having a smaller more intimate wedding.

What’s one floral element that can really elevate a wedding design?

Foliage everywhere! We draped it from the beams, to the stairs and everywhere in between, to connect all the elements and really elevate that wild and natural look.

What advise would you give any wedding couples looking for floral inspiration for their wedding at Thetford Farm Barn?

Really think about what’s important to you. It might be something that evokes a special memory from the past. We often base designs around a flower that a loved one adored, or a scent that takes someone back to a special moment in time. Actually scent is really important for your big day as you’ll always associate that with the happy memories you are creating. Ultimately the best advice is to speak to us! We can help you to explore your options and help guide you to create something that is perfectly you but something that you didn’t even realise was possible.

Stay tuned as we share more stunning photos from the shoot on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

Imagining your wedding day is one thing, experiencing the magic in person is another. Whether you’re drawn to romantic draped florals, lush foliage installations, or timeless candlelit settings, Thetford Farm Barn is a blank canvas ready to be transformed into your dream wedding.

Come and see the beauty for yourself!

Book a visit today and start planning a celebration that’s as unique as your love story. 

Contact our team!  01778 594 222

Book a visit : info@thetfordfarmbarn.co.uk

Credits:

Floristry & Styling : The Country Garden Florist

Photography: Karen Catchpole Photography