Sophie & Elliot’s bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography

Published by Claire Gould on

I think it’s my lucky week. I mean it MUST be – the weddings and shoots we’re sharing are insanely pretty! Then there’s my inbox – and the features we have coming up (with yet more amazing couples) are so exciting! Pinch me, someone! ? … anyways, today we have the BREATHTAKING wedding of Sophie & Elliot, who said their I dos at Sophie’s folks house, with a sperry tent from Papakata providing the loveliest backdrop to their day. Their June wedding was the perfect English country garden celebration (hats off to actually being in an actual English country garden, guys!) with styling and florals vibrant and exotic – even including the food! Sophie’s dress is a bespoke design from English Wedding members TDR Bridal – it’s stunning and she looks incredible.

The floral installations are by Pip Holland – Sophie and Elliot’s friend and a florist. Pip worked with her team around the clock for 4 days leading up to the wedding creating a topical paradise. Each table had an individual arrangement, then there was a flower arch and a large ring above the circular bar. All of the bridesmaids had flower rings instead of bouquets and the ring bearer (Sophie & Elliot’s dog!) looks adorable in a flower garland!

Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (7)

Wedding photographer’s website:

Andy Li https://www.andyli.photography

How did you choose your photographer?

The mother of the bride found him and we fell in love due to his quirky, fun photos which were more contemporary than the usual traditional formal photos.

Were you pleased with your wedding photographer? Do tell… we love a brilliant review!

We were so happy to see the incredible range of photos, from fun to emotional to romantic. A great selection to sum up one day !

Tell us about the moment you saw your wedding photos for the first time?

We had a sneak preview and it was magical. The photos blew us away!

 

 

Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (1)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (2)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (3)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (4)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (5)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (6)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (8)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (9)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (10)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (11)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (12)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (13)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (14)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (15)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (16)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (17)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (18)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (19)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (20)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (21)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (22)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (23)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (24)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (25)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (26)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (27)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (28)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (29)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (30)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (31)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (32)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (33)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (34)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (35)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (36)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (37)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (38)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (39)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (40)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (41)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (42)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (43)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (44)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (45)
Sophie & Elliot's bright and beautiful wedding in an English country garden, with Andy Li Photography (46)

Where did you find your suppliers? (Blogs, magazines, recommendations?)

Our very good friend Pip did the flowers, she has travelled the world in her time supplying flowers for weddings. She was exceptional.
Our food was through a local company we have used for many of our family parties, the owner and chef is South African and has a flair for incredible unique food. We love Greek cuisine and different styles of mezze. Our chef managed to create a bespoke menu which was like a work of art.
We searched hard for the perfect marquee, as it was quite a contemporary wedding we wanted something a little different to the norm. Papakata were a company we found through Instagram and their tents blew us away. We chose the sperry tent with three peaks, it was magical.
My bridesmaid dresses were difficult to find, I didn’t want the typical bridesmaid dress so ended up looking at the high street shops and found the dream dresses in Mango. Covered in floral with a floaty silk feel, they matched the theme and the flowers beautifully.
My own dress was from TDR bridal, it took some time to find the cotton embroidery which I wanted, most dresses had plain material or lace, where as I really want cotton sewn into it. This dress was one of their bespoke dresses designed by the owner of the shop- I fell in love and that was it!
My shoes ‘Bella Belle’ were only in USA, however after much research I found one supplier a couple of hours from our home. Mum and I drove there one day and tried their samples, they were just want I wanted.

What’s your top tip for saving money?

Plan ahead and give yourself a budget!

… and which elements of your wedding are you glad you spent more on?

Flowers and food!!!

Where did you buy or source your wedding stationery – or was making it a labour of love?

Crum and co did our invites and they were simply gorgeous, minimal and contemporary.
The signs I created myself, with experience in design I couldn’t help getting carried away, these were etched on acrylic.
My mum did the table plan, hand written on the mirror, and we also hand crafted all of the favours. We worked hard to create everything ourselves being creative people.

Did you fall in love with your wedding dress?

Yes, it was something I hadn’t seen in any other shop but found a lot of images on Pinterest I loved. It was the embroidered cotton which grabbed my attention. Although a simple design the material was unique and perfect for the theme of the wedding.

Wedding dress designer and bridal boutique:

TDR Bridal

Tell us about your accessories: jewellery, shoes and anything else!

Bella belle shoes – all the way from America!
Diamond earrings bought as a gift from my husband.
Grandmas engagement ring, a gift from her to me for the wedding.
Real orchids in my hair, designed by my florist.

And what did the groom wear?

Morning suit, with a light drey waist coat and puppy tooth trousers.

Beautiful bridesmaids: what did your best girls wear?

Mango dresses, floral print in a sage green with deep oranges and reds.

Hair and make-up – did you DIY or hire a professional?

Mine and my mums hairdresser did our hair, he had stopped doing weddings years ago but as loyal customers he promised he’d do ours. He was incredible, my hair has always been quite fine and hard to work with, but he made it just perfect on the day and it didn’t change throughout.

General styling – did your venue need much decoration?

Yes, as it was at home the fields were re- landscaped and levelled out. The garden leading up to the field had a pathway built across and all gates were removed and altered. The whole shape and designed was created just for the wedding.

Crafts and makes – tell us about any homemade elements of your wedding… did you enjoy them?

It was all homemade and we had so many helpers. The week of the wedding was a heatwave so everyone came round to help with the prep. From poopascooping the horse to creating flower arches it was a fantastic build up and we loved every minute. Although hard work it certainly paid off and the day was even more enjoyable.

The wedding cake: what kind of cake did you choose and why?

We were very privileged to have My mum make the cake, it was a savoury cheese cake however she designed it to look like a normal sweet cake and covered it in real flowers.

Entertainment: any musical recommendations, surprises or treats?

We had a grand piano on the lawn for the reception. Followed by a saxophonist who joined the guests on the dance floor in the evening to get the party going.
We also had two large firepits with marshmallows for all evening guests to help with the munchies, our friend also did he famous savoury and sweet crepes which went down a treat!

Words of wisdom: share your best piece of advice for other couples:

Enjoy every minute, the lows are never low they are just the extent of hard work and effort and every minute of it is worth it! Friends and family love to help so get them involved as it makes the day even more special.

What’s the best thing about being married?

Having my husband by my side forever!


Claire Gould

Claire spends her days writing - either in beautiful calligraphy or online. She lives on the edge of the English Lake District only minutes away from the beach, where she loves to escape and unwind. Claire's calligraphy can be found at www.byMoonandTide.com. Claire launched the English Wedding Blog in November 2009 - it's been a top 10 UK wedding blog ever since, with a regional focus we hope you LOVE.

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