We’re delighted to feature Carolyn and Francis’s special day, which took place at the picturesque South African Cloister within Charterhouse School on June 1st, 2019. The celebration continued with a reception at Chichester Hall in Surrey. What struck me about their wedding was its effortless charm – it was like being part of a joyful village fête. I’m particularly fond of how they incorporated festoon lights, rustic wooden tables adorned with lush greenery and white blooms to create a fresh, modern aesthetic that exuded style. The fashion choices didn’t disappoint either. Carolyn looked stunning in her strapless fit-and-flare gown, while Francis opted for a dapper ensemble comprising a blazer, chinos, and brogues. The groomsmen’s individual attire worked harmoniously together, and the bridesmaids’ Topshop slip dresses were on-trend and chic. Three Flowers Photography did an incredible job of capturing the day’s magic, and I’m thrilled to share these breathtaking shots with you today.
The Proposal
As we celebrated the end of my training contract and Francis’s new job with a holiday in Italy, surrounded by my soon-to-be sister-in-law and her husband, I couldn’t have imagined a more romantic setting. Our hotel restaurant served us a delectable meal, and as we savored our dishes, Francis suggested a leisurely stroll. He led me to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Umbrian Hills, where we were blissfully alone. It was there that he asked if he could capture the moment with a photo of me taking in the scenery – a replica of a picture he had taken of me in the Cotswolds. I agreed, and as I faced the hills, Francis called out my name, and I turned to find him on one knee, ring in hand, proposing to me. The initial shock gave way to an overwhelming sense of joy, and I replied with unshakeable conviction: ‘The answer was always going to be yes!’ It was a proposal that perfectly encapsulated our love story.
The Vision
Growing up in Leicester, our early wedding planning naturally focused on finding the perfect venue in our hometown where our family is also based. However, when we made the decision to settle down in Surrey, our priorities shifted, and we began exploring options in this new region. We started by eliminating what didn’t feel right for us – a cookie-cutter package wedding wasn’t our style. Instead, we wanted to put our unique stamp on a venue that reflected our personalities. After considering unconventional options like a tipi in a secret garden (an idea we seriously entertained), we fell in love with the stunning Cloister at Charterhouse School and Chichester Hall for our reception – the prospect of a cricket match being played on the grounds on our wedding day sealed the deal. Our goal was to create an atmosphere that felt relaxed, informal, and inviting to our guests. We achieved this by adopting a casual dress code, which received rave reviews from our attendees. Food, drink, and entertainment were our top priorities, so we invested heavily in a free bar with creative cocktails, an ice cream van, and a decadent pudding table. To add some magic to the day, we chose a talented string quartet – Giardino Strings – to play as guests arrived and throughout dinner. Their performance was exceptional, earning countless compliments from our loved ones.
The Readings & Music
As the ceremony unfolds, the soundtrack is set to a beautiful accompaniment. The gentle notes of ‘Father Kolbe’s Preaching’ by Wojciech Kilar provide a soothing atmosphere, while ‘Song for Zula’ by Phosphorescent fills the air on exit. To further enrich the experience, two readings are carefully selected: Louis de Bernieres’ captivating ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’, read by Mary Kearns, and Jack Kerouac’s iconic ‘On the Road’, brought to life by May Wilson.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on our two-year planning journey, we didn’t have a specific strategy in mind. However, we did book Charterhouse and Chichester Hall relatively early on, inspired by the aesthetic of a previous wedding blog featuring the latter venue. This influenced our decision to collaborate with some of the same suppliers, incorporating our own unique touch as we went along. In hindsight, it might have been wiser to prioritize dress shopping earlier – I didn’t get mine until January before the big day, which understandably caused concern among some friends! Francis, on the other hand, acquired his suit a month or two prior to the wedding. We were fortunate to have a family friend, Mrs Bridges, cater our event, while a mutual acquaintance, Kat Bakes, curated an exquisite pudding table featuring bite-sized treats. Moreover, we drew inspiration from Francis’ sister’s wedding, where an impressive cocktail bar was expertly managed by Mambo Bars – their Espresso Martinis were apparently a crowd favourite.
Budget
While we didn’t set a specific budget from the onset, our rough estimates suggested an allocation of around £15,000. However, our final expenditure ended up being significantly higher, totaling approximately £25,000. It’s clear that our initial estimates were overly optimistic, and we could have been more mindful of our spending in hindsight.
The Venue
The juxtaposition of South African Cloister, Charterhouse School and Chichester Hall presents a fascinating tale of architectural evolution. These three structures, each with its unique character, have been woven together by the threads of history to create an intriguing narrative. The South African Cloister, with its modernist aesthetic, stands as a testament to the country’s post-apartheid era of growth and transformation. In contrast, Charterhouse School embodies the storied tradition of British academic excellence, its Gothic Revival architecture evoking the grandeur of medieval Europe. Meanwhile, Chichester Hall, with its sleek lines and minimalist design, serves as a beacon of contemporary architectural innovation. The confluence of these three structures, each representing a distinct era and style, offers a captivating exploration of human creativity and the ever-changing nature of our built environment.
