First meeting when they were eighteen, Alex and Carolyn originally took up the roles of ‘wing-man’ and ‘wing-woman’ for their friends – who are now married themselves. Initially no more than friends, it wasn’t until the pair reconnected after University, at a mutual friend’s 21st birthday party, that their relationship had finally taken the next steps. Take a look below at their stunning Stanton Hall wedding.

THE VENUE
Exclusive. Rustic. Flexible.

 

Family run, and only holding a handful of weddings each year, Stanton Hall and Gardens was the first venue Carolyn and Alex went to view.

“I could instantly picture our wedding day there.” – Carolyn

After seeing the venue’s pictures on their website and Instagram page, Carolyn new that they had to go and visit for themselves.

The pair were greeted by two acres of outside space, as well as the traditionally designed Gin Gan, and the stunningly refurbished Wedding Barn.

Stanton Hall and Gardens was a ‘dry hire wedding venue,’ this means that the bride and groom could truly put their own stamp on their special day.

Packed with rustic appeal and offering the flexibility that would allow the couple to have their wedding, their way, Carolyn and Alex had worked with the venue to design their perfect wedding day.

 

THE DRESS
To keep with the laidback feel Carolyn and Alex wanted for their wedding, the bride originally went to Kathryn Trueman Bridal. Although, like many brides, she had initially been a little daunted by the idea of finding her perfect dress, the staff at the shop had bent over backwards to help her find a glamourous, yet relaxed gown.

Even after visiting a couple of other shops, no matter which dresses she tried on, there was one from the Claire Pettibone collection that had stuck with her – and complete with a headband, picked out by the ladies in the shop, we think it’s fair to say Carolyn picked right!

THE BRIDE’S ADVICE
“Make some time to just stop and absorb your gorgeous surroundings, with all your lovely friends and family.” – Carolyn

From walking down a botanical aisle, to a wheelbarrow ride in lieu of a first dance, it’s fair to say that Carolyn and Alex’s chilled-out wedding made for a truly memorable day.

For more inspiration take a look at our dedicated real weddingssection, or at the glossy pages of our regional magazine.