Adam & Jordan Get Hitched At Elmhay Park

Some wedding days are quiet affairs. This was not one of them. This was a day buzzing with a dozen different accents, a day where passports had been stamped and time zones crossed, all for one singular, spectacular purpose: to see Jordan and Adam say “I do”. The setting for this global gathering? The impossibly romantic Elmhay Park on the Orchardleigh Estate, a jewel nestled in the heart of Frome, which played host to 80 guests who had made the pilgrimage for a love story that truly knows no borders.

An English Eden: Finding Paradise at Elmhay Park

For any couple, planning a wedding is a journey of a thousand decisions. For Jordan and Adam, this journey spanned continents. Their vision was not merely for a wedding day, but for a memorable destination experience, a joyful reunion for eighty of their closest friends and family who would be travelling from every corner of the world to celebrate with them. The challenge was clear: find a location that was not only beautiful but could also serve as a welcoming home-from-home, a place that would make every mile travelled feel utterly worthwhile. Their search led them to the heart of Somerset, to a sprawling 500-acre haven of rolling parkland and tranquil lakes known as the Orchardleigh Estate.

To arrive at Orchardleigh is to feel the world gently fall away. As guests turned off the main road, they embarked on a sweeping three-mile private drive that meanders through the historic estate, building a sense of anticipation and seclusion with every turn. This is a land steeped in history, a private demesne that has changed family ownership only twice in an astonishing 800 years, lending it an air of enduring romance and permanence. But Jordan and Adam’s destination was a secret nestled even deeper within this sanctuary. Tucked away behind the woods, out of sight of the main house, lies Elmhay Park—a “hidden gem” and “tranquil paradise” set within the magnificent embrace of a Victorian walled garden.

It quickly became apparent that Elmhay Park was more than just a stunning backdrop; it was the perfect strategic solution to the unique logistical and experiential puzzle of hosting an international wedding. The venue’s offerings seemed almost tailor-made to foster an immersive, multi-day celebration. The availability of exclusive, multi-day packages, such as the “Three Day Eldon Wedding Package,” was the key that unlocked the couple’s vision. This thoughtful approach addressed the primary concern of a destination wedding: how to honour the immense effort of travelling guests. The answer was to transform the event from a single day’s celebration into a relaxed, extended “wedding holiday.”

The logistics fell into place with remarkable ease. The adjacent Elmhay Village, a charming courtyard of self-catering cottages, provided on-site accommodation for up to 75 guests, almost perfectly matching the size of Jordan and Adam’s party. This masterstroke of planning eliminated the complexities of transport and coordination, allowing the entire wedding party to live within the same celebratory bubble. The night before the wedding, key members of the party could settle into the magnificent Orchardleigh Castle, complete with its own private hot tub, creating an unforgettable start to the festivities. Throughout their stay, guests had access to a wealth of quintessentially English country pursuits, from a round of golf on the 18-hole course to fishing on the 23-acre lake, ensuring there was always something to do. And for those flying in from afar, the estate’s location, just two hours by car from London, made it a remarkably accessible retreat. By choosing Elmhay Park, Jordan and Adam made a decision that placed the comfort and enjoyment of their guests at the very heart of their celebration, curating an experience that was as seamless as it was special.

A Vision in White: The Bride and Her ‘La Dolce Vita’ Style

Against the lush green canvas of the Somerset countryside, Jordan was a vision of pure elegance, her choice of an Italian-style wedding dress a masterful nod to timeless romance and sophisticated design. It was a personal expression that felt both deeply classic and refreshingly modern, a sartorial poem that spoke of la dolce vita—the sweet life—that she and Adam were about to begin.

Italian bridal couture is revered for its dedication to exquisite craftsmanship, a tradition built on the pillars of luxurious fabrics and impeccable silhouettes. Jordan’s gown embodied these hallmarks. One can imagine it crafted from the finest materials—perhaps a delicate Italian lace, prized for its intricate beauty, gracing the bodice and sleeves, or a flowing skirt of pure silk organza that moved with ethereal grace. The design likely embraced a silhouette that celebrated the female form with understated confidence, such as a classic A-line or a dramatic mermaid shape, both popular choices in Italian design for their ability to highlight a bride’s natural curves without sacrificing elegance.

