Inspiration

There are many incredible things about this gorgeous summer wedding at Pauntley Court. The most impressive being the fact someone dropped a dreamy slice of Italian countryside somewhere in Gloucester and got away with it. Or maybe it was the fact Emma and Mike planned their show stopping day in just eight weeks? Or actually it could be the classically romantic figure Emma cut in her Susanne Neville dress fit for royalty... Ok you got us, basically everything about this is incredible and there are simply not enough words to cover it. However, the stunning shots from Recommended supplier Carrie Lavers Photography show what words simply cannot. From Emma's tears reading Mike's romantic letters before the ceremony, to his first look at Emma in her gown, you had better get your tissues ready because this one is special.

Intimate destination style summer wedding at Pauntley Court, Gloucester.

The 30 guest limit, while painful, forced us to limit the day to our closest family and friends. It meant the world that people were able to come, even mid-week at short notice. Sharing hugs with people for the first time in a year-and-a-half felt so special! The challenges helped remind us what the day was about.

Emma & Mike

VENUE

Emma's advice to couples planning their wedding? Find a beautiful venue and you'll be able to save time and money on decorations. (You'll also be able to tell everyone you went to Italy and they'll totally believe you.) Finding a venue that you fall in love with like Emma and Mike at Pauntley Court will make your day extra special, not to mention the endless photo opportunities! Don't mind us, just wondering if we can find a Greek looking island off the British coast...

DECOR

Emma and Mike wanted their day to feel as personal as possible, and their friends and family were more than happy to help out. Emma's mother made the buttonholes, their cake was whipped up by a bridesmaid and they borrowed decorations from their family. They also chose suppliers who had a minimal environmental impact. This included locally grown flowers and ethically-sourced local food, making their day as sustainable as possible. Good for the planet, purse and perfect photo material - what more could you want!?

ITALIAN INFLUENCES

The vibe of the day was Italian destination wedding meets English country garden, and oh boy was it beautiful! They had an aperol spritz drinks reception followed with a beautiful Italian style wedding breakfast. (When the bride says there were more courses than she can remember, you know it was a good one...). From the long wooden table with Italian ruscus to the candles and fairy lights, it's hard to believe this took place at Pauntley Court and not the Italian countryside.

Borrowing decorations is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of your wedding. Especially from your friends with great taste...

A favourite moment? Can I have several? Dinner the night before the wedding with all our family and wedding party. Tea with my mum in my pyjamas when I woke up. Getting ready with my gorgeous bridesmaids. Opening Mike's gift and crying uncontrollably immediately after my make up artist left. My dad coming to get me ahead of the ceremony. Walking down the aisle to Mike. Confetti. The speeches. The beautiful food. The very unrehearsed first dance.

Emma

We don't know about you but we're craving an aperol spritz, some sunshine and an Italian nibble or two... If Pauntley Court has convinced you a destination wedding in England could be on the cards, we've got a Vegas inspired wedding in Dorset complete with pink Cadillac and tuxedo clad dogs. Or if it's a sustainable wedding you're planning, check out Recycle My Wedding for the pre-loved dresses and decor of your dreams!

Helena Milsom

Written by Helena Milsom

Featured suppliers

Venue: Pauntley Court | Photographer: Carrie Lavers Photography | Wedding Bouquets: Green and Gorgeous | Food: In The Frame Catering | Hair Stylist: Juta Zorubiene Wedding Hair | Make Up: Amy Rose | Wedding Dress: Suzanne Neville | Bridal Boutique: Brides of Winchester | Bridesmaids Outfits: Coast | Wedding Veil: The Wedding Veil Shop | Stationery: Newspaper Club

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