A laid back Spring Country Wedding

What do you get when two designers get married? A blooming gorgeous day with amazing attention to detail that’s what.

Chloe and Scott got married at the end of May last year in a tiny church in the Cotswold village of Sutton-under-Brailles. Just a five-minute walk from Chloe’s parents house and huge garden – a perfect setting for the marquee reception.

The very talented and wonderful Malou Burger was on hand for the day to shoot all the fabulous details.

How did the two of you meet?

We met at work. I was the Cover Designer at travel guide publishers Rough Guides and Scott was brought in as our new Design Manager. My first thought was “Oh no, not another Australian” (Scott’s predecessor was), I think it was the short-sleeved shirt over muscly arms. We sat opposite each other for a year and became good friends, then we sat next to each other, and I think he started noticing my thighs!

It was actually my friend and colleague Sarah Ross who noticed one night at the pub that Scott might be enamoured with me as he exclaimed that my boyfriend at the time was lucky to have me.

What’s your proposal story?

We were spending Christmas at my parent’s house in France. On Christmas day morning, we exchanged stockings in bed and once I’d finished opening mine, Scott said he had one more to give me, and reached under the bed. As I was opening the box, he said I could have it as long as I agreed to marry him. I was surprised and ecstatic. The night before he’d asked for my dad’s blessing. My dad is very deaf, and when my dad told my step-mum that night, that he was sure he’d heard Scott ask for my hand in marriage, she glowered “You had better heard correctly Geoffrey, or I shall be very angry with you.” She was beaming the next morning, and was bursting to congratulate us, but I waited until after breakfast to tell the whole family. There were a few tears!

The ring was beautiful, but a temporary one, knowing my taste in large statement fashion jewellery, Scott had picked out a long brown Agate jem set in silver. He knows how much I love my jewels and have a specific style so preferred to choose the real one together, which I was very pleased about! We chose an antique platinum 8-claw solitaire ring with 3 tiny diamonds running down each side of the main diamond.

What was your favourite thing about the Big Day?

I loved it all, but I guess it was the ceremony as I was on such a high. I hadn’t slept at all the night before through nerves but as soon as I saw Scott at the end of the aisle I immediately relaxed and felt very happy. I was hanging on the vicar’s every word and felt very emotional (it was hard holding back the tears as I walked into the church and saw all our friends and family). The whole church experience with the music we’d chosen, the hymns and the readings were pretty overwhelming.

And what did your family and friends say was their favourite thing of the day?

Everyone said how much fun they had and how relaxed the whole day was. We had a no children (with a few exceptions) policy as because of our age, half the congregation would have been kids so the parents were relaxed. The local ales and wine were flowing, it was a sunny golden afternoon and the band was brilliant. I don’t remember the dance floor being empty all night.

What about your favourite product – bought or made?

We handmade a lot of elements for our day, chilli jam, heart garlands, invites, menus, table name placards, but I think it was my Mum’s homemade bunting which took her forever – it’s sentimental to me as she put so much effort in and made so much to fit the large marquee. To make the most of it still, we’ve got it hanging in our garden for the summer.

In the lead up to the wedding what were you most excited and nervous about?

I was nervous (but it only kicked in the night before, after a year of planning) about entering the church and everyone staring at me and slipping up on my vows. I was just excited generally after having put a lot of effort into creating a special day. All the little touches made such a difference - the homemade chilli jam favours, jars of penny sweets, paper heart garlands, homemade cupcakes, jars of spring flowers, photo collages for the table names and homemade bunting. I was also quite nervous and excited about the speeches, as I had decided to say a few words; I was very pleased I did though. And I loved the speeches; even my Dad’s was surprisingly funny.

Come on now Chloe, I hear they may be some cheeky stories from the day itself?

On the day, everyone was having fun, but a few friends (who’s identity I won’t disclose here) were having more fun than most and 4 single people got lucky, though one couple were so drunk, they ended up in my parent’s bed, but soon scarpered red-faced when my Dad walked in on them. Luckily they were old family friends, and there was much teasing between my Dad and the father of the boy in question at the hog roast the next day.

What about any hints, tips or advice for our brides to be?

If you are organised beforehand, and leave plenty of time for all the bits and pieces that are important to you, then you will relax on the day. Guests will be very happy (there’s free food, booze, lots of friends and music) so don’t worry about anyone but yourselves. Kick back and go with the flow. I was disappointed that I didn’t get any photos of myself with my Mum so do give clear instructions (or delegate this job) to your photographer on who’s who. The confusion probably came from both of us having extended families - there were 4 Mums to contend with! If you don’t agree with or feel that some traditions aren’t a big deal to you, then do things your way. We didn’t have a receiving line, or cut the cake but we did have speeches and a first dance. It’s your day, your rules!

Well said Chloe, what about for the Grooms out there?

If you don't like wearing suits or dressing up in general (even wearing a shirt is tricky) then don't go for a full on penguin/waistcoat or cravat combo - if you feel uncomfortable and awkward you will look it. My husband doesn't have a problem with suits but to compliment the feel of our laid-back spring country wedding, he opted for an Italian light-blue linen suit with no tie, which looked sexy and smart and he wore it again on our honeymoon. If you are getting pressure from your bride/in-laws show them some examples of men in simple suits Paul Smith, Banana Republic and Ted Baker all have some nice ones.

And now to revel in the delights of a beautiful wedding....

An excited groom.

Chloe having a giggle while getting ready, wait 'til you see her amazing dress.

This is one of my favourite pics!

What did I tell you, an amazing dress.

They just look so happy!

Beautifully decorated marquee.
Such amazing attention to detail, look at the heart shaped holes to hang the table plans.

Candy coloured cakes to match all the beautiful flowers in the room.

And delicious gluten-free cakes, so thoughtful, this way no one misses out.

Meters and meters of fabulous bunting all handmade by Chloe's mum.

Always shooting!

I was lucky enough to be at this fabulous wedding and it really was a very beautiful day with such amazing thought gone into every detail. Bride and Groom looked fabulous and so so happy.

How stunning is this last shot? Brilliant.

To see more of Chloe and her own lovely images check out her website and blog.

Images courtesy of Malou Burger, Almonkey and Mimi.