Inspiration

Hold on to your hats everyone as you are about to be blown away by this contemporary elegance wedding in the countryside planned by Jenna Hewitt and captured by M & J Photography and Jacob and Pauline Films. Firstly it was held at the brides family home which was not only sentimental but oozed character, and secondly was filled with the most amazing floral designs by WILLOWGOLD. Hello, Pinterest button. Every single member of the wedding party looked fabulous. With groomsmen looking dashing in black tie suits, the bridesmaids in an array of peach Revolve dresses and last but by no means least the beautiful bride in a custom-made Pronovias gown. I'll be surprised if you're not smitten with the stunning Bardot off the shoulder detail already. So without further ado, I'll keep you no more and allow you to savour all the pastel pretty this outdoor Summer wedding has to offer. Enjoy.

Stunning Family Home Wedding in Henley-on-Thames

Jenna the Wedding Planner: Michelle and Josh married at Rocky Lane Farm, Oxfordshire, UK. Home to Josh’s Dad, Peter and Amanda, to say Rocky Lane is unique and beautiful is an understatement. It may sound strange but every time I visit I feel a sense of calm. Perhaps it’s Amanda’s yoga and passion for Rocky Lane homegrown produce that provides this influence?

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

Michelle is from Miami, USA and Josh UK born and raised, so this was a fusion of guests and influences from both sides of the pond. Together with the couple, we planned an outdoor ceremony for 160 guests on the lawn with the house as the backdrop and Rumie, the family Great Dane, as the guest of honour! After a magical ceremony led by celebrant Andri Benson and with music from The Lady Godivas string quartet, guests moved over to the pool area for a his and hers cocktail hour (his was an expresso martini and hers, a bespoke gin and lavender lemonade). Dinner was served in the main wedding marquee.

Contemporary Elegance in the Countryside

When Michelle and I talked about her wedding style we agreed on a theme of contemporary elegance in the countryside. Michelle wanted something utterly gorgeous and stylish but in keeping with the natural surroundings - chic but with a soft, understated edge. The colour palette was grey blended with apricot, cornflower blue and shades of lilac and soft pink with copper and gold tones. Every detail was thought through to bring the look to life, from the natural petal confetti bar and lavender bag favours through to the seating plan printed on a length of cotton and hung from a specially made copper frame. The entire stationery suite, from invitations through to the menu cards and wedding day signage was created by stationery designer, Tanya at Bureau Design.

Wedding Flowers

I’ll never forget the look on Michelle and Josh’s face as they entered the space in a prearranged “sneak peek” ahead of the guests. Jen from Willowgold floral design completely nailed the brief, the room was literally dripping in blooms with the top table suspended florals being the total show stopper. In true American wedding style, the entire bridal party made a grand entrance to Earth Wind and Fire before taking their seats for dinner served by London based caterers, Rhubarb. The wine and tequila (tequila featured a lot!) flowed into the night and the entire place jumped to life with a surprise gig from the Gipsy Kings. The performance was gifted to the couple by one of the wedding guests!
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Lorna Shaw

Written by Lorna Shaw

Planning : Jenna Hewitt | Florist: WILLOWGOLD | Marquee: Meridian | Furniture: Wed Head London | Catering: Rhubarb | Stationery: Tanya at Bureau Design | Band: BEAT via ALR | String Quartet: The Lady Godivas | Celebrant: Andri Benson Ceremonies | Dress Designer: Pronovias - Custom Made | Shoes: Gianvito Rossi | Bridesmaid Dresses: Revolve | Hair: Louise Leaves | Makeup: Debbie Mac | Mel Kinsman | Rings: Custom by Hyde Park Design | Groom: Dior | Sound & Lighting: Vision Group | Videography: Jacob and Pauline

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