As weddings around the world have been postponed or adapted to meet the new guidelines, luxury wedding planner Emma Murray-Jones curated a team of suppliers to demonstrate the magic that can still be created in your own garden, or in a COVID-19 secure outdoor venue. Their styled shoot is a dose of inspiration during a tough time for engaged couples. We hope it uplifts you as much as it has for us!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Styled Shoot
“Lulled in these flowers with dances and delight” (Oberon, Act 2 Scene 1)
Tell Us About Your Midsummer Night’s Dream Inspired Ceremony?
Set in a beautiful English country garden, this was the ideal backdrop to create our fairytale wedding. By deliberately choosing an accessible venue, we wanted to show prospective brides and grooms that any space can be magically transformed with a touch of imagination.
Adding a playful elegance to this midsummer’s evening, Aurelija from The Balloonista inflated a pastel blue balloon arch with a hint of lilac hydrangeas. The balloons created the perfect entrance for the wedding party, and they framed the incredible seven-tier cake by Nicola from Hall of Cakes. Rising from a sea of pastel colours, this breathtaking edible creation was decorated with handcrafted sugar flowers that looked so lifelike!
Walking down the snow-white aisle is many a bride’s dream, with flickering storm lanterns to guide you towards the floral bower where your ceremony will take place. Our faithful pup, Maisy, also proudly carried the ring, adorned with a pretty floral garland by The Floral Editor.
Top London Outdoor Wedding Venues Where You Can Recreate The Scene…
Cambridge Cottage At Kew Gardens
Cambridge Cottage is a hidden gem in the globally renowned grounds of Kew Gardens. This heritage cottage’s lawns are fully licensed for outdoor wedding ceremonies and the exchange of vows cant take place beneath the archway of the open French doors. Guests can spectate from the lawns beyond, where Midsummer Night’s Dream themed decor would work beautifully.
Cambridge Cottage Highlights:
- Exclusive use of the cottage and dry hire is available
- Wedding fees contribute to the Kew Gardens charity
- Unique outdoor ceremony licence in front of the house
The Garden Room at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court is famous for its historic palace and legendary residents including King Henry VIII himself. However, not as many know about its 1920s style conservatory adjoined to a private garden. The Garden Room is managed by award-winning CH&CO and the ornamental outdoor pergola is licensed for ceremonies. It’s the perfect place for a woodland fairytale wedding.
The Garden Room Highlights:
- Located a 10-minute walk from Hampton Court Railway Station
- Wedding reception catering brought to you by CH&CO
- Picturesque outdoor pergola with a wedding ceremony licence
A Romantic Wild Meadow Garden Reception
How Did You Style Your Whimsical Outdoor Wedding Breakfast?
The talented Fi Burke, the founder of The Floral Editor, created three stunning flower arches as a backdrop for the tablescape. They cascaded with a heavenly scent and created a sense of intimacy. Focusing on a seasonal palette of blues, whites, blush pinks and lilacs, the tableware and lilac candles complemented the lush greenery and lavender of the garden.
Classic Crockery provided tableware in pastel pink and blue, which added the finishing touch to the fairytale theme. They stood out against the elegant white Louis chairs, crisp white tablecloths and napkins provided by Rosetone Furniture. To complete the look, stationery by Ananya Cards, with blue floral watercolours and a hint of gold, lay in pride of place.
Lighting sets the tone for any wedding, with subtle changes enhancing both the mood and atmosphere. Retro filament drop lights installed by Stress-Free Hire added a unique twist to our magical evening, whilst casting warm light over the table. Uplighting by Powerhouse Hire created a warm atmosphere around the floral arches and highlighted the delicate petals.
London’s Best Outdoor Wedding Venues To Host A Garden Reception…
Chiswick House
Chiswick House is a breathtaking 18th Century villa in west London that feels as though time has stopped. Beyond the manor house, you’ll find a light-filled glasshouse where ceremonies can take place surrounded by the sweeping rose gardens. Here, the rolling lawns make an idyllic spot for alfresco banqueting. It’s an enchanting natural environment to create your outdoor wedding vision.
Chiswick House Highlights:
- Ride in a buggy for magical photo opportunities by the Classic Bridge and Ionic Temple
- The Burlington Pavillion is a semi-permanent marquee on-site that makes a great wet weather option
- Exclusive access to the venue after the Chiswick House public opening hours
116 Pall Mall
116 Pall Mall in St James’s is an elegant London wedding venue with a secret garden enveloped by lush greenery. Adjoined to the opulent Carlton Room, where your guests can retreat to after dinner, the Terrace and Waterloo East Garden is a slice of green just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace. It’s a garden jewel in the heart of London.
116 Pall Mall highlights:
- Grade I listed venue in a central London location, near to The Mall
- Gorgeous outdoor lawn suitable for alfresco entertainment and dining
- Package upgrades include a gin and tonic station and an ice-cream bike
Inspired by the idea of a Midsummer Night’s Dream wedding? Discover the full collection of London’s outdoor wedding venues here.
Styled Shoot Suppliers:
Designed, planned and styled by: @emma.murrayjones / Photography by: @xandercaseyphotography / Flowers by: @thefloraleditor / Cake by: @hallofcakes1 / Stationery by: @ananyacards / UpLighting by @powerhouse_hire / Crockery by: @classiccrockery / Outdoor Lighting by: @stressfreehire / Balloons by: @balloonistaco / Furniture & Linen by: @rosetoneeventfurniture / Videography by: @mattpereira