Springtime is always such a beautiful time of year, with the newness of fresh green leaves and pretty blossom promising so much for the months to follow.With such a glorious natural setting, what else do you need to create an exquisite wedding style?
I think today’s spring wedding will convince you that with the addition of flowers and foliage, simplicity speaks volumes. This is the wedding of Mr and Mrs Hughes, who travelled to the pretty Cotswold village of Bampton for their church wedding and country house reception at nearby Caswell House in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire on 27 April 2019.
We are thrilled to be able to recommend Caswell House as a beautiful Cotswolds wedding venue, through our Little Book wedding directory.
Photography Lucie Watson Photography
As well as being influenced by the couple’s Manchester roots, British seasonal flowers in whites and blushes played a starring role in the celebration, which had a loose, wild, botanical theme at its heart.
“A huge part of our wedding style had to be reflected in the flowers. We chose an incredible florist from Buckinghamshire who uses home-grown British flowers in her creations and her work has an incredible botanical feel. That was hugely important to us. Our Manchester roots had a big role in our day, from the musician that played during our wedding breakfast to our videographer and our table names – all song titles from Manchester bands.”
Armfuls of flowers completed their look, styled by florist Charlotte Green at Verity & Thyme, and finished with long, trailing ribbons which look beautiful being lifted by the breeze.
“I saw Charlotte’s work and just knew she was a perfect fit for the scene we so desperately wanted to set. Her style was everything I love about floristry, not to mention her choice of flowers. We actually left this decision to her as we knew she would use the best seasonal flowers according to our colour scheme which was just neutrals, greys and blushes.”
“We met at a mutual friend’s house warming and got engaged by a beach in Cala Dor, Mallorca.”
The morning of the wedding, the bride and her bridesmaids prepared together, with Love Hair By Lou on hand to style their hair and make-up. Mrs Hughes chose a simply but luxe pony-tail, with boho tendrils left down to frame her face.
The bride travelled to Liverpool boutique White Closet Studios in search of her wedding gown, choosing this divine Jesus Peiro number. This designer has a talent for weaving classic bridal style together with a contemporary, luxe vibe for effortless elegance – this pure white, lacy gown is the perfect example. Its long sleeves feature the most modern, delicate lace detailing and it looks incredibly easy, yet elegant, to wear.
“We had a fabulous experience with the girls in the Liverpool Studio. They were so accommodating and the boutique was beautiful. My bridesmaid actually spotted the dress and suggested it was everything I had described and it was. I always wanted long-sleeved with delicate detail and a silky skirt. It was perfect!”
A pair of pure white LKB X Jenny Packham court shoes added to the classic, elegant feel.
The crowning glory was a light and floaty cathedral-length veil from White Closet Studios, which sits so well alongside the ‘Lola’ hair vine from Eden b. Studio, worn to the back of the bride’s head. She slipped on a pair of hoop earrings from Links of London, and a spritz of Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc.
The bridesmaids chose Rewritten gowns in two different styles but both in the same soft and fresh pink, whilst the adorable little flowergirl dressed in a pure white Monsoon dress.
Mr Hughes and his groomsmen look smart and stylish in their black tie suits, which they found at Next. Along with Church’s shoes, the groom wore a Rolex watch and a fresh, white buttonhole.
The couple were wed by the Reverend Janice Collier at St Mary’s Church in Bampton, to which the bride travelled in a classic car from Premier Carriage.
She entered the church on the arm of her father, to the timeless sounds of Pachelbel’s ‘Canon In D‘.
“I loved saying my vows and listening to the speeches.”
The couple exchanged rings from Steven Stone and added two readings to the service; ‘Song of Solomon’ and ‘The Beauty Of Love’.
“‘The Beauty Of Love’ felt relevant to us as I have two sets of grandparents in their 80s, still happily married.”
The couple chose a photographer with a romantic, soft, reportage style, Lucie Watson Photography. I love her clever way of capturing movement and light, just perfect for a spring day with plenty of sunshine and breezes.
“Lucie was simply incredible from our first point of contact all the way through, responding to emails at the drop of a hat and organising Skype meetings. On our day, she went above and beyond, helping us with the blustery weather conditions and making us all feel at ease with her calm nature. She was fabulous and we would recommend her to anyone.”
Aren’t the grounds of Caswell House the most beautiful setting for these wonderful portrait shots? They are so fresh and green in the spring sunshine and the warm Cotswold stone makes for such a classic and timeless backdrop.
Inside the barn, the tables had been laid with twinkling tealights, more foliage and flowers, as well as a wedding favour for each guest.
“We had scratch cards with ‘For Richer, For Poorer’ on the front.”
The botanical, pared-back vibe was set by the beautiful stationery suite which featured elegant calligraphy alongside a pretty, hand-painted floral motif. It was created by On Cloud Nine Stationery and The Little Blue Brush.
“It was important to us to marry in the Cotswolds. It was where we had our first little holiday together and you simply don’t get that gorgeous Cotswolds stone up north.”
The magical, airy barns of Caswell House, its gorgeous springtime gardens and the breath-taking rural surroundings captivated Mr and Mrs Hughes, who were engaged for 19 months before their wedding day.
Indulgence Boutique Hospitality prepared and served the wedding breakfast, as well as the savoury wedding cake. As the guests ate, Manchester musician James Collins kept them entertained.
“We chose a cake of cheese supplied by our caterers.”
For a fun, festival vibe in the evening, Wandering Wings were on hand after a first dance for Mr and Mrs Hughes.
“We chose The Real Thing’s ‘You To Me Are Everything’. The words mean a lot to us.”
Words of Wedded Wisdom
“Embrace all aspects of planning and try to enjoy it, it’s over in a blink.”
“Spend as much time as you can with your new husband on your wedding day. After all, it’s such a special day for you both.”
Mr and Mrs Hughes, what a beautiful, beautiful day; so elegant and timeless. Sending you so many thanks and congratulations, and thanks to your photographer Lucie Watson as well. So lovelies, if you’re planning your own botanical day and want even more inspiration, then I invite you to enjoy these other Love My Dress beauties here.
Ele xx
Eleanor Crossland
View all Eleanor’s articles
Ele lives in the Lincolnshire countryside, close to the beautiful coast. A qualified Pilates teacher, she loves fitness, yoga, Pilates and has a healthy addiction to baking, writing and travel.