The breath-taking sights of early morning mist swept across the Sunken Garden and down the Avenue on the day that Natasha & Oliver began their forever, amplifying the first of the crisp autumn sunshine.
The quiet stillness of the early hours set the perfect tone for a relaxing morning spent with loved ones, immersed in an expansive landscape of orange foliage and frost covered lawns.
As the sun rose, candles were lit around the Japan Room in the bride-to-be’s chosen wedding fragrance. Diptyque’s ‘Baies’ delicately scented the air, with notes of blackcurrant leaves complimenting the original chinoiserie wallpaper.
Natasha arrived looking effortlessly chic in a white satin pyjama set complete with belted robe and slippers, ready to begin her gentles touches of glam.
Annabella enhanced Natasha’s natural beauty with a soft glow, whilst Abigail completed the look with a loose knot and perfectly tousled hair, framing her blushing complexion.
As the bells began to chime, Natasha made the short journey to the village church in our St Giles Daimler. One of only 205 of it’s kind, the Daimler has been in the Shaftesbury family since 1955.
With the Shaftesbury crest on the doors, and the radiator cap bearing the family Bull mascot, it is beautifully tied to the history of the house. This particular model, the DE36, was a favourite of the British Royal family; perfectly suited to passenger comfort and with ample space for Natasha’s bridal gown.
A picture of grace and elegance, Natasha wore Fall 22 Elie Saab; a long sleeved tulle gown with a sheer neckline, elusively graduating into a collection of perfectly hand-applied shells and pearls.
Dressed for the weather, the long sleeves protected from any threat of a slight October breeze as Natasha and Oliver strolled through the Sunken Garden, the intricate details of her dress catching the last of the autumn light and casting a soft glow.
The elegant styling reached far beyond the outfits; from silver candelabras, to fine white foliage, to cut crystal glassware that refracted the early October sun as it beamed through the Library windows.
The individual menus; crisp cut cord with gold embossing, tied the look together with a motif of St Giles’s East facade.
Guests enjoyed a starter of caponata with burrata – fresh and light before a sumptuous Spanish lamb dish for the main. An autumnal touch followed with a spicy apple & pear crumble, finished with a blackberry cream.
As the sun set, the evening kicked off with a selection of signature cocktails in the Great Dining Room – the exposed brick wall and statement panelling of which is a gentle nod to the history of St Giles. Guests enjoyed the dulcet tones of a roaming saxophonist amid a service of Moscow Mules & Hugos.
As the evening unfolded, Natasha slipped into her second look – a long-sleeve satin gown, before descending to the basement for an after-party in the speakeasy club. The night finished with live sets from an 11-piece ensemble into the early hours.
All imagery by Taylor & Porter – full gallery and blog on Style Me Pretty.
