Imagine yourself surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers as you immerse yourself in the enchanting story of Charlotte and Rory’s wedding day. This stunning real wedding feature takes you back to April 20th, 2019, when the couple exchanged vows at Windsor Guildhall, followed by a reception at West Green House in Hampshire. The fresh Spring celebration was filled with natural and botanical elements that perfectly complemented the greenhouse setting. To further enhance the atmosphere, the couple incorporated thoughtful details such as wild florals, botanical stationery, and gold accents – think gold-naked cake, gold-framed seating plan, and gold chairs – adding a modern twist to their classic celebration. The result was nothing short of breathtaking.
As you gaze upon the photographs courtesy of Kit Myers Photography, notice how the entire bridal party exuded effortless elegance. Charlotte wore a custom-designed gown featuring delicate cap sleeves and exquisite fabric, while Rory opted for a sleek navy tweed suit that perfectly complemented her look. The bridesmaids, meanwhile, radiated charm in their lace attire. From the breathtaking bouquets to the timeless transportation, every detail of this joyous celebration is sure to leave you beaming with delight.
The Proposal
It was on Remembrance Sunday in 2017 that Rory chose to pop the question – and what a memorable spot he picked! We said yes at the picturesque Brill Hill windmill in Oxfordshire, a place that holds a wealth of fond memories for me. As a child, I spent countless hours here with my loved ones, creating lasting impressions that have only grown more precious with time.
The Vision
In harmony with our desire for a laid-back, family-focused celebration, our chosen venues perfectly embodied this atmosphere. To complement these settings, we envisioned a wedding aesthetic that effortlessly blended a serene, botanical charm with the sophistication of modern gold accents, creating a unique fusion of natural elegance.
The Planning Process
It’s a rare treat to have someone like Hannah Berry Flowers, a creative powerhouse on Instagram (@hannahberryflowers), in one’s own family circle – my sister, no less. Her exceptional talents were instrumental in guiding us through the design process, and we received invaluable support from our loved ones as we worked together to bring this project to fruition.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I had the pleasure of shopping for my dress at Farnham Bridal Boutique, a treasure trove of beautiful gowns. Their extensive collection and exceptional customer service made the experience truly enjoyable. I was absolutely delighted with my bespoke design, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of a wedding dress. Meanwhile, Rory’s navy tweed suit, crafted by Jennis & Warmann, perfectly captured the rustic charm of our reception venue.
Beauty
With the help of @the_boho_bride, who styled the bridal party’s hair, and @sarahwindsormua, who handled our makeup, the entire group felt like queens. We were all thrilled with the final results and couldn’t sing their praises enough. Both professionals demonstrated a keen understanding of what we wanted to achieve, transforming the experience into an absolute delight.
The Venue
For our wedding celebration, we opted for a unique blend of tradition and personal flair. Our ceremony took place at the esteemed Guildhall in Windsor, a venue that has hosted royalty – Charles and Camilla, to be specific. We felt it was only fitting to follow in their footsteps! The reception, however, was where we truly let our personalities shine. Located at West Green House Gardens in Hook, this picturesque greenhouse setting perfectly captured our love for the outdoors. Working with the team at West Green, we were able to create a truly unforgettable experience that blended elegance and whimsy.
The Readings & Music
As we celebrated during the ceremony, two stunning readings from our sisters truly captivated the atmosphere. Meanwhile, at the reception, talented jazz pianist Tim Phoenix had our guests entranced with his mesmerizing melodies. The perfect accompaniment to a day already filled with magic, as the warm weather allowed us to host our welcome drinks alfresco by the lake, where the sounds of Tim’s music wafted gently across the gardens, guiding our loved ones in and setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.
The Flowers
With creativity and skill, @HannahBerryFlowers and her team crafted a stunning array of flowers for our special day. The bridal bouquets burst with vibrant life, featuring an eclectic mix of blooms and subtly finished off with delicate, hand-dyed ribbon in a soft dusty pink hue. But the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the breathtaking floral arch that greeted us at the Greenhouse entrance – a true showstopper that left us utterly delighted.
