Leah & Stephen: An Autumn Wedding at Ashridge House

While searching venues in South West London, Surrey, and Hertfordshire, we came across Ashridge House, which met all our criteria perfectly. Our families got on so incredibly well that both sets of parents met and went to the showcase together for us. They couldn’t fault it, and we decided there and then to just book it without seeing it ourselves – risky, but we trusted our parent’s taste! When we visited for our 2024 menu tasting, seeing Ashridge in person was breathtaking. The grand architecture, secret doors, winding staircases, and elegant gardens were perfect for our day. Libby, our coordinator, and her team ensured everything ran smoothly, making the experience seamless.

Dress shopping was exciting yet overwhelming. After browsing Pinterest, I found “Winter” by Made with Love, an Australian bridal label. Its simple crepe design with detachable sleeves was ideal for an October wedding. During my fitting, I knew it was the one. I paired it with a short Pearl veil, adding a subtle detail, and planned to remove the sleeves for our evening party.

Steve and I exchanged gifts on the morning of our wedding, each with heartfelt letters. I gifted him Mont Blanc cufflinks to pair with his Lawrence & Winslade tuxedo, and he surprised me with a Swarovski diamond necklace. I completed my look with my grandmother’s engagement ring and a TAG Heuer watch. My makeup artist, Adie Hair & Makeup, achieved the perfect soft, warm glam and styled my hair with volume and loose curls. After the reception, she slicked down the front to prevent frizz, letting me dance the night away worry-free.

As an autumn lover, I wanted warm oranges and rust tones in our flowers and bridesmaids’ dresses. Ashridge’s grand staircase, the focal point for our ceremony, had rich seasonal flowers and foliage by Tanya Davies from Apple Blossom Flowers. It provided a beautiful setting for our ceremony, cake-cutting, and guest photos. The venue’s timeless elegance needed little extra décor, so we aimed for a romantic yet classic look that blended seamlessly with the season and venue. I’d always imagined a romantic ceremony followed by a lively celebration, and that’s exactly what we achieved!

Ashridge’s catering was a highlight! The team offered a wide range of options, from canapés to a three-course meal and evening buffet, managing to serve a crowd without compromising quality. Our evening buffet included Bratwursts as a nod to our life in Germany. Abigail at Bloom & Crumb created our heart-shaped, vintage-style wedding cake with lemon & elderflower and chocolate flavours inspired by my parents’ 90s wedding cake. Abigail also helped us choose a size that would be enjoyed without waste, and it was perfect.

Our photographer, Lauren Mitchell, captured our day with a natural, candid style that resonated with us. We wanted to focus on experiencing our day rather than spending time on posed portraits. Lauren made us and our guests comfortable, allowing her to capture genuine, joyful moments. Her fun presence added to the day’s enjoyment, and we felt assured that our memories were in capable hands.

There were so many highlights, but a few moments stand out. Walking down the grand staircase with my dad to the sound of a string quartet and seeing Steve’s smile was unforgettable. We spent the morning excited rather than nervous, and that moment felt like everything had fallen into place.

Our first dance was another favourite. We chose “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield—a fun, upbeat song I’ve always loved. We had a small routine and invited our guests to join us on the dancefloor, which instantly filled up. At the DJ’s suggestion, we ended the night with the same song, reprising our dance with even more energy. The live singer, saxophonist, and DJ kept everyone on the dancefloor, creating an atmosphere of love and happiness.

Take your time. It’s easy to feel pressured to make fast decisions, but ensure each step reflects you and your partner. Listing each other’s non-negotiables can help guide your planning. Be mindful of your budget. Avoid feeling pressured to splurge on everything marketed to you. Focus on aspects that you and your guests will genuinely enjoy and remember. Consider how your venue, season, and wardrobe complement each other. This approach creates a harmonious, timeless wedding.