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Discover the Perfect Wedding Venue: Cowley Manor, Cheltenham
If you’re searching for an extraordinary location to host your wedding, Cowley Manor in Cheltenham is a must-see. This breathtaking Grade II listed manor house offers exclusive hire, complete with 31 beautifully designed bedrooms to accommodate your guests in style.
Cowley Manor boasts stunning decor throughout its elegant spaces, including a sophisticated reception area, cosy living rooms, a charming library, a chic cocktail lounge, and a luxurious spa. Its sprawling 55-acre estate features idyllic countryside views, a serene lake, a cascading Victorian fountain, and a tranquil river frequented by graceful swans and ducks—perfect for picture-perfect moments.
Whether you're envisioning an intimate celebration or a grand affair, Cowley Manor delivers an unforgettable setting for your dream wedding. Make it a priority on your list of venues to visit!
Cowley Manor: A Stylishly Refreshed Wedding Venue with Historic Charm
Recently revitalised by the trendsetting Experimental Group, Cowley Manor has been transformed into a design lover's paradise. Renowned designer Dorothée Meilichzon masterfully blends classic elegance with bold, contemporary details—think vibrant colours, lacquered surfaces, and whimsical nods to Alice in Wonderland. Legend has it that Lewis Carroll drew inspiration for his iconic tale during a visit to this enchanting estate.
For food enthusiasts, Cowley Manor is a dream. Acclaimed British chef Jackson Boxer crafts a locally sourced menu with a refined French twist, ensuring your wedding feast is nothing short of exceptional.
Perfect for intimate yet stylish celebrations, Cowley Manor accommodates up to 100 seated guests and even more for an unforgettable evening party. This venue effortlessly combines historic charm, impeccable design, and culinary excellence, making it an ideal choice for your special day.
When Stars Align: Chloe and James’s Unforgettable Wedding Journey
It all began at The Most Curious Wedfair in March 2022. Chloe, the epitome of cool, walked to my stand with her equally stylish mum, and it was as if the universe whispered, "This is the one." Within moments, we were laughing over our matching dagger collar shirts and platform shoes—a client match made in heaven.
Our discovery Zoom call confirmed it: Chloe and James were the perfect fit. I always know within the first 10 minutes if the chemistry is right, and this was an instant "yes."
Over the next year, we embarked on a deeply collaborative journey. Together, we designed, tweaked, and perfected every detail of their wedding day, often sharing the same ideas at the exact same time. Our synergy made the process not just seamless but fun, and by the time the big day arrived, we had built a foundation of trust and understanding that allowed me to bring their vision to life flawlessly.
Their wedding wasn’t your standard affair. Chloe and James’s vision was bold, contemporary, and uniquely theirs. Every element—from the colour palette to the decor, florals, music, ceremony style, tablescape, and celebrations—had a twist that reflected their individuality.
Planning a wedding like Chloe and James’s is why I love what I do. It’s about more than logistics and aesthetics; it’s about creating an experience that feels deeply personal and one-of-a-kind, leaving both the couple and their guests talking about it for years to come.
A Hidden Gem: The Victorian Fountain Ceremony
For the ceremony, we selected the enchanting hidden Victorian fountain—a spot straight out of a fairytale. Cascading water flows gracefully from lion's heads into the large circular basin, trickling down moss-covered stone steps before disappearing into the lush, grassy surroundings. The serene sound of water and the timeless beauty of the setting created a truly magical backdrop for saying "I do."
A Ceremony Full of Heart and Harmony
Chloe and James’s ceremony was deeply personal and filled with heartfelt touches. Their friend, Hare Krishna monk Ian Nene, officiated, sharing their beautiful love story with warmth and sincerity. The couple exchanged their vows in an intimate moment before leading their guests in a joyful sing-along of songs meaningful to their journey together. Accompanied by the soulful sounds of acoustic guitarist Pembrook, it was a celebration of love, connection, and pure harmony.
Show-Stopping Florals
Ash, one of our all-time favourite florists, delivered jaw-dropping floral designs for every part of Chloe and James’s celebration—from the ceremony backdrop and bouquet to the staging and breathtaking tablescape. Their artistry brought the entire vision to life, elevating every space with blooms that were nothing short of spectacular.
I always tell my couples, and I stand by it: investing in the right florist and allocating a proper budget for flowers is absolutely essential if you want your wedding to be unforgettable. And this wedding was a testament to that truth!
Capturing the Magic on 35mm Film
After their heartfelt ceremony, Chloe and James slipped away for a private portrait session with their talented photographer, Charlotte Patmore. Meanwhile, guests strolled back to the reception, sipping champagne and savouring canapés on the lawn.
