Emilie and Martin celebrated their wedding in August 2024. They chose an orangery wedding venue within a beautiful walled garden in Somerset and ensured their day was filled with handmade personal touches and plenty of memorable moments. We love sharing real wedding stories here at Guides for Brides, but this one is extra special for me. It's the wedding of my best friends where I was lucky enough to be Maid of Honour and witness their day first-hand.
Emilie and Martin's wedding was beautifully captured by Georgia Smith Photography, who's photos have been used throughout this article.
About the Bride and Groom
Emilie and Martin met in Sheffield, they were at rival universities. Their first date, despite a navigational mishap (Martin was very late, tut tut!), their relationship grew into something special. But it was a classic, right person, wrong time, situation and after going their separate ways for a few years, the couple had what they call their "second first date" in 2019 and the rest is history.
Their proposal, set against the stunning backdrop of St. Agnes in Cornwall, was as wonderfully imperfect as their love story. Martin was apparently so nervous that he nearly popped the question in M&S. But he kept it together and after having some drinks in a beachside bar for their third anniversary, they went for a stroll to find a rock to take home - a tradition they have at the end of a trip. On the pebbly beach at sunset, Martin asked Emilie to marry him. She said "yes!" and of course, I cried with hysterical joy on FaceTime when I got the news.
Orangery Wedding Venue with Walled Garden
Emilie and Martin's chose Elmhay Park, a gorgeous Somerset wedding venue as the location for their big day. They wanted somewhere that they could hire exclusively and had the flexibility for a multi-day celebration. They sought a location that blended historical charm with modern elegance, and Elmhay Park delivered on all fronts.
The stunning grounds, the fairytale-like castle for pre-wedding accommodation and bridal preparations, and the picturesque walled garden and orangery provided the perfect backdrop for their vision. Additionally, the on-site cottages accommodated a significant portion of their guests, meaning that celebrations could extend well into the night. The ability to host a pre-wedding dinner at the nearby golf club further solidified their decision, creating a seamless experience for everyone.
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Bridal Wear & Accessories
Emilie's bridal look perfectly complemented the venue's aesthetic and vibe. She chose a stunning Justin Alexander wedding dress from TDR Bridal, which featured 3D appliqué flowers on the bodice, flattering sweetheart neckline and a sleek slit in the a-line skirt. She had a detachable bow made using the off-cuts from alterations, adding a unique touch. Her veil and tiara, also from TDR Bridal, complemented the gown perfectly.
For her 'something old,' she wore her mother's pearl necklace. Her earrings from Accessorize provided a delicate sparkle, while a bracelet, a gift from her new in-laws and crafted by her father-in-law, a jeweller, added a bespoke and meaningful element. Completing her look were a pair of elegant Kurt Geiger shoes.
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For his wedding look, Martin to wear a stylish three-piece wedding suit from Moss. He chose the Slim Fit Sage Herringbone Tweed Suit and had it tailored to fit perfectly. He paired it with a blush pink tie from Ties 4 Us, dark brown shoes and a floral pocket square which Emilie made herself from Liberty London fabric. The groomsmen all hired the same suit but with a different style waistcoat to ensure Martin's look could subtly stand out. They completed this look with the same accessories.
Handmade Bridesmaid Dresses
Emilie's eight bridesmaids, including two maids of honour, each chose a dress style they loved out of four designs, and the dresses were lovingly made by Emilie's grandmother, a skilled seamstress, with Emilie's help. This personal touch ensured that each bridesmaid felt comfortable and confident, while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The flower girl wore a charming dress from JJ's House complete with a stunning flower crown using the same colours as Emilie's bridal bouquet.
The Wedding Ceremony
On arrival, guests were given a magazine-style programme which the bride had made herself, detailing the day's events and featuring fun facts about the couple, making it a keepsake as well as a useful guide. Despite a persistent rain that fell all morning, the couple were able to hold their planned outdoor ceremony thanks to the venue's beautiful covered veranda providing a sheltered yet open feel. In fact, the rain added a stunning, almost ethereal atmosphere, making the ceremony feel even more romantic and intimate. The musical accompaniment provided by the Wigornia String Quartet added a touch of classic elegance.
