Somerset’s Elmhay Park
Set on a spectacular country estate in Somerset, Elmhay Park provided a breathtaking backdrop for Gwen and Huxley’s romantic wedding celebration. This newly renovated Georgian manor house and its sprawling grounds created an idyllic setting to exchange vows and cherish this special day with loved ones.
About Elmhay Park at Orchardleigh Estate
Elmhay Park resides on the Orchardleigh Estate, a sweeping 500-acre private estate in Somerset countryside. This exclusive wedding venue comprises both the stately Elmhay House and the more intimate Summer House set overlooking beautiful landscaped lawns and lakes.
Some key features that make this an exceptional wedding destination include:
- Elegant function rooms licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships
- In-house catering with Michelin-starred dining experiences
- On-site luxury Elmhay House accommodating up to 24 guests
- The Chapel provides a unique ceremony setting for up to 120
- Picturesque photo backdrops like the Greek temple folly
- Total capacity for 160 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces
- Complimentary bridal suite plus 6 individually designed bedrooms
- Ample free parking available for all wedding guests
Gwen and Huxley found Elmhay Park ideal for hosting their sophisticated country wedding and celebrating late into the evening with family and friends.
Wedding Style and Decor
For their wedding style, Gwen and Huxley envisioned an elegant black tie event with classic and romantic touches. They chose a color scheme of midnight blue, ivory, and gold with florals in shades of pink, red, and burgundy.
Gwen wore a stunning off-the-shoulder lace gown with a dramatic train, completed by an embellished cathedral veil. Her bridesmaids complemented in floor-length navy dresses carrying bouquets of pink and ivory roses. Huxley and groomsmen looked sharp in black tuxedos with velvet midnight blue jackets.
The ceremony and reception spaces featured opulent floral arrangements, candelabras, sequin linens, and glittering light installations. Their decadent four-tiered cake incorporated the classic color scheme and floral design elements.
Ceremony and Reception Details
Gwen and Huxley held their ceremony in The Chapel in bath. Constructed from original pillars dating back to 1840, this unique building provided a romantic setting for their nuptials. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with natural light as the couple exchanged intimate vows before 120 seated guests.
Cocktail hour took place on the adjacent terrace where a jazz trio entertained. Guests mingled and sipped champagne while the newlyweds had photos taken around the ornate grounds and temple folly.
The reception followed in the elegantly decorated Elmhay House. After a gourmet five-course meal punctuated by lively toasts, the couple shared their first dance before cutting their spectacular midnight blue cake. As the night continued, music and dancing created an atmosphere of celebration that Gwen and Huxley will always remember.
Catering and Menu Details
Working with Elmhay Park’s in-house catering team, Gwen and Huxley customized a world-class menu for their wedding breakfast. Starters included pressed duck terrine and roasted fig salads. Guests delighted in main courses of beef wellington, seared halibut, and roasted vegetable tart. The meal concluded with coconut panna cotta for dessert.
Later in the evening, guests fueled up with late-night snacks like sliders, fish and chips, and wood-fired pizzas – perfect for soaking up the champagne! The couple took advantage of having an on-site restaurant to provide their guests with a truly first-class culinary experience.
Accommodation for Guests
Having accommodation on-site at Elmhay Park made for optimal convenience. The couple and their parents stayed in the luxurious bridal suite located in the main house with its four-poster bed and elegant furnishings. Many of their bridal party booked additional rooms in Elmhay House allowing everyone to get ready together on the big day surrounded by ample natural light and beautiful scenery through the manor windows.
For the rest of their guests, Orchardleigh Estate and Elmhay Park Wedding Photographer provides a selection of self-catering cottages scattered around the grounds. Positioned just a short walk from the reception venue, these cottages gave guests private country digs to return to after the wedding and allowed them to take full advantage of the estate’s amenities like fishing, golf, and exploring the lush 500-acre gardens.
Memorable Moments Captured on Film
To ensure beautiful memories of their special day, Gwen and Huxley hired acclaimed wedding photographer Michael Gane who is known for his artistic talent and natural documentary style. With over 25 years of experience capturing weddings across the UK, Michael was perfectly equipped to photograph all the special moments at Elmhay Park.
Starting early in the day, Michael documented the wedding preparations including Gwen having the final touches put on her gown and veil. After complete coverage of the ceremony and family formals, his photojournalistic approach shone while shooting candid interactions at cocktail hour and the reception events late into the night.
The result is a stunning collection of high-resolution images and a cinematic highlight film that takes viewers through the emotions and all the significant moments of Gwen and Huxley’s wedding day. Having these visual memories to look back on will be a cherished treasure for this couple.
Why Choose Elmhay Park for Your Wedding?
