A glorious September day saw the elegant Wedding of this beautiful couple, Yulia and Emad. Having previously visited Minley Manor some four years earlier for her sisters' birthday celebrations, the bride knew this was the perfect setting for them.
On our first speaking with the bride to be, in July 2021, it was clear that this was a discerning couple hoping for a sophisticated celebration, and were keen to marry in just a few months time. With so much to arrange in an incredibly short amount of time, we enlisted luxury wedding planner Susie Evans to ensure the couple were in the most capable hands; who, assisted by the equally talented Libby, organised the entire day in just seven....yes seven, weeks!
On the day of the wedding, Yulia arrived in a Ivory Bentley Beauford and looked radiant in a simple yet stunning gown complimented by a handtied bouquet brimming with peachy tones. Prior to the guests arrival, she wanted to take advantage of the Manor House balcony, overlooking the beautiful Hampshire countryside, for some stunning bridal shots with internationally renowned photographer, Paola Colleoni.
As guests arrived through the archway to the see the magnificence of the Manor House, they were greeted with Ruinart Champagne served by the sensational catering team at Bubble Food, whilst graceful dancers from Divine Company entertained with a spell bounding performance on the Wellingtonia Avenue.
With the outdoor ceremony set amongst the 150 year old giant Sequoias, guests enjoyed a classical repertoire played by Status Cymbal string quartet, whilst the handsome groom eagerly awaited the arrival of his bride, escorted by her father and their beautiful flower girls. On one of their visits to Minley, the bride had expressed a desire for the ceremony to be facing down the 480m Wellingtonia as it was symbolic of the start of their journey on their long married life ahead of them.
Tony Dunne, the Stylish Celebrant, officiated the ceremony in true style while guests laughed, and cried, as the couple delivered their personal vows in front of the stunning floral arch created by the talented Caroline of Nordic Twigs, rich with foliage and mellow peachy shades.
After an emotional ceremony the happy couple were all smiles and raring to start the celebrations off with some dancing and a champagne reception. The groom was particularly fond of belly dancing, so Yulia had arranged a surprise appearance from a professional belly dancer.
While the guests, and even the bride, tried their hand at learning the technique, the catering staff passed around exquisite canapes presented in the most beautifully innovative ways.
A further performance from the Divine Company delivered a striking show during the drinks reception accompanied by the quartet. A delightful way to keep the guests amused during the couples' photographs.
Meanwhile, in the Orangery the dining was exquisitely set by the Bubble team on one long banqueting table with the Bride and Groom placed in the central atrium. Not one but two stunning mirrored bars were placed strategically to facilitate a speedy drinks service.
The table was laid with gold tableware to compliment the peach and gold tones of Nordic Twigs' tall floral centrepieces, which were interspersed with low level arrangements and glass vases and candlesticks. Beautiful Ester & Erik tapered candles and peach linen napkins completed the look.
After the speeches, we brought in a television so that the guests could watch a emotional film Yulias mother had produced as a beautiful tribute to the couple and their lives so far. Reminiscing on childhood family photos and a stunning montage of images from when they met. Personal messages from guests who were unable to travel to the UK were a special surprise and brought tears to the couples eyes.
After the reception the evening party started outside with high energy sets from the dynamic Mode Show Band. Guests partied until the early hours, chatting around the firepits and heaters while the ladies danced barefoot on the lawns.
The grand finale was a spectacular firework show from Firebird Entertainment from the South Field which lit up the sky and showered the Manor House in colour. The perfect end to a most perfect day. We wish Yulia and Emad a very long and blissful married life together.