The beauty of such a gown lies in its meticulous details. Whether through delicate, hand-sewn beadwork that caught the English sunlight, romantic floral embroidery that whispered of secret gardens, or a show-stopping feature like dramatic statement sleeves, the dress was undoubtedly a work of art. A traditional veil, a symbol of romance and modesty, would have completed the look, framing Jordan’s joyful face as she walked towards her future.

This choice of attire was more than just a fashion statement; it was a stroke of narrative genius that created a beautiful, thematic harmony with the wedding’s unique location. The dress did not exist in isolation but formed a perfect symbiosis with the venue’s most enchanting feature: the Italian Garden where the ceremony was to take place. This deliberate connection elevated the entire aesthetic of the day. Just as the garden, with its classical veranda and real olive trees, represents a pocket of Italian beauty carefully cultivated within the English landscape, Jordan’s gown brought a touch of continental elegance to the heart of Somerset. Her style became a powerful narrative bridge, a symbol of the wedding’s core theme: the beautiful fusion of the global and the local. The dress was a metaphor for the celebration itself—a gathering of an international community in a quintessentially English setting, proving that love, and style, know no borders.

Dapper Gents: The Groom and His Squadron of Style

Standing by Jordan’s side, Adam and his groomsmen presented a vision of modern sophistication, their “stunning wedding attire” a testament to contemporary menswear at its finest. Their collective look was a carefully considered element of the day’s aesthetic, striking the perfect balance between timeless tradition and relaxed, personal style.

The era of the rigidly uniform, one-size-fits-all groomsmen’s outfit has given way to a more nuanced approach, and Adam’s party was a perfect example. Rather than basic black, one could envision them in a palette that complemented the garden setting and the summer sun. Classic navy or charcoal suits offer a foundation of enduring sophistication, while lighter shades like tan, stone, or a soft grey in a breathable linen or fine wool would have felt both sharp and comfortable for an al fresco celebration. The texture of the fabric itself, perhaps a subtle tweed for the groom to add a touch of heritage, can introduce another layer of personality and visual interest.

Central to their dapper appearance was undoubtedly the fit. Modern tailoring emphasizes a silhouette that is neat and flattering without being restrictive, ensuring the men looked polished from the first photograph to the last dance. For Adam, a distinguished touch like a three-piece suit or a sharp double-breasted jacket could have set him apart as the groom, a subtle elevation of the day’s shared style. This philosophy of being “coordinated, not identical” is a hallmark of modern wedding parties. It allows for individuality while maintaining a cohesive look, perhaps through the groom wearing a different tie or waistcoat, or the groomsmen donning suits from a shared colour family.

The final polish came from the accessories. These small details are what elevate a suit into an outfit. A silk pocket square adding a dash of colour, a pair of stylish leather loafers perfect for traversing the lawns, or personalised cufflinks exchanged as a gift from the groom—these are the elements that complete the narrative of style.

This thoughtful approach to the men’s attire reflects a fundamental shift in wedding culture. It moves beyond mere dress code to become an authentic expression of personality. The choice of comfortable, well-fitting, and stylish suits was not just about looking good; it was about feeling good and being able to fully “live the moment”. This is particularly crucial for a wedding being captured in a candid, documentary style. The stunning attire was chosen not for stiff, posed photos, but to look effortlessly elegant in the midst of laughter, conversation, and celebration—the very real moments that the chosen photographers, thefxworks, are renowned for capturing. The suits were not a costume, but an integral part of the day’s beautiful, unfolding story.

