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Grand romance: glamour at a Cotswolds castle

Sparkling gowns and twinkling candlelight made Natalie and Richard's celebration a dazzling affair

By Hannah Davies

Launch Gallery

Natalie & Richard: In the beginning — Natalie & Richard: In the beginning – With a W-day-eve dinner, two ceremonies, fine dining in a banqueting hall, dancing in a transparent marquee, and a Sunday barbecue, Natalie and Richard’s celebration at Sudeley Castle was a weekend to remember. “We wanted our wedding to be a weekend together with our family and friends, where everyone had a great time and felt just a little bit spoiled by us.” Photography by Jay Rowden.

Natalie & Richard: Country idyll — Natalie & Richard: Country idyll – The couple fell in love with Sudeley Castle’s stunning grounds and views. “The venue also had the benefit of a small cul-de-sac of cottages that our guests could hire out.”

Natalie and Richard: Legally wed — Natalie and Richard: Legally wed – The day began with a civil ceremony at Wesley House attended by close family and friends, followed by champagne and BLTs.

Natalie & Richard: Picture perfect — Natalie & Richard: Picture perfect – The wedding party moved on to the church in the grounds of Sudeley Castle for the blessing. “St Mary’s doesn’t have a wedding licence but it was the prettiest church we’d ever seen.” Sam Artus at Copelands Flower Company created stunning white bloom and green foliage displays, using scented white stocks, tall lilies, Avalanche roses and hydrangeas. The breathtaking arch outside the church was made up of flowers including oriental lilies and roses, with white cherry blossom branches.

Natalie & Richard: Blue skies — Natalie & Richard: Blue skies – “The weather on the day was typically British: glorious sunshine, torrential downpours and hail, all within the space of six hours!” says Natalie. “The hail actually provided us with our favourite photograph, of us running along laughing.”

Natalie & Richard: Paper pleasures — Natalie & Richard: Paper pleasures – “We wanted our stationery to be simple and classic. Our invites and order of service were printed on silver pearlescent paper for a touch of glamour; our menus, seating plan and numbered table names had a more romantic typeset and ribbon detail that was more in keeping with the banqueting hall.” Stationery from Paper Treats

Natalie & Richard: Twinkle, twinkle — Natalie & Richard: Twinkle, twinkle – The wedding breakfast took place in the castle’s banqueting room. Candelabra and tea lights mingled with the blooms on the tables to create a magical effect. “The glamorous chandeliers we hired from Knight Light Events complemented the historic surroundings, adding a softer lighting effect to the room and enhancing the romantic atmosphere.”

Natalie & Richard: Blossom & bloom — Natalie & Richard: Blossom & bloom – “The reception flowers were in subtle shades to complement my dress and the bridesmaids’ outfits. These included sands, lilacs and dirty pinks. The quiet colours looked great with the accents of silver used in the containers and candelabra.”

Natalie & Richard: Sugar rush — Natalie & Richard: Sugar rush – The couple chose a Peggy Porschen confection with tiers of lemon and Victoria sponge. “The cake was decorated with sugar work flowers to match the floral arrangements. We ordered a bigger cake than we needed because anything smaller would have looked lost in the banqueting hall, but that just meant we had some left for the barbecue the next day, which went down a treat with the guests.”

Natalie & Richard: Flower power — Natalie & Richard: Flower power – “My bouquet was made to go with my dress: Quicksand Roses to work with the colour and Vanda Orchids to complement the detailing and texture.”

Natalie & Richard: Crystal ball — Natalie & Richard: Crystal ball – It was love at first sight when Natalie saw her embellished Temperley gown. “A beautiful web of silver and gold crystal spanned the bodice, and the delicate colour created a really natural look. It wasn’t a traditional white wedding dress but I felt it really reflected me.”

Natalie & Richard: Happy feet — Natalie & Richard: Happy feet – “As the dress was highly embellished I decided to go for very simple nude heels – and found the perfect shade at Miu Miu.”

Natalie & Richard: Tailor-maid — Natalie & Richard: Tailor-maid – The bespoke maids’ dresses were handmade by designer Angela Vickers. “She found a perfect colour match with my dress, and crystal buttons to match the detailing.” Each BM carried a knot of Amnesia Roses.

Natalie & Richard: Well suited — Natalie & Richard: Well suited – “Richard has always wanted to have a bespoke suit from Savile Row, so this gave him the perfect excuse.” He paired his midnight blue Richard James suit with a lilac Emma Willis shirt and a purple Turnbull & Asser tie. “I know I’m biased, but I thought he looked amazing!”

Natalie & Richard: Starry night — Natalie & Richard: Starry night – Live band Penfold got guests dancing at the evening party in the transparent marquee. “Everyone loved dancing under the stars and among the floodlit ruins of the castle.”

Natalie & Richard: True Romance — Natalie & Richard: True Romance – “Richard said one of his most memorable moments was the first sight of me walking down the aisle. For me, it was his speech – it was so heartfelt, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.” Photography by Jay Rowden

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