Sublime, Elegant and Relaxed Summer Garden Wedding

This elegant affair is the most gorgeous traditional summer garden wedding. A stunning subtle pale pink floral theme, teamed with pretty pale green accents in the foliage and authentic, incredibly classic elegant lines throughout in the decor.  I love the effortlessly relaxed celebration that Ashley and Kate created when they were married on the 17th September last year.  Kate wore an elegant dress, in a silhouette hugging shape that sweeps into a perfect train with delicate buttons cascading down the length of it and a intricately jewelled detail on the waist.

Getting married at the local church, the couple were just a stones throw from Kate’s parents home. Walking distance, but no walking involved when your dad has the most amazing classic racing car to chauffeur you in! A gorgeous, gorgeous racing green Lagonda! After a church wedding filled with flowers, guests enjoyed drinks and canapes on the lawn of Kate’s parents house in the late summer garden sunshine before a reception in the huge marquee. Lucy of Clara Cooper Photographer whisked the couple away for a moment to create the gorgeous images of Kate and Ashley in the garden, with the foliage and festoon lighting gently swaying in the early evening light.  I love these two they are so relaxed and look like they just enjoyed every moment, especially the surprise confetti cannon as everyone hit the dance floor.

Thanks to lovely Lucy of Clara Cooper Photography for these epic images, capturing the essence of the day, each shot just framed beautifully. If you are in search of a photographer for your own wedding day, I highly recommend Lucy, not only is she a brilliant talent she’s bloody lovely too;

We met at the University of Manchester through friends. We got engaged in our flat in Didsbury. Ashley had been planning to propose a couple of days earlier but couldn’t get hold of my Dad to ask him!

I always wanted to get married in our local church St Mary’s Eccleston and then have a marquee in my parents garden. I wanted to create an elegant look for the marquee and day but also to be really relaxed. It was very important to us that everyone felt at ease and relaxed on the day.

The Dress

My dress was by Essense of Australia, from Cheshire Rose Bridal in Chester. The Dress wasn’t what I had originally thought of….I originally wanted a lace dress with no train. But saw this in a magazine 4 days after we got engaged and loved it. Then saw it in a shop and decided to try it on. I loved it straight away and knew that it was the one.

Bride’s Accessories

Kate completed her look with pretty satin Rainbow Club shoes from Elegant Steps, a delicate short veil and the prettiest of hair slides. Kate’s hair and make up look was created by Lizzie Griffiths. Kate had an elegant updo with a very natural make up look.

The Groom’s Threads

The groom and his men got ready at Oddfellows in Chester, enjoying a drink with some guests before heading to the church. Ashley wore a smart suit from TM Lewin. The guys were all gifted posh socks on the day from Happy Socks.

THE PHOTOGRAPHY

The couple chose lovely Lucy of Clara Cooper Photography to capture the whole day;

We had seen Lucy’s work at a friends wedding and just loved it, we didn’t look at any other photographers, we booked Lucy straight away. We also had the day filmed by the Manchester Wedding Film Company.

The Flowers

We chose Wild Floral Design, as I’d always admired their flowers and they do a lot of designs for Oddfellows hotel above them which I always loved.  I asked for a very natural bouquet with lots of interesting flowers then a simple tie. I loved my bouquet!

The Marquee was decorated with gorgeous seasonal blooms to compliment Kate’s bouquet and elegant marquee garden theme. The stunning white marquee decorated with exquisite details and personal touches.

The Ceremony

Kate arrived at the church in her dad’s other pride and joy his racing green vintage 1938 Lagonda v12 le mans. The only way to arrive! They walked down aisle to I Giorni by Ludovico Einaudi, Kate loves this piece of music and had always wanted to walk down the aisle to this.

The Rings

The couple chose wedding rings from Kayes in Chester, Kate’s engagement ring was from here too.

Summer Garden Wedding

The couple worked with Tents and Events in Chester to supply the stunning marquee in the breathtakingly beautiful garden of the house belonging to Kate’s mum and dad. With catering throughout by Dougherty & Allen.

The Bridesmaids

Kate’s 3 bridesmaids wore pretty pale green dresses, by Mark Lesley from Aristocrats of Chester, which complemented the pink and seasonal foliage in the flowers. Kate had given them each a pretty drop pearl necklace on the morning that matched the sweet pearl drop pins in their hair. The girls each carried a bouquet of flowers in pale pinks and greens.

Honeymoon

We went on Honeymoon to Lux Le Morne in Mauritius, it was absolutely amazing!

Stationery and Favours

Our invitations we designed ourselves on Minted. I did the table plan, menus and name places by myself with some gold foiled card. We had miniature bottles of Mount Gay Rum- that we got from Barbados as favours which also doubled as a perfect shot for toasting the speeches!

Entertainment

After the speeches, the party continued into the early hours, with entertainment from a live band called Black & Gold, who were brilliant.

The Cake

The couple chose a three tiered ivory cake with gently ruffled icing and fresh flowers to decorate.

We wanted a simple cake and chose a cake from Pretty Tasty Cake. We had three layers, chocolate, vanilla & red velvet.

Favourite Moment

I just loved the whole day, it was all so exciting. There were no nerves whatsoever, I just enjoyed it all. Was just very excited and couldn’t wait to get married.

The First Dance

Our first dance was Ed Sheeran- Tenerife Sea. I had always loved the song and wanted something from Ed as I love him but slightly different to the norm. This song seemed to relate to us.

Confetti Cannon

I love this, as Ashley lifts Kate up during the first dance as a surprise confetti cannon showers them in gold and all their friends and family hit the dance floor around them . A truly perfect moment.

Advice from the Couple

Just enjoy it, it’s so amazing planning everything. Don’t stress either, most important bit is just being there with everyone you love in one room. It’s so much fun.

Isn’t this the most brilliant day? I love the very relaxed vibe to the whole event, so much laughter and joy, the dance floor looks packed! Sending love and congratulation to Ashley and Kate, thanks so much for letting me share your day. Thanks to go to Lucy of Clara Cooper Photography for these awesome images;

with love