Imagine a wedding so picturesque, it’s as if nature itself had created a masterpiece. Hannah and Matt’s Elford Hall Garden wedding in Staffordshire is a testament to the beauty of effortless elegance. Wildflowers, dusky pinks, and floral details blend harmoniously with DIY rustic wooden signage and bare wooden furniture, creating a whimsical atmosphere that’s simply irresistible. The pressed flower cake, personalized photo details, and charming outfits only add to the magic. It’s no surprise that this stunning summer wedding has stolen our hearts. And did you spot those gorgeous Margot shoes from Rainbow Club? A true showstopper! Wyldbee Photography, thank you for sharing these divine images of Hannah and Matt’s country garden wedding with us. We’re thrilled to see how our own inspiration from your blog played a role in planning their special day.
Elford Hall Garden Wedding
The Proposal
It was in August 2021 that Matt popped the question to me at Elford Walled Gardens, a place that held special meaning as it would later become the backdrop for our wedding celebration. The proposal unfolded over a delightful pizza and Prosecco evening, marking a momentous occasion in our relationship. Interestingly, the very same bench where Matt got down on one knee is also where we captured some of our cherished wedding moments through photographs.
The Vision
For us, the ideal wedding scenario was a laid-back celebration nestled within the serene surroundings of Elford Garden’s walls. We envisioned an intimate gathering where our loved ones could unwind and indulge in delectable cuisine, surrounded by a tranquil atmosphere that exuded warmth and charm. Hannah’s passion for flowers, particularly those with a wildflower and English country garden flair, was woven throughout our planning. The cherry on top was the opportunity to exchange vows within the picturesque church adjacent to the gardens – a union that felt deeply personal and meaningful.
The Venue
Nestled within the grounds of Elford Hall lies a unique gem – its Walled Gardens. What sets this enchanting space apart is its dual nature as both a functioning garden and a haven for allotments. This intriguing combination offers couples the opportunity to craft their own DIY wedding experience, free from traditional venue constraints.
The Ceremony & Music
We invested significant time in crafting our ceremony with John, our Vicar, who helped us weave in personal touches. One such moment was the traditional Irish unity candles sent by one of our bridesmaid’s parents from Ireland – a thoughtful gesture that added an extra layer of meaning to the occasion.
Musically, our hymns took on a sporting twist, reflecting Matt’s passion for rugby. Meanwhile, I walked down the aisle to ‘I Giorni,’ a song my dad and I had heard performed live in a candlelit church at Christmas – a poignant choice that tied in nicely with the festive atmosphere.
Our exit song was another meaningful selection, drawing inspiration from the London 2012 Olympic ceremony – a momentous occasion that holds special significance for both of us. The lyrics are indeed magical, and it served as the perfect sendoff as we began our new chapter together.
For the reception, we took matters into our own hands by curating our own playlists for both day and evening events. We opted against a DJ, preferring to let the music unfold organically – an approach that allowed us to tailor the playlist to our unique tastes.
The best part? Our friends and family got in on the action by submitting their own song requests, which we loved incorporating into the mix. This not only added variety but also fostered a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for getting everyone up on the dancefloor.
Your Outfits
As we began planning our special day, Hannah’s dress search led her to Off The Peg Bridal, where she discovered her perfect gown with her best friend from university by their alma mater. She had a clear vision of a floral theme, soft tulle layer, and long train – and this boutique delivered. After a thorough search, Hannah knew she’d found the one, loving every dress she tried on elsewhere. The ‘off the rack’ find allowed her to enjoy a higher-end dress within budget.Matt’s suit was also a surprise, as we wanted him to feel included in the wedding process. He took charge of selecting the ties and pocket squares, opting for a beautiful liberty wildflower print that matched Hannah’s style perfectly. While some might have thought it unorthodox, Hannah loved the element of surprise when Matt and the ushers revealed their suits at the end of the aisle. The moment became even more special as they met halfway down the aisle, and Matt did an excellent job in his role.
The Styling & Decor
Hannah’s passion for beauty and attention to detail shone through every aspect of her wedding, from the decorations to the smallest details. With the help of her bridesmaids and parents, she brought her vision to life the day before the big day. As Matt humorously put it in his speech, this wedding was 90% Hannah and 10% her trusty Cricut machine! The couple’s commitment to sustainability was evident in their use of locally sourced flowers and plants from their own gardens and nearby fields. They crafted unique arrangements using wildflowers and garden blooms, including the charming milk churn creations filled with cows’ parsley and delphiniums. Pew ends were adorned with lush ferns and ivy, adding to the whimsical atmosphere. Tables featured vintage jars overflowing with garden-grown and wildflower bouquets, while handmade pillar candles bore personalized messages from Hannah’s bridesmaids. Each table was named after one of Hannah’s favorite flowers, a thoughtful touch that added to the celebration’s intimacy. The father of the bride even crafted homemade sloe gin in kilner jars for the guests’ enjoyment. To make the occasion even more special, Hannah laser-cut polaroid photo frame place settings with heartfelt thank-you messages on the back. In lieu of a traditional guest book, the couple invited loved ones to share stories and memories by sending postcards from their favorite travel destinations. For the formal flowers, they entrusted Maria at the FlowerPatch, who crafted stunning arrangements using her own homegrown blooms or locally sourced petals. The couple’s non-traditional approach to color palette allowed the flowers’ natural soft pastels to take center stage. And as a sweet finale, the delectable cake echoed the wildflower theme with a tangy lemon flavor and delicate pressed flower embellishments.
Your Photographer
Sophie, the talented photographer behind Wyldbee photography, did an incredible job of capturing the essence of our special day. Her skillful lens didn’t just capture moments, it conveyed the emotions and intimate details that make memories truly unforgettable. With her expert eye, Sophie brought our unique love story to life, freezing the laughter, tears, and joy in a way that will be treasured for years to come.
The Honeymoon
After exchanging vows, we decided to take a romantic getaway to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. As for our summer plans, we’re looking forward to soaking up the sun and relaxation in beautiful Mauritius.
Memorable Moments
As the big day unfolded, Matt surprised me with a heartfelt gift – a beautifully crafted scrapbook containing every card and letter we’ve exchanged over the past 12 years, stored in a large black book that became a treasured keepsake. The bridesmaids received personalized candles featuring quotes from my favorite memoirs, which they eagerly unwrapped on the wedding day, reminiscing about our shared experiences together. Matt’s creative touch shone with his handmade ring box crafted from a piece of wood we collected during a memorable walk years ago – an heirloom that will be cherished for generations to come.
The culinary masterpiece was courtesy of Outside Kitchen, a catering company that went above and beyond in every way. Our menu planning began at one of their tasting evenings, where we designed a unique experience featuring an antipasto grazing board during cocktail hour, followed by a sharing dish feast, finished with our decadent wedding cake, lotus brownies, and a final espresso martini shot to cap off the evening.