Every moment of the day was captured on 35mm film, lending an effortlessly cool, rock 'n' roll aesthetic that perfectly matched the couple’s vision. The timeless grain and authentic vibe of film photography added an edge to the wedding’s unique style, making each shot feel like a work of art.
An Intimate Ceremony in the Chapel
Before the grand celebration, Chloe and James exchanged vows in a private legal ceremony held in the charming chapel on the estate grounds. With only their parents as witnesses, the moment was deeply personal and filled with heartfelt emotion—a beautiful prelude to the day’s festivities.
A Champagne Reception with a Delightful Surprise
Following the ceremony, Chloe and James returned to the terrace for a chic champagne reception, basking in the warmth of a perfect summer day alongside their loved ones. Adding an extra touch of whimsy to the occasion, a pair of adorable alpacas made a surprise appearance, charming the guests and creating unforgettable memories.
The Wedding Breakfast: A Feast of Elegance and Charm
The dining hall was transformed into a vision of meticulous detail and thoughtful design. Long trestle tables were dressed in floor-length blush-pink linen, paired with pastel sage napkins for a soft, romantic palette. Delightful mushroom-shaped place cards, a nod to Chloe's favourite motif, sat alongside personalised menus and pink quartz hearts engraved by Chloe herself as heartfelt keepsakes. The tablescape was brought to life with stunning floral arrangements, scattered summer fruits, vintage candlesticks with glowing candles, and luxe tableware, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and utterly enchanting.
Stunning Party Room Styling: Transforming a Lounge into a Unique Event Space
The lounge space was reimagined into a truly one-of-a-kind party venue, complete with incredible staging designed for the band. The stage, covered in lush fake grass and adorned with vibrant, oversized paper flowers, became the central visual element, drawing guests' attention and setting the tone for the celebration. During the day, the cake was placed front and centre on the stage, creating a perfect selfie backdrop that guests couldn't resist.
To add an extra touch of fun and uniqueness, the couple also brought in the trendy Photoautomat, a cool photo booth with roots in Berlin – one of their favourite cities. It was the perfect addition to the party, encouraging guests to capture fun memories throughout the event.
Evening Entertainment: A Memorable Start to the Party
The evening's entertainment began at 8:30 pm with the arrival of the evening guests, marking the start of the celebration. The atmosphere was electric as the couple shared their emotional first dance to Maps by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead. The iconic cake cutting ceremony followed, adding a personal touch to the festivities and creating a moment for everyone to gather and celebrate.
For Chloe and James, both members of the cool band Wings of Desire (definitely check them out!), the party room design, music, and stage were key elements to make their celebration unforgettable. To bring their vision to life, we created a truly special space. Two life-size disco queens, Thelma and Louise (crafted by Chloe’s talented mum), stood tall as glittering showpieces. These silver mannequins with mirror ball heads cast stunning sparkle dots across the walls and ceiling, adding an electric vibe to the room. A retro bar, doubling as a DJ booth, brought the perfect touch of nostalgia, while the pièce de résistance – the stage – took centre stage, creating an unforgettable setting for the evening's entertainment.
Celebrity-Studded Party with Unforgettable Moments
This unforgettable celebration featured an array of celebrity guests, many of whom took to the mic and stage, creating an electric atmosphere that everyone will remember for years to come.
Chloe was a vision of elegance in a stunning Gucci dress, paired with the longest, most romantic veil that added a touch of glamour to her already breathtaking look. James, looking incredibly dapper, wore a stylish Vivienne Westwood double-breasted suit that perfectly complemented the chic, sophisticated vibe of the evening.
And with that, the rest is history…
SUPPLIERS:
Venue: @cowleymanor
Photography: @voteforpatmore
Planning & Design: @wholelottalove_weddings
Florist: @rootedinrosemary
Stationery: @with_bells_on_invites
Bride’s dress: @gucci
Bride’s shoes: @nodaleto
Veil: @janebourvis
Crown: @simonerocha
Grooms suit: @viviennewestwood
Furniture: @bisleymarquees
Tableware: @theluxecollectionuk
Linen: @just_4_linen
Makeup: @maywilliamsmakeuparist
Hair: @cbasciu
Cake: @sweetpeachcakestudio
Photo booth: @thephotocabin
Giant flowers: @bertievalentinelondon
DJ: @n1cholasmills
Props & Signage: @wholelottalove_weddings
Alpacas: @cotswold_alpacas
Band: @idleplaythingsmusic
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