Mark Pugh and his team have been yearning to share Claire and Tom's stunning wedding for such a long time and had to hold off to ensure their wedding had full exclusivity when shared on a wedding blog or within a magazine.
Their wedding was featured on the beautiful Juno & Joy, and Mark Pugh is absolutely delighted with the feature as their wedding is one of his all-time favourite weddings.
Juno & Joy limit the images shared so we have decided to share an additional 150+ images from Claire and Tom's stunning wedding as would could not resist!
This is the first time we have shared their wedding story in its entirety.
THE DAY OF THEIR WEDDING
Mark Pugh joined bride Claire, her father, and her ladies at her parent’s house for the final touches to her bridal preparations.
Claire said: "After trying on dresses of every style and from a range of designers, I chose 'Felicia' by Amanda Wyatt. I loved the classic elegance of this dress, from the lace fabric to the long line of tiny buttons which led from the top of my neck straight down to my hips. The dress had delicate capped sleeves and a feminine diamond shaped neckline. Around the waist sat a thick ivory satin band which emphasised my waist. The dress was fitted down to my knees where it flared out into a subtle fishtail shape. To match the dress I chose an ivory cathedral length veil which was edged with a thin satin trim.
I wore shoes by Kurt Geiger which sparkled all over with tiny little diamanté gems. In my hair, I wore a pearl encrusted tiara and a small flower from my bouquet. I felt like a true princess and wish I could I could wear it all over again.
My dress and veil was supplied by 'Unveiled by Leanne'.
Tom and the male bridal party wore grey Ted Baker suits with traditional tails. Underneath the jacket they wore matching grey waistcoats with ivory ties decorated with a silver paisley print. The suit jackets boasted a fabulous peacock print lining, adding extra fun to their outfits...and photos.
Choosing a colour for the bridesmaids was simple as I knew I wanted them to tone in with my ivory dress, and blend in with the pastel colour pallet of the flowers. We chose a blush pink colour for their dresses which looked completely stunning amongst the flowers. Their dresses were custom made by 'Busy Bee Bridals' and were a fishtail shape with a v shaped neckline. This worked really well as the shape was very similar to my own dress. To make their dresses extra special a lace insert was sewn into the back of the dresses complete with a cowl neck. Not only did this make the dresses look so unique but ever so pretty! To finish off their look the bridesmaids all wore a flower garland in their hair-they looked amazing!"
After a cheeky drink, the ladies took the one minute walk around the corner to the church where the vicar was waiting for them.
Claire said: "It was a given that we would have a church wedding and from then on it was our mission to find the ultimate country venue. Our church service was perfect and included all the traditional features that one would expect. The church was decked out with large floral displays containing flowers you would find in a blooming summer garden, ranging from elaborate hydrangeas to delicate honeysuckle and daisies. Two close friends and Tom's mother carried out special readings and as we signed the register a close friend played her acoustic guitar, singing 'Kiss Me' by Sixpence None the Richer and 'Your Song' by Elton John- she sounded wonderful and entertained our guests beautifully. The service was such a special part of the day for us both and was as perfect as we could have hoped. Two close friends and Tom's mother carried out special readings and as we signed the register a close friend played her acoustic guitar, singing 'Kiss Me' by Sixpence None the Richer and 'Your Song' by Elton John- she sounded wonderful and entertained our guests beautifully.
With the ceremony complete, Mark Pugh took everyone outside for a short series of formal photographs. The church sits atop a hill, and the warm wind blew Claire’s veil in a spectacular fashion.
Claire continues: "Following our ceremony we travelled in a vintage cream coloured Rolls Royce 1934, 20/25 (supplied by the Roman Bank Garage), to The Manners Arms Country House Hotel, Knipton.
The setting of this venue was stunning, as the attractive country house stood perfectly in amongst the luscious landscape of the Vale of Belvoir-a highly rural and picturesque part of Leicestershire. Tom and I opted to have a marquee attached to the house, which acted as the perfect blank canvas for us to create the décor and atmosphere we desired. I love pastel colours and was sure I wanted our colour theme to be subtle yet colourful, hosting all of the delicate shades one would find in an English country garden. The large floral displays which decorated the church were moved by our super ushers to the Marquee, and the top table and circular tables for guests were scattered with jam jars bursting with more beautiful flowers.
The jam jars were decorated with gingham ribbon and strips of lace. The top table boasted approximately 20 jars of flowers as well as four bouquets - it was a true delight and was even more beautiful than I had imagined. I can remember the overwhelming happiness I felt when arriving in the marquee with Tom for the first time.
