Real Wedding: Alex and Marc’s Charming Midweek Summer Wedding
Alex and Marc’s Charming Midweek Summer Wedding
Alexandra Leive and Marc Van Der Berg made their trip from London to view Dewsall in February 2019. Captivated by Dewsall’s magical grounds and gardens, Alex and Marc quickly lost their hearts to the idea of a summer wedding later that year. Wanting their wedding venue to feel like a home away from home for their guests, the couple were particularly drawn to Dewsall’s character and beautifully eclectic interiors.
The couple booked their celebrations for Tuesday 23rd July – Thursday 25th July, with the wedding taking place on Wednesday the 24th.
For Alex and Marc, spending time with friends and family was integral to their plans, especially as so many of them had travelled from afar to join them at Dewsall. Making use of Dewsall’s many magical spaces, indoor and outdoor, they were able to create unique areas for their most special moments, without ever having the same experience twice.
Celebrations kicked off with a big supper on the West Lawn with all wedding guests invited for welcome drinks and a barbeque. Communal tables were set out under the canopy and picnic blankets and cushions scattered on the lawn. The weather was everything you could dream of – warm and sunny with an incredible golden-hour and a gorgeous sunset!
Menu
Chicken Yakatori, Beer Braised Beef Ribs with Mustard and Prawn Skewer with Chilli and Lime Dressing, New Potato Salad, Tomato Carpaccio, and Beetroot, Carrot and Apple Salad.
With beautiful styling at the forefront of these celebrations, we knew that we’d be in for a treat! The couple were assisted by event planner and stylist, Louise Hughes of One Stylish Day, who spun her magic in the Wainhouse and outside, creating swoon-worthy styling that wowed the guests.
Wedding day celebrations began with a Ladies’ Breakfast in the conservatory, followed by a Gentlemen’s Breakfast, and finally a family breakfast. Alex and her maids had Champagne brought up to the Dewsall Suite, whilst Marc and his Groomsmen enjoyed a Bloody Mary in the Study.
Alex was joined by Sana Nurani for her gorgeous hair and make-up. Whilst stylist Louise and florist Jennie, Liberty Lane Flowers, transformed the Wainhouse.
Guests were greeted on the main driveway, where a beautiful cloth banner printed with a welcome message and order of the day hung from a tree, billowing gently in the breeze.
Arrival drinks were served from the Pole Barn, where Alex and Marc’s friends and family gathered before being directed by Ushers to the Church Path in order to take their seats for the woodland wedding.
Bathing in dappled sunlight, rustic benches, a coir carpet aisle, and dried flowers and grasses set the scene for Alex and Marc’s dreamy open-air ceremony.
Afterwards, guests made their way to the house for celebratory drinks and a canapé reception in the gardens. Vintage lounge furniture from Hire Love created comfortable areas for guests to gather.
Canapes
Welsh Rarebit Gougeres
Crab Aranchi
Mushroom Vol au Vent
Vegetable Fritto Misto
Prawn Fritto Misto
Crispy Chicken Skewer
Blue Cheese, Pear and Walnut Endives
Watermelon and Feta on Sticks
Passionate about their food and drink selection throughout the day, Alex and Marc both had a great eye for detail and knew how to spoil their guests. Champagne was served in vintage coupes, with cocktails and presse’s displayed beautifully on a vintage dresser.
Two long banqueting tables were set in the Wainhouse Barn for Alex and Marc’s wedding
breakfast. Liberty Lane Flowers had created an incredible installation of dried
flowers and grasses to hand above them from the beams, inspired by the couple’s time together in Italy!
Louise created a stunning tablescape and the Wainhouse was swathed in stylish foliage and the glow of white tapered dinner candles.
The four-course feast was an endless array of delicious seasonal dishes with a strong focus on local ingredients, giving guests a true taste of Herefordshire.
Menu
Soup Sip
Watercress Soup Sip Veloute, with Bread and Butter
Starter
Serrano Ham, Sweet Griddled Peach, Spanish Almond Picadilla Dressing, Shaved Manchego and Leaves
Beetroot Carpaccio, Ragstone Cheese, Toasted Hazelnuts, Horseradish Cream
Main
Hereford Beef Fillet, Beef Jus, Garlic Potatoes and Roasted Seasonal Vegetables with Spinach
Sea Bass with Caviar, Dill and Cucumber and a Champagne Beurre Blanc
Pudding
Summer Eton Mess
Tea and Coffee served to table
The couple slipped away for some time around the Dewsall grounds with photographer duo, The Curries. These precious moments were captured perfectly, enhanced by the magic of golden-hour and the sun setting behind the Black Mountains.
The couple returned to cut their cake of cheese before taking to the dancefloor to begin the party. As celebrations continued into the evening, guests enjoyed a S’mores and Whiskey Table by the outdoor firepits, before sending off the bridge and groom with a stunning sparkler display.
The following morning, additional guests were invited back to enjoy a farewell-brunch in the Conservatory before heading home for a relaxing post-wedding weekend (the joy of a midweek wedding!).
Suppliers
Florist – Jennie Evans – Liberty Lane
Registrar – Janet Abel of Hereford Registry Office
Wedding Planner – Louise Hughes – One Stylish Day