Sunshine, colour, outdoor ceremony, drinks in the garden, South Farm as a backdrop, fun all day long and generally just being 100% chilled out. What more do you need for your wedding day!?
Emma and Corrine spent the morning apart in separate prep rooms at South Farm whilst their makeup was done and the staff busied themselves making sure the outdoor ceremony area was looking at beautiful as ever.
They met one another at the top of the aisle with their dads for an impromptu first look before making their way to the ceremony podium, over the water and in full view of their guests who were lapping up the sunshine.
Once the wonderful ceremony was done it was onto the confetti run before returning to the garden for some well earned drinks on the patio, overlooking the summer stunning gardens South Farm has to offer.
Dinner was held in one of the many barns around the farm with some ace speeches before the evening guests arrived and the brides couldn’t hold back their zoo keeper urges and running into a field of piglets for some petting!
Once the dance floor started, it never emptied and they danced the night away with one another, surrounded by their besties.
Suppliers:
Venue: South Farm
Hair: Izzy Foster Wild
Dress: TDR Bridal
Cake: Wisteria Cake Company
Florist: Halo Blossom
DJ: DJ Gary
South Farm’s rich history stretches back to the Tudor era of the 16th century and is closely linked to the nearby Wimpole Hall—Cambridgeshire’s largest and most magnificent house, built in 1640 by Sir Thomas Chicheley and now cared for by the National Trust. Over the centuries, South Farm experienced many fascinating chapters before becoming the beloved home of the Paxman family in 1974 and later opening its doors as a wedding venue in 2005.
The farm was incorporated into the Wimpole Estate in 1740, when the 1st Earl of Hardwicke acquired the estate along with its surrounding farms. Over time, ownership of the Wimpole Estate transitioned from the Hardwicke family to the Clifden family. In 1894, Lord Clifden extended an invitation to his fellow Cornishmen to occupy some of the unfilled farm tenancies on the estate. Amongst these were the Bath family, who, on horseback, drove their cattle all the way to the venue and began a link to the farm lasting over 100 years.
The Bath family thrived at South Farm and wasted no time in purchasing the property when the Wimpole Estate put some of its peripheral farms up for sale in 1911. However, by the 1960s, with the rise of industrial-scale farming, South Farm was abandoned. In 1974, the Paxman family acquired the farm, which at the time was little more than open arable land with just two trees! It wasn’t until 2004 that the idea of hosting weddings at South Farm took root, and in 2005—following significant investment and extensive restoration—the venue hosted its very first wedding.
Royston, a historic market town located in North Hertfordshire, England, lies at the crossroads of the ancient Icknield Way and Ermine Street, two of Britain’s oldest routes. This strategic location has contributed greatly to the town’s development since prehistoric times. Archaeological discoveries, including Neolithic flint tools, indicate early settlement in the area.
The town derives its name from Roe’s Cross, a wayside cross erected by Lady Roysia in the 12th century. Over time, the name evolved into Royston. The town flourished in the medieval period and became a significant stop for travelers moving between London, Cambridge, and York.
A key historical landmark is the mysterious Royston Cave, discovered in 1742 beneath Melbourn Street. Believed to date back to the 14th century, this man-made cave is decorated with intricate carvings and has been linked to the Knights Templar, adding a layer of intrigue to Royston’s heritage.
Royston gained prominence in the early 17th century when King James I of England (James VI of Scotland) established a hunting lodge in the town. The lodge, which still stands as part of the Royston Museum, brought royal attention and development, turning the town into a seasonal royal retreat.
Modern Royston maintains its historic charm while offering access to the natural beauty of Therfield Heath, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The town also benefits from excellent transport links via Royston railway station, connecting it to London King’s Cross and Cambridge.
Today, Royston is a thriving commuter town that blends rich history with modern amenities, making it a unique destination in Hertfordshire. Notable sites include Royston Cave, Therfield Heath, Royston Museum, and the historic Market Hill area.
Hertfordshire, a historic county in southern England, is located directly north of London, bordered by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, and Buckinghamshire. With its roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period, Hertfordshire takes its name from its county town, Hertford, which means “the ford frequented by harts (deer)” and was first recorded in the 10th century.
During the Roman occupation of Britain, Hertfordshire was a significant hub due to its position along major Roman roads such as Ermine Street and Watling Street. The Roman settlement of Verulamium, located in modern-day St Albans, was one of the largest towns in Roman Britain and a major cultural and political centre. St Albans is also known as the site of the martyrdom of Saint Alban, the first recorded British Christian martyr, around the 3rd or 4th century AD.
Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, Hertfordshire was mentioned extensively in the Domesday Book of 1086. Hertford Castle, once a royal palace, played a central role in English medieval politics. The county’s proximity to London made it a popular location for aristocratic estates and royal residences, including Hatfield House, where Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood.
Throughout the centuries, key market towns such as Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, Hitchin, Bishop’s Stortford, and Royston developed as important commercial centres. The development of the Grand Union Canal and later the London and North Western Railway during the Industrial Revolution further integrated Hertfordshire into national trade networks.
In the 20th century, the creation of the new towns of Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, and Welwyn Garden City helped ease overcrowding in London and spurred rapid urban development. These towns became models of urban planning, combining green spaces with residential and commercial areas.
Today, Hertfordshire is known for its mix of historic landmarks and modern infrastructure. Key sites include St Albans Cathedral, Knebworth House, Hatfield House, Verulamium Park, and Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne. The county also benefits from excellent transport links to London, via the M25, A1(M), M1, and several key railway lines.
Hertfordshire’s rich heritage, vibrant towns, and picturesque countryside—including Ashridge Estate, Chiltern Hills AONB, and Therfield Heath—make it one of the most desirable places to live and visit in the southeast of England.