The ceremony itself was a deeply personal, with heartfelt readings including Wedding Poem by Whitney Hanson and A Marriage Made For Two. A handfasting ceremony also took place to represent the joining of their lives together. They exchanged rings which had been lovingly made by Martin's father, Peter. As if on cue, the rain lifted and the sun shone brightly as the guests gathered to throw confetti and the drinks reception began. Wigornia Strings continued to play during the canapé hour and drinks reception, providing a sophisticated soundtrack as guests mingled, played lawn games and enjoyed the sunshine.
Sustainable Flowers, Decor and a DIY Wedding Masterclass
The couple wanted their colour scheme and decor to match the venue's warm aesthetic. Sunset hues of pinks, burgundies, and oranges were chosen, complementing the natural beauty of Elmhay Park's walled garden.
While Emilie's bridal bouquet was professionally arranged by Pip Floral Studio, they sourced seasonal flowers from a Chippy Flower Farm for the bridesmaids' bouquets which were also used as the table decorations. The night before, the bridal party gathered to create their own bouquets from a selection of pink, white, red and orange blooms that had been locally grown.
The décor continued this personal and sustainable theme. The ceremony decor and larger floral displays were made from faux flowers that could be reused. Their table plan was a creative nod to Emilie's love for Taylor Swift, featuring handmade friendship bracelets. Each bracelet was carefully crafted over a period of a few weeks to create the interactive table plan. This was a hit with guests, who wore their bracelets for the rest of the celebration and in the months after.
But that's not all, an easel was crafted by Martin's uncle from wood found on the family's land, to display their table plan. Additionally, resin table names were handmade with dried flowers representing loved ones' birth flowers, were also later gifted to family. These thoughtful, DIY touches transformed Elmhay Park into a space that truly reflected Emilie and Martin's personalities.
Food & Drink
Emilie and Martin prioritised a dining experience that reflected their personal tastes and celebrated local flavours. During the reception drinks and canapés, a vintage ice cream trike from Treats on a Trike provided a delightful, nostalgic treat, offering a variety of flavours that delighted guests of all ages. To add an extra personal touch, Elmhay Park's no corkage policy allowed them to bring in special Samur wine from the region in France where Martin's grandparents once lived, a heartfelt tribute to family members who couldn't be present.
For the wedding breakfast, charcuterie boards were served as starters followed by sausage and mash for the main. For dessert, a refreshing lemon cheesecake was served. Evening food included crowd-pleasing chicken burgers, chips, and a chilli and nachos station, ensuring everyone was well-fed throughout the celebration. Elmhay Park's commitment to sourcing ingredients from their own grounds or local suppliers was a key factor, aligning with the couple's desire for sustainability where possible. To conclude the evening's festivities on a sweet note, a pick 'n' mix station offered a fun and interactive treat.
Evening Entertainment & Unique Features
As the sun set, Emilie and Martin curated a diverse lineup of music and performers to ensure their guests were thoroughly entertained. The night began with an incredibly special first dance, to Tina Turner's "Simply The Best", performed by Emilie's mother's band, Simplicity. They were the first band to perform, ensuring the celebrations had a lively kick-off. The Standard, a local band to the couple, then took to the stage and ensured dance floor was packed for the rest of the evening.
A glitter bar was also set up, allowing guests to adorn themselves with shimmering accents, adding a fun and unique element to the evening. For those seeking a break from dancing, Steve Taylor Magic captivated guests with close-up magic. A photo booth provided fun snapshots, creating lasting memories for everyone present.
Newlywed Plans
Emilie and Martin's wedding was a beautiful celebration of their love and it was an honour to have a front row seat throughout the planning process. They embarked on a minimoon to Tuscany immediately after the wedding, which was the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind after two years of planning. They also plan to enjoy a longer honeymoon to the Caribbean in the near future.
