Inspiration

We have a large dose of utter elegance for you this morning, courtesy of stunning venue Barnsley House, photographer Thierry Joubert and stylish Nina of course. Bride and Groom Nina & Eric hail from several different backgrounds and are a well travelled pair. As always in this case, we love it that they have incorporated lots of details special to them in their big day. The detail on Nina's gown, designed by Elie Saab for Pronovias, is simply breathtaking. Long lace sleeves get me every time. The venue styling is impeccable too, it's all rather Tuscan garden party with a bohemian twist and absolutely I love it!

The Decor

Flowers were whites, very pale ivories and pale pinks with a touch of blue. The Bridesmaids bouquets were sweet peas and for centrepieces we had silver fluted vases on the tables with delphinium, pale pink peonies, white, pale pink and pale blue hydrangea, pale pink roses, trailing foliage like eucalyptus, green bell and jasmine. At the base of the vase were silver beakers containing matching posies, lilac and white sweet peas, candle sticks and mottled tea lights. We had urns filled with floating flowers, the pond was filled with floating candles and flowers and we decorated the gates with flowers too.

Ceremony Reading

This Marriage - By Rumi May these vows and this marriage be blessed. May it be sweet milk, this marriage, like wine and halvah. May this marriage offer fruit and shade like the date palm. May this marriage be full of laughter, our every day a day in paradise. May this marriage be a sign of compassion, a seal of happiness here and hereafter. May this marriage have a fair face and a good name, an omen as welcomes the moon in a clear blue sky. I am out of words to describe how spirit mingles in this marriage.

The Food

Cake was by Laduree, for our wedding breakfast we had Dorset crab on rye toast served with a French Sancerre, followed by roast filet of Angus beef with anna potatoes, spinach and bearnaise served with an Argentinian Malbec. For dessert we served Sicilian lemon tart with mascarpone and lime sorbet served with Tokaji Aszu Szepsy Dulo. A congolese hot sauce was added to the tables for a congolese touch. Favours were Fortnum and Mason mini tea tins.

Details

We had a weekend long wedding to celebrate our Swedish and Belgo-Congolese Union. We had a nanny service provided by Elfsitters. We also provided guests with heel protectors by Clean Heels. During dinner we had a Swedish tradition where all the female guests have to kiss the Groom when the Bride goes to the bathroom, and all the male guests have to line up to kiss the Bride when the Groom goes to the bathroom.
Fern Godfrey

Written by Fern Godfrey

Film: Hugh Farrow Films | Bride: Elie Saab for Pronovias | Jewellery: Cartier | Shoes: Aquazzura | Florist: Mary Jan Vaughan | Venue: Barnsley House | Cake: Laduree | Bridesmaids: Monique L'Huillier | Groom: Hardy Amies | Invitations: Paper Bird Designs | On The Day Stationery: Eagle Eyed Bride | Tent: The Pearl Tent Company | Outdoor Furniture: Raj Tent Club

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