Ashley & Emily’s Fairytale Wedding at Eastor Castle

A+E chose Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire as the backdrop to their super romantic, and trad celebration – White and red roses? Check. Dramatic sweeping staircase? Check. Grand dining? Check. Oh and there’s a pretty gorgeous outdoor ceremony to boot!

Emily says…

Eastnor Castle absolutely took our breath away.

We visited one Sunday morning, and were instantly filled with visions of our special day. Walking through each medieval style room with its deep red tapestries and unique antiques, we knew we would feel like royalty and this was without question the venue for us.

I went for a slim fitted dress, with long lace sleeves (detachable for the evening) and a very long train for a dramatic entrance on the beautiful staircase. We love burgundy and felt it just went with the venue, so the bridesmaid’s dresses, groomsmen’s accessories, the cake and the flowers all reflected this colour. My hair and makeup was actually done without a trial, as I had complete faith in my stylists, and the location meant it was difficult to meet with them before the day. I was however absolutely delighted with the results. My ‘something borrowed, old and blue’ was my mum’s sapphire ring that was such a special touch on the day, the ‘new’ of course was my dress and wedding ring.

Following through with the traditional style of the castle, we opted for red, pink and white roses throughout, burgundy and white tiered cake and wooden/floral style table plan, table names and place names. The fact we could cut the cake with a sword was a unique and brilliant aspect adding into the medieval theme, and our Hog Roast outside added another dimension.

Kat, aka The Fabulous Florist, was absolutely incredible. I adore roses so my bouquet was white and red with foliage, the bridesmaid’s poseys were white and we also had corsages and buttonholes following this theme. Kat also collaborated with our cake maker to produce the roses that tumbled down each tier of the cake.

We had a three tiered cake created by Sharon from McGowan’s Cakes, with carrot on top, salted caramel in the centre and a raspberry & white chocolate base tier, giving our guests lots of delicious options. My Mother also made us a fruit cake as another option for those with less of a sweet tooth.

Our photographer Thespina aka Penny was an incredible lady with a heart of gold. We connected on a level where I felt she was already a friend, and was amazing with our guests. The photos were taken with such ease and she took so many candid photo’s as well as ones we had specifically requested. I couldn’t thank her enough and knew a few words of Greek (her first language) to say thank you!

Best part of the day

Walking out onto the lower terrace and seeing my soon-to-be husband’s face at the end of the isle was absolutely my favourite part of the day, however it was all so perfect. Perfect from start to finish. There was also a moment after our gorgeous wedding breakfast where I requested the catering team to come out so I could thank them, we actually produced a standing ovation where we unilaterally said thank you for such amazing food and perfect timing.

From one couple to another…

Find moments to sit back and watch you and your spouse’s friends and family chat and enjoy themselves. Mix the table plan as much as you can so you encourage socialising with people they haven’t yet met, and fill the dance floor when it’s time!