This gorgeous couple chose Froyle Park in Hampshire as their wedding venue and we couldn’t love it more. With beautiful flowers by our fave Blue Sky Flowers and stunning imagery by Michelle Cordner Photography, this is a corker for a Monday morning!
Abi says…
The moment we walked up the drive to Froyle Park, passed the fountain of water sparkling in the sunshine and into the Jacobean manor set against a backdrop of idyllic Hampshire countryside, we knew it was the venue for us. Everything took place on one site, which avoided the need to worry about transport and logistics during the day – from the church on the edge of the grounds, to the beautiful gardens for the drinks reception and the manor house itself. The venue offered a range of rooms for the wedding breakfast, babysitters and even bedrooms onsite for our friends and family. We couldn’t have asked for anything more!
I chose my wedding dress from Pronovias on Bond St. It was conveniently located near my office (and to Fenwicks for prosecco lunches with mum in the Bond St Kitchen after fittings) and also has such a wide selection of styles. I ended up surprising myself when I fell in love with a voluminous princess design with cascading tulle frills, which was quite a contrast to the demure, long sleeved, lacy idea that I had in mind! I discovered that it’s as much about the way a dress makes you feel as how you look, and this one made me feel like the most excitable little girl. I just wanted to dance and jump up and down in it!
To top off the princess style, I was incredibly lucky to be able to wear a high jewellery necklace from the House of Garrard, the world’s longest serving jeweller, where I work. It was such a privilege to be dressed by the jeweller who has served British royalty since 1735, but also quite a responsibility, so I was relieved that I had a bodyguard for the day to ensure the necklace made its way safely back to the vault afterwards.
My hair and make up was done by Rochelle from Kirsty McCall who was absolutely brilliant – I wish I could take her home with me!
We wanted the day to feel relaxed and happy, so this played a big part in all of our decisions. Our wedding planner, Sarah Kirby, was such a dream to work with and, thanks to her, the entire planning process was relaxed and happy too.
Although we had a planner and worked with such wonderful partners, we also wanted the wedding to be filled with personal touches. My aunt made our cake (three tiers, each with a different and delicious flavour, from red velvet to rose petal), my mum made the floral place settings, my hair piece and all the bedroom toiletries baskets, her partner made the name cards and my uncle was even the vicar!
Sarah found us a fantastic florist, Liz from Blue Sky Flowers. Liz is based at the New Covent Garden Flower Market so we were able to do a market visit with her a couple of weeks before the wedding to choose the actual flowers that were in season. She made me a gorgeous, overflowing, loose bouquet of cream and pink David Austin Keira garden roses and freesia, mixed with white stock, delicate eucalyptus and jasmine foliage.
Our photographer was Michelle Cordner who I can’t recommend highly enough. We chose her package with two photographers, which meant that together they were able to capture every moment. Michelle was really dedicated and wanted to ensure that every detail was just right for us – she didn’t miss a thing. I made a book of wedding photos which we gave to key family members as Christmas presents, and thanks to Michelle it tells the most beautiful story of the entire day.
I also have to say an enormous thank you to Emmanuel from Weddings Videographer. A videographer hadn’t been on our original list but we are so pleased that we did get one, as it’s such a treat for Piers and I to be able to relive the experience just the two of us, after such a whirlwind day. Emmanuel was so discreet and a very reasonable price – we were really impressed and highly recommended him.
Best part of the day
As cheesy as it sounds, the whole day really was beyond my wildest dreams. However, one of the most special moments was at the end of the night, when our friends and family were tucked up in bed in the Froyle Park manor house and the final few lights were twinkling through the bedroom windows whilst the grounds were plunged into darkness. Still wearing my fairytale princess dress, my new husband took me by the hand and we walked quietly around the magical gardens to sit on the rope swing under one of the trees, dumbfounded at how incredible the day had been. It was at this point, having managed to hold back the tears all day, that I started crying uncontrollably, totally overcome with happiness. I realised that this is how it feels to marry your Prince Charming and live happily ever after.
From one bride to another…
A lot of people can find wedding planning daunting and sometimes quite stressful. My biggest piece of advice is to never lose sight of the reason why you’re getting married. Ultimately, it’s not about the length of your dress, the timing of the catering or the exact shade of napkin. It’s about celebrating the commitment to the love of your life. And as long as you have him or her, the rest is just decoration.
Venue Froyle Park
Photography Michelle Cordner Photography
Second Photographer Kirsty Airey
Wedding Planner Something White
Caterer White Truffle Events
Flowers Blue Sky Flowers
Film Emmanuel at Weddings Videographer
Hair & Make Up Rochelle at Kirsty McCall
Jewellery House of Garrard
Live Music Quattro String Quartet