Friday, July 24, 2015

A Perfect English Summer Wedding with a Teepee!

When it comes to weddings and the weather, it's always risky in Britain. But one couple who rolled the lucky dice, came up trumps with a beautiful sunny day in Hampshire, and a gorgeous array of wedding details you'll be dying to steal. Gorgeous bride Cheryl chose her local family church for her wedding venue, followed by an amazing teepee wedding reception in a nearby field. The wedding has a countryside theme, with hay-bales, rustic jugs of flowers, and family-style dining, but with a big dollop of glamour on top, thanks to Cheryl's sparkly Jenny Packham wedding dress, Richard's morning suit and five gorgeous bridesmaids in cornflower-blue dresses. I love the simplicity of Cheryl's all white bouquet, her elegant up-do and her subtle bridal jewellery, and the colour pop of her bridesmaids and their bouquets. More gorgeous reception details coming in Part 2 - don't miss it! Huge thanks to the lovely Hester Marriott for her fabulous pictures.



My wedding dress was designed by Jenny Packham, and I bought it from a shop near Guildford called Miss Bush. My sister and one of my bridesmaids came with me to try on dresses and it was my bridesmaid who found my dress.






I have a connection with St Mary's Church in Alresford which goes back years. My family used to run the watercress farm which the church overlooks, and generations of my family are buried in the churchyard. I was christened there and used to go the church with my grandmother when I was a tiny girl. One of my most precious childhood memories is waking in the early morning at Manor Farm to the sound of the cows outside and the church bells ringing.



It's so easy to focus on what the bride is going to wear, but we made a real effort to order something special for Richard. He had a bespoke cream tie and beautiful shirt, bought for the occasion.







Richard and I met via my flatmate, who organised a dinner. It wasn't love at first sight as Richard arrived late, bought a four-pack of lager and was wearing a dodgy jumper! But as soon as we sat next to each other we couldn't stop talking and the rest is history! 


We had a whirlwind romance, culminating in Richard whisking me away for one of the most wonderful weekends of my life in Crackington Haven where he dropped down on one knee by the sea and proposed.


My flatmate at the time, Charlotte Bromley Davenport is a wedding photographer, and she recommended Hester Marriott who is not only local to the church but a brilliant wedding photographer. We were adamant that we wanted someone with a great eye and reportage style as well as a warm and likeable personality, so soon as we met and she showed us her portfolio it was clear she was our photographer. 


On the day itself Hester was a true professional yet sensitive and gentle with us all; we hardly saw her and yet we were given the most beautiful shots which perfectly captured our day.


♥ Want more wedding marquee ideas? ♥ Or how about more blue themed weddings? ♥
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