Emma & James: A Romantic Garden Wedding

There's something undeniably magical about garden weddings—the natural beauty, the fresh air, and the romantic atmosphere create an unforgettable setting for saying "I do." Today, we're delighted to share Emma and James' breathtaking celebration at the historic Thornbridge Gardens, where lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and thoughtful personal touches combined to create a day of pure enchantment.

The Venue: Thornbridge Gardens

Nestled in the countryside just an hour outside the city, Thornbridge Gardens offers 12 acres of meticulously maintained gardens with distinct "rooms," each with its own character and planting scheme. "We fell in love with it the moment we drove through the gates," James explains. "As a landscape architect, I could appreciate the thoughtful design, and we knew our guests would enjoy exploring the different garden spaces throughout the day."

The property features a restored Victorian greenhouse that served as the ceremony location, formal gardens with fountains for the cocktail hour, and a permanent marquee overlooking the water garden where the reception was held.

The Weather Contingency That Wasn't Needed

Planning an outdoor wedding always comes with weather concerns, but Emma and James approached this potential challenge with calm preparation. "We selected a venue with beautiful indoor options and invested in a rain plan that would still feel magical," Emma explains. "Once we had that in place, we stopped worrying about it."

Their planning paid off—the day dawned clear and mild, with sunshine filtering through the greenhouse glass and a gentle breeze keeping guests comfortable throughout the outdoor portions of the celebration.

The Décor: Garden-Inspired Elegance

Rather than competing with the natural beauty of the gardens, Emma and James opted for décor that enhanced the setting with a color palette of soft greens, ivory, blush, and touches of terracotta and rust.

Ceremony Décor

The Victorian greenhouse provided a stunning backdrop for their vows, with its original architectural details and abundance of natural light. "We kept the décor simple here," says Emma. "Clusters of potted ferns and delicate spray roses lined the aisle, while two large arrangements of garden roses, dahlias, and trailing greenery framed the spot where we stood to exchange vows."

Reception Styling

The permanent marquee was transformed with hanging greenery installations, fairy lights, and long wooden tables for family-style dining. "We wanted the reception to feel like an elevated garden dinner party," James explains. Their tables featured low, sprawling centerpieces in terracotta pots, hand-dyed silk runners, and amber glass votives that created a warm glow as evening fell.

Place settings included custom illustrated menus with botanical drawings of plants found in the garden, aged brass chargers, and napkins tied with trailing silk ribbons and a sprig of fresh herbs.

The Flowers: Seasonal and Sustainable

Working with local floral designer Helena Green, the couple prioritized seasonal blooms and sustainable practices. "Helena grows many of her flowers and forages responsibly for unique elements like grasses and branches," Emma shares. "We loved that our flowers had a story and hadn't been flown halfway around the world."

The bridal bouquet featured garden roses, dahlias, cosmos, and cafe au lait dahlias in soft blush and ivory tones, with trailing silk ribbons and touches of dried elements for texture. Bridesmaids carried smaller versions with more greenery and subtle terracotta accents.

For the reception, potted plants and herbs served as both centerpieces and favors—guests were invited to take them home at the end of the night. "We loved that nothing went to waste," says James. "Many friends have sent us photos of their plants thriving in their homes, which is a lovely reminder of our day."

The Fashion: Effortless Elegance

Emma wore a silk crepe gown with a flowing silhouette, subtle botanical embroidery, and an open back. "I wanted something that felt appropriate for a garden setting—nothing too structured or formal," she explains. "When I tried on this dress, I could imagine moving through the gardens in it, and it felt right."

She completed her look with simple pearl earrings that belonged to her grandmother, natural makeup with a touch of rosy blush, and her hair in a loose updo adorned with fresh flowers. "I wanted to look like myself, just a more polished version," she says.

James opted for a tailor-made sage green suit—an unconventional choice that perfectly complemented the garden setting. "I knew I didn't want traditional black or navy," he shares. "The sage green felt connected to our surroundings without being too literal." He paired it with a cream shirt, no tie, and brown leather shoes for a relaxed yet refined appearance.

The Food: A Garden-to-Table Feast

Food was a priority for the couple, who worked with caterer Field & Table to create a seasonal menu highlighting ingredients grown within 30 miles of the venue. "We wanted the food to tell the story of the landscape around us," James explains.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour featuring passed appetizers like mini goat cheese tarts topped with edible flowers, wild mushroom arancini, and cucumber cups filled with herb-infused ricotta.

