We couldn’t be more excited to kickstart our real weddings series with Jen and Henry’s beautiful Italian inspired country house celebration in June. With a Chinese tea ceremony and simply elegant style, Jen and Henry created a wedding day that reflected their story as a couple. We know you’ll love their beautifully crafted country house wedding and gorgeous cultural elements just as much as we do.
Some Words From the Bride…
Jen Says
Pynes has the immediate wow factor we were looking for; driving up the tree lined driveway, the first sight of the house honestly took our breath away. With an impeccably stylish interior to match the stunning exterior, it just felt ‘right’. As we’d hoped, our guests were as wowed as we were on the drive up to the house… some of our friends commented it was the best wedding venue they had ever been to!
The Outfits…
My dress was from Teokath in Wimbledon. It was a beautiful Lusan Mandongus design, in a really delicate lace; it has a bateau neckline with a sweetheart bodice, A-line silhouette and stunning low back. When I put this gown on it just completely took my breath away. I knew instinctively it was the ‘one’!
Henry wore a navy three-piece single breasted suit with a contrasting Prince of Wales check grey waistcoat, bespoke from Edit Suits in London. This was paired with a blush tie and pocket square to complement the bridesmaid dresses and flowers. He also added my gift to him; a Breitling Limited Edition Transocean watch.
I came across my bridesmaid dress designers on Instagram, when they posted pictures of a wedding at Pynes House – I thought it was meant to be! My girls all looked absolutely beautiful on the day in the full length Edie dress from TH & TH. My thank you gift to them was a simple rose gold Kate Spade necklace with their initial on.
The Ceremony…
Our ceremony was held in the beautiful Drawing room, overlooking the gardens. It was followed by prosecco and canapes outside.
After the traditional ceremony we had a Chinese tea ceremony in the Morning room, which was a nod to Henry’s heritage. Our immediate family and wedding party took part in blessing us during the exchanging of ceremonial tea and red ‘lai see’ envelopes. I was lucky to have a traditional red Chinese dress for this ceremony, gifted to me by Henry’s lovely Mum.
The Look…
I’d describe the style as simple elegance, with a subtle Italian inspired theme. We absolutely love our trips to Italian cities and Rome has a particularly special place in our hearts being where Henry proposed. Our table names were some of our favourite spots in Rome, with our top table being the romantic garden Henry proposed in.
With a summer wedding we wanted there to be a light, fresh, summery feel, so the colour palette was blush pinks, white, cream, light grey, with hints of copper/rose gold… With the interior of Pynes so beautiful, we felt we didn’t need to add too much in the way of decorations. We sought the incredible talent of Laura Hingston to create some floral arrangements.
The Entertainment…
For the music, we had a roaming band who were able to move to where the majority of guests were. With such lovely weather on the day, the band were able to play outside, and our guests absolutely loved them! We also had a DJ, who kept the party well and truly alive after the band had finished their sets.
For extra entertainment we had a great photobooth from Just Pose; we went for the more unique and stylish ‘mirror’ photobooth, a huge mirror with a camera hidden behind. Our guests loved it, particularly the kids!
Most Memorable Moment…
The moment that really sticks out to me is walking down the staircase and seeing Henry for the first time. It almost felt like time stood still. We beamed at each other, and the room just felt so full of love.
Some Advice…
Pynes were incredibly helpful right from the outset and they were always on hand to offer advice so don’t hesitate to ask for their help or opinions.
Go with your instincts and make sure you have that connection with your suppliers; then just trust on the day they’ll do their thing and be awesome!
If this beautifully elegant summertime wedding has got you inspired for your big day then don’t leave yet. Take a look at our colour scheme guide or floral design ideas for some gorgeous real wedding inspiration and striking themes you’ll definitely want to see. In the meantime, drop us a note and let’s talk weddings!
Supplier List:
Photographer: McKenzie Brown Photography
Floristry: The Flower Sessions
Location: Pynes House
Cake: Kate Alexandra
Hair: Steven & Laurent Hairdressers
Make Up: Claire Bowring
Band: The Hares
DJ: Your Big Event
Photobooth: Just Pose