Medieval Magic for the Eco-Friendly Eleanor & Juho

Venue: Missenden Abbey

A Midsummer Night's Dream met enchanting English gardens in Eleanor and Juho's beautiful ceremony. A marine biologist for a bride and a dive instructor for a groom, this special couple ensured sustainability was at the heart of their wedding day - particularly in the locally-grown, native flowers full of whimsy and colour decorating the venue. Mint, honeysuckle and ivy intertwined with dahlias, peonies and roses blended in seamlessly with the outstanding scenery of Missenden Abbey, hand-crafted details of which the couple wished could have lasted forever.

“We were absolutely blown away by our flowers, which were incredible and really set the whole theme,” the bride gushes. “Because of them, our photographs turned out simply beautiful… And because of our cake, that still has people talking about it 3 months after the wedding!” The cake in question, baked and decorated at Maxine’s Patisserie, was a resplendent, three tiered sea-scape, with fish, a Manta Ray, an Octopus, shells… Even three of the couple’s favourite species of nudibranchs! The bride explains how Maxine’s Patisserie took their vision and made it a really special, show-stopping moment in their wedding -  their friends, family and even strangers commenting on how they had the best wedding cake they had ever seen (and enjoying eating it, too).

Continuing this eco-conscious mindset, the bride was certain that she wanted a sustainable, second-hand dress. After browsing multiple sites, she ended up stumbling upon her dream dress… “I knew as soon as I saw it that it was the one! It was different, with big, pink flowers embroidered all over it, and it was Temperley - which is a designer I have always loved.” As well as her gorgeous dress, the bride stunned in a tousled, curly up-do, which - paired with her authentic flower hairband - created a glowing, ethereal beauty about her look.

The couple’s majestic ceremony was packed full of small, touching details, making the day truly their own. As the groom is a huge Lord of the Rings fan, the bride walked down the aisle to a piano rendition of ‘Curious Hobbits’ - another unique, personal touch, raising some knowing smiles from the crowd. During the register signing, the bride’s talented 11-year-old cousin sang for everyone - leaving not a single dry eye in the crowd!

After their upbeat first dance to Nat King Cole’s 'LOVE', the pair were able to celebrate their special day with their closest friends and family in the stunning grounds of the Abbey. The original, medieval features combined with the modern, friendly attitudes of the staff ensured a serene atmosphere for their wedding day - guiding them through the stress of planning and timings, and allowing Eleanor and Juho the freedom to just focus on their love for one another.

THE DREAM TEAM

VENUE Missenden Abbey PHOTOGRAPHER Lucy Long Photography JEWELLERY Les Nereides DRESS Temperley London Bridal SHOES GINA FLOWERS Howe Farm Flowers CAKE Maxine's Patisserie HAIR Brandon O'Sullivan Hair and Beauty