Ceri & Gareth’s Romantic Wedding Celebration at Rowton Castle

On 19 September 2022, at a breathtaking altitude of 3,842 metres, Gareth asked Ceri the most important question of their lives. The couple had just stepped into the glass Skywalk at Aiguille du Midi, suspended above the clouds with the Mont Blanc massif as their backdrop, when Gareth got down on one knee. For Ceri, the moment offered the perfect distraction from the vertigo-inducing height and a memory she would cherish forever. She didn’t know that  Gareth had been planning the proposal for nearly a year, designing their entire holiday to Lake Annecy around this pivotal day trip to Chamonix.

Their story, however, began much closer to home. Ceri and Gareth first met back in 2007 at the enchanting Rowton Castle in Shrewsbury, where both have worked for many years. Over a decade later, the venue that witnessed the beginning of their love story would also become the place where they chose to say “I do”.

Choosing the venue

Though Ceri had found her dream dress, it wasn’t until January 2024 that the couple officially set the date. Despite their deep-rooted connection to Rowton Castle, they initially explored other venues, uncertain whether their familiar workplace could transform into the backdrop for their most intimate celebration. But as they searched, it became clear that no other place could offer the same warmth, attention to detail, or sense of home. With that clarity, the decision was made. From the moment they confirmed Rowton Castle as their venue, everything began to align beautifully.

Ceri and Gareth envisioned a relaxed and joyful celebration. They planned an intimate, family-only ceremony, followed by a larger garden party later in the day. The focus was on simplicity, good food, meaningful moments, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflected who they are.

A Day Filled with Meaningful Details

The ceremony took place at the Old Music Hall in Shrewsbury, now home to the Shrewsbury Museum. Guests were transported to the venue and back in vintage style via a classic bus, adding a charmingly nostalgic touch. Ceri’s wedding band held particular sentimental value it was crafted by a local goldsmith just steps from the ceremony site, using half of her great-grandfather’s ring. The remaining half is lovingly reserved for her sister’s future band.

The bridal party was kept intimate and personal. Ceri’s sister stood by her side as maid of honour, with her niece Darcie as flower girl. Their son, Toby, had the honour of being Gareth’s best man, supported by Gareth’s father.

After the ceremony, guests returned to Rowton Castle for a thoughtfully curated lunch. The menu featured favourites of the bride and groom: burrata salad, steak with dauphinois potatoes, and a show-stopping salted-caramel chocolate cheesecake. A memorable culinary detail was the vanilla salt the couple brought home from a recent trip to Anglesey sprinkled in as a subtle but personal addition.

As evening guests arrived, they were welcomed with refreshing Hugo Spritz cocktails and a spread of elegant canapés. The evening unfolded with live music, garden games, and an alfresco meal served from the garden kitchen. True to the couple’s laid-back vision, there were no speeches, no cake cutting, and even the first dance was a spontaneous decision. The atmosphere was informal, joyful, and completely authentic to Ceri and Gareth.

Locally Rooted, Personally Crafted

The flowers, grown within 30 minutes of the castle, echoed the season with soft, romantic hues. While the florist took care of the bouquets and ceremony arrangements, Ceri and her sister added their own creative touch the night before the wedding, styling the bud vases that adorned the reception tables. In a beautifully sustainable gesture, leftover florals and bouquet stems were dried and saved to be turned into confetti for Ceri’s sister’s upcoming wedding.

Adding another layer of artistry to the day, Ceri also designed and created all of the wedding stationery herself bringing a personal aesthetic to every detail.

“We honestly had the best day. The only thing we’d wish for is more time to enjoy it. We also know now that it wouldn’t have been the same if we had celebrated elsewhere, and we feel a little silly for even considering it. Team Rowton Castle was exceptional, as always.”