Like many couples these past couple of years Diane and Nick have had to wait a little longer than planned for their ‘happily ever after’ to begin. They chose The Woodlands at Hothorpe Hall around 4 years ago, fell in love and booked for their big day to take place on Sunday 21st June 2020. The pandemic, sadly had other ideas. Following not one but two postponements this gorgeous couple got to say I do in front of their nearest and dearest on Sunday 24th July 2022.
The Woodlands is set on the boarder of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. A picturesque venue surrounded by nature. The ceremony took place outside using the venues hideaway, I created two large floral installations for the corners of the framework, and used white drapes and lanterns provided by the couple to complete the look. We really wanted the drapes to be hanging down, however on the day but the wind had other ideas.
Within the heart of the venue the vast dining room was laid out with six tables, each seating 6 or 7 guests, and an oval top table which the couple chose to only use one side. Diane had been a busy bee collecting bottles and jars for a long time on the lead up to their big day, they made the perfect centerpieces. We had 7 jars/bottles on each table filled with a mix of summer flower and foliage.
Each table had a small chalkboard table number, which was created by The Little Lighthouse Company (www.thelittlelighthouse.co.uk) calligraphy place names on forest green card which Diane had created herself and multi coloured macarons from Mmacaron (www.mmacaron.co.uk)
Behind the top table sat a hexagon backdrop from The English Wedding Company (www.theenglishweddingcompany.co.uk) which we dressed with a white drape and large foliage installation.
The cake created by one of the Brides talented friends, was a semi naked cake; raspberry, chocolate and lemon (which I may add was delicious) finished off macaroons and flowers. The hexagon cake stand was made by JP Raw.
For Diane's bouquet she had a vision. She wanted the flowers look like they were scooped up out of a summer field. The one flower she requested was freesia, as these were in memory of her Grandma.. I created her bouquet using: dahlia, agapanthus, cornflower, craspedia, freesia, spray roses, veronica, daisies and a grass fern. Her words before ordering the flowers were – ‘I want it to be a surprise, so don’t show me the flowers you choose’
A few words from the couple: 'Our day could not have been more perfect. As with any wedding, it didn't come without its dramatic planning period, especially due to the pandemic and two postponements, but on our third time lucky we became Husband and Wife on the most beautiful day. The sun shone down, the breeze rustled through the leaves and our family and friends were so full of smiles that our hearts were bursting with happiness. It was everything we could have hoped for, it was the best day ever!'