This Couple Flew 20 Hours in Order to Tie the Knot in the English Countryside

The Engagement

Chris asked Sophie to marry him while the couple was away in Langkawi, Malaysia, but his plans to pop the question first thing in the morning—so the couple could have the whole day to celebrate—were thwarted by Sophie's intense love of buffet breakfasts. He had to wait until after breakfast—an agonizing few hours, he admits. "I was feeling very nervous for a few more hours than I had initially intended," Chris says now. "It all worked out in the end though, and it was an extremely happy day."

Chris asked a friend to make the ring—an oval diamond haloed with more stones on a band encrusted with sparkle. But his friend lived in the United Arab Emirates, making it quite difficult for Chris to pick up the ring in person. "I had to make up a reason for a business trip to Dubai," he says. "A quick turnaround, but well worth it!"

Floral Invitations

Sophie and Chris chose a Minted invitation suite that referenced the future event—one filled with beautiful foliage and white flowers.

Mapped Out

Because the couple feared guests might have a difficult time finding their ceremony and reception, they also offered custom maps of the area featuring the church and venue.

The Dress

Sophie admits she found the search for the perfect wedding dress overwhelming. "There are so many lovely options out there and I really didn't know which way to go," she says. Rather than find herself conflicted in dress shops, Sophie worked with a designer in Singapore, Danny L., to create the gown of her dreams.

"The dress ended up being a very simple silhouette that I felt was timeless and elegant," Sophie describes. "There were lovely lace details everywhere, but especially [on] the cap sleeves and the back … with lace panels and the buttons."

Sophie's bouquet, created by The Rose Shed, showed off the couple's wedding color palette. "The flowers were one of the largest parts of our investment, as we felt it would really contribute to the magic of the event," Sophie explains.

Little Details

Sophie wore a Pronovias veil, and kept her other accessories personal: She slipped on a Cartier watch Chris had purchased for her years before and a diamond bracelet that was a gift from her father. (He gave it to her just minutes before the wedding.)

Dapper Groom

Chris chose a wool Suit Supply suit, which he loved because its rougher texture "contrasted well against the smoother cotton of the waistcoat and shirt," he says.

The Boutonnières

"One more personal element was the addition of white orchids to Chris' and the groomsmen's buttonholes to represent my family history in Singapore," adds Sophie.

The Bridesmaids

Sophie recognized that one dress might not work for her four bridesmaids and maid of honor, so while she asked for some consistency—the women needed to wear long dresses on the blush pink spectrum, she says—they were each allowed to choose their own gown. "I wanted the girls to feel fantastic on the day," Sophie explains. "I really loved how each dress was slightly different yet they all looked so stunning together."

Bridesmaids' Bouquets

Bridesmaids carried slightly smaller versions of the bride's own bouquet, which included ivory roses and seeded eucalyptus.

The Programs

Wedding programs featured a drawing of Killerton Chapel and were bound with twine.

Flower Crowns

The Rose Shed created floral crowns for the flower girls, who wore white dresses.

Making an Entrance

Sophie describes the floral arch on Killerton Chapel's doorway as "breathtaking"—and we completely agree.

Vintage Car

The bride arrived at the chapel in a vintage black car, which she and Chris later took to the reception, too.

A Special Blessing

In place of a traditional religious ceremony, Sophie and Chris had a blessing in front of their friends and family. "There are requirements you have to meet in order to have an official ceremony, and since Chris and I do not have any link with the chapel or the area, we were not able to be officially married by the vicar," the bride explains.

Their official ceremony took place at Marylebone Town Hall in London days before.

A Stunning Sight

Chris says that the moment Sophie walked through the chapel's doors was "quite overwhelming! She looked incredible, and seeing her walk down the aisle in her beautiful dress was a dream. It really is something I'll never forget. I'm very lucky."

Confetti Exit

But Chris' favorite memory from the day, he says, "was walking out of the church into confetti and sunshine. All our friends and family were cheering and taking pictures, and the whole moment was very special." After being showered with confetti, the couple slipped into their vintage car, where they each enjoyed a glass Prosecco as they were driven to the evening reception. "As we went through the country, other cars were beeping their horns in congratulations," Chris recalls.

Double Deckers

To get from the chapel to Pynes House, guests took two vintage double decker buses, "which was so fun," Sophie says.

Catching Up

Sophie and Chris both valued the time they had alone in the car and at Pynes House before their guests arrived. "It was just the two of us and a moment to catch up, talk about the day so far, and be together again," Sophie says.

Cocktail Hour

The couple hosted welcome cocktails in the rose garden outside the country house, serving two signature cocktails: One for the groom—a gin and tonic garnished with grapefruit and juniper berries—and one for the bride, an Aperol spritz.

The Reception

Inside the reception, the couple's white and green theme continued: Tables were topped with crisp white table cloths and napkins, round floral arrangements, and candles.

The Staircase

The venue's main staircase became another focal point of the celebration, thanks to its lush wrapped greenery garlands.

The Cake

This couple's Edible Essence cake was naked—well, semi-naked, they say. The three-tiered confection was lightly iced and decorated with fresh flowers and made from layers of Victoria sponge, lemon, raspberry, and prosecco cake. "It was so delicious," Sophie says.

First Dance

Sophie and Chris took their first dance to "At Last" by Etta James. "It's a song that feels like it was written for us, and it fit perfectly with the style of song we wanted for the first dance," says the bride.

Sources

Photography, Andrew & Ada

Location, Pynes House

Event planning, Lily & Sage

Catering, Pickle Shack and Lemon Jelli Events

Flowers, The Rose Shed

Stationery, Minted and Katie & Nancy

Cake, Edible Essence

Music, Stylish Entertainment & Events

Bride's gown, Danny L.

Bride's accessories, Jimmy Choo shoes; Pronovias veil; Tiffany & Co. bracelet; and Cartier watch

Hair and makeup, Faye O'Connell

Groom's suit, Suit Supply

Groom's accessories, Loake shoes and Cartier watch

Transportation, Classic Wedding Cars