Emily and Matthew’s love story began in the most unique way, over a Maryland cookie on their very first week of sixth form. “It was actually the second day,” Emily laughed. “I missed the first one. Matthew was the new boy from another school, and we ended up on a university tour together. We were in the common room and I was handing out cookies. I offered him one and it all spiralled from there.”
When it came to choosing their wedding venue, they were both instantly captivated.
“Driving down the long, tree-lined drive, we both just went wow,” said Emily. “It’s hidden for so long and then suddenly appears — it’s breathtaking.” Matthew agreed: “The manor house had so much character. At first, you see the traditional rooms and think, ‘this is nice,’ but then they keep showing you more — the Rock Bar, the other spaces — and every room was a surprise. It just kept getting better and better.”
The couple embraced the beauty of an autumn wedding, inspired by the colours of the season. “I just love the trees when the leaves turn,” Emily explained. “We thought about spring at one point, but once I pictured autumn, I couldn’t let it go. The orange colour scheme worked so well with the venue.”
Food was a highlight of the planning process. “We really enjoyed the tasting,” said Emily. “It was so much fun — we just sat and enjoyed ourselves, no work required.” On the day itself, the couple’s guests enjoyed arancini balls, duck spoons, tomato tartlets and chicken skewers during the drinks reception. “One of the groomsmen ended up feeding us because we were too busy,” Matthew admitted, laughing. “Thankfully, one of the staff set aside a platter just for us, which was brilliant.” For starters, they served chicken Caesar salad and baked Camembert. “All of our guests raved about the Camembert,” Emily smiled. “People are still talking about it now.” For mains, the couple chose roast chicken and duck confit, which went down just as well.
Despite the delicious food and stunning setting, both agreed that the most memorable moment was the ceremony itself. “We didn’t expect it,” said Matthew. “Whenever you go to someone else’s wedding, the ceremony can feel like the most formal part. But when it was ours, it felt so personal — almost like it was just the two of us and the registrar.” Emily added: “It was magical. Just perfect.”
When asked what advice they’d give to other couples, Matthew didn’t hesitate. “Don’t leave anything to the last minute. Make sure everything’s ready at least two weeks before. And don’t take responsibility for the groomsmen’s suits — I did, and we ended up forgetting one! Luckily, we managed to cobble something together.” Emily’s advice was more sentimental: “It’s your one day, so do what you want. Don’t try to please everyone else. And take in every single moment — it goes so fast. People always say that, but we completely underestimated it.”
Even with a touch of rain, the couple wouldn’t change a thing. “The venue had so many beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces that it didn’t matter,” Matthew explained. “It was perfect.” Emily agreed wholeheartedly: “I’d have that day over and over again, just as it was.”
Looking back, the newlyweds summed up their wedding day in three simple words: perfect, happiness, stunning. “I don’t think I’ve ever been that happy in my life,” said Matthew. “It really was everything we hoped for.”
