Katie made all of her wedding reception stationery herself, and the details made for a very beautiful day at one of England’s luxury wedding venues. I’m sure her lovely ideas will inspire some of you — it would be great if you leave a comment at the end of the blog post for Katie and Craig.
All of today’s images are by London’s Cecelina Photography — my huge thanks to Cecelina for submitting this wedding. The wedding report is halfway down this blog feature, but before I launch into the words and pictures, I’d like to share Katie’s glowing review of the staff at Buxted Park wedding venue with you — because it’s so lovely:
“They cannot do enough to help you before, during and after the wedding day. It runs like clockwork without making you feel like “just another wedding”.”
An English country garden wedding — Katie and Craig
The wedding report: Katie and Craig’s English country garden wedding
Wedding venue: Buxted Park Hotel, Uckfield. Handpicked Hotels chain
Wedding photographer: Cecelina Tornberg
How would you describe your wedding style? English country garden with a hint of vintage
A little about the wedding ceremony:
It was a civil ceremony in Buxted Park Hotel. We had one reading from Craig’s aunt. Katie’s nephew made everyone laugh a few times with some well timed talking. The room was full of our closest friends and family. It felt very intimate, which is what we wanted.
Which readings did you choose? The magic of love by Helen Steiner Rice. Read by Craig’s aunt.
Tell us a little about your wedding venue styling and details:
Our florists “Pollen” www.pollenflowers.co.uk do a lot of weddings at Buxted Park Hotel and really know how to style the venue perfectly no matter what look you are going for. They took care of everything from our bouquets to the chair covers and sashes. I explained what I wanted and they understood exactly. Although it was an October wedding we did not want dark colours. We still wanted it to be light and bright without being too summery.
Invitations and reception stationery:
The invitations were from Vistaprint. They have lots of choice and styles. Reception stationery, I made all of it. I found the table name cards online and printed them. I also used this card for the table plan. The place cards were found on ebay. I then printed the names of the guests on to card and stuck them on each label. I really enjoyed doing this as it gave the day a personal touch, even though the guests did not know I did it all!
Wedding music and entertainment:
During the reception drinks we had a jazz trio playing music, it was one of my bridesmaids’ Uncle’s band. They played at her wedding and it really adds a nice touch to the day.
What did you wear?
Katie wore a Sottero and Midgley ivory silk satin gown. It had a sweetheart neckline with a beautiful band of crystals under the bust and a balloon hem. Shoes, earrings and bracelet were from Debenhams.
I wore a full length veil that was borrowed from one of my bridesmaids. It was very special wearing such an important item from a dear friend.
I was surprised whilst getting ready by a gift from Craig — a gorgeous single diamond necklace. It was the icing on the cake.
Craig wore a dinner suit from Next with a sage green shirt that the Ushers all wore. I got him an ivory silk handmade tie from Gresham Blake to match my ivory dress.
Memorable wedding day moments:
Walking in to the ceremony and initially seeing all our guests’ friendly faces, then seeing Craig at the end of the aisle. I had to tell myself to hold it together and not ruin my make up!
Wedding day advice:
Try not to worry if everyone is enjoying themselves, they are! I spent a lot of time worrying over everyone else that I forgot to relax at some points. All your guests will be so happy for you and sharing the special day with you that you really do not need to be concerned. Relax and take it all in!
Also be specific about what you want, it is your day and the two of you should be 100% happy with every decision you make. Don’t be talked out of something you really want.
Recommended wedding suppliers:
- Cecelina Tornberg – photographer http://cecelinaphotography.com/
- Cake Maison – Emma Drew. Cake maker. Extremely friendly and helpful with delicious cakes! www.cakemaison.co.uk
- Pollen – www.pollenflowers.co.uk Donal and Dex are incredible and know what they are talking about. They sourced specific roses for me as I could not have peonies.
- Buxted Park Hotel – the staff are brilliant. They cannot do enough to help you before, during and after the wedding day. It runs like clockwork without making you feel like “just another wedding”. www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/hotels/buxted-park/