Reflections of Summer {Claudia & Edward}

Adwell House, Oxfordshire

This was a breath-taking wedding in so many ways, from the stunning garden green backdrop to the spectacular flowers to the deeply moving ceremony. I have been so excited to share this one, and over the moon to have seen in shared on the ultra cool Smashing the Glass

Claudia & Edward are terrific fun to be around. They are smart, funny and very much in love. They are a real partnership. Claudia is a doctor, and had planned to work for a year in Zanzibar. Just before she left for her trip, Edward proposed. He then spent much of the time she was away planning their wedding with Claudia’s mother, relaying choices and information to Claudia via Skype so they could make their decisions together.

Claudia & Edward found me when they were on a weekend away staying at Barnsley House. They saw one of my albums there and immediately got in touch. I was lucky to spend time with Claudia and Edward when she was back in the country and we visited their chosen venue – the garden of Adwell House. Theirs was to be only the third public wedding held in the gardens, so it was a very unique place. The backdrop was stunning, with the idyllic river running under majestic trees. Claudia and Ed were realistic through, so they planned for what would happen in wet weather. When it was forecast for a rainy day, they had a transparent marquee to shelter the entire walled garden where their ceremony was held. The rain did nothing to dampen spirits, and made for some beautiful and fun images of the wedding party making their way to the ceremony.

Claudia looked incredible in her unique one-off Stephanie Allin dress, adorned with violet flowers. Her details were very beautiful and personal, from the beautiful earrings Ed had given her as a birthday present, her Alex Monroe wedding band adorned with leaves to Edward’s grandmother’s watch which he had inherited. Edward looked the part in his custom made navy blue tux with it’s floral silk lining embroidered with their initials and wedding date. His nickname is bear, so Claudia had some polar bear silver cuff links made for him.

I absolutely adored documenting this jewish country garden wedding, the traditions are so beautiful and personal. The chuppah was made by Claudia and Ed’s fathers from branches of a tree in Norfolk where they got engaged. Claudia’s hens made the stars of David, which hung above their heads as the ceremony was performed.

The spectacular floral arrangements were orchestrated by Liz from Blue Sky Flowers, from the chuppah to the marquee, they were really something to behold. Claudia hand printed the silk napkins, the four tier lemon drizzle wedding cake was made by a friend adorned with little monkeys that Claudia made herself. They had fortune cookies which served as escort cards for their guests, and named the tables after Michelin starred chefs, a nod to their great passion for good food.

Then there was the dancing! Such incredible fun! Soul Fiesta sang the hora music live and they progressed to mowtown and funk and kept the party going all night.

I could go on forever about this special day, so I think I will let the pictures do some of the talking! Thank you Claudia & Ed for sharing your incredible day with us.

Claudia & Edward’s jewish country garden wedding team:
Venue: Adwell House
Wedding planner: Alex at The Bijou Bride
Claudia’s dress: Stephanie Allin, Violet (a one-off dress for a catwalk show)
Claudia’s shoes: Boden
Jewellery: bride’s own (earrings a birthday present from Ed), Ed’s grandmother’s watch
Wedding ring: Alex Monroe bespoke
Engagement ring Ed’s grandmother’s
Hair and Makeup: Claire Nicole
The Bridesmaids dresses and details: ASOS
Flower girls dresses and details: Monsoon
The bouquets, buttonholes and reception flowers: Blue Sky Flowers
Edward’s suit: Tailor-Made (Shoreditch)
Edward’s bow tie – Mrs Bow Tie
Polar bear silver cuff links: Tomfoolery.
Stationary: Designed by the bride
Fortune cookies – Cracking Cookies
Paper flower hanging decoration – Etsy shop ‘Comeuppance’
The cake: Made by bridesmaid Claire
Marquee: Joseph Benjamin Marquees
Caterers: Carte Blanche
Musicians: Soul Fiesta