Photography: Tobiah Tayo

The proposal

George proposed with a ring hidden behind one of the windows on Claire’s advent calendar, so it was little surprise to their 90 guests that the couple chose a similar time of year – late November – for their wedding at Iscoyd Park in Shropshire.

‘It was such a fantastic month to get married,’ says Claire. ‘I’d always dreamed of a spring wedding but, actually, the early darkness gave us the chance to use candlelight in a way that we couldn’t have done on a lighter night. And it also meant that many key suppliers were available because it wasn’t the summer rush.’

The venue

Iscoyd Park was always high on their list of venues. ‘We wanted somewhere that had beauty and old world charm, yet still modern and spacious, with the added benefit of stunning guest rooms for the bridal party. The mix of old and new here works perfectly and the marquee allows you to totally create your own design – obviously along with fantastic suppliers. We owe the show-stopping wow factor to Red Floral, who we found on our first Iscoyd open day!

The theme

‘Style wise, we knew we wanted to have a colourful wedding, but in a subtle way. My dress set a bit more of our theme – it was kind of Downton Abbey meets modern day. Before I found my dress by Sottero and Midgley, nothing had really wowed me, but The Dressing Rooms Bridal in Halesowen had everything a bride could ask for! I love glitz and detail, but also the beauty of lace and they pointed me in exactly the right direction.’

‘My dress was from their Downton range, glamorous tulle paired with intricate pearls and embellishments with an illusion bateau neckline and back; all glittering with Swarovski crystals. The only thing it didn’t have, which I wanted, was sleeves, so I ordered extra fabric and lace and their seamstress created some for me!’

The wedding breakfast

After a ceremony at nearby St Mary’s church, guests headed for the drawing room at Iscoyd Park for a Champagne-tower reception, complete with edible flowers in each glass. Speeches came before dinner in the marquee – a key request from George so that everyone could enjoy the meal without the nerves of the speeches to come – and a saxophonist played in the background while guests enjoyed cod, beef and a chocolate and caramel dessert.

‘In the evening, we served his-and-her cocktails – Cosmopolitans for me and Piña Coladas for George – and we custom-made a doughnut wall to serve Krispy Kremes,’ says Claire. ‘There was also a Bubbles Bar – an ice sculpture with built-in bottle holders and fruit bowls so people could create their own cocktails. Looking back I just remember a candlelit, flower-filled room of beauty and we wouldn’t have changed a thing!’

‘I carried David Austin roses and tulips – my favourites. I found my dream bouquet on Pinterest and designed our colour theme around it’

THE LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue iscoydpark.com
Photography tobiahtayo.com
Bride’s dress thedressingroomsbridal.co.uk
Bride’s accessories ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk, sassobride.co.uk
Groomswear peterposh.co.uk
Bridesmaids’ dresses Dessy at libertyinlove.co.uk
Catering The Fine Dining Company
Cake cottonandcrumbs.co.uk
Flowers redfloral.co.uk
Entertainment alivenetwork.com
Hair maxinemorgan.com
Make-up sorellebeauty.co.uk
Transport barriejames.co.uk