An Italian-inspired Wedding Celebration at Nedging Hall
REAL EVENT: James & Fiona
FULL PLAN, DESIGN & STYLING: Studio Porter
James and Fiona first came to me last year, looking for inspiration and assistance not only to plan and design their intimate civil wedding in London, but a ‘celebration of love’ with up to thirty of their closest friends and loved ones as well.
Photography by Sarah-Joy Landon
The entire weekend was inspired by James and Fiona’s love and personal connection to Italy; A place they adore and cherish, with Nedging Hall providing the perfect backdrop and scenery to host their intimate celebration with it’s traditional Suffolk pink exterior and well manicured gardens and grounds.
The weekend started with guests arriving on a Friday, where they were greeted with tea, coffee and home-made Lemon Drizzle cake, courtesy of the estate’s Event Manager Lucie and made with Sicilian lemons she brought back from her own trip to Italy.
As well as the gorgeous house, gardens and grounds, the property also comes with its own private indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and lake, which provided plenty of activities and leisure for guests to enjoy for those staying over the weekend.
Photography by Sarah-Joy Landon
Sadly, James and Fiona’s initial wedding plans to host a large wedding abroad, with the intention of bringing over a handful of their friends and family from New Zealand, were scuppered by the Pandemic and strict travel restrictions. Even though James and Fiona officially and legally bound their love a couple of days prior to the weekend, it was important for them to create a weekend full of joy and laughter with people who weren’t at their civil wedding.
They decided that they wanted to re-create their ceremony and renew their vows in front of their closest loved ones for them all to hear, which was officiated by good friends, Mitch and James. After scouting the grounds for the perfect location for this, we decided on the private and secluded walled-canopy and pathway leading up to the pool house. As well as renewing the vows read during their civil ceremony, the couple also decided to repurpose their wedding attire worn on the day.
Photography by Sarah-Joy Landon
After the ceremony, guests were welcomed back to the house for an informal drinks reception on the terrace, followed by speeches and Champagne toast and a selection of antipasti.
Photography by Sarah-Joy Landon
When it came to the dinner, it was important to James and Fiona that the whole setting transported them back to late Summer evenings in Italy, dining outside and drinking wine. I wanted the tablescape design to feel authentic to this but with a modern and romantic take on a traditional Italian table. The colour palette was kept neutral, with pops of burnt orange, muted rosy pinks and deep reds, all tied together with olive-green tones.
I created texture by layering up natural cotton gauze fabrics over the tablecloths and delicately placing napkins over the miss-matched crockery and personalised menus. To complete the Italian-themed table, large ceramic vases embodying traditional Italian statues, were placed either end with grapes cascading out from inside and effortlessly scattered around the table.
Photography by Sarah-Joy Landon
Continuing with the Italian theme, we also worked closely with the catering team at Nedging Hall, who provided a homely bespoke three-course meal, all made with local home-grown ingredients, consisting of Nettle Risotto, Beef Ragu and Tiramisu.
Photography by Sarah-Joy Landon
Photography by Sarah-Joy Landon
In-between the main course and dessert, the couple headed off for final portraits around the property, which were captured in the prettiest ‘golden hour’ light as the sun beamed down against the burn grass and old oak trees.
Photography by Sarah-Joy Landon
To finish the evening, Fiona changed into a short shimmering fringed dress, hired via Hurr, before the guests gathered around the table and lit sparklers for one final photo opportunity.
event suppliers:
Full Planning, Design & Styling: Studio Porter // Photography: Sarah-Joy Landan // Venue: Nedging Hall // Florist: Tube Rose London // Catering: Nedging Hall // Furniture Hire: CMA Hire // Tableware: Helene Milliot // Candles: Ester & Erik // Stationery: Papier // Bridal: Newhite via Amare