A Formal Destination Wedding on a Country Estate in England

September 30, 2011

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The Happy Couple

Aaron Delesie

A dapper British groom and his American bride say "cheers" to friends, family, and each other at their intimate Thanksgiving nuptials in the bucolic English countryside.

Neal Callow and Heather Banta decided to marry on the English county of Somerset, the idyllic setting of such Jane Austen novels as "Persuasion" and "Northanger Abbey." For the reception, they chose Babington House, a 16th-century manor turned hotel and spa, and for the ceremony, the even older St. Andrew's Church in the nearby village of Mells.

Neal and Heather pose on the grounds of Babington House. He is wearing a Tom Ford suit; she's in a Delphine Manivet dress.

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The Scenery

Aaron Delesie

The couple fell in love with the area's sweeping vistas. "We really wanted our guests to see it, too," says Heather.

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The Bouquet

Aaron Delesie

Heather's bouquet of 'Juliet' roses, dusty pink and burgundy ranunculus, white anemones with black centers, trailing green amaranths, parsley, and mint arrived in time for prewedding photos; with it she wore sentimental jewelry, including her grandmother's gold charm bracelet. "It's the most valuable thing I own," she says.

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Jewelry

Aaron Delesie

Around her neck, Heather wore a Victorian-era compass on a long gold chain. "Neal gave it to me for my birthday one year, and I couldn't imagine walking down the aisle without it."

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The Bridal Gown

Aaron Delesie

"I felt completely myself," says Heather of her backless satin slip dress.

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Shoes

Aaron Delesie

Her blush Christian Louboutin pumps rest on a Louis VXI chair.

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The Groomsmen

Aaron Delesie

Neal and his groomsmen strike a casual pose before the ceremony.

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Accomodations

Aaron Delesie

Many of the couple's guests stayed at Babington House.

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Bridesmaid Attire

Aaron Delesie

Heather's Vera Wang-clad bridesmaids keep warm in midnight-blue cashmere wraps; the bride wears a lace overlay.

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The Ceremony Site

Aaron Delesie

A view of St. Andrew's Church, which dates back to the 15th century.

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Ceremony Decor

Aaron Delesie

A large wreath of hydrangeas hangs at the church entrance.

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The Processional

Aaron Delesie

Heather's father walked her down the aisle.

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The Ceremony

Aaron Delesie

Neal and Heather's candlelit church ceremony started just before sunset.

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A Special Moment

Aaron Delesie

"The best moment was seeing Heather in her dress for the first time," says Neal, embracing her post-nuptials.

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Transportation

Aaron Delesie

Iconic London transportation collected guests for the ride from the church to the reception site.

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Reception Table

Aaron Delesie

Guests sat at a long banquet table for dinner.

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Dinner

Aaron Delesie

The menu included classic Thanksgiving fare, such as roast turkey with stuffing, cranberries, and sweet potatoes. "The holiday is about loved ones coming together, plus everyone traveling from the U.S. already had the time off," says Heather. "It worked out perfectly."

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Table Arrangements

Aaron Delesie

Ranunculus, roses, grasses, and berries make up the centerpieces.

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Favors

Aaron Delesie

The newlyweds gave ornament versions of their getaway car as favors.

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The Dance Floor

Aaron Delesie

After dinner, the party took an energetic turn. A rock cover band beckoned guests onto the dance floor, where they remained long into the evening.

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The Cake

Aaron Delesie

Heather and Neal cut their carrot cake; each tier is ringed with flags, reflecting their passion for travel.

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Fireworks

Aaron Delesie

The couple snuggle up to watch the fireworks at evening's end.

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The Getaway Car

Aaron Delesie

The newlyweds drove away in a Rolls Royce that belonged to the bride's grandfather (an original producer of the 007 films).

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Sources

Aaron Delesie

Ceremony Location: St. Andrew's Church, Mells

Reception Location and Catering: Babington House

Event Planning: David Pressman Events

Stationery: Mr. Boddington's Studio (invitation), Hello!Lucky (menu and escort cards)

Wedding Photography: Aaron Delesie

Flowers: Passion

Music: Salutemus (cocktail hour); Rollercoaster (reception)

Bride's Dress: Delphine Manivet

Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bridesmaids' Dresses: Vera Wang

Hair and Makeup: Norma Webb

Transportation: Shaftesbury and District (double-decker bus)

Fireworks: Fantastic Fireworks

Favors: Bombki

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