This happy couple chose a church ceremony followed by a stylish reception in a medieval wedding venue decorated in beautiful whites, golds and neutrals...

Marion and Luke met in September 2021. “We were in church, at a Young Adults' gathering,” says Marion. “We were friends for a bit, then had our first date in January 2022 at the restaurant Comptoir Libanais."

Luke proposed on the 9th July 2023. “It was perfect,” says Marion. “He pretended we were going for a meal, to celebrate his sister and brother-in-law’s pregnancy announcement. However, when we arrived, the place was decorated with a 'Marry Me' sign, candles and petals. He had also laid out pictures of us throughout our relationships and had flowers and a big bouquet for me. It was so lovely.”

Shopping for the dress

Marion found her dream dress at wed2b’s central London store. “I had a lovely experience and felt very looked after,” she says.

She chose Oxsana an opulent A-line by Aaliyah Quinn, with off-the-shoulder straps, glittering skirt and exquisite beading. “It made me feel like a bride, most importantly,” says Marion. “But I knew I wanted to feel like a princess as well, which I did! I loved the detail and the glitter, which looked amazing when you saw it up close. I also swapped the straps and changed them for the Mina gathered tulle straps to complement the skirt. It pulled the look together and made me feel even more bridal.”

A stunning medieval wedding venue

The couple chose a rustic, medieval wedding venue with beautiful huge grounds for their May wedding. “It had regal elements as well, such as glittering chandeliers and heavy luxurious curtains, plus a huge fireplace,” says Marion. “The grounds were so pretty too, with lots of greenery, a fountain and gorgeous flowers. We chose it because it fitted with our rustic theme and we knew the owners who were also Christians.”

The big day

“I got ready with my bridesmaids together in an Airbnb,” says Marion. “The weather was good in the end. The sky was bright and it rained slightly at one point but it was when we were indoors, thankfully! For the church service we had a Bible reading and worship songs.”

Afterwards, guests enjoyed canapés and welcome drinks at the reception venue before the wedding breakfast. “We assigned a bridesmaid and groomsmen to feed us,” says Marion. “So, Luke and I were able to get some canapés while we were having pictures taken. I’d recommend it!”

Stylish whites, golds and neutrals

“The colour scheme was white, gold and neutrals, because we liked those colours and it looked very elegant. My sister-in-law made our wedding flowers herself and they were brilliant. I didn't DIY much but I did buy most things from wedding groups on Facebook. People sell their wedding stuff for cheaper than they bought it, which really helps.”

The best bits…

“The church ceremony was amazing as a whole, and seeing Luke turn around as we saw each other for the first time was very memorable,” says Marion. “Also, our evening party was awesome!”

My top tips…

“Spend the night before the wedding with your bridesmaids and have a relaxed evening to prepare yourself for the next day,” says Marion. “Also, give your bridesmaids their responsibilities for the day, especially for holding your items and emergency kit. Plus, don’t forget to ask someone to bring you canapés!”

Marion and Luke’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Lidia at Love in Bloom Weddings 

Wedding dresses London: wed2b

Florist: Blossoming Grace Weddings

Catering: The Spitting Pig Torbay

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