Kathy and Red’s Beautiful Wedding at Orchardleigh
Kathy and Red’s beautiful wedding at the magnificent Orchardleigh House in Frome was a day filled with love, joy, and celebration. Surrounded by the lush gardens and timeless architecture of this estate in Somerset, the couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony before hosting their guests for a reception to remember.
About Orchardleigh House
Orchardleigh House is a spectacular Grade I listed country house set on a 500-acre estate near Frome in Somerset. This historic wedding venue provides an idyllic setting for weddings with its elegant architecture, romantic gardens, and many amenities.
Some key features that make Orchardleigh House an amazing wedding venue:
- Over 200 years of history as an English country estate. The manor house was constructed in the early 19th century.
- Elegant architecture including a majestic hallway with fluted Corinthian columns.
- Beautifully landscaped gardens are perfect for wedding photos. Features include an Italian garden, croquet lawn, and vine walkway.
- Luxurious on-site accommodation including the Boat House and Orchardleigh Castle for wedding guests.
- Multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception sites to choose from.
- In-house catering with Michelin-starred dining experiences.
- Highly rated as a wedding venue for service, value, and expertise.
Orchardleigh House provided the fairytale setting that Kathy and Red envisioned for their special day. The estate’s various sites allowed them to host an outdoor garden ceremony and then move inside the manor for an elegant dining reception.
Wedding Ceremony
Kathy and Red held their wedding ceremony outdoors in the Italian Garden at Orchardleigh House.
Some details about their garden wedding ceremony:
- Took place in the early afternoon shortly after 1 pm. Allowed nice sunlight for photos.
- Chairs are set up on the lawn for 130 guests with an aisle down the middle.
- The ceremony was conducted under a floral archway trimmed with hydrangeas and roses matching their color scheme.
- Readings were done by the couple’s siblings focusing on love and partnership.
- Vows written by the bride and groom express their devotion.
- Rings are exchanged to symbolize their eternal bond.
- Officiated by a close friend who guided them through the process.
- Traditional bouquet toss after being announced as husband and wife!
- Receiving line following the ceremony to greet guests before heading to cocktails.
The outdoor garden created an intimate, romantic setting for Kathy and Red to share their heartfelt vows surrounded by close family under the warm sun.
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests were escorted to the east lawn of Orchardleigh House for cocktail hour while the newlyweds took photos.
Details about the wedding cocktail reception:
- Held in a tented area on the estate’s lawn with circulating passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
- Served signature his and hers cocktails chosen by the bride and groom.
- Food selections included bites like caprese skewers, bacon-wrapped scallops, and mini crab cakes.
- Plenty of chilled champagne, wines, and local cider.
- Live classical guitar music performed by a solo musician.
- Lawn games are set up like giant Jenga and cornhole for guests.
- Butler-passed snacks to ensure everyone was served.
- Allowed time for wedding parties and family photos around the estate before dinner.
The cocktail hour provided a relaxed atmosphere for guests to mix and mingle after the ceremony while whetting their appetite for the upcoming dinner and celebrations. The drinks, music, and lawn games perfectly complemented the garden setting.
Reception
Following cocktails outdoors, the wedding reception continued inside Orchardleigh House for a gourmet seated dinner and dancing.
Reception details:
- Held in the manor’s elegant dining room decorated in the couple’s colors.
- Long farm tables seated guests and wedding parties family-style.
- Stage and dance floor set up for music and entertainment.
- Four-course plated dinner served. The menu included seasonal dishes like fig and burrata salad, beef Wellington, and lemon cake.
- Wine pairings with dinner plus a champagne toast.
- Couple’s first dance to “At Last” by Etta James.
- Father daughter and mother son dance.
- The band played lively music for dancing ranging from jazz to top 40 hits.
- Photobooth, candy bar, cigar roller, and late-night snacks offered.
- Sent guests off with a sparkler exit and after-party at a nearby pub.
Orchardleigh House provided an elegant ballroom setting with world-class dining and entertainment for Kathy and Red’s unforgettable wedding reception.
Wedding Flowers and Decor
Kathy and Red developed a classic and romantic decor theme using blush pink, creamy ivory, and sage green colors.
Some floral and decor elements:
- Hydrangea, peony, and rose centerpieces with taper candles.
- Eucalyptus foliage and floral arrangements on farm tables.
- Suspended greenery overhead with string lights.
- White paper lanterns line walkways.
- Brass accents like vintage candelabras and candlesticks.
- Linens in a mix of ivory, blush, and green.
- Menu cards with sage ribbon and sprigs of eucalyptus.
- Vintage-style pink rose-printed invitations and signage.
The timeless yet lively color palette with lush blooms and candlelight created a warm, romantic ambiance for the occasion.
Wedding Photography
Kathy and Red hired wedding photographer Michael Gane to capture their full wedding day.
A few reasons they were the perfect choice:
- Natural, unobtrusive photojournalistic style and skill.
- Focus on candid emotional moments alongside portraits.
- Familiar with shooting at Orchardleigh House.
- The photo collection of over 500 fully edited images is provided.
- Slideshow and print packages are available.
- Quick online proofing and delivery of photos.
- Won multiple wedding photography awards.
Michael skillfully photographed all the cherished moments from getting ready through the ceremony, reception events, and dancing. Kathy and Red will treasure their wedding album and relive each memorable detail.
Wedding Vendors
Kathy and Red’s Orchardleigh House wedding was made possible by their talented vendors:
- Venue: Orchardleigh House
- Photographer: Michael Gane
- Florist: The Flower Shop
- Cake: Bakehouse Bakery
- Caterer: Orchardleigh
- Band: Starlight Players
- Transportation: British Bus Company
- Accommodations: Orchardleigh, The George Hotel
- The couple assembled an all-star team of local vendors to bring their vision to life flawlessly.
Final Thoughts
Kathy and Red’s breathtaking Orchardleigh House wedding will be remembered by all their loved ones as a truly special day. The elegant historic estate provided a magical setting for them to celebrate their marriage surrounded by beauty and indulgence. From the romantic garden ceremony to the spectacular manor reception, every moment was filled with the warmth of their love and the joy of their union. The exquisite details like florals, music, and dining created a sophisticated fairytale affair. The newlyweds are so grateful to have found each other and start their lives together at a place as wonderful as Orchardleigh.
Looking for more wedding inspiration? Check out these helpful resources:
The Knot – A comprehensive guide for wedding planning including vendor listings, tools, and articles.
Brides – A leading wedding publication filled with real weddings, trends, and expert advice.
Style Me Pretty – Discover beautiful real weddings and creative ideas from weddings around the world.
WeddingWire – Detailed local vendor listings plus planning tools and an online community.
By focusing on details like the venue, flowers, photography, and attire, couples can create a wedding that perfectly reflects their love story and unique style.