Josh Navidi, Wales International, British and Irish Lions, and Cardiff Blues rugby star, tied the knot to his stunning girlfriend, Ellé Holley, after getting engaged on holiday. The wedding took place on 23rd July 2022, in which they married in front of over 150 friends and family, including several Welsh rugby stars.
They chose a stunning brand new wedding venue, Sant Ffraed House, which is part of the specialist wedding group; The Oldwalls Collection. Celebrations continued all weekend at this exclusive use venue with a post wedding brunch hosted on Sunday 24th.
The venue
Sant Ffraed House is a stunning Grade II listed building set within 14 acres of breathtaking grounds. With views of the Sugar Loaf mountain, it's just a 10-minute drive from Abergavenny.
The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies, available for both a ceremony and reception. The house has 24 bedrooms, including a gorgeous honeymoon wing; perfect for you and your guests!
What happened on the day?
The bride arrived in style in a luxury black wedding car looking so ethereal. Josh got his brother (who was also his best-man and hairstylist) to help him write his speech. Josh is a family orientated man and explained that his brother is more of a talker than he is, so it was great to get his advice.
Josh only returned from South Africa following the Welsh Summer Tour 5 days before the wedding, so he claimed his only role in planning was to organise cars and entertainment! We think he did a great job and there is even video footage of the rugby star getting involved in the wedding band Soul Lotta Funk's sound check, playing guitar in all of his wedding finery.
What the newly-weds said
Planning the perfect wedding was all down to Ellé with Josh working away a lot. She said: “Josh has been so busy with rugby this year but he has still been a great inspiration and support with the wedding planning and it meant whilst he was away I could call on my amazing bride squad to step in so I’ve had the best of both! I have a newfound appreciation of the Welsh wedding industry, which has bounced back with a vengeance despite many challenges.
My wedding dress got stuck in Ukraine and at one point it was touch and go whether my dream gown was going to arrive on time, but the bridal boutique, Eva Ashley were amazing and not only made sure it arrived but tailored it to absolute perfection! All the suppliers have been incredible; I’m going to especially miss popping into Sant Ffraed House for a glass of champagne and a meeting with the coordinators.”
Josh said: “Ellie looked incredible and it was the best day of our lives. The day surpassed our wildest expectations a million times over. The team at the venue were incredible and to bring all of our friends and family together for a whole weekend of celebrations was something special.”
What the bride wore
Ellé, the new Mrs Navidi, wore a beautiful fishtail strapless gown, complete with sheer bodice and lace overlay. Ellé's dress is from Riki Dalal and appears to be in style Ariel! Ellé purchased this dress from Eva Ashley Bridal and completed the look with a stunning cathedral length veil which created some gorgeous photographs! Ellé also had a large bouquet of white flowers including white orchids which looked very glamorous.
The wedding team
The wedding team who put together Josh and Ellé's magical day are all highly skilled professionals. Find out who their suppliers are below, including those featured on Guides for Brides!
Guides for Brides Suppliers
- Venue: Sant Ffraed House
Continued Credit
- Photographer: Lauren Amelia
- Bridal Boutique: Eva Ashley Bridal
- Bridal Gown Designer: Riki Dalal
- Flowers: Hilary's Floral Design
- Rings:Diamond Centre Wales
- Event décor: KB Event Styling
- Band: Soul Lotta Funk
- Hair: Navidi Hair Co. (Salon owned by Josh's brother Sam, the Best Man)
- Makeup: Makeupbycharlt
- Cake:Vale Cake Boutique
- Stationery: Pretty Haus Prints Shop
- Grooms Suit: Timothy Everest