Ellie and Matthias’ Cotswold marquee wedding was a truly unforgettable celebration. The serene atmosphere was perfectly complemented by the soft sage green and pale blue hues that dominated the decor, along with rustic DIY touches and lush potted plants scattered throughout. As you immerse yourself in their special day, you’ll be struck by the effortless charm and informal elegance of the proceedings.
One of the standout features of this wedding was its relaxed, countryside-inspired setting and the gorgeous blooms that adorned every corner. I’m particularly fond of Ellie and Matthias’ creative approach to decor, which involved using potted plants as a centerpiece and then replanting them in their own garden after the big day. This not only saves money but also helps the environment – what’s not to love?
Of course, no wedding would be complete without a stylishly dressed couple, a adorable pup, a sleek convertible, and (dare I say it?) multiple cakes! And did you know that Tailored Entertainment provided the live band entertainment in the evening? It was truly the icing on the cake.
I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to Katrina for capturing these utterly captivating images and sharing them with us.
Cotswold Marquee Wedding
The Proposal
We embarked on a romantic getaway to Scotland in December 2019, accompanied only by our loyal companion Poppy. Matthias had meticulously planned a series of picturesque dog walks for us to enjoy together. One morning, we set off towards Drummond Hill, culminating at the breathtaking Black Rock View Point overlooking Loch Tay. The night prior had brought a gentle dusting of snow, making it Poppy’s inaugural experience with the white stuff. As we took in the stunning vista, Ellie was captivated by the scenery while Matthias busied himself rummaging through his backpack – much to Ellie’s chagrin that he wasn’t sharing in her awe. Upon turning around, however, Ellie discovered Matthias down on one knee, a gesture that was anything but a joke. After verifying it was indeed not a prank, the inevitable response was, of course, a resounding YES! To make this moment even more special, Matthias had commissioned a stunning bespoke sapphire and diamond engagement ring from Heidi Kjeldsen @heidikjeldsenltd, who proved to be an absolute delight to work with. He highly recommends her exceptional craftsmanship.
The Vision
We set our sights on a relaxed, rustic celebration that reflected our love for the countryside. Ellie had always dreamed of exchanging vows at her family home in Broadway, Cotswolds – a dream we both shared. To bring this vision to life, we focused on three key elements: exceptional cuisine, memorable entertainment, and a picturesque marquee setting. Everything else fell into place naturally. We took a DIY approach wherever possible, with Ellie designing the invitations and stationery, and Matthias getting creative with garden decorations, transforming every wheelbarrow and trough into a beautiful display. Even lockdown became an opportunity, as we repurposed timber pallets to craft many of our decorations.
The Venue
Your Outfits
The moment I laid eyes on Made with Love’s ‘Rosey’ dress and veil, I was smitten. Taking a calculated risk, I purchased a variation from what they had in store – a different color and skirt combination – despite never having seen the dress until four months prior to the wedding. Thankfully, my gamble paid off as I fell deeply in love with it.
Meanwhile, Matthias made two suit purchases leading up to our special day but ultimately chose the one from Moss Bros for the big event.
What’s even more meaningful is that Matthias’ Mum crafted our wedding rings, making them an exceptionally treasured symbol of our union and a reminder of its significance for a lifetime.
The Ceremony & Music
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Katrina’s photography skills went above and beyond as she effortlessly captured our special moments. Her warm personality put us both at ease, transforming her into an unobtrusive presence that felt more like having a friend with a camera rather than a professional photographer.
The Styling & Decor
Our wedding’s whimsical charm was perfectly captured through a thoughtful blend of sage green and pale blue hues. The outdoor flower decorations, carefully curated by ourselves, complemented the relaxed and county-garden-inspired bouquets, table flowers, and church arrangements, all designed by a talented florist. This DIY approach allowed us to add a personal touch and create a unique atmosphere. We were thrilled to reuse the potted plants in our garden, transforming them into a beautiful flowerbed that serves as a permanent reminder of our special day.The wooden decorations, including the table plan, welcome board, ‘just married’ sign, Swedish lanterns, and photo opportunity frame, were meticulously crafted by Matthias. His attention to detail and creativity resulted in truly one-of-a-kind elements that added to the wedding’s rustic charm.Our caterers at @caviarandchips played a crucial role in bringing our table styling vision to life. We designed the look, but they executed it flawlessly, going above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. The candleholders, made from silver birch logs cut from Matthias’ family woodland in Lincolnshire, added a touch of elegance. Ellie’s dad cleverly transformed these logs into beautiful holders that complemented the rustic atmosphere.We also got creative with our stationery, designing personalized stickers for the biodegradable paper bags filled with rose petals we dried ourselves over the summer. These small touches showed how much thought and effort went into every aspect of our wedding.The star of the show was undoubtedly Jade’s exquisite wedding cake, crafted by one of Ellie’s closest friends at @jadeconfectionery. The cheese ‘cake’ was generously donated by Matthias’ Godparents, the talented makers of Lincolnshire Poacher cheese.
The Honeymoon
Two incredible weeks in March found us in Sri Lanka, a destination that truly had something for everyone. Our time there was nothing short of phenomenal, offering the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. If you’re considering a trip to this charming country, we couldn’t recommend it more highly. For those looking to rest their heads, we were impressed by the Jetwing Vil Uyana, Ceylon Tea Trails, Uga Chena Huts, and Amangalla – all excellent choices for any traveler seeking a unique and memorable stay.
Memorable Moments
As we walked into St Eadburgha’s Church in Broadway, the ceremony unfolded beautifully. The scenic church provided a picturesque backdrop for our special day. Later, as we departed the ceremony, Morgan, Ellie’s dad, even managed to capture a celebrity moment driving away through the charming streets of Broadway.
The speeches and first dance were an absolute blast – despite not having rehearsed the latter! The food was nothing short of phenomenal, with Caviar & Chips’ culinary skills earning them Wedding Caterers of the Year, a well-deserved accolade. As the night wore on, everyone took to the dance floor to create unforgettable memories.
But the fun didn’t stop there – on the Sunday, we hosted an impromptu gathering to relive the magic of the previous night. We enjoyed drinks, pizza from a van, and indulged in plenty of leftover cake with our loved ones.