Caroline & Sean's Wedding 26th May 2018

Caroline and Sean got engaged in Sydney Australia on 23rd February 2016, and we began our wedding planning journey together from April that same year.

This couple knew exactly what they wanted but were also very open-minded to suggestions or ideas I brought to the table.

Chippenham Park near Newmarket was their chosen Wedding Venue, and what a stunning venue it was!

This venue has a rich history with the parkland dating back 300 years. In 1985 the estate was passed onto Mr and Mrs Eustace Crawley from Mrs Crawley's family who had owned the property since 1791.

In the late 1880s the house was rebuilt in the Queen Anne revival style, raising the existing house by a floor. The central hall was recast with a new staircase and the main drawing room was considerably extended to the east with a single-storey addition. On a gorgeous May Bank Holiday like it was, this building was the most beautiful backdrop. Guests had the option of catching the suns rays outside amongst the traditional lawned gardens and patio, as well as the choice for respite, keeping cool inside the main drawing room, Old Ballroom and Conservatory.

This lovely couple knew they wanted to include extra special moments to their big day and this was seen in an abundance throughout their wedding day.

The marriage was held in Chippenham at St Margaret's Church at which their 2 beloved dogs Trojan and Apollo were part of. These handsome 4 legged friends were the ring bearers and I absolutely love this photo of them all leaving the church together taken by their photographer Aaron Storry. This photo recently won MyWed award.

Caroline certainly arrived in style in a horse and carriage. We found a fantastic supplier in The Ostler Carriage Company. These guys are super professional and really care about their horses welfare, as well as the needs of the clients.

The Bride looked amazing in a beautiful Allure fitted gown from The Ivory Room in Woodhall Spa. Those ruffles at the bottom were just so dreamy! The detail with all the ruching in the bodice was stunning too.

Her 3 Bridesmaids looked really stylish in their gold full length sequin dresses by Sorella Vita, also from The Ivory Room. The gold colour was so lovely and delicate with such a gentle sheen to it- just perfect for the traditional yet modern feel of the day.

Sean looked very handsome and relaxed in his 3 piece suit from Chimney Formal Menswear in Royston Cambridge. The pale mint green of his cravat and the checked pattern on the waistcoat really worked perfectly with the natural tones in the Brides floral head crown, bouquet and venue flowers.

The morning of 26th started out frustratingly miserable weather wise with me setting up their marquee in the rain, however this soon cleared and the rest of the day was an absolute scorcher!!

We could not have planned it any better for the couples dream of re-living the day that Sean proposed to Caroline. The picnic hampers all had a note in from Caroline telling their story of how Sean had organised a picnic for them in Sydney before later getting down on one knee infront of the Sydney Opera House!

The hampers were supplied by Newmarket Hampers and they looked really rather marvellous on the lawns in the sunshine. Guests were thrilled with the idea and the choice of foods within them. The gluten free chocolate brownies were a real winner for sure, with guests raiding other groups hampers to have one more!!

The afternoon then flowed nicely onto guests entertaining themselves with the outdoor games which had been hired. Just ideal for when the couple sneek off with the photographer to get some couple shots.

Games 2 Hire supplied the array of games for the day. The guests really enjoyed themselves playing with the crazy golf, giant jenga and lots of other funfair/lawn games.

At Chippenham Park the wedding breakfast and evening receptions are held in their marquee. This is situated away from the main house with lovely views to the parkland and at the edge of the lake.

Flowers were created by Heidi Appleyard Floral Design.

I love the fact that we were able to re-use lots of the flowers and foliage from the church back at the wedding reception. The differing heights of the centrepieces worked especially well in the marquee.

The cake was rather delightful too! Made by Pretty Tasty in Wimpole Cambridge. The different layers matched the ruffles on Caroline's dress, and the sequins of her bridesmaids dresses.

The topper was chosen specifically by Caroline from a supplier online which had the couple with the dogs underneath a blossom tree! Couldn't have been more perfect for them could it?!

I supported styling the marquee along side the other chosen suppliers. The Chippenham Park marquee is nice and bright due to its many windows and large French doors out to decking by the lakeside. The tall apex ceiling worked perfectly for the couples chosen Blossom trees hired from My Fleur Floristry and Venue Styling which anchored their top table wonderfully. Such an eye catching and pretty way to frame the happy couple!

The evening reception entertainment came from The English Country Gentleman who did a mixture of playing live as a band, and DJ music. They also played during the picnic earlier in the day which sounded amazing whilst guests chilled about in the sun with their food and drinks!

The highlights of Mr and Mrs Walmsley wedding have got to be that you never saw them without a smile on their faces!!

That look of love is hard to beat, but other special moments for me were:

1// All the attention to detail which Caroline strived for. Personal memories shared with guests during the picnic and at the entrance to the marquee.

2// Homemade dog treats for guests with pooches to take home to their 4 legged best friends.

3// A bespoke custom designed painting which they commissioned me to do. This included the confetti print which was on all the invites, table plan and name cards. The blossom trees from the marquee, and one of their favourite love quotes from Winnie the Pooh. And of course, not forgetting their 2 dogs!!

4// An extremely personal and incredibly special moment was when the newly weds lit a lantern in memory of family whom are unfortunately no longer with us. And then had a sparkler tunnel with guests for the couple to walk up through from the lake.

5// Special moments captured which totally depict the feel for the day.

Including this moment when certain chosen guests found out they were head cutter of the roast platters that were served for the wedding breakfast by Crown Catering.

All photo credits go to the very talented Aaron Storry who just has the most perfect eye for capturing the most wonderful memories of your big day in such a natural way. Please take a look at his work at https://storry.co.uk/

Wishing you a lifetime of health and happiness together Caroline and Sean :)