The Details & Décor
To create a unique atmosphere at the reception, we drew inspiration from the greenhouse setting. We opted for a botanical theme with a touch of modern gold accents. Tables were adorned with rustic log rounds and whimsical wildflower arrangements that added an element of asymmetry. To complement these, we incorporated gold accessories, which caught the light beautifully. The napkins, hand-dyed by @hannahberryflowers using avocados, added a pop of dusty pink colour to each table setting. As a special touch for our guests, we provided handmade apple chutney in miniature jars, crafted by my mother from apples harvested directly from the venue’s orchard.
The Cake
For our special occasion, we partnered with the talented @muffin_top_cakes to supply our show-stopping cake. With our golden theme in mind, we asked for a stunning naked cake adorned with fresh flowers – and it truly exceeded our expectations. Not only did the visually striking dessert fit seamlessly into our event’s aesthetic, but it also wowed our taste buds with its exceptional flavor.
The Honeymoon
Our stay at the South Lodge Hotel proved to be a rejuvenating experience, with two memorable nights spent within its walls. The hotel’s newly opened spa facility left a lasting impression, while the culinary delights served up at the Botanica restaurant were truly exceptional.
Bridesmaids
The selection of my bridesmaids’ dresses was a deliberate choice, as we opted for pieces from Little Mistress that showcased a beautiful vintage lace style. The fit was impeccable, seamlessly aligning with our overall aesthetic vision.
Your Photographer
Kit Myers, a incredibly skilled photographer (Instagram: @kitmyers90), was responsible for capturing our special day’s memories. We wanted to ensure that our guests felt at ease during photoshoots, and Kit’s approach perfectly aligned with our vision. His friendly and laid-back demeanor put us both at ease, resulting in truly stunning images. We’re forever grateful for his exceptional work!
Memorable Moments
As we arrived in Windsor, the road closure due to the changing of the guards created an unexpected hurdle for us. We had to disembark from our vintage bus and join the wedding party in a leisurely stroll through Windsor’s picturesque streets to reach the Guildhall. The excitement mounted as we approached the venue, where a full marching band awaited us, filling the air with lively music and infectious energy.
Another highlight of the day was when we departed the reception in style aboard a vintage 1936 MG SA Coupé (agespast.co.uk), waving goodbye to our beaming guests as they bid us farewell. The memory of that magical moment will forever be etched in our minds.
Advice For Other Couples
As you celebrate this momentous occasion, it’s crucial to prioritize relaxation and mindfulness. The temptation to stress over every little detail is understandable, yet it’s essential to remember that this day is about cherishing the time spent with loved ones. Take a step back, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to fully immerse in the joy and camaraderie surrounding you.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we gaze upon the breathtaking moments of Charlotte and Rory’s special day, it’s impossible not to be captivated by the picturesque setting of West Green House. The talented Kit Myers Photography captured every nuance of this enchanting celebration, where love was palpable in the air. From the stunning Hannah Berry Flowers adorning the ceremony space at Windsor Guildhall to the elegant attire donned by Charlotte and her bridesmaids, courtesy of Little Mistress and Jennis and Warmann, every detail exuded romance. The bride’s gown, courtesy of The Farnham Boutique, was a vision in itself, while Rory looked dashing in his attire from Jennis and Warmann. Charlotte’s beauty was enhanced by the exceptional work of Sarah Windsor MUA and @the_boho_bride, who crafted her hair into a masterpiece. The wedding party then made their way to West Green House for the reception, where Ages Past provided the perfect transportation. As they exchanged vows, the sweet aroma of @muffin_top_cakes wafted through the air, and the couple’s joy was matched only by the gorgeous ribbons from @cfleursdesign. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Charlotte and Rory for sharing their love story with us.