Today, we’re thrilled to share the enchanting Tortworth Court wedding of Charlotte and Lee, which took place in a stunning orangery in Gloucestershire on May 30th, 2019. The glass house provided a picturesque backdrop for their whimsical celebration, inspired by fantasy novels like Harry Potter and Dr Who. Expect nods to love potions, TARDIS appearances, and custom Converse shoes – the result was a day that was truly personal and utterly amazing. As an added bonus, bride Charlotte is also a wedding planner and stylist, ensuring every detail was meticulously curated. One of the standout elements was the breathtaking floral arrangements, with an opulent flower arch, show-stopping top table decor, and charming bouquets. We’re equally smitten with the stunning outfits, Charlotte’s ethereal hairstyles, and decadent stationery. Sanshine Photography captured these marvelous moments (prepare to swoon over the wisteria photos!), and we’re honored to share them with you.
The Proposal
As we marked our 10th anniversary of dating with a short break in Central London, little did I know that Lee had been planning a special surprise. On the evening of our celebration, he took me to the Shard for dinner, and as we savored the breathtaking view, he got down on one knee and popped the question! What made it even more memorable was that everyone else knew about his plans – except for me, that is. I was completely taken aback, making it an unforgettable experience.
The Vision
As a seasoned wedding stylist, I had a treasure trove of ideas to draw from. However, it was challenging to distill them into a cohesive theme. My love for flowers led me to envision an enchanted garden atmosphere, bringing the outdoors in. I knew San, our talented photographer and friend, would appreciate a setting with ample natural light, which is why we began scouting orangeries. This venue not only fit our garden-inspired vision but also ensured that regardless of the weather, we could still create an airy, outdoor-like ambiance within its walls.
As authors at heart, Lee and I shared a deep appreciation for fantasy novels and shows that shaped our childhoods. We decided to infuse the wedding with book-themed elements, using location names from our favorite stories as table names and incorporating book-inspired charms on place cards. As self-proclaimed Whovians, we also wanted to pay homage to Doctor Who. Lee’s unusual request was to feature a Tardis at the wedding – a notion that delighted my dad, an avid fan himself. He took it upon himself to build one, which we used as a backdrop for our photo booth.
The Planning Process
While planning my own wedding was straightforward, considering my profession involved working on many weddings, selecting the right vendors proved to be the most challenging aspect. With a wealth of experience working with talented individuals, it was difficult to choose just a few for our special day. Ultimately, we opted for suppliers who not only met our quality expectations but also possessed in-depth knowledge of the Bristol venue and surrounding area, given that we reside in London and wanted local expertise to ensure a seamless event.
Budget
While our budget for the big day wasn’t on par with what our wedding styling clients typically spend, it was difficult to resist the urge to create the same level of luxury we’re known for. To make ends meet, we took a DIY approach and got creative. I designed our own wedding stationery, and we crafted custom menus, place names, and even handmade napkins, hair accessories, and welcome signs. My mother, an avid jewelry designer in her free time, lent her skills to create our earrings and necklace featuring Swarovski crystals – adding a personal touch to the overall aesthetic.
The Venue
As we embarked on our venue search, I accumulated an exhaustive list of requirements, including comfortable accommodations for ourselves and our guests, as well as ample natural light. The quest was exhaustive, with countless venues on the radar. Despite having experience working at numerous locations, nothing seemed quite right until we stumbled upon Tortworth Court. Its unique blend of architectural styles, reminiscent of a Harry Potter-esque setting, captivated us. The Orangery’s breathtaking beauty and the hotel’s comprehensive amenities, including a spa, sealed the deal, providing everything we had hoped for.
Your Outfits & Accessories
With creative flair, I took the reins on designing my own wedding gown. By acquiring a Caroline Castigliano sample as the foundation, I embarked on an embellishment journey, incorporating delicate silk and velvet flowers in ivory and blush pink hues, along with the subtle sparkle of Swarovski crystals. The pièce de résistance was the addition of flowing silk tulle sleeves that added a touch of whimsy to the overall design.
Beauty
When it came to styling my hair, I knew instantly that I wanted to incorporate floral elements, but a traditional flower crown wasn’t the right fit for me. Instead, we explored the option of using fresh flowers, but ultimately decided on a different approach – creating custom hair pins that matched my dress and incorporated the same silk, velvet, and Swarovski crystals used in its design.
To achieve the desired look, our talented hair and makeup artist Roxie worked her magic, crafting a lush tumble of curls for me using hair extensions to add volume and texture to my naturally shoulder-length locks. The bridesmaids also received matching softly curled updos, which were further adorned with delicate flower pins that added a touch of whimsy and romance to their overall aesthetic.
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaid’s attire, a stunning burgundy off-the-shoulder ensemble from Coast, marked a deliberate departure from the prevailing pastel hue trend. As soon as we spotted these dresses in the Christmas party collection, I knew we had to incorporate them into our wedding colour scheme. The decision was made then and there, with the rest of our wedding’s aesthetic evolving around those iconic burgundy gowns.