Gwen and Huxley found Elmhay Park to be a dream choice for their sophisticated wedding celebration. Couples considering Elmhay Park can expect numerous benefits:
- Perfectly restored Georgian architecture provides an elegant ambiance
- Idyllic countryside views from the manor house windows and grounds
- Luxurious on-site accommodations keep the whole bridal party together
- Wide range of indoor/outdoor spaces to host all wedding events
- State-of-the-art catering facilities and exceptional dining experiences
- Helpful wedding coordinators assist in arranging vendors and logistics
- The secluded atmosphere just a short drive from Bath City attractions
- Plenty of scenic backdrops for breathtaking photographs taken by Elmhay Wedding Photographer
- A historic character with modern renovations and comforts
From the moment they first visited Elmhay Park, Gwen, and Huxley knew it was the ideal setting to host their upscale wedding celebration. The sophisticated styling, views, and first-class service exceeded the couple’s every expectation.
Tips for Brides and Grooms
Based on their wedding experience all captured by Elmhay Wedding Photographer here is some advice Gwen and Huxley would offer to other couples:
- Visit venues in person before booking to get a true feel – photos alone don’t always capture it.
- Meet with your wedding coordinator early and keep an open line of communication.
- Have a detailed timeline and share it with all vendors several weeks before.
- Splurge a little on your photographer – images last a lifetime!
- Try to work in private moments together throughout the day to soak it all in.
- Don’t be afraid to make the wedding uniquely you as a couple.
- Assign a trusted friend or family member to handle any issues and crises.
- Eat something before the ceremony and reception – you’ll be too busy to eat later!
- Pack an emergency bag with first aid items, stain remover, safety pins, etc.
- Make a backup plan for outdoor events in case of unpredictable weather.
Continuing the Celebrations After I Do
Gwen and Huxley’s spectacular wedding celebration continued into the days following their ceremony at Elmhay Park. The day after the wedding, they hosted a casual farewell brunch at Orchardleigh’s clubhouse restaurant. This gave out-of-town guests one more chance to catch up with the newlyweds before departing.
For their honeymoon, the newlyweds jetted off to Bora Bora where they stayed in a luxury overwater bungalow. They spent two weeks scuba diving, visiting black pearl farms, and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of French Polynesia. After the busy nature of wedding planning, it was the perfect tropical getaway.
In the months ahead, Gwen and Huxley stayed connected with their loved ones by sharing wedding photos and reliving fond memories of their special day. They look forward to celebrating their first anniversary back at Orchardleigh Estate where their love story began.
Finding Your Dream Wedding Vendors
For couples planning a wedding of their own, selecting the right team of professionals is key. Here are some helpful tips when researching vendors:
- Browse numerous websites and portfolios to find work that fits your wedding vision.
- Read reviews from other couples – this provides insight into their overall service.
- Consider vendors who have experience at your wedding venue.
- Request cost breakdowns and find out what is included in their packages.
- Meet in person when possible to get a sense of their personality and work style.
- Ask how they will work with and communicate with your other vendors.
- Contact past clients to ask about their experience working with them.
- Make sure contracts cover all important policies, payment schedules, and contingency plans.
Taking time to properly vet your wedding pros gives you the confidence that you have selected a cohesive, talented team.
Why Choose Michael Gane Photography?
For couples seeking outstanding wedding photography in Somerset and the southwest, look no further than Michael Gane Photography.
With over a decade crafting dramatic wedding images, Michael’s artistic talent combines with his relaxed and unobtrusive shooting style to capture breathtaking photos of your special day.
More reasons to choose Michael Gane Photography include:
- Sophisticated editing style that enhances natural emotions and moments
- Cinematic wedding films that share the story of your wedding day
- Top-level cameras, lenses, lighting, and backup gear
- Experience shooting at stunning venues across the region
- Artistic eye for flattering portraits and joyful candid images
- Dedication to excellence and complete client satisfaction
Michael Gane’s passion, creativity, and professionalism ensure couples receive exceptional images and visual memories of their wedding celebrations. He is an elite choice for wedding photography in Bath and throughout the UK.
Final Thoughts
Gwen and Huxley’s glamorous wedding at Elmhay Park stands out as the ultimate sophisticated affair. Lavish details merged perfectly with the idyllic countryside setting to create a celebration that dazzles. From exchanging vows before loved ones to dancing the night away under the stars, it was a perfect representation of their refined tastes and devotion as a couple.
They advise couples to stay focused on each other and what matters most as they plan their wedding. Embrace support from family but make the day uniquely your own. Pulling together the right vendors creates a cohesive experience so you can relax and thoroughly enjoy each moment as it unfolds. Before you know it, you’ll be poring over wedding albums and reminiscing about the most magical day you ever shared together.