Elly and Hugo’s big day was an Italian-inspired English garden wedding Images courtesy of Dan Higginson at Moment Photography Elly and Hugo had originally dreamed of a winter wedding and viewed more than 15 venues before Elly’s dad suggested The Old Rectory Estate, near her family home. “We went to see it and instantly fell in love with the beautiful gardens. We booked it there and then!” The gardens were the deciding factor, offering a magical setting for their celebration while allowing Elly to get ready at the family home nearby. The owner, Tony, explained that the gardens were at their best in June and, conveniently, the only weekend available was 27 June – Hugo’s birthday. “It was the biggest birthday party we would ever throw!” Elly and Hugo wanted their wedding to combine the romance of an Italian garden with the charm of a traditional English celebration. Their vision was whimsical, elegant and natural, with a classic white and olive-green palette running throughout. The Old Rectory Estate needed very little decoration, so the couple chose flowers that would complement the spectacular setting and glass marquee. The floral arrangements featured roses, hydrangeas and peonies alongside olive branches, trailing amaranthus and seasonal foliage. Elly’s shower bouquet was a particular highlight, with a soft, flowing trail that complemented her dress. The wedding breakfast featured a mixture of round and long tables, with individual floral arrangements and magical tablescapes bringing the garden-inspired theme indoors. “Our florist was amazing. I loved how she incorporated olive branches without it looking messy.” Living in London, the couple also wanted their table plan to reflect their home city. Their friend created a beautiful map of central London, with each table named after an iconic landmark. Naturally, the top table was Buckingham Palace. “It was the most amazing seating plan and something we will keep forever.” The couple’s caterer was a family friend who had worked at the venue several times, so they knew their wedding breakfast was in safe hands. After a tasting at Hugo’s family home, they settled on a Mediterranean-inspired menu, “Mel absolutely smashed the food – and it’s making me hungry just writing this!” As it was also Hugo’s birthday, the couple wanted to make a real occasion of the cake cutting. They cut into a three-tier chocolate cake covered in white icing and decorated with olive sprigs, before everyone sang Happy Birthday to the groom. . Elly wore Jasmine by Suzanne Neville, a classic fit-and-flare design featuring a low back and buttons running down the length of the dress, completing the look with a cathedrallength veil with delicate flowers by Sassi Holford. She wore green Manolo Blahniks to complement her emerald-green engagement ring, having bought the shoes in Paris with one of her bridesmaids. Finding the dress was a journey of elimination. Having originally imagined herself in a princess-style gown, Elly tried on more than 20 dresses before visiting The Dress in Teddington. Owner Emily suggested Jasmine. “When I saw it hanging up, I didn’t think much of it. But as soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one.” Hugo looked dapper in a classic morning suit with an olive-green tie and pocket square, while his rose buttonhole complemented Elly’s bouquet and veil. The groomsmen wore matching morning suits with slightly different shades of accessories. The bridesmaids wore dresses from Maids to Measure, all in the same colour and fabric but with individual styles to suit each wearer. “They were my gorgeous bunch of olives!” adds Elly. Music was hugely important; guests were welcomed with Ibiza-style tunes from a saxophonist during the drinks reception, while the DJ kept the atmosphere going. The Sparkle Band then took centre stage with bejewelled instruments and a set packed with classic party anthems. “They were fantastic. No wonder I had no voice left the next day!” The celebrations continued with the DJ, who even handed the decks over to Hugo for his own DJ set. There were two moments Elly couldn’t choose between. The first was the couple’s entrance into the wedding breakfast to Freed From Desire, accompanied by a saxophonist, while guests waved olive-green napkins, shook tambourines and even danced on their chairs. “It was a little nod to the World Cup, as England were playing a match that evening!” Then came another surprise. Just before the cake cutting, Elly’s dad arranged an unexpected flyby, taking advantage of the venue’s proximity to Redhill Aerodrome. As the plane flew overhead, it finished its display by forming a heart in the sky. “We were utterly blown away. Everyone erupted with excitement. It was super, super special.” Amore mio REAL WEDDINGS 41
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