Groomsmen
Lee and his groomsmen opted for a coordinated look by donning matching blue suits from Moss Bros. However, Lee wasn’t about to compromise on comfort or style. Despite being more accustomed to trainers and Converse, he wanted to stay true to himself on his special day. Interestingly, my dad had taken a similar approach at his wedding, opting for cowboy boots – so it was only natural that Lee would follow suit. To make the occasion even more memorable, both he and my father commissioned custom-made Converse shoes with hand-painted Dr Who-inspired designs.
The Details & Décor
The day’s standout details included our exquisite gold-embellished menus, featuring handcrafted place names printed on traditional Khadi paper using our trusty 15-year-old A3 printer. The finishing touch was adding delicate gold leafing by hand to each menu’s edges. Another highlight was our trio of potion bottles, carefully filled with three unique concoctions: Love Potion (featuring marshmallow vodka), Truth Potion (infused with Parma Violet Gin), and Liquid Luck (crafted with Crème Brulee Liqueur). The pièce de résistance was a miniature Tardis seating chart, lovingly crafted by my Dad as a surprise for Lee to complement our full-sized installation.
The Flowers
One of my favorite aspects of a wedding is the floral arrangements! The right blooms can truly elevate the atmosphere, and I was determined to incorporate as many varieties as possible into our design. Working with Claire at The Wilde Bunch proved to be an excellent decision, as she effortlessly grasped our whimsical vision of an enchanted garden. To achieve this look, we incorporated a diverse selection of flowers, including hydrangeas, roses, sweetpea, astilbe, and lily of the valley, just to name a few. By opting for longer tables, we were able to creatively repurpose the aisle blooms as decorations for our tables, which not only looked stunning but also helped us stay within budget. Claire’s attention to detail was impressive, too – she added chair embellishments to the top table, adorned the back wall and planters with lush fern foliage, and more.
Your Photographer
San and Michael, our exceptional photographers, effortlessly captured the essence of our special day. Their remarkable images require no further explanation, as they truly speak volumes about the quality of their work. I’m thrilled to say that they are among the finest photographers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. We’re delighted with the stunning, joyful photographs of all our guests, including Lee, who is notoriously camera-shy, yet felt at ease in their company.
The Cake
To satisfy my sweet tooth, we opted for a smaller wedding cake that allowed us to showcase a wider variety of desserts. Our talented cake designer, Lynsey, crafted a stunning two-tier masterpiece featuring buttercream and sugar flowers on one tier, and traditional sponge on the other, as well as a decadent chocolate tier. I had to include my favorite red velvet cake – we even got individual miniature versions! A thoughtful friend from Hungary went above and beyond by shipping us heart-shaped cookies, which were a lovely touch. To tie in with our fantasy theme, we also indulged in butterbeer fudge, bubblegum-flavored jelly beans, and chocolate frogs.
Memorable Moments
As we stood together, surrounded by the intimacy of our own vows, the emotional resonance of those words still resonates with me today. After 12 years of being together, that moment was truly special. The reception that followed was just as unforgettable – instead of making a traditional entrance, my new husband and I made a surprise appearance, emerging from the Tardis to take our seats among our loved ones. The grounds surrounding our celebration were later bathed in golden light as we strolled hand-in-hand with our photographers, sharing laughter and quiet moments with San and Michael. It was a precious opportunity to step away from the whirlwind of the day and absorb the magnitude of it all.
Advice For Other Couples
In the midst of your big day, don’t forget to prioritize your photography and videography. With time flying by, it’s easy to miss out on catching up with loved ones. We learned this firsthand at our own wedding, where despite having only 70 guests, there were still individuals we didn’t get to greet until the evening or even the next day. Yet, it’s these memories that will remain cherished for years to come. Your images are a treasured keepsake, and I personally adore our photos – they’re something I’ll treasure forever. It’s equally important to stay focused on what matters most to you as a couple. It’s all too easy to get swept up in the expectations of others – family traditions, societal norms, or even well-meaning opinions from friends and acquaintances. For us, it was essential to infuse our wedding with personal touches that reflected our unique style. We opted out of traditional rituals, crafted our own vows, and incorporated unconventional elements like Converse shoes for my partner and a Tardis photo booth – a true reflection of who we are as individuals. By doing so, we created an unforgettable experience that was entirely our own, and we relished every moment of it.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photography on this enchanting wedding celebration was captured by Sanshine Photography, who skillfully preserved the memories of the special day. The picturesque venue, Tortworth Court, provided a stunning backdrop for the festivities. Behind-the-scenes, Charlotte Munro Weddings handled the planning and coordination with precision and flair. A charming touch was added by Sweet & Pretty’s stationery and Police Telephone Box’s unique element. On the day, On The Day Coordination ensured everything ran smoothly. To complete the look, beautiful flowers were designed by The Wilde Bunch. Roxie Makeup took care of hair and makeup for the happy couple. Charlotte chose to wear a stunning dress created by her own design, with a delicate veil provided by Britten Weddings. Her bridesmaids looked elegant in Coast dresses, while the groom and his attendants donned stylish suits from Moss Bros. The tables were set with charger plates, cutlery, and tablecloths from Prestige Hire. A decadent cake was served, accompanied by delicious raspberry iced cookies crafted by Judit Hellebrandt. A memorable photo booth experience was hosted by Booth 19. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of your special day, Charlotte and Lee – thank you for sharing it with us! x Lou