The Vows in the Veranda: An Al Fresco Ceremony

The heart of the day’s celebration took place in the venue’s crown jewel: the magnificent Italian Garden. It was here, under the open Somerset sky, that Jordan and Adam made their lifelong promises, surrounded by a community that had crossed oceans to witness their union. The setting itself was cinematic. The garden, fully licensed for civil ceremonies, is designed to be a theatre of romance. Guests were seated facing a tranquil veranda, its classical lines softened by real olive trees and atmospheric lighting that lent a magical quality to the afternoon light. For a party of eighty, the space, which can accommodate up to 300, felt both grand and wonderfully intimate, as if the couple had their own private corner of Eden.

As Jordan made her entrance, the significance of the moment was palpable. This was not just any gathering of wedding guests; it was a global assembly, a physical manifestation of the couple’s far-reaching friendships and family ties. The presence of these eighty individuals, who had navigated flights, time zones, and long journeys, transformed the ceremony into something profoundly meaningful. Their collective effort and investment imbued the proceedings with a powerful emotional weight. Every word of the vows, every exchanged glance between the couple, resonated more deeply because of the immense love and commitment shown by everyone present.

In this context, the wedding ceremony became more than a private union; it was a public affirmation of connection in a disconnected world. It was a testament to a love so strong it could draw people from diverse cultures and backgrounds to a single, beautiful garden in the English countryside. While the specific words of the vows were for Jordan and Adam, the act of bearing witness was a shared, universal experience. The couple may have even included thoughtful touches to honour their international guests, such as providing translated programs so everyone could follow the emotional arc of the ceremony.

As the officiant pronounced them married, a wave of joyous emotion swept through the garden. The newlyweds turned to face their loved ones, their faces beaming, and walked back up the aisle as husband and wife. The air erupted in a blizzard of confetti—a tradition welcomed by the venue—as their global family showered them with colourful blessings, a vibrant and celebratory start to their new life together.

Garden Games and Jazzy Notes: A Post-Ceremony Celebration

With the formalities concluded, the Italian Garden and its surrounding lawns transformed into the scene of a sophisticated yet wonderfully playful garden party. As guests mingled, glasses of fizz in hand, the atmosphere was carefully curated to be one of relaxed elegance and joyful interaction, a masterclass in how to entertain a diverse, international crowd.

Dotted across the manicured lawns were a variety of classic garden games, serving as the perfect icebreaker. The sight of a Giant Jenga tower teetering precariously, the friendly thud of beanbags hitting a Cornhole board, or a competitive game of Croquet or Bocce Ball unfolding, invited guests to connect through the universal language of play. These activities provided a focal point for interaction, effortlessly bridging any potential language or cultural gaps. They encouraged laughter and light-hearted competition, ensuring that guests who had only just met were soon chatting and cheering together like old friends.

Layered over this scene of happy camaraderie was the cool, sophisticated soundtrack of a live saxophone player. The soulful, jazzy notes drifted through the air, creating a chic ambiance that elevated the celebration beyond a simple outdoor gathering. The music was the perfect counterpoint to the playful games—not intrusive or overpowering, but a constant, stylish presence that set a tone of effortless cool, reminiscent of a “chilled poolside Ibiza” vibe. It acted as a focal point and a conversation starter, a shared auditory experience that required no translation and appealed to all tastes.

This specific combination of entertainment was a stroke of genius, an intelligent and empathetic strategy designed for the unique dynamics of Jordan and Adam’s wedding. It acknowledged the challenge of bringing together eighty people from different parts of the world and provided a two-pronged solution for fostering connection and ensuring universal enjoyment. The games provided the activity, a non-verbal way for guests to engage and break the ice. The saxophone provided the atmosphere, a universally understood language of emotion that wrapped the entire occasion in a blanket of cool sophistication. Together, they created a welcoming, vibrant, and deeply inclusive environment where every single guest could relax, have fun, and feel an integral part of the celebration.

