Fullerton Estate Wedding
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Richard and Calum’s enchanting countryside wedding at the Fullerton Estate in Hampshire is a true classic. As the sun shone brightly on June 29th, 2019 – a day that just so happened to be the hottest June day ever recorded! The couple exchanged vows at Guildhall Winchester before moving on to a picturesque marquee wedding amidst the vineyard’s lush greenery. With their Midsummer date perfectly timed for breathtaking sunset views through the open-sided marquee, it’s no wonder this was a truly unforgettable celebration.
What caught my eye about Richard and Calum’s special day were the many thoughtful details that made it uniquely theirs – from Nikki Stark Jewellery creating not only the couple’s wedding rings but also serving as their esteemed Maid of Honour, to the stylish attire donned by the happy duo. And let’s not forget Bjørn, their adorable Golden Retriever, who brought an extra layer of joy to the reception.
As a lover of rustic charm, I was delighted by the many beautifully rustic touches woven throughout the marquee’s decor. The floral arrangements truly stole the show, and it warms my heart knowing that Richard and Calum now get to enjoy them in their own garden. A huge thank you goes out to Hannah Larkin Photography for sharing these stunning images with us, giving us a front-row seat to this truly unforgettable celebration.
The Proposal
For six years, my partner Calum and I had been dodging the question of when we’d tie the knot. Whenever someone asked, we’d give a vague answer or change the subject, allowing us to keep our priorities in order. My main focus was on building our home and nurturing our pets. Life was good just as it was.
But then one quiet Friday night, Calum surprised me with a question that caught me off guard: ‘Will you marry me?’ No elaborate plans or fanfare, just a straightforward ask for my hand in marriage. My response was an unequivocal yes, and before I knew it, we went from being boyfriend and girlfriend to fiancés. It was a seamless transition, driven by our love for each other and our desire to spend the rest of our lives together.
The Vision
We envisioned an expansive wedding celebration that would bring together friends and family of all ages, with a strong emphasis on incorporating traditional elements and cultural nuances. Our goal was to create an unforgettable experience for our guests, many of whom were traveling from New England specifically for the occasion. We wanted to make sure that even those unfamiliar with English weddings felt included and entertained.
The Planning Process
Richard, a graphic designer, crafted mood boards encompassing various elements to crystalize the wedding vision. These visual aids served as valuable references throughout the planning process and enabled seamless communication with others involved. The three key considerations for the day were venue selection for the ceremony and reception, as well as catering options. Once the venues were secured, our thinking evolved in tandem. For instance, Winchester Guildhall’s King Charles Room presented a formal atmosphere, prompting us to opt for a string quartet performance. In contrast, Rabbit Bank’s picturesque countryside view prompted us to choose an open-sided marquee and strategically arrange seating to maximize the stunning sunset views. Our unconventional wedding breakfast choice was classic Swedish meatballs, expertly prepared by our recommended caterer, Lucy at The Fullerton Estate. At the tasting session with The Little Kitchen Company, we found a shared understanding of our vision when their chef enthusiastically discussed the day’s plans, offering tailored options for the evening meal that had previously eluded us. The meatballs proved a hit among guests of all ages. While we weren’t overly concerned with material aspects like attire, we were deeply invested in creating an atmosphere of relaxation and unforgettable memories.
The Venue
As two grooms, we had to depart from traditional Church of England weddings, which led us to explore alternative civil venues. After much searching, we discovered the King Charles Room at Winchester Guildhall – a stunning space within a historic building that perfectly suited our needs. The staff at the Guildhall were incredibly accommodating and helpful, which greatly alleviated our pre-wedding jitters.
When it came to selecting a venue for our countryside wedding, we sought a location that would allow us to express our creativity. After visiting several options, we stumbled upon The Rabbit Bank at The Fullerton Estate – a vineyard and farm nestled near where we reside and Winchester. On a sun-drenched summer day, we knew instinctively that this was the ideal setting for a midsummer wedding. The property’s serene seclusion, coupled with its breathtaking views of the vineyard, fields, and minimal distractions, left us smitten. Furthermore, the team at The Fullerton Estate provided an invaluable recommendation for the marquee company, who effortlessly brought our vision to life on-site.
The Readings & Music
As we exchanged our vows, we drew inspiration from two thought-provoking passages: Robert Fulghum’s ‘Union’ and Taylor Mali’s ‘Falling In Love Is Like Owning A Dog’. The former resonated with our feelings for each other, while the latter, given our shared love of dogs, struck a chord. Our Golden Retriever even got some extra attention from our delighted guests.We made a memorable entrance, accompanied by Delibes’ Flower Duet, beautifully performed by our string quartet. This piece, famously used in a British Airways advert, was an unconventional choice for a processional – but we loved it. The quartet continued to delight us and our guests as we signed the register, playing Michael Giacchino’s ‘Married Life’ from the Up soundtrack and Henry Mancini’s timeless classic, ‘Moon River’, from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.While having a quartet may have been an indulgence, it was well worth it. We created a playlist of our chosen pieces and still enjoy listening to them today – a lovely reminder of happy moments. The reception featured an exceptional accordion player, whose nostalgic and romantic melodies captivated both young and old. As the younger guests watched in fascination, we were swept up in the warm atmosphere.The evening ceilidh was a joyous affair, with the band perfectly suited to our occasion. Calum’s knowledge of traditional Scottish country dances allowed him to teach the next generation, creating a delightful mix of ages dancing together. We didn’t have a formal first dance; instead, we invited everyone to join us in the Gay Gordons, and the whole room was filled with laughter and joy.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Honestly, fashion wasn’t at the forefront of our minds – we simply wanted to present ourselves well. Richard invested in a crisp new suit, while Calum saw this occasion as the perfect chance to upgrade his kilt, having outgrown his previous one since he was 18.
