Congratulations to Laura and Alex, a very happy couple indeed, after their special day tying the knot! Join us for a glimpse of their gorgeously romantic wedding day at Manor by the Lake with these fabulous photos by Dan Morris Photography.
Despite not having been able to sleep for butterflies in her stomach, Laura had a thoroughly enjoyable morning getting ready in her own home, giggling with her girlfriends, comfortable and cosy in their matching onesies (a present from the bride!), indulging in a sip or two of champagne, and being professionally pampered with the full works – the hairdresser, make-up artist, and photographer were all on hand to ensure that every member of the bridal party was radiant, relaxed and ready to go.
With the help of her mum, Teresa, Laura had chosen an exquisite white lace wedding gown from Linda Gray Bridalwear, perfect for the late summer/early autumn season. Upon stepping out of the changing room she recalls how the look on her mother’s face said it all; there was no question that this was The One.
The exquisite lace bodice covered her shoulders and arms for the church ceremony, and later in the day, Laura took this off to reveal a stunning strapless neckline of the gown beneath. The hems and sleeves on both the sleeved top layer and the dress featured soft ‘eyelash’ edging to the lace, giving it a gentle, delicately whimsical finish.
The dress proved to be a knock-out; Laura’s dad hadn’t seen it until the Big Day, and when she walked down the stairs to meet him, the sight of his little girl in her wedding dress prompted a very emotional moment for both of them. No doubt there were a few happy yet nervous tears dabbed away as they tightly held hands in the back of the chauffeur-driven wedding car all the way to the church!
Knowing that they wanted a church wedding, Laura and Alex had arranged for their ceremony to be held at the Holy Trinity Church in the pretty Gloucestershire village of Badgeworth. Although accompanied by her proud father, Laura reports that she had ‘jelly legs’ as she walked up the beautiful ornate 14th century aisle to join Alex, but that those nerves soon disappeared as she stood calm and certain next to her future husband, who was waiting, smiling at the sight of his beautiful bride.
Laura and Alex had been on a search for ‘somewhere beautiful’ to host their wedding reception and celebrations, and Manor by the Lake proved to tick all their boxes and more. The wow factor won them over as soon as they visited, with its stunning grounds and splendid interiors, each room with a unique style and feel. They were particularly taken with the impressive Ballroom, in which they hosted the delicious wedding breakfast, and the Rock Bar, complete with juke box, for the evening festivities.
While mostly exciting and fun, it’s also sometimes hard work organising a wedding – there’s a lot riding on it, after all! But Laura and Alex were lucky to have the generous support of both their families coming together to make this symbolic day truly special. Behind the scenes, Laura reports that the staff at Manor by the Lake were especially helpful, friendly, and went out of their way to ensure that the preparations and the day itself went smoothly. As she says, “we couldn’t have asked for anything more!”
Laura and Alex had booked a pianist, Lee Axford, to play during the reception, and so it was that her favorite song, ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perry was the soundtrack to the arrival of the newlyweds. As the guests arrived, it was noticeable how their faces lit up at the overwhelming beauty of the house and its surroundings. As Laura recalls, they both felt “so proud to see that everyone was having such a good time and enjoying themselves!”
The bridesmaids, once out of their playful onesies, looked like ‘supermodels’, in matching full length gowns, the baby pink tying in beautifully with the colour theme of the day and echoed in the delicate roses of the bridal bouquet, the groom and ushers’ ties, socks and silk pocket handkerchiefs, and the four-tiered wedding cake. Pretty pinks were also mixed into the floral arrangements in the church and dining table displays, in a gloriously fragrant combination of roses, lilies and gypsophelia.
With a date set for early October, there was no guarantee what the weather would be like (let’s face it, in this country there’s no guarantee about that in any month!) so Manor by the Lake was an excellent choice for indoor photos and reception drinks as well as outdoor.
As luck would have it, the sun shone and the clear blue skies were perfect for making the most of the gorgeous grounds. In these autumn months, the foliage climbing the front of the manor house is at its finest, rich in vivid reds and gold. A photographer’s dream come true – and you only need to look at these stunning photos from the day to see how magical the setting is.
The love and laughter flowed long into the evening, and at the end of this day on which their dreams had come true, the happy couple retired to the bridal suite, described by Laura as ‘out of this world’!
So now we wish Mr and Mrs Caluori every joy in their lives together, and of course, on their honeymoon in Dubai. Hip hip hooray!
Enjoy being inspired by further photos of Laura and Alex’s wedding at Manor by the Lake by Dan Morris Photography:
Manor By The Lake
Country House · Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Photography: Dan Morris Photography
Dress: Linda Gray Bridal Wear
Accessories: Tiffany & Co jewellery, Lily bridal shoes and Linda Gray lace
Wedding rings: Warstone
Bridesmaids’ dresses: JJ’s House
Hair: Emma Bolton
Make-up: Pippa Dando (Laura’s friend)
Groom’s outfit: Next
Flowers: Donna Beaver – The Flower Studio
Cake: A Piece of Cake, Cheltenham
Transport: Satin and Lace
Videography: Patrick Barnes (Laura’s cousin)
Entertainment: Ultrabooth
Pianist: Lee Axford, Cheltenham
Catering, venue dressing, lighting: Manor by the Lake
