Today's real wedding is one that's elegant, chic, fun, and rather oddly for us, close to home.
Despite being based in the UK (with a little Ireland and Dubai thrown in for good measure!), we more often than not feature weddings from across the US, throughout Europe, and sometimes even a little further afield.
So it's a bit of a treat to be able to share Sophie & David's romantic spring wedding on the blog today by Fiona Kelly Photography and get a chance to showcase the talented vendors, epic venues and cool couples that English weddings are all about.
With the stunning Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire as the backdrop for their country house wedding, Sophie and David needed little decoration to enhance the space.
An abundance of peachy spring florals brought the styling together, with touches of purple to tie in with the bridesmaids and hints of grey ribbon throughout.
Sophie was such a chic bride with her ballerina bun and Claire Pettibone gown (look out for the signature back detailing), while David matched the grandeur of the surroundings in a grey bespoke suit. If you're looking for ideas on how to look both contemporary, and elegant on your big day, this pair pulled it off to a tee.
But while we're all about the style and the decor, for David & Sophie is was all about their family, their friends and the dancefloor…
We asked the newlyweds to describe their big day in three words, their answer, “Love, Laughter and Lots of drunk people (that’s more than three, sorry!)”
Sounds like a pretty fun day to us!
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Proposal Story
On the morning of Sophie’s 28th birthday at L’Enclume in Cartmel, her last present was a small box wrapped in ribbon.
Inside was a collection of scrabble letters with a note which read “Make a sentence to claim your prize…” she started to take them out one by one and before it was finished, she had already guessed… they spelled, “Will you marry me”.
The Venue
As soon as we walked into the Sculpture Gallery at Woburn Abbey, we knew it was the venue for us, almost quirky but maintaining a traditional feel.
Large art pieces on show, roman marble pillars at one end and the gardens looking in through giant windows which brightened the whole room.
We visited on the weekend of our anniversary and it still made the hairs on our necks stand up.
The Ceremony
Dave’s father wrote a wonderful reading titled ‘Chance’, it was about how we both met and our journey to where we are today.
The Photography
Fiona Kelly was fantastic and came as a recommendation.
As soon as we had an interview with her to ask how she’d approach the day we knew she was the one for us.
We didn't notice she was there and managed to capture everything perfectly.
Our Favourite Moments
It was fun, full of laughs and a lots of drunk people having a great time.
It certainly wasn't a wedding for sitting down… it was all about the dancefloor.
Advice for Other Couples
Plan early, see lots of venues and make a ‘things to do list’ and just ignore other people’s opinions, if you like it, do it… it’s YOUR day!
The Refreshments
Each guest had a favor containing toffee chocolates from Cartel in Cumbria where we got engaged.
Canapes, prosecco and elderflower presse were served during the reception followed by a formal sit down meal.
The chocolate fondant dessert a particular favourite!
Refreshments continued throughout the evening of course and I think we both turned in to bed around 4am!
The Music
The playlist was made specifically for us by Dave and contained most of our favourite tunes, the first dance was Frank Sinatra’s ‘For Once in my Life’ but the Buble version!
The Honeymoon
We were lucky and flew out on the Monday after our wedding which wasday on the Saturday…. we’d recommend to anyone doing it to make sure you try and go straight away because you can continue your celebrations in privacy and relax after the big day!
We went to Malaysia for a three night city stop in Kuala Lumpur, Bali (Ubud) for four nights then onto the Gili Islands for four nights then back to Bali (Sanur) for a few nights.
It was incredible, The Hanging Gardens in Ubud remains our favourite holiday destination to date.
Such a beautiful wedding, that reception space is just stunning, and I'm just in love with the florals.
Did you read how David proposed too? So freakin' sweet!
Thanks so much to Fiona Kelly Photography, and of course, Sophie & David for sharing their country house wedding with us.
Be inspired by more amazing real weddings.