Grooming
As we prepared to embark on this new chapter, my partner and I decided to kick back and relax with some low-key indulgence. On the eve of our special day, we paid a visit to our trusted local barber for a rejuvenating haircut, shave, and beard trim.
The Flowers
Celia, Richard’s mother and a florist with over 40 years of experience, played a pivotal role in crafting the wedding flowers. Given Richard’s involvement in numerous weddings through his work alongside his mum, he had a clear vision for our big day. We sought classic arrangements with a modern twist, incorporating an all-white colour scheme to provide a clean and elegant backdrop. Peonies, sweet peas, and scented David Austin roses were expertly woven together, filling the air with their intoxicating aroma. The buttonholes, in particular, were breathtaking, featuring these lush blooms. To complement our marquee, we commissioned garlands of greenery from friends who kindly prepared them a day prior to the wedding, adding a touch of personalisation to the proceedings.
Wedding Party
As we exchanged our vows, it was not just the happy couple that stole the show, but also the special individuals who had traveled from near and far to be a part of our celebration. Calum’s best man, Mike, and Richard’s best woman, Nikki, were an integral part of the ceremony. What made their roles even more significant was that they had taken it upon themselves to create their own unique outfits for the occasion.Nikki, being a skilled jewellery designer, added a personal touch by crafting our wedding rings. It was a poignant moment when she presented them to us during the ceremony, symbolizing our commitment to each other.The term ‘bridesmaids’ didn’t quite apply in this case, but we had three delightful flower girls who brought joy and energy to the proceedings. Reece and Aislin, both from Boston, were joined by Phoebe, Richard’s niece, all of whom wore beautiful M&G dresses adorned with flowers and carrying tiny posies. Emily, Calum’s 15-year-old goddaughter, took on a more formal role as our Maid of Honour – or rather, Chief child wrangler – donning a lovely grey dress from Next.Nikki also created stunning necklaces for the flower girls featuring single London Blue topaz gemstones, adding an extra layer of elegance to their already charming attire.Last but not least, we had two special young lads, Dexter and George, serving as our Page Boys. They looked dashing in their Gap outfits, bringing a playful and innocent charm to the proceedings.
Your Photographer
When selecting a photographer for our special day, we opted for a more laid-back approach over formal, posed shots. We also sought someone who would be comfortable working with a same-sex couple – it’s always reassuring to see representation in a photographer’s portfolio or website. After some searching, our Best Woman, Nikki, from the wedding industry, introduced us to Hannah. Her emphasis on telling the story of the wedding resonated deeply with us.
Our experience with Hannah was fantastic; she put us at ease in front of the camera and captured stunning moments despite the scorching hot weather. It was also a bonus that she’s an animal lover, which gave us an added sense of trust.
The Details & Décor
To create a unique atmosphere, we opted for a neutral color palette and incorporated natural elements. Richard leveraged his graphic design expertise to craft the invitations and wedding stationery. The absence of a traditional color scheme allowed us to focus on textures and materials instead.
The Cake
Our neighbour MJ kindly baked a multi-layered masterpiece for our celebration, featuring tiers of rich chocolate, delicate elderflower and lemon, vibrant carrot, and classic vanilla sponge. We had shared our desired flavours with him as inspiration, but he inadvertently created separate layers for each, which ended up being a delightful surprise. As we sliced the cake, we incorporated a touching tribute to Calum’s late father by using his ceremonial sword, imbuing the moment with a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
The Honeymoon
After exchanging vows with my partner, we decided to celebrate our union by taking in a Boston Red Sox game against their arch-rivals, the New York Yankees, at the iconic London Stadium (formerly known as the Olympic Stadium). Following the thrilling match, we headed out for a pint and some burgers to cap off an unforgettable day. Our home base during this stint was The Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel in Bloomsbury’s charming neighborhood. A few days later, we escaped to The Lygon Arms in The Cotswolds, seeking relaxation and much-needed rest. While our dreamy honeymoon plans are currently on hold due to global circumstances, we’re optimistic that the stars will align soon.
Memorable Moments
As we stepped onto the historic steps of Winchester Guildhall, our group photos became a joyful celebration with loved ones gathered together. The air was filled with warmth and affection as we shared hugs and kisses. This intimate moment marked the perfect transition from ceremony to reception, where the sounds of a French-inspired accordion player transported us to a picturesque vineyard in southern France – despite it being one of the hottest summer days. Meanwhile, our loyal 2-year-old Golden Retriever Bjørn waited patiently at the reception, proudly donning his ‘dog dad’ badge as we beamed with pride. We’re forever grateful for the creativity and generosity of our friends and family who helped make this unforgettable day so special.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning their special day, Richard and Calum opted to cherry-pick the wedding traditions that resonated with them, discarding any that felt unnecessary. This approach allowed for a more personalized celebration that truly reflected their love story. As they navigated the process, they discovered that by embracing flexibility, they could create a unique and memorable experience that honored their individuality.Of course, time flew by on the actual wedding day – a sentiment echoed by many couples who’ve experienced the whirlwind of emotions and activities that unfold during this joyous occasion. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment, no matter how fleeting it may seem.As they looked back on their big day, Richard and Calum were grateful for the talented professionals who helped bring their vision to life. From Hannah Larkin Photography to The Little Kitchen Company, each contributor played a vital role in crafting an unforgettable experience. They also extend heartfelt thanks to their friends at Wedding Jewellery, Pole to Pole Marquees, and more, whose expertise added a touch of magic to the proceedings.As we reflect on Richard and Calum’s romantic celebration, it’s clear that their love shines bright – and so do our archives, which feature many stunning LGBTQI+ weddings for couples seeking inspiration for their own big day.