In a picturesque Cotswolds castle, surrounded by the warm hues of late summer’s leaves, Roberto and Samantha’s love story unfolded into a fairytale-like celebration. As they exchanged vows, the couple seamlessly blended traditional elements with modern flair, honoring their cultural backgrounds and family roots while staying true to their stylish selves. The refined color palette of blushes, whites, and greens set the tone for an intimate gathering, where personalized touches told the tale of their proposal in Rome and Roberto’s Italian hometown. Guests were treated to local wine and honey favors, traditional toasts, and heartfelt photographs of loved ones near and far. The stunning white blooms by Amie Bone whispered tales of love and devotion, harmonizing with Samantha’s exquisite bridal attire – a masterpiece crafted by Suzanne Neville, adorned with Hermione Harbutt’s headpiece and Freya Rose’s shoes. As guests took their seats, tablescapes welcomed them to an atmosphere of elegance and authenticity, blending seamlessly with the venue’s regal past. ARJ Photography masterfully captured every moment, inviting you to relive the magic through the gallery that follows.
THE PROPOSAL
As we strolled through Rome’s vibrant streets after dinner, our weekend getaway took an unforgettable turn at the Trevi Fountain. With cameras ready, Rob requested a photo of me tossing a coin into the ancient waterway. But little did I know, he had another surprise in store. As I opened my eyes to pose for the shot, Rob was already down on one knee, ring in hand. The surrounding crowd erupted into applause and cheers as I slipped the ring onto my finger, the moment forever etched in our memories.
THE VISION
Our vision for the big day was a classic, intimate ceremony in a beautiful church setting, complemented by an atmosphere that would leave our loved ones with lifelong memories. To achieve this, we sought to infuse the celebration with personalized elements that would make it truly one-of-a-kind.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
We enlisted the expertise of Krissy from Sweetpea and Blossom to oversee the planning process, and her exceptional skills ensured a seamless execution of our event. Her creative input was instrumental in generating innovative ideas that greatly contributed to the day’s overall success.
THE VENUE
THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES
The Suzanne Neville Dress stood out as a showstopper, complemented beautifully by Hermione Harbutt’s exquisite headpiece. Meanwhile, the shoes that caught everyone’s attention were none other than Freya Rose’s stunning creations.
FINDING THE DRESS
I embarked on a meticulous search for the perfect gown, only to be left underwhelmed by countless options. However, as soon as I entered Suzanne Neville in Knightsbridge, I was enveloped in a sense of comfort and indulgence, making it an extraordinary experience. Her aesthetic resonated deeply with me, and when I finally tried on my dress, I knew instinctively that it was the one I had been seeking. The Italian theme played perfectly into my desire for sleeves, which were ultimately complemented by the addition of covered buttons to the cuffs and a charming bow at the back of the waist.
GROOM’S ATTIRE
We opted for a black tie wedding from the outset, a choice that led Rob on a quest for the perfect tuxedo. His search wasn’t without its challenges, as he scoured various options before finally settling on a Hugo Boss suit with a unique connection to his heritage – it was crafted in a town near his family’s Italian roots, where we had also spent a memorable holiday together.
THE READINGS & MUSIC
The atmosphere was filled with harmony as a string quartet performed at our church service, perfectly complementing the intimate setting. As I made my way down the aisle, they beautifully rendered ‘A Thousand Years’, setting the tone for an unforgettable day. Meanwhile, our first dance to Oasis’s iconic hit ‘Wonderwall’ brought the party to life and got everyone dancing!
BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS
For the wedding party, we opted for a combination of elegant styles from two popular retailers. The adult bridesmaids donned stunning ensembles courtesy of Debenhams, while the flower girl’s adorable frock was sourced from Marks & Spencer.
THE DETAILS & DÉCOR
To infuse our special day with a sense of tradition and personal significance, we incorporated subtle Italian elements alongside classic touches. One of our favorite ways to personalize the wedding was through thoughtful favors – we gave each guest a miniature honey jar from my father’s own beehives, a sweet reminder of his beekeeping passion. We also chose wine from the charming village where Rob’s family hails from in Italy, paying homage to their heritage. To make it even more meaningful, we featured a table dedicated to our parents’ and grandparents’ wedding photos, a heartwarming nod to the generations that came before us. In between courses, we surprised our guests with a special vodka toast, celebrating my Polish roots and Rob’s Italian heritage. As the evening unfolded, I had the honor of wearing my great-grandmother’s antique engagement ring from the 1920s – a stunning piece of family history that added an extra layer of romance to the night. To cap it off, we sipped on our signature cocktails: Mrs. Passion fruit martini and Mr. Negroni, two drinks that would become forever linked to the magic of our wedding day.
THE FLOWERS
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
THE CAKE
At Vanilla Pod Bakery, our experience was truly exceptional. Initially, Rob had his heart set on a specific cake that several other companies deemed impossible to create. However, after meeting with Pia, all stress melted away. She effortlessly accommodated last-minute tweaks to ensure the final product perfectly matched our vision, resulting in an incredibly impressive and visually stunning outcome.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
As the big day approached, Rob faced an unexpected hiccup when he realized he’d left his shirt at home. With mere hours to spare, he embarked on a last-minute dash to the shops to procure a replacement. Meanwhile, my dad’s reaction upon beholding me in my dress for the first time that morning was one for the memory books. The wedding breakfast brought its own brand of excitement, as our Italian guests insisted on toasting with glasses and, by tradition, requiring us to share a romantic kiss each time they did so. As the night drew to a close, Rob’s mom stole the show – and his dance moves – in a heartwarming finale.
THE HONEYMOON
Our idyllic getaway in Mauritius spanned two unforgettable weeks, during which every aspect of our trip exceeded our expectations. The exceptional service at Sugar Beech and Maradiva Villas and spa, combined with the thrilling day trips we embarked on – including a dolphin-watching excursion – left us feeling truly spoiled. A piece of advice from a trusted family friend also led us to visit the local zoo, where we had the unique privilege of walking alongside lions in an experience that was nothing short of breathtaking.
ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES
To commemorate the special moments of your big day, consider having speeches filmed so you can relive the magic whenever you want. Additionally, incorporate personal touches throughout your celebration to make it truly unforgettable. Staying true to your vision and desires will also help ensure that everything aligns with what matters most to you. And when it’s all said and done, take some time off before heading on your honeymoon – the anticipation can be a great motivator!
Credit Where Credit Is Due
We’re thrilled to share the story of Roberto and Samantha’s unforgettable wedding, a masterclass in blending classic elegance with modern whimsy. Behind the lens, ARJ Photography captured every precious moment, while Sweetpea & Blossom Weddings and Events orchestrated the entire affair with finesse. The majestic Sudeley Castle served as the perfect backdrop for this romantic celebration. As guests entered the venue, they were treated to a stunning floral arrangement courtesy of Amie Bone, perfectly complementing the lush greenery surrounding the castle. Vanilla Pod Bakery delighted taste buds with their scrumptious creations, while Wesley House provided top-notch catering services that left everyone in awe. Knight Light Events ensured seamless production, ensuring every moment shone bright like the couple’s love. Emma Green worked her magic on hair, creating styles that were as beautiful as they were effortless. We’re grateful to Roberto and Samantha for sharing their joyous day with us and our readers; a heartfelt thank you goes out to Val Xx for making it all possible.
