A Traditional English Wedding at Orchardleigh House and Estate

The Perfect Wedding Venue in Somerset

Nestled amongst 130 acres of beautiful Somerset countryside, Orchardleigh House provides a spectacular backdrop for weddings. This stately home near Frome combines historic architecture with modern amenities to create the perfect setting for couples looking for a traditional English wedding. Jess and Everett fell in love with the location and decided to host their big day here.

The Venue: Orchardleigh House and Estate

• Orchardleigh House has 19 individually designed bedrooms allowing wedding guests to stay onsite. Some rooms feature four-poster beds for a romantic touch.
• The venue offers exclusive use of the house and grounds, so couples can customize their wedding.
• Facilities include a Michelin-star restaurant, wine cellars, a billiards room, outdoor terraces, and Italianate gardens.
• The banquet hall accommodates up to 180 guests with a sprung dancefloor and stage for bands.
• The Music Room provides an intimate setting for civil ceremonies and can host 80 seated guests.
• The venue is licensed for wedding ceremonies and can provide registrars.
• The grounds feature lush lawns, mature trees, and ornamental lakes perfect for wedding photos.

Timeline of Events

• Guests arrived at 2:00 pm and enjoyed welcome drinks on the South Terrace.
• Jess spent the morning getting ready in the bridal suite with her bridesmaids.
• Everett and his groomsmen played a round of golf on the estate’s 9-hole golf course in the morning before getting dressed.
• The ceremony took place at 3:30 pm in the Music Room with 80 seated guests.
• After the ceremony, guests mingled on the lawn for champagne and canapés during cocktail hour.
• Wedding photos took place on the grounds near the lake and rose gardens.
• Guests moved into the banquet hall at 5:30 pm for the wedding breakfast and speeches.
• Dinner service began at 6:00 pm.
• After dinner and toasts, the couple had their first dance.
• A live band performed for evening dancing until midnight when late-night drinks and food were served.
• The couple retired after midnight, while guests continued the party in the hall.

Decor and Theme

Jess and Everett opted for a romantic English garden theme in blush pink and ivory.

• The ceremony displayed a floral archway and aisle runner. Loose petals were scattered down the aisle.
• Centerpieces featured loose floral designs in pink roses, peonies, and greenery.
• Banquet tables had blush linens, gold flatware, and crystal stemware.
• The head table had a statement floral arrangement.
• Accent lighting created a dreamy ambiance in the Music Room and banquet hall.

Catering

Orchardleigh House provided world-class catering for the event.

• Canapés included mini Yorkshire puddings, crostini with mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes, smoked salmon blinis, and goat cheese tarts.
• The wedding breakfast began with creamed leek and watercress soup.
• For the main course, guests enjoyed roast beef with truffle mash, roasted new potatoes, and glazed vegetables.
• The meal ended with lemon posset topped with fresh berries for dessert.
• Late-night snacks included fish and chips and wood-fired flatbread pizza.
• Orchardleigh House offers bespoke menus, so couples can customize dishes.
• The Head Chef uses seasonal ingredients from local producers.
• Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs are accommodated.
• Orchardleigh produces its own wine, which was served during dinner.

Flowers and Decor

Petals and Posies, a local florist in Frome, provided the wedding flowers.

• Jess’s bouquet had pink peonies, white roses, and rosemary foliage.
• Bridesmaids carried smaller versions of the bouquet in blush.
• The groom and groomsmen wore rosemary sprigs as boutonnieres.
• The ceremony decor featured an archway dripping with flowers matching the bouquets.
• Centerpieces had loose, organic arrangements of flowering branches.
• The fireplace mantel in the Music Room was decorated with flowers and candles.
• Accent floral arrangements throughout the reception area used blooms matching the bridal party.

Wedding Cake

A naked cake created by Marie Antoinette Cakes was the centerpiece.

• The four-tier cake had a fresh flower topper matching Jess’s bouquet.
• The flavors consisted of lemon drizzle, chocolate, vanilla, and carrot cake.
• The buttercream frosting was textured and finished with flower details on the sides.
• The bottom layer was left unfrosted to showcase the homemade sponge cake.
• It was displayed on a gold cake stand and accentuated with macarons.

Stationery and Details

The Paper Boutique in Bath designed all the stationery and paper goods.

• Invites were English rose letterpress printed on cardstock.
• Escort cards had calligraphed names and table assignments.
• Menus displayed the wedding title with a floral border.
• Signage used calligraphy and flowing scripts.
• The guestbook was a hand-illustrated piece the couple will frame.
• Wrapped Jordan almonds served as favors at each place setting.

Entertainment

The Mint Jazz Band, a jazz trio, performed live music.

• They provided jazz sets during the drinks reception and wedding breakfast.
• For the evening, a 10-piece party band played popular hits.
• The couple’s first dance was to “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat.
• Jess and her father danced to “My Girl” by The Temptations.
• Everett and his mother danced to “A Song For Mama” by Boyz II Men.
• The band kept the dance floor packed all night long.

Wedding Photographer

Michael Gane, an award-winning wedding photographer, captured all the memories.

• Michael utilizes a documentary-style approach and captures candid moments.
• He focuses on natural photography with minimal posing or direction.
• Michael is familiar with Orchardleigh House and knows optimal spots for portraits.
• He captured romantic photos on the grounds and lavish details inside.
• Michael knows how to work around the timeline and venue restrictions.
• He provides a mix of color, black & white, and artistic edits.
• His expert use of lighting creates dramatic ceremony and reception images.
• Michael’s experience guarantees excellent organization for group photos.
• He knows how to keep photographic interruptions brief but productive.
• Michael delivers an online gallery and USB within 4-6 weeks after the wedding.
• His calm demeanor and creativity ensured he captured all the special moments.

Transportation

• Guests drove to Orchardleigh House and parked onsite. The venue offers ample parking.
• The couple rented a luxury vintage car for departures and wedding photos.
• Local taxi companies provided transportation for guests to hotels or train stations.

Accommodations for Guests

• Orchardleigh House has 19 luxurious bedrooms allowing 50 guests total.
• Additional cottages on the estate offer extra accommodation.
• Discounted room blocks were secured at The George Hotel in Bath and other local inns.
• Camping is allowed on the grounds for guests with RVs or tents.
• Plenty of hotels are located within a 15-minute drive of the venue.

Accessibility

Orchardleigh House features excellent accessibility:

• Designated parking spots right next to the venue.
• Ramps into the building from the parking area.
• An elevator inside provides access to guestrooms.
• Accessible toilet facilities.
• Chairs were removed from the ceremony and reception to allow wheelchair access.
• Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other special meal options.

Final Thoughts

Jess and Everett’s Orchardleigh House wedding was the epitome of timeless elegance. The stately home provided a stunning backdrop for their traditional English affair. With the estate’s first-class amenities, bespoke dining, and luxurious accommodation, it was the ultimate destination wedding venue. The couple brought their romantic vision to life with blush and ivory blooms, live music, and personal details. Their photographer masterfully documented the historic location and emotional moments in a mix of candid and artistic portraits. Surrounded by their nearest and dearest, Jess and Everett exchanged heartfelt vows in a picture-perfect wedding they’ll cherish forever.

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