Sophie in Jesus Peiro for her Marquee Wedding at The Family Home

Doctor Sophie married Toby, a teacher, on 4th September 2021, at Sophie’s parents’ home.

This is a beautiful example of how to host a wedding at a family home using a marquee – a choice popular with many of our readers. We are also completely thrilled to have found that Sophie discovered Miss Bush, the boutique where she found her gown, through Love My Dress.

These images are from one of our fave British photographers, Lee Garland. They capture everything we love about good wedding photography, all the joy, love and celebration as it naturally unfolded. Enjoy pouring through them and feeling inspired!

The Dress & Veil

Not only was Love My Dress a source of endless inspiration, it is also how I learned of Miss Bush. I am very indecisive, so choosing the dress was always going to feel intimidating and a bit overwhelming.

All apprehension quickly disappeared on meeting the amazing Emma at Miss Bush who intuitively understood what I was looking for. She encouraged me to try on a whole spectrum of shapes and styles (from boho to ballgown and everything in between) in order to find what intuitively felt the most like me, and what I felt as comfortable as I did special.

Emma helped create the most beautiful custom Jesus Peiro dress with a detachable bow and train. I loved the simplicity and elegance of the shape, the fluidity of the fabric and the unexpected drama of the very low back, cleverly constructed bow and magnificent train.

I wanted a dress that respected the traditions of a church wedding and felt elegantly timeless, but was equally at home on the dance floor.

My veil was also by Jesus Peiro, from Miss Bush Bridal.

Hiring a Videographer

Although initially unsure about whether we really needed a videographer, having Irene Piera with us on the day was one of our very best decisions.

She understood what mattered the most and caught every moment with a creative eye and sensitive approach. We have watched our video on repeat, smiling, laughing and crying every time.

How They Met

Toby and I met when we were just sixteen, through friends at school. Two universities, six years at medical school, teacher training, three new cities, countless long distance train journeys and 10 years later, we finally moved into our first home together in 2018.

Plans for any big theatrical proposal went out of the window thanks to the pandemic and instead, one gloriously sunny afternoon, we hiked up our favourite hill for a picnic with our dog Ted and with uninterrupted views of the city we love, Toby got down on one knee. It couldn’t have been more perfect. We were engaged for eighteen months before we got married.

Flowers

We wanted flowers and greenery that felt natural and organic, with nothing too formal or cultivated – we were, after all, celebrating in the middle of a field! We chose seasonal whites, delicate creams, soft light pinks and touches of peach with vibrant seasonal English greens including autumnal tones and dark green and olive undertones.

My favourites, however, were the chocolate cosmos which gave a rich pop of colour to the tables. Izzy Hudson of Flower & Press, brilliantly translated our very abstract ideas into stunning reality; walking into the church and then the marquee for the first time felt like an absolute dream.

Reception, Detail & Decor

From the very start of our planning, we knew that we wanted a wedding that felt like a party for friends rather than a formal occasion. Having it at home meant we celebrated the home-made, and included as much of the countryside and garden as possible into the colours, materials and decorations.

We filled the garden trees with paper lanterns, hung white bunting from pergolas and fences, and lit everywhere with fairylights and torches so that everywhere felt magical once the sun had gone down.

Evening & Dancing

Our fabulous band, Hitsville Soul Stirrers, who we hired via Warble Entertainment, were the highlight of the night – Toby and I didn’t leave the dancefloor for a minute (even managing to miss the late night cheese toasties!) as did most of the guests, who danced enthusiastically and wildly all night – exactly as we had hoped.

They learned our first dance song and performed it beautifully, which meant so much to us.

We were driven to the church by my uncle in his beautiful vintage Rolls Royce.

Words of Wedded Wisdom

Having all of our family and friends together after such a challenging year and being surrounded by so much love was just magical. The band was probably the highlight of the night and really brought everyone together.

We budgeted carefully and prioritised the things that mattered the most to us – delicious food, irresistible cocktails, memorable music. It was worth every penny.

Decide what really matters to you both and agree the non-negotiables. Then work around them. Don’t worry too much about the small stuff – on the day the only thing that really matters is having everyone together.