Dinner was served family-style at long tables, encouraging conversation and connection. The menu included:

• Starter: Heirloom tomato salad with buffalo mozzarella, basil, and edible flowers
• Main course: Herb-roasted free-range chicken and slow-roasted lamb with seasonal vegetables
• Vegetarian option: Roasted vegetable tart with local cheeses
• Sides: Rosemary roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, and crusty artisan breads

Instead of a traditional cake, the couple opted for a dessert table featuring miniature pavlovas topped with seasonal berries, lemon tarts with edible flowers, and dark chocolate pots de crème with sea salt.

Personal Touches

Emma and James incorporated several meaningful elements that reflected their relationship and values:

The Ceremony

Rather than traditional religious readings, the couple asked three friends to share passages from nature writers and poets that had special significance in their relationship. "Hearing those words that had marked important moments in our journey together made the ceremony deeply personal," Emma reflects.

They also included a "ring warming" ceremony where their rings were passed among guests in a small pouch before the exchange, allowing everyone to hold them and silently offer their wishes for the couple's marriage.

Memorial Table

A small table near the guestbook displayed photographs of loved ones who had passed away, including both of James' grandparents and Emma's father. "It was important to us that they were acknowledged and remembered on our day," Emma shares. "We placed the table where guests entered the reception so they were symbolically welcoming everyone to the celebration."

Guest Experience

Thoughtful details enhanced the guest experience throughout the day:

• Custom illustrated maps of the garden helped guests navigate the different areas
• Wicker baskets with handmade paper fans, sunscreen, and bug spray were placed strategically throughout the venue
• A "refreshment station" offered cucumber water, lemonade, and iced tea for guests to enjoy before the ceremony
• Blankets were provided for elderly guests and anyone who might feel chilly as evening approached

The Photography

Emma and James selected photographer Rebecca Taylor for her natural, light-filled style and ability to capture authentic moments. "We didn't want overly posed photos," Emma explains. "Rebecca has a gift for blending into the background and capturing genuine interactions."

The couple scheduled their portrait session during "golden hour" just before sunset, when the gardens were bathed in warm light. "Those quiet moments together, walking through the gardens with the beautiful evening light, are some of my favorite memories from the day," James shares.

Instead of a traditional photo booth, they set up a "portrait garden"—a beautiful corner of the property with a vintage velvet settee where Rebecca took formal portraits of guests throughout the evening. "These photos became our favorite keepsakes to give our loved ones," Emma says.

Advice for Couples Planning a Garden Wedding

Based on their experience, Emma and James offer these tips for couples considering a garden celebration:

Embrace the Setting

"Work with the natural beauty of your venue rather than against it," Emma advises. "Our most successful design choices were those that enhanced what was already there rather than trying to transform the space completely."

Consider Guest Comfort

"Think about the practical aspects of an outdoor celebration," suggests James. "Provide shade, consider walking distances for elderly guests, and have contingency plans for weather. When your guests are comfortable, they can truly enjoy the beauty around them."

Visit in the Right Season

"If possible, visit your venue during the same season as your planned wedding," Emma recommends. "Gardens change dramatically throughout the year, and you want to know exactly what will be in bloom and how the space will look."

Remember the Sounds and Scents

"A garden wedding engages all the senses," James points out. "Consider not just how things will look, but also the natural sounds around you (you might need to adjust your sound system accordingly) and the scents that will be present. These elements contribute significantly to the atmosphere."

Be Flexible

"Gardens are living, changing environments," Emma notes. "The exact flowers you saw on your venue visit might not be blooming on your wedding day, or they might be past their peak. Embrace the natural, slightly unpredictable aspect of garden weddings rather than trying to control every detail."

A Perfect Day

Looking back on their celebration, Emma and James feel their garden wedding perfectly reflected their relationship and values. "The natural beauty, the seasonal food, the way everything felt connected to the landscape around us—it was exactly what we wanted," Emma reflects.

As the evening drew to a close, guests gathered to send the couple off with a tunnel of sparklers lighting their path. "Walking through that tunnel of light, with all our favorite people around us and the gardens glowing in the background—it was magical," James shares. "The perfect end to a perfect day."