English Country Garden Wedding at Findon Place


Charlie and Charlotte’s splendid Summer wedding day.

Findon Place wedding

Photography by Kelsie Scully Photography

Charlie and Charlotte’s summer wedding was the epitome of timeless elegance. Every detail perfectly curated, from the seasonal blooms to the delicate, pastel colour palette, creating an ambiance that was both sophisticated and inviting, perfectly complemented by the English countryside setting. Their wedding's delicate colour scheme—blush, peach, ivory, and green—was consistently showcased throughout the day, evident in the floral arrangements, bridesmaids' outfits, and the wedding cake. The cake featured plissé-inspired edible fondant ruffles, perfectly reflecting the refined style of their celebration.

Sussex Wedding inspiration

THE VENUE

If you are searching for a quintessentially British countryside manor, then Findon Place should be top of your list! This stunning grade II listed Georgian Manor house exudes understated elegance and historic charm, making it the perfect place to host your wedding day.

Whether you are envisioning an intimate, sophisticated day or a full weekend of celebrations, the entire estate is available for exclusive use; ensuring a truly memorable experience for you and your guests.


GETTING READY

Charlotte and Charlie enjoyed a relaxing morning surrounded by their closest friends and family. The atmosphere was warm and joyful, setting the perfect tone for the celebrations ahead.

THE Bridal EnsEMble

Charlotte’s bridal look was stylish and sophisticated right from the start! She and her bridesmaids looked effortlessly chic in matching pyjamas, adding a touch of glamour to their morning preparations.

They enjoyed freshly baked croissants paired with a celebratory glass of champagne, making the most of their time together in the beautiful bridal suite. It was a perfectly elegant start to the day!

Designed by Jesus Peiro and styled in London by Morgan Davies Bridal, Charlotte’s custom made gown was designed with an elegant, A-line maxi silhouette in a beautifully detailed jacquard silk fabric.

I just LOVE the textures on this fabric.

Such elegant detailing along with a contemporary square neckline.  

Not only was Charlotte’s dress stunning, but it also doubled up as two looks. With a gorgeous short sleeved, waisted over jacket for a chic ceremony look, it transitioned beautifully for the evening celebration showcasing the sleek, square-neck with shoulder straps for a relaxed, modern vibe!

Charlotte’s bridesmaids wore delicate silk midi gowns in a warm green tone in differing silhouettes, adding individuality and personality to their looks whilst coordinating with the colour palette perfectly.


the Ceremony

 A short walk from Findon Estate is St Johns Church where Charlie and Charlotte held a traditional church service surrounded by their nearest and dearest.


A SHOWSTOPPING ENTRANce

After the service, the couple and their guests walked together up to the manor house where the reception and wedding breakfast were hosted in a stunning marquee set upon the lawns.

marquee wedding breakfast wedding cake

The marquee was beautifully adorned with showstopping floral arches full of dahlias, David Austin roses, cosmos and foliage, which flowed throughout the table décor within the marquee. Bramble and Belle Florist cleverly repurposed the arrangements from the church ceremony to the reception, maximizing both beauty and value—a brilliant tip for getting the most out of your flowers.

Their wedding cake was perfectly presented for guests to see upon entrance to the marquee — so often the location of the cake display can be easily overlooked and can result in your guests missing your cake cutting moment. Or even worse, missing out on a slice of cake!

My two top tips for wedding cake styling are — make sure your cake is not presented in a corner of your venue space AND make sure your cake cutting moment is announced to your guests beforehand.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a refreshing glass of classic English Pimm’s and a selection of canapés, setting the tone for a relaxed yet refined afternoon before taking their seats to enjoy a sensational wedding breakfast feast!


THE WEDDING CAKE

I cannot tell you how much I love this cake. This design drew inspiration from the delicate movement and textures of fabric manipulation, recreated in edible form with vanilla fondant icing. I just love working with fondant, the creative possibilities are endless!

elegant ruffles wedding cake design

The intricacy and attention to detail within this design are everything; each ruched section of fondant is individually cut, shaped and ruffled  by hand to recreate the look of delicate Plissé fabric. It is an intricate technique but so worth it for the final look.

This elegant 3 tiered cake was designed unique to Charlie and Charlotte. We chose to incorporate their delicate colour palette, with alternating tones of pink and blush to complement the floral arrangements, each ruffle slightly different to the next, layered to create a dramatic, showstopping, one-of-a-kind design.

This cake perfectly showcases that being bold with your cake doesn’t have to mean incorporating towering tiers or flashy colours. The Plissé design is the perfect example of understated boldness—chic and timeless. With its abstract silhouette and subtle touches of colour, this style lets texture take centre stage. It’s a design that truly stands the test of time, bringing a touch of boldness in the most subtle, effortlessly stylish way.

CAKE FOR DESSERT

To make their cake a central feature of their day, the couple chose to serve the cake as the dessert course as part of their wedding breakfast. I always recommend cutting and serving your wedding cake as your dessert course, it is a wonderful way to let it take centre stage for a moment and ensures that your guests get to enjoy it fully.

Traditionally, the cake cutting moment represents the first activity completed together as newlyweds, before enjoying a slice together with loved ones, bringing good luck and prosperity to everyone who enjoys a slice with you.

And there’s always room for cake!

Charlie and Charlotte chose a delicate champagne sponge, layered with champagne and strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream. The ultimate flavour pairing for such a splendid summertime wedding. The cake was beautifully served with fresh cream and berries by the wonderful team at Gastro Catering.


Evening Festivities

wedding reception

After a delightful dinner, followed by cake and speeches and with the arrival of Groovewrk Saxophonist, the evening festivities were soon in full swing! The couple and their guests headed in to the main house for cocktails, live music and Charlie and Charlotte’s first dance, before partying the night away with their nearest and dearest.

The perfect end to a magnificent day of celebrating.


Congratulations to Charlie and Charlotte!

summer wedding at Findon place

KIND WORDS FROM CHARLIE AND CHARLOTTE

“The cake was absolutely spectacular, thank you so much! We have had so many compliments, so many people said how it’s the best they have had at a wedding!”



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