Cara & Simon

Bride Cara thought she wanted a rustic barn reception with a boho gown, but instead had a classic wedding at the Cowley Manor in Gloucestershire with the most dreamy Lyn Ashworh princess gown. Its clean lines and timeless silhouette was perfect for the change in theme and suited Cara down to the ground. The pictures captured by James Fear of Cara twirling, and her skirt billowing in the wind are pure heaven. I know I wouldn't be able to resist doing the same. You also need to check out her chic up do and hair accessory *swoon*.

The Dress

Cara the Bride: I had always envisioned that I would have a very bohemian wedding gown. I've always been drawn to lace sleeves and pearls. However, as it is always the case, what I thought would suit me really didn't. The gown I chose was by Lyn Ashworth and I just loved it's simplicity. I added the wide bow belt but wore it back to front so the bow would be at the back. However this meant I needed to change the boho look I had in my head for the whole wedding. (I chose the gown before anything else) My shoes were Jimmy Choo and my headpiece was from etsy. I felt that I hadn't completely given up on boho by adding the pearls and sparkle elsewhere.

The Grooms Fashion

Si didn't want me involved in the grooms side of things. Infact he didn't tell me the colour of his suit till a few weeks before the wedding. I tried to hint that I wasn't going for a boho gown so he didn't turn up in tweed or something he thought would match! Luckily we both have similar tastes and they worked well together. Suits were from Hugh Harris in Woking. Si's brother had got married in June and while having a fitting for his usher suit Si had spotted one for our wedding.

The Venue

I wanted a barn. We viewed a million and then Si through a spanner in the works and said lets view Cowley Manor. I have very eclectic taste, (I'd love a house full of taxidermy) so the second I walked into Cowley (or even outside when I spotted all the hunter wellies) I knew this was the place. It's literally just 15mins drive from where we live. I was drawn to how quirky the venue is.

Colour Scheme/Decor

I didn't have a colour scheme. I wanted a gold cake but that was really where it started and finished. I choose soft pinks and peaches for the flowers and the bridemaids wore a champagne Biba dress.

Flowers/Florist

The flowers were by Cotswold blooms. I wanted peonies but they were out of season so we went for David Austin roses. Cowley had redecorated the main dining hall just before our wedding (it used to have a bright pink ceiling and dark wood panelling) so as I wasn't sure how they would do it I had very simple candelabras. I made the name place holders by spray painting children's animal toys. I wanted these to match Cowleys animal heads in the bar area.

Ceremony

We married on our 6 year anniversary and also the day before our son was about to start in reception! Not well timed. The perks of a Sunday wedding.

Entertainment

I walked down the aisle to an acoustic Spanish guitar playing Elvis because my step dad (who gave me away) is such a massive fan. However he was so nervous he didn't even notice.

Food

The cake was by Jenny, a friend of mine that runs a company called Storyteller Cakes. I have to say (apart from the photos) the cake was my favourite thing about the day. (Husband in a close 3rd place) it was edible gold and pink ombre. I actually can't remember our menu. I didn't eat all day as I was too nervous!

Photographer

I've known James for a little while and he was hilarious. He put me at ease. The photographs are incredible.