Dangling from the ceiling of the marquee, were white and ivory tissue paper pom poms which added more detail and enhanced the prettiness of the décor. The pom poms gave the effect of large floral blooms floating in the air as they hung from transparent thread. At this point I must name the lovely ladies who provided the stunning flowers on the day - Anna and Jane from 'Flower's 'n' Things, Spalding. Each table was named after a typically English flower and the top table was named 'The Bouquet'. The signs for each table were painted by myself using watercolour paints, and were also used to create a table plan displayed on an ivory framed mirror."
Claire and Tom wanted a rural / country theme for their wedding, and in The Manners Arms at Knipton, that’s exactly what they got. They put so much thought into every aspect of their day, and this shone through in what was one of our favourite weddings.
They have been amazing clients from start to finish, ordering parent albums, our largest wedding album, thank you cards, premium white glazed message frame to name a few products; the list is endless, and to our delight, they have recommended Mark Pugh services.
Thank you Claire and Tom! :-)
In addition, Mark Pugh has had the pleasure of seeing Claire and Tom at several other weddings since their special day. They are a genuinely lovely couple, and it has been a complete pleasure to spend time with them and provide our specialist services.
We wish them every happiness for the future.
Their main fine art wedding photography collection contains over 400 images, and it has been difficult to share a small selection. However, Mark Pugh's Team have managed to select 100 ish of our favourite images on behalf of www.markpugh.com and these can be viewed below.
We hope you enjoy viewing Claire and Tom’s wedding as much as Mark Pugh enjoyed capturing their special day.
As always, enjoy.
ABOUT THE MANNERS ARMS
The Manners Arms is a luxury AA 4 Star country restaurant with rooms claiming pride of place in the heart of The Vale of Belvoir. Formerly a hunting lodge, built for the 6th Duke of Rutland the building has been refurbished to a high standard and the restaurant with rooms boasts 10 pretty individually appointed bedrooms, an AA Rosette awarded restaurant and a traditional bar.
The Manners Arms offers surroundings with style, the very best in food, drink and spectacular service creating a unique destination delivering amazing experiences to guests.
The Restaurant is a destination in its own right and attracts diners from across the region. They serve locally sourced grills and a la carte dishes. The restaurant is complimented by the bar, serving three real ales often including a local beer brewed within the Vale. This has been tastefully restored and oozes charm and has all the character you could dream of with cosy corners and comfy armchairs. A perfect retreat if you are looking to escape a hectic lifestyle. Here there is a clear belief in creating a relaxed atmosphere, sophisticated surroundings and passion for great service.
THE TALENT INVOLVED:
Photographer www.markpugh.com
Wedding Planner: Emma Burrows and Rosie, The Manners Arms (NG32 1RH).
Stationery / Wedding Invitations: Gillian Blayney, Lovat Press.
Florist: Flowers by 'Flowers 'n' Things' (Jane Fletcher, Spalding).
Table name, place names, and table plan painted and designed by the Bride, Claire (Watercolour).
Transport / Wedding Car Provider: 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 with sports saloon coachwork by Lancefield - Roy Gibson, Roman Garage, Grantham.
Bride Wedding Dress Designer: Amanda Wyatt. www.amandawyatt.com Exquisite ivory fitted, lace gown with shoulder, sleeve and filled-in back detail. The fine cobweb tulle is light and moulds to the body and, teamed with the lovely lace guipure detail creates a very vintage look. The skirt is a fitted a-line with full train giving the dress an almost fishtail shape. The dress has a satin waistband to accentuate the waist and Zip up fastening with button detailing.
Wedding Dress Purchased from (boutique): Unveiled by Leanne
Bride's Shoes: Carvela, Kurt Geiger. A classic shoe named 'Grid'. The sleek peep toe satin court shoe features diamante stud detailing and a 9cm heel.
Hair Stylist: Charlotte Wesson. www.charlottewesson.co.uk
Makeup Artist: Paula Tennant. www.paulatennant.co.uk
Bride's Jewellery: Simple Pearl stud earings and matching pearl bracelet.
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Busy Bee Bridals, www.busybsbridals.co.uk. Satin fishtail dress with a chiffon overlay to create a feminie touch. Lace back insert with matching lace cowl back. Colour, Blush-Nude, a very soft peach.
Groom's Formal Wear: Grey, Ted Baker Morning Suit. www.tedbaker.com. 'Tails of the UnexpecTed' is a classic morning suit with a contemporary, Ted Baker style, twist. The suit incorporates a vibrant peacock feather lining.
Luxury hand-crafted White Guest Message Frame: www.markpugh.com
Wedding rings: Michael Jones Jewellers, Northampton.
Wedding Cake: 4 Tier fruit cake, (one layer lemon sponge). Baked by Susan Steer-Jones, Mother of the bride. Decorated by Anna Davies, Country Kitchen Cakes, Spalding. www.countrykitchencakes.co.uk
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