The Details & Décor
To achieve a light and airy ambiance, we chose white drapes and festoon lighting for the hall’s ceiling. The rustic benches and chairs brought a touch of natural charm, while the arrangement of white and green flowers in various-sized bottles added a pop of color and texture. Furthermore, placing a large F&C sign on the stage not only created a striking visual statement upon arrival but also transitioned into mood lighting as the disco commenced.
The Flowers
The bouquet, crafted by the talented florist at Flowers by Rosemary in Godalming, exceeded our expectations with its perfect blend of lush greens and crisp whites.
The Cake
In a surprising turn of events, we opted out of having a traditional birthday cake. Instead, my parents surprised us with a unique treat – Colin and Connie the Caterpillar cakes, purchased especially for the occasion.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I fell in love with my wedding dress from Wed2B after trying on a few designer dresses that didn’t quite fit the bill. A friend’s recommendation led me to explore their collection online, followed by an impromptu visit to their Camberley store with my entourage – sister, niece, and nephew. We tried two dresses, and I left the store wearing the second one we saw! The best part? It was a steal, as they’re off-the-rack designs that sell out quickly if you don’t grab them on the spot. Later, I had it tailored to perfection by the skilled seamstresses at Haslemere’s Sewing Room.As for my accessories, I received a stunning Tiffany bracelet from my bridesmaids – not only was it a thoughtful gift, but it also served as my something blue, thanks to the light blue gemstone. Additionally, I borrowed an earring from one of my bridesmaids and paired it with an old green stone necklace from Whistles. My shoes were none other than Kurt Geiger’s finest, sourced from Selfridges.As for Francis, he looked dashing in a mix of outfits from Cos, Zara, and Noak – the perfect blend of style and sophistication to complement my big day.
Beauty
Gina, a talented makeup artist, took charge of my beauty regimen on that special day. She skillfully styled both my hair and makeup, along with those of my bridesmaids and even my mother – an impressive feat considering the number of people involved.
Your Photographer
It’s an absolute pleasure to highlight the exceptional work of Charlotte, a talented photographer behind Three Flowers Photography. Her unique approach and dedication to her craft have earned her a reputation for capturing life’s precious moments with unparalleled beauty.
The Honeymoon
As we wrapped up the whirlwind of wedding planning, my partner and I decided to treat ourselves to a mini-moon to Lake Garda, where we spent a week soaking up the sun and relaxation. It was the perfect antidote to the chaos that had consumed us in the lead-up to the big day. And speaking of big days, our real honeymoon is just around the corner – we’re planning an adventure to Japan next April, which promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Memorable Moments
As I stepped into the aisle, my eyes met Francis’, and in that moment, everything felt perfect. The morning’s preparations with my bridesmaid in a picturesque country home were a blur of laughter and joy. The drive to the reception, just the two of us, was a chance to unwind and toast our special day with a glass of champagne. Upon arriving at the venue, I was blown away by the beautifully set hall, where every detail had been meticulously considered. And then came the speeches – including one from me, which added an extra layer of emotional depth to the celebration.
Bridesmaids
The fashion enthusiasts at Topshop certainly didn’t disappoint – each one exuded a sense of style and glamour that left me thoroughly impressed. Their overall appearance was truly captivating, leaving me feeling delighted and satisfied.
Groomsmen
One of the most refreshing aspects of this event was the freedom to express oneself through fashion. Unlike many other occasions where attendees are often instructed on what to wear, these individuals were given the autonomy to create their own unique ensembles, free from any constraints or expectations.
Advice For Other Couples
When embarking on a DIY project, it’s essential to factor in the time required for setup. We found that the day before was spent entirely sorting out various aspects in the hall, with the task proving more extensive than anticipated. Moreover, don’t be hesitant to solicit assistance – we couldn’t have managed without the support of others and people are generally eager to lend a helping hand.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Photographer, Three Flowers Photography, was just one of the many talented professionals who brought Carolyn and Francis’ special day to life. The drape and festoon lights that adorned the venue, courtesy of Bow’s Hire, added a touch of elegance to the proceedings. Meanwhile, Cutlery, Glasses, Chairs & Tables and Classic Crockery Hire ensured that guests had everything they needed to enjoy themselves. F&C Signage helped guide people around the venue with ease. Locke and Busby took care of the all-important table plan and numbers, while Elle Bee Design added a personal touch to the decorations. And let’s not forget the sweet treats – Ice Cream from The Ice Cream Cab Company was a hit, as was the String Quartet performance by Giardino Strings. Flowers by Rosemary brought a pop of color to the proceedings, and Hair & Makeup, courtesy of Jodie by Makeup (Gina), ensured that the bride looked stunning. Catering, provided by Mrs Bridges, kept everyone’s hunger at bay, while Puddings from Kat Bakes were a decadent treat. The bar was stocked with delicious drinks, thanks to Mambo Bars. And as for the dress – well, that was thanks to Wed2B and Alterations by The Sewing Room in Haslemere. Finally, the venues chosen – Charterhouse School & Chichester Hall – provided the perfect backdrop for it all. As Carolyn and Francis would say, ‘Oh so stylish.’ Thanks again to this lovely couple for sharing their special day with us – Lou