Zara & Jon -
A Luxury Marquee Wedding At Home
A year in the making, this weekend wedding celebration for nearly 200 guests at the family estate in Hertfordshire was nothing short of a masterpiece, designed to mirror an Italian outdoor garden that radiated understated opulence and unparalleled quality.
The Brief
Design a two-day outdoor wedding experience that exudes the timeless elegance and understated luxury of an Italian garden in summertime.
The Story Of The Day
It was a joy to work so closely with Zara & Jon as we planned their wedding at the family estate in the heart of Hertfordshire, transforming it into a luxurious haven, ensuring every aspect reflected the couple’s refined taste and desire for an Italian-inspired celebration.
At the heart of Zara and Jon’s vision was the desire for an Italian outdoor garden that excluded timeless elegance. Our design concept aimed to capture the essence of this vision, weaving elements of understated luxury seamlessly into the fabric of their celebration.
Having been escorted along a breath-taking floral walkway by her father, Zara joined Jon in front of a stunning luxury floral backdrop, where celebrant Nat Rayboulds led a ceremony that set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of celebration.
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to an indulgent champagne reception paired with delectable canapés crafted by the renowned Caper & Berry, whose culinary delights and gastronomic excellence became an integral part of the celebration.
Undoubtedly the centrepiece of this lavish marquee wedding was the Sperry tent from Sail Tent Company, transformed by the floral magicians at Mad Lilies into a Mediterranean botanical wonderland. A majestic lemon tree took centre stage at the circular bar, its vibrant fruits bringing a citrus fragrance to complement the ethereal ambience created by the abundance of white roses, lisianthus, delphinium and phlox.
On the menu, among the highlights were King prawns infused with bold flavours of N'Duja, accompanied by artichoke textures and Amalfi lemon, invoking the essence of the Mediterranean.
A pasta course of Cacio e Pepe, a classic Roman dish of al dente pasta coated in a luscious blend of Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper provided the perfect transition to the main course. Lamb chops, expertly cooked to perfection, shared the spotlight with Jerusalem artichokes, Mediterranean vegetables, and roasted rosemary potatoes paired with thyme jus.
Finally, guests were treated to a decadent dessert - Pistachio cake adorned with lemon textures and a touch of opulence in the form of 24K gold.
Following the main reception and speeches, the celebration kicked off with the rhythmic stylings of the Beat Band, captivating guests with their infectious energy and soulful tunes. The party took shape with guests enjoying cocktails of Moscow Mules, Negronis and Picantes. The dance floor was filled and the band set the tone for an evening of joy, laughter, and collective celebration.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, DJ Charles took centre stage and the after-party unfolded with beats that seamlessly transitioned from one crescendo to the next, ensuring the dance floor remained alight with the energy of celebration well into the early hours.
The Concept
Zara’s affection for lemons became a focal point of our design narrative. From exquisite floral arrangements to intricate design details, the vibrant and refreshing presence of lemons permeated the atmosphere, infusing the celebration with a personalised touch that spoke to the couple’s unique story.
Day Two - The After Party
Day Two ushered in a different rhythm with Juke Joints – a roaming band that brought a laid-back charm to the BBQ celebrations. Their melodic tunes meandered through the crowd, adding a delightful ambience to the relaxed atmosphere of the day, making it a perfect soundtrack for mingling and laughter.
Caper & Berry welcomed guests with a Bloody Mary Station and some hearty canapes followed by a feasting BBQ of brined chicken with smoked salsa and roasted corn, Miso glazed hispi cabbage and Sirloin Steaks with horseradish gremolata and an abundance of wholesome salads.
As the afternoon progressed, DJ Charles took to the decks again for some chilled-out Sunday tunes.
Notes
Working with the team at Sail Tent Company, we chose a double-width Sperry tent as the main reception space. Sperry Marquees are the epitome of at-home marquee weddings. They provide an understated luxury and allow for a great deal of decoration, which worked perfectly for our Italian designs and installations. This tent was also used on Day 2 for additional cover in the event of poor weather.
As you can never predict English summer weather, we worked with Sail Tent Company's sister company Ten By Fifteen to ensure there was cover for the outdoor ceremony. We opted for two large white stretch tents as it was such a vast terrace area we needed to cover (20m x 20m). The open sides of a stretch tent keep it looking natural and unintrusive, allowing air to move through the space, circulating the scent of the florals and preserving the outdoors aesthetic.
From the dream-like oversized floral arch at the entrance to the dining marquee to the giant vintage Italian urns spilling over with lemons amidst a sea of ethereal white flowers and silver-green foliage, Mad Lilies absolutely nailed the floral brief.
Finishing touches such as the authentic farmhouse tables, juxtaposed rustic with refined elegance when paired with cane-back Louis dining chairs from Wedhead. The huge vintage terracotta olive urns from Louisa Grace Interiors added a genuine touch of Italian charm.
Collaborating with ALR Music, we curated an auditory masterpiece that resonated throughout the weekend, featuring the Beat Band, DJ Charles, and the delightful Juke Joints for a laid-back BBQ celebration on Day Two.
Maison Margaux’s detailed blue and white leaf charger plate adorned each table setting, harmonising with the overarching theme of understated elegance. Duchess and Butler contributed to the theme of quiet luxury with champagne gold and white cutlery, while classic glasses added a touch of timeless refinement.
Summary
Zara and Jon’s marquee wedding in Hertfordshire was a harmonious blend of bespoke elegance and curated perfection. From Nat Rayboulds’ enchanting ceremony to the floral masterpieces from Mad Lilies, and the culinary delights by Caper & Berry, every moment unfolded as a testament to love’s grand symphony. Stay tuned for more glimpses into the world of luxury weddings, where each detail is a note composing a timeless love story.
A weekend filled with love, laughter, and unparalleled beauty, it showcased the culmination of dreams meticulously brought to life. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of luxury weddings, where every detail tells a story of refined elegance and curated perfection.
The visual journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the incredible talents that shaped the day:
Photography – The Curries
Videography – Philip White Weddings
As a specialist in planning marquee weddings and parties, we are experienced in delivering events for guests numbering from 80 - 300+. If you would like to discuss your ideas for a wedding at home in Surrey, Sussex or beyond, you can contact us on 07801 417625 or by emailing hello@susieevans.co