Outdoor Weddings: Vintage Affair In an English Garden


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Charlotte and Matthew’s search for the perfect country setting for their wedding venue ended when they saw the Walled Garden at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire just outside London. The beauty and peacefulness of the countryside was exactly what they wanted.

Historic Garden Setting . . . Vintage Merry-Go-Round . . . Activities for Children

The scene: The couple said “I do” in the historical Walled Garden established in the 16th century. The wedding’s white color palette was used in both the floral and furniture details—even the grand piano was white—and brought the garden to life.

That magic moment: While the adults were enjoying cocktails and canapés, Four Seasons arranged a teddy bear picnic for the children. They hid teddy bears in the forest, and 25 children had to search for the one with their name on it. “That’s our daughter’s favourite part of our wedding,” says Charlotte.

The bride and groom: The couple took advantage of the property’s 500 acres, posing for formal portraits throughout the hotel’s gardens.

The bride wore: Charlotte chose a gown by Kenneth Pool because of its vintage design. “One day I hope my daughter will want to wear it on her wedding day.”

A personal touch: Charlotte and Matthew rented a vintage merry-go-round to sit on the terrace where cocktails were served, but the carousel was too heavy. Four Seasons staff quickly changed the venue to the Manor House, where guests enjoyed reception drinks, canapés and rides on the carousel before the formal dinner.

''The couple decided to create their own wedding vows, but instead of writing them out ahead of time, they spoke straight from the heart. “We were amazed that the words just came to both of us,” says the bride.

From the last-minute change of venue to the need to relocate a grand piano from the garden back into the ballroom, the wedding day’s events were seamless.

With their own unforgettable vacation memories as motivation, the couples made sure their guests enjoyed the wedding—as well as the Resort.