A quintessentially British day…
- WHY DID YOU CHOOSE PYLEWELL?
We live locally and so already knew the venue, but it was exactly what we wanted: a showstopper. We love that is has the best of this both worlds: the country vibes, while being right next to the sea. We also loved that we could stay at the house with our closest friends and family, and that we were able to hire it for the whole weekend to elongate our celebrations!
We were just so happy…
- TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PART OF YOUR WEDDING DAY?
We hired a classic car and driving down the drive to Pylewell from the church was so special. It was the perfect English scene: cricket on the left, cattle on the right, and the gorgeous house right in from of us. It was also a rare moment in the day when it was just us two – and we were so excited that our big party was about to start. After a pitstop inside for a glass of fizz, we drove round the back and up onto the lawn – with many of our guests already there to greet us. It was such a fun moment and we were just so happy.
- TELL US YOUR VISION FOR THE MARQUEE AND STYLING? DID IT LIVE UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS?
We wanted to create a classic English country wedding, so we adorned the pavilion with some beautiful bunting (made by one of Matt’s aunts, and used at several family weddings!). We wanted to keep costs down with decorations, so we didn’t have any large installations. Instead, we just had table flowers which the bridesmaids and I arranged, plus some beautiful meadow vases behind us. We loved setting up the pavilion with our wedding party, and were really pleased that it came to life without too much.
- HAVE YOU GOT ANY FEEDBACK ABOUT THE PYLEWELL TEAM? WE WOULD SO LOVE TO HEAR IT.
Mel was amazing on the day – we didn’t realise how involved and helpful she would be. From being on hand to get the bridal party anything we needed, to showing the groomsmen how to fit a buttonhole, we were really thrilled. It made a huge difference to our day having someone on hand the whole time to make sure everything went to plan. And even when we had an issue with the mic, she made sure it was sorted.
- WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR ANY FUTURE PYLEWELL COUPLE?
Enjoy it! Make the most of everything the house and the grounds have to offer, and if you can, we really recommend hiring the house for two nights (or even three!). Pylewell’s list of recommended suppliers is fab, and it really helps having people who know the venue and the team too. We loved having a big dinner on the Friday night for our guests at Pylewell, and those staying at Hermione’s Cottage down the drive. The Forest Foodie was brilliant for that! We’d also recommend doing something local on the Sunday afternoon so you can have a proper chat to some of your guests. We did a picnic on the beach which was stunning, but there are lots of brilliant pubs and restaurants nearby too.
Photographer credits: Nicola Streader Photography