Captured in Time: The Artistry of thefxworks

To entrust someone with capturing the fleeting, irreplaceable moments of a wedding day is an act of profound faith. For Jordan and Adam, that faith was placed in Michael and Tracy of thefxworks, who were not merely photographers but “discreet visual storytellers” whose entire philosophy aligned perfectly with the couple’s vision for an authentic, joy-filled celebration. Their role on the day was pivotal, and their selection was no accident.

Thefxworks hold the esteemed position of being the recommended wedding photographers and videographers for the Orchardleigh Estate, a significant endorsement that speaks volumes about their professionalism, artistry, and deep familiarity with the venue’s unique character. This trusted relationship ensures a seamless collaboration and an innate understanding of how to capture the magic of locations like Elmhay Park and its Italian Garden.

What truly sets thefxworks apart is their unwavering commitment to a documentary, photojournalistic style. Their ethos is elegantly simple: “Live the moment, don’t pose for it”. This philosophy was the perfect match for a day filled with unscripted joy—the emotion of the ceremony, the laughter during the garden games, the quiet, tender glances exchanged between the newlyweds. They eschew endless hours of stiff, staged photos in favour of capturing the genuine spirit of the day as it naturally unfolds. Their approach is to be “invisibly present,” blending into the background to preserve the natural flow of the event, ensuring that the memories they capture are real and unforced.

The result of this synergy between client, venue, and artist was guaranteed to be exceptional. The couple designed a day rich with opportunities for candid interaction. The venue provided the perfect, picturesque canvas for these moments to occur. And the photographers brought the specific expertise needed to capture that fleeting reality with beauty and grace. This virtuous cycle ensures that the final collection of images delivered to Jordan and Adam would be more than just pictures. It would be a tangible legacy, a gallery of authentic memories that would transport them back to the pure joy, the raw emotion, and the vibrant spirit of their incredible international celebration for a lifetime to come. The calibre of their work is further underscored by a portfolio that includes high-profile clients such as HELLO Magazine, Disney, and Sony, placing Jordan and Adam’s memories in truly world-class hands.

An Evening in the Orangery: Toasts, Feasts, and Dancing ’til Dawn

As dusk began to settle over the Somerset countryside, the celebration transitioned from the open-air freedom of the gardens to the refined elegance of the Orangery for the wedding breakfast and evening festivities. This beautiful Victorian-style structure marked a palpable shift in atmosphere, from the relaxed fun of the afternoon to the sophisticated energy of a grand evening party. With its built-in party lighting, surround sound system, and welcome air conditioning, the Orangery was perfectly appointed for the night ahead.

Guests took their seats for the wedding breakfast, a feast prepared by Elmhay Park’s talented in-house catering team. The meal itself was another nod to the quality and authenticity of the estate, featuring high-quality ingredients and even produce grown on-site, offering the international guests a true taste of Somerset’s bounty. The clinking of glasses and warm chatter filled the room, punctuated by a series of heartfelt speeches and toasts. This timeless wedding tradition, a universal expression of love and well-wishes, would have been a particularly poignant moment, uniting the diverse group of guests in their shared affection for the happy couple.

One of Elmhay Park’s most celebrated features is its late licence, an invitation for couples and their guests to “drink and dance ’til dawn” with no curfew to cut the party short. For a wedding with guests who had travelled thousands of miles, this was the ultimate luxury—the freedom to celebrate without watching the clock. As the evening progressed, the Orangery’s state-of-the-art sound system came alive, providing the perfect setup for a DJ or live band to fill the dance floor. Jordan, Adam, and their guests could finally let loose, celebrating a truly unforgettable day with unbridled joy, creating memories on the dance floor that would last long after the sun came up.

Jordan & Adam’s Dream Team

The seamless beauty of Jordan and Adam’s wedding was a testament to their clear vision and the exceptional team of vendors they chose to bring it to life. The careful selection of a venue that perfectly matched their needs and a photographer who shared their philosophy on capturing memories is the true secret to a flawless and unforgettable day. For other couples seeking to create their own magical celebration, Jordan and Adam’s choices provide a powerful source of inspiration.

Works cited

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