Effortless Elegance with Rustic Touches: Lauren & James

A magical marquee wedding bursting with rustic elegance!

Nestled in fairytale gardens, in the idyllic countryside of the Cotswolds, Lauren and James' hosted their dream country house wedding. Our real wedding couple embraced every enchanting element of their surrounds from the blossoming grounds to the elegant and chic house. The evening took place under a majestic marquee, styled with soft touches, twinkling lights and neutral tones. If you're in search of an elegant wedding day with stylish rustic details, then look no further than Chloe Caldwell's imagery below!

Wedding dress is hanging above bridal heel/shoe detail flowers bouquet
Love heart flower detail
Prosecco/champagne glasses
Bride wavy hair detail holding bottle of champagne

Lauren and James, our London lovebirds were first introduced through a dating app - which they remain very thankful for to this day. As for the proposal tale, they chose to keep that as their own secret, but assure us it was low-key and absolutely perfect! The couple invited 110 of their nearest and dearest to celebrate their June wedding day and as you will see it is full to the brim of elegant style and sweet decor!  

Groom laughing getting ready suit and tie
Groom and groomsman laugh
Groom poses on his own
Groom and groomsmen wearing sunglasses walking

Swit-swoo! With light blue accessories, a crisp white rose buttonhole, and a dark blue tuxedo, James the dashing groom looked the part alongside his groomsmen.

Bridesmaid wearing gloves helps bride with dress
Bride is ready holding bouquet of flowers over the shoulder
Bride is ready holding bouquet of flowers
Bride and bridesmaid hold white flowers

As for the breathtaking bride, Lauren chose a Halfpenny London satin halterneck wedding gown. Minimal and perfect in every way! Complementing her style, she styled her hair naturally with loose curls, radiant makeup and diamond drop earrings. Finishing with the florals, she opted for a neutral colour palette with ivory and blush flowers and subtle touches of eucalyptus.

Bride and groom at alter in church
Bride and groom at alter in church holding hands
Bride and groom kiss at alter guests clap

I Carry Your Heart by E.E. Cummings was the newlywed's favourite ceremony reading - a beautifully romantic choice, and one of our favourties too!  

Bride and groom pose at entrance to chapel/church
Bride and groom celebrate confetti over couple

We love a celebratory confetti shot! James and Lauren showed how much they appreciated their loved ones making the journey to the Cotswolds by placing small gifts in guests' rooms to welcome them the evening before, while the wedding party were given personal letters, flowers and champagne in the honeymoon suite. "Every small detail was just perfect! We both agree there is nothing more special than getting ready in the morning as the anticipation and excitement builds, knowing you have the full support of your closest ones around you and a full day of joy and happiness ahead," they say. 

Bride and groom dance outside of wedding venue flowers
Bride and groom stand outside wedding venue
Bride and groom embrace flower detail

Describing the overall vibe of their country house wedding, the couple said "quintessentially British!" Family means everything to Lauren and James, and they wanted to capture the essence of a fun family get-together on a beautiful summer's day. "As well as this, the grandeur of the house, coupled with the stunning gardens and beautiful blush pink and white floral arrangements created a real element of gentle elegance and class – or at least we hope!" they add. We have to say, mission accomplished. 

Bride looks over shoulder to camera in garden holding flowers
Bride and groom standing in garden holding flowers
Bride and groom kissing kiss

The Cotswolds venue, that stole their hearts was Barnsley House. Described as an ultra-chic and immensely relaxing retreat set in a picturesque honey-stone village, the couple reveal what made the venue the one: "Everything! The rural setting, the stunning gardens, the historic charm of the house itself and of course all the wonderful people at Barnsley House! They’re truly a delight to be around and we had so much fun getting to know them all. Barnsley House has an understated elegance which we simply adore."

Exterior wedding venue setting gates
Cards in basket
Cheese wine grapes platter and plates
Up close cocktail glasses alcohol beverages

The drinks reception took place in the gardens, as the day was perfectly sunny. As for the cake - there were two. A cheese wheel cake, made up of a selection of different cheeses and accompaniments for the guests to nibble on before the evening reception. And for afters, a picture-perfect naked wedding cake, stood in all its glory overlooking the fairytale pond and gardens - the most romantic spot to cut the cake.

Close up of wedding cake flowers on top
Close up of wedding cake flowers on top
Exterior wedding venue setting flowers
Bride and groom cut the cake surrounded by guests

For their honeymoon the happy couple chose a mini moon in the UK directly after the wedding, and later jetted off to the romantic greek island of Santorini. "Definitely get away after your big day! You need that time to wind down, digest everything with your new partner and remember all the small snippets of the day. You’ll spend the whole time speaking about nothing else! We were very lucky and did a mini UK break straight after our wedding weekend to Gara Rock in Salcombe and it was fabulous! A perfect mix of pub walks and lazy afternoons in the hot tub overlooking the rustic Devon coast with lots of scrummy food. Later in the year we stayed in the Canavas Oia Epitome, truly luxurious and the perfect escape to have time just the two of us after a busy summer – 10/10 would recommend it!"

Bride and bridesmaids in garden setting
Sun is shining on bride and groom in garden setting
Sun is shining on bride and groom in garden setting
Sun is shining on bride and groom in garden setting

The evening reception took place in a marquee full of twinkling festoon lights, neutral ecru tapered candles placed in antique holders, along with fresh garden flowers. We love the unique theme of a deck of cards seen throughout the table plan and table numbers! Lots of Instagram research and teh creativity of Lauren’s talented mother added to the aesthetic inspiration!  

Marquee wedding venue from afar
Menu/name placement seating sign
Empty dining room bar detail marquee/tent
empty dining room roses flowers candles and glasses on table
empty dining room roses flowers candles and glasses on table

As the sun set over the country house, it was time for James and Lauren to share their first dance as husband and wife. They chose There will be Time by Mumford & Sons. And lastly, the couple share some great advice: "Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy it. It only (hopefully!) happens once, so take it all in, give everyone big hugs and have the best time!"

Bride and groom dance
Bride and groom dance on dancefloor
Bride and groom dance

A very special thank you to the lovely couple and Chloe Caldwell Photography for sharing their country house wedding in the Cotwolds with One Fab Day.

For more beautiful UK Real Weddings, see here!

Suppliers 

Photographer //
Chloe Caldwell
|
Dress Desigenr/ Boutique //
Halfpenny London
|
Bridal Shoes //
Emmy London
|
Bridesmaid Dresses //
Ghost London
|
Mother of the Bride //
Joyce Young
|
Stationery //
Vine in The Wild
|
Makeup //
May Williams
|
Wedding Rings //
Gregory & Co
|
RECOMMENDS

You might also like...

RECOMMENDS

Subscribe to the Newsletter

chevron-downcross-circle