Olivia and Lee’s Somerset destination wedding ceremony at Farleigh House near Bath was a return home from overseas. They celebrated their marriage in luxurious elegance with family and friends. We began the beautiful day with a romantic wedding ceremony.
The ceremony took place in the castle garden, with its perfect dimensions and natural outdoor aisle and ceremony space, all styled to perfection, and flowered by Olivia’s very talented Mum. The sun shone and even the gentle spring breeze couldn’t stop me hearing the huge gasp of wonder as Olivia and her father came up the aisle, she looked incredible. I both blinked back my emotions and we gathered by the florals where I spoke to friends and family about the incredibly romantic meeting of these two gentle and kind people, and how they fell in love and found their home in each other overseas.
Family means everything to Lee and Olivia, so we celebrated their special connection to their parents with some very personal contributed words from them, and Olivia’s brother read this beauty, Joy Chose You, by Donna Ashworth, which is fast becoming a celebrant ceremony favourite in the UK. He read it in such a steadfast, heartfelt way, I found myself swallowing back tears again! Then, Lee’s lovely father read a poem which felt like it had been written just for them, called ‘A bird and a boat’, by Joseph Fusaro. Olivia’s previous surname and Lee’s career made this an unbelievably emotional choice, about two elements entwining on the same journey.
We asked family and friends to join in with some commitments to our couple after they had made their own, which enveloped them in love and support for the times when home feels too far away. As Olivia and Lee repeated their wedding vows and exchanged their rings, it was a truly intimate and beautiful moment, as if it was just the two of them there.
The ceremony was followed by the most gorgeous late-spring cocktail hour on the lawns of Farleigh House, and a slow saunter of a confetti walk through smiling and laughing guests. There’s nothing quite so beautiful as the delighted laughter of a couple as they are showered with confetti. I was privileged enough to be asked to stay and dine with the wedding party, and we gathered on long banqueting tables decorated in green with gold and olive accent colours for a truly delicious meal by Wild Fork West.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THIS WEDDING
- The ‘destination: home’ vibe. It was clear that Somerset and all the people at the wedding were very important to Lee and Olivia and that they felt so much joy at marrying here, surrounded by friends and family.
- I loved getting to know their parents and creating the secret part of the ceremony made with their contributions, it made it really special.
- The endless relaxed luxury feel that Farleigh, the styling and the florals created. Combined with how utterly stunning Olivia and Lee themselves looked, it was a beautiful wedding to be part of.
- Sitting for dinner and hearing the speeches – I felt so privileged to be part of the extended day and truly got the guest experience of Farleigh, which is exquisite!
- Working with the Queen that is Venetia Norrington. A very talented photographer.
what olivia and lee loved about their ceremony
“We cannot begin to express our gratitude to Eleanor for the incredible love, care, and dedication she brought to our wedding day. From the moment we first met, it was clear how passionate she was about not being your standard celebrant who reads but crafting a ceremony that truly reflected us, our journey, our values, and the love we share.
What really set Eleanor apart was the extraordinary effort she made to get to know us on a deeper level. She took the time to speak regularly with us and our closest family and friends, gathering stories, memories, and heartfelt insights that helped her build the most personal and meaningful ceremony we could have ever imagined. She didn’t just write a ceremony, she wove a beautiful narrative that brought our relationship to life in front of everyone we love.
Eleanor’s warmth and support throughout the entire process made everything feel so special and calm. She poured her heart into every word, and her presence on the day brought a genuine sense of joy and connection that touched every single person there. There wasn’t a dry eye, her words were powerful, tender, and unforgettable.
If you’re looking for someone who will go above and beyond, not just to marry you, but to truly celebrate your story with heart, depth, and authenticity then Eleanor is that person. We feel so lucky and honoured to have had her be a part of our day.
With all our love and thanks,
Olivia and Lee”
If you’re planning a Somerset destination wedding ceremony, I’d love to hear from you. Creating your ceremony and helping connect you with other luxury and elegance-focused wedding suppliers in Somerset would be a pleasure.
