If Bella and Tom’s Oxfordshire private estate wedding is the quintessential English wedding, then we’re encouraging all you garden party brides to take note of the way the Brittish do nuptials. As photographer Inspired By Love notes, their location was “just picture perfect and not unlike a setting from a Jane Austen novel with its expansive lawns, a folly and white bridge over a gently flowing river.” Um—YES. And, of course, we love the floral-driven details pulled together by wedding stylist & coordinator London Bride. The illustrated stationery by Fin Fellowes is delightful and the florals by Foxgloves & Glory are prefect in a pastel palette. Lucy for us, Inspired By Love was behind the lense to capture all the dreamy, garden moments of Bella and Tom’s big day!
from Inspired By Love: This couple wanted a quintessentially English wedding and were lucky enough to be able to hold their day on a private estate in Oxfordshire which was just picture perfect and not unlike a setting from a Jane Austen novel with its expansive lawns, a folly and white bridge over a gently flowing river. The setting echoed the couple’s style perfectly with the groom and groomsmen in traditional ’tails’ suits and the bride in an elegant, feminine gown with the most beautiful bouquet! There was definitely a gentle floral theme with the bridesmaids in delicate floral printed dresses and floral garlands.
The couple held their ceremony at a local church that was just a few moments away from the where the reception was held. The quaint church was decorated simply and elegantly with foliage and candles. The couple exited the church to a walkway of cheers and confetti!
After the ceremony guests mingled on the immaculate lawns while they drank local ales and sipped on Champagne. For the ladies we arranged with the talented florists Fox Glove & Glory a floral crown station so that guests could have a go (with a helping hand!) at making their own garland to enjoy for the rest of the celebrations. So many girls did and they were wearing them long into the night!
Making the most of the beautiful scenery, the couple even hopped into a rowing boat with friends for a little ride down the river, a brave bride in her wedding dress but she managed to do so unscathed!
The delicious wedding breakfast by Eat Five Star and reception were held in a stunning and airy Sperry Tent; inside was styled elegantly and in keeping with the English setting. The florists set the long tables with grey linen and pretty pastel floral arrangements with dahlias, roses, scented stocks and foxgloves and fern with seasonal fruits and scattered candles. The pretty stationery with bespoke monogram and crest complimented the color scheme with its hand illustration by Fin Fellows, and each guest found their seat from a hanging escort card arrangement with calligraphy by Judy Broad from the steps leading to the tent. As guests took their seats along the edges of the tent, as British tradition encourages, ladies hung up their hats and fascinators from pegs as guests wrapped up in blankets to escape the slight chill in the air.
The couple had a close friend make the three tier cake which was again topped with fresh flowers to tie in with the scheme. The other side of a grand central bar was the dancing area with large light up letters from Doris Loves and casual seating for weary dancing feet! The bride slipped into a Self Portrait dress for the evening and guests continued to dance late into the night (the benefit of being in the middle of nowhere!) to a DJ with live saxophone duo.
Photography: Inspired By Love // Wedding Stylist & Coordinator: Charley at London Bride // Florist: Foxgloves & Glory // Stationery & Illustration: Fin Fellowes // Reception: Private Venue // Escort Cards: Calligraphy by Judy Broad // Sperry Tent: Papakata // Catering: Eat5Star // Cake: Friend of Bride // Light up Letters: Doris Loves