Inspiration

I know I always say it, but at-home weddings really are special. If you're fortunate enough to be able to hold your reception at home, then do it!!! It allows you complete freedom and creative control and the party can be as wild as you like! Sam & Adam's choice of a white stretch tent is just perfect for their elegant English country garden setting, that Adam's parents worked hard at to get it looking so beautiful for the big day, and I love that it's been filled with blousey pink peonies and foliage - the whole look is just lovely.

The Bride & Groom Fashion

I wanted quite a clean bridal look which I found in a silk organza full skirted Alan Hannah dress bought from Teokath in Wimbledon Village. Adam Wanted to be unique but still very classic and be able to wear the different parts again and again! We choose Hackett as the tailoring is brilliant and the service is impeccable

The Venue

We got married in the chapel of Adam's school (Epsom College) so it was a very special place with the ushers and best man fighting for the 'head boy' seat! The reception was in Adam's parents garden and the garden looked stunning - months of hard work by Adam's mum especially went into it and the weather held out for our day luckily.

The Colour Scheme

We were keen for a very English Country Garden feel and the garden definitely spoke for itself. The stretch tent allowed us to incorporate aspects of the garden into the tent and created a real atmosphere

The Flowers

We used Willows and they were very understanding of the feel of the wedding - we don't think there were any peonies left in Surrey that weekend that weren't at our wedding! We were also keen for all the male guests to have button holes which made everyone feel part of the wedding. The bride, bridesmaids and mums also had corsages to wear for the evening once the bouquets had been thrown!

The Wedding Party Fashion

We wanted the girls to wear the same dress but in their own style so the wear 15 ways dress from Coast worked really well and everyone commented on how brilliant they looked! The boys looked amazing in their sage green chinos and blazers. Adam gave the guys personalised tie clips, belts, socks and ties for the day

The Ceremony

Canon Adrian was lighthearted but very sincere, overseeing the ceremony - even when Sam spilt wax on her dress whilst lighting the wedding candle!

The Entertainment

We choose 2 bands from Ear Candy to play our wedding - the acoustic duo for the drinks reception were brilliant and really made the atmosphere... Playing alternative versions of our favourite songs! The main band were The Somebodys and were incredible - after seeing them at 2 previous weddings we knew we had to book them and they did not disappoint! Their version of 'Summer of '69' our first dance was amazing... And it was great that everyone could join us on the dancefloor!

The Food

Food is very important to both of us so we worked hard with the team at Delicious Dishes to make sure there was enough tasty treats to keep the guests fuelled! The canapes were very traditional with scallops, honey sausages and lots of other lovely treats. The main event was a hog roast with lots of salads served in terracotta flower pots to create a real garden theme. The dessert was a collection of our wonderful wedding cakes - macaroon gateaux and mini victoria sponges which were just divine.The tasting at Le Papillon Patisserie was probably one of the best wedmin things we had to do! As lovers of both food and drink...the drinks reception was a mixture of endless champagne and help-yourself G&T's - very dangerous!! After the bands first set fish and chips was bought out in newspaper...Sam's fave meal!

The Photographer

Amy from Especially Amy was great and made us both feel so relaxed and the pictures are even better when printed off and dotted around the house! Every guest commented on how nice and unobtrusive she was...She also captured great moments during the ceremony.

A Final Thought

Relax and take it all in - leave the small problems to the rest of wedding party!
Rawnet Rawneter

Written by Rawnet Rawneter

Dress: Alan Hannah | Bridal Boutique: Teokath | Bridal Shoes : L.K Bennet | Bridal Jewellery: Monica Vinader | A & S Jewellers | Bridesmaid Dresses: Coast | Catering: Delicious Dishes | Cake: Le Papillon Patisserie | Florist: Willows of Reigate | Grooms Suit: Hackett | Grooms Shirt: Thomas Pink | Groomsmen Trousers: Marks and Spencer | Tie Clip: TM Lewin | Stationery: Eaton Stationery | Entertainment: Ear Candy | Transport: Wedding Taxi

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