For Irina and Adrian, the dream of a grand English wedding was something they’d cherished for years. Hailing from the U.S., they sought out a venue that would capture the essence of elegance, style, and history—a space that would be both breathtaking and intimate. Their search led them to the magnificent Carlton Towers, an English country estate that exudes sophistication with every stone and panel of wood. It was a setting fit for a fairy-tale, and one that perfectly complemented their vision of an elegant, English countryside wedding.

Getting Ready at Carlton Towers

One of the best aspects of Carlton Towers is that it offered everything the couple needed in one location, from preparation to ceremony to celebration. Both Irina and Adrian began their day within its storied walls, soaking in the history and charm that the venue radiates. The Carlton Towers’ luxurious suites provided the ideal spaces for them to prepare for their big day without having to worry about travel or logistics. For Irina, it was a time to cherish the excitement with her bridesmaids, while Adrian got ready with his groomsmen, sharing laughs and anticipation before they both stepped into the day that awaited them.

The Ceremony: A Touch of Elegance and Old-World Charm

The ceremony took place within the main hall of Carlton Towers, a space defined by its rich, dark wood paneling and grand architecture that creates an immediate sense of timelessness. The couple chose this venue not only for its beauty but also for its incredible versatility—it offers both stunning indoor and outdoor locations, making it ideal for capturing a diverse range of photographs. As guests entered via a grand stone staircase adorned with lush greenery (just beginning to show hints of autumnal hues), they were enveloped by the romantic ambiance that Irina and Adrian had envisioned.

The First Look and Reception

Irina and Adrian opted for a private “first look” before the ceremony, a beautiful and emotional moment that took place at the bottom of the grand staircase. Adrian, in a striking dark red velvet dinner jacket, waited for Irina, who gracefully descended the stairs, creating a scene straight out of a classic love story. This intimate moment allowed them to connect and share a quiet pause before stepping into the ceremony together.

The reception was held in Carlton Towers’ grand hallway, which opens out toward the Armory, creating an atmosphere that was both grand and welcoming. Irina and Adrian kept the decor simple yet sophisticated, allowing the venue’s inherent charm to shine through. Their choice of styling blended seamlessly with the venue’s decor, ensuring that every element of their wedding felt as though it belonged to the timeless elegance of Carlton Towers.

Portraits in the Orchard

One of the day’s highlights was the portraits session, which took place before the ceremony—a decision that allowed us to capture a wide variety of stunning shots without the time constraints that sometimes accompany post-ceremony portraits. We were fortunate to use the lush orchard as a backdrop, a location that worked beautifully with the wedding’s dark, classy color scheme. Irina’s bouquet of delicately arranged artificial flowers complemented Adrian’s dinner jacket, creating a striking contrast against the greens of the orchard. The front of Carlton Towers also provided a variety of breathtaking backdrops, adding layers of tone and texture to the gallery.

The Style and Theme: An Elegant English Affair

The color palette for Irina and Adrian’s wedding was dark and sophisticated. Irina’s bridesmaids wore chic black dresses in various styles, each carrying small, deep-red bouquets that added a pop of color and perfectly aligned with the autumnal, elegant theme. Adrian’s red velvet dinner jacket added a touch of boldness that was both unique and fitting for the setting. The entire aesthetic was beautifully cohesive, tying together the couple’s vision of a regal English wedding with a modern, stylish twist.

Irina made a memorable wardrobe decision that reflected her personality: she chose two wedding dresses. One was a personal favorite, while the other had won her bridal party’s hearts. Not wanting to choose between them, she brought both dresses over in her hand luggage from the U.S., changing after the ceremony to enjoy the best of both looks. It was a lovely nod to her individuality and the excitement of her big day.

Weather and Atmosphere: Picture-Perfect Light

The weather was ideal—bright with a gentle cloud cover that created soft, flattering light for the photographs, with the occasional glimmer of sunshine breaking through. The muted light allowed us to capture every detail of the couple’s attire, the venue, and the guests in a way that felt natural and romantic.

A Day to Remember

One of the most remarkable aspects of Irina and Adrian’s wedding was the sense of intimacy and warmth, with friends and family having traveled from the United States to join them for this small elopement. Capturing their joy, along with the couple’s ease and grace in front of the camera, was a privilege. Their willingness to embrace every part of the experience made for natural and beautiful portraits, each one a testament to their love and connection.

Vendors

• Venue: Carlton Towers
• Makeup Artist: Danielle Milnes MUA
• Hair Stylist: Natasha Milroy Hair

Irina and Adrian’s wedding was an unforgettable celebration that beautifully combined elegance, tradition, and personal style in a way that only Carlton Towers could offer. It was truly a joy to capture each moment of their dream English wedding, and I’m so grateful to have been part of their magical day.