Sophie and Tom - An Elegant August Wedding in Essex Mansion House

With an elegant colour scheme, fabulous flowers and great music, Sophie and Tom's August wedding was the ultimate in romance. Their gorgeous Summer wedding took place in the Knott Garden at the incredible Braxted Park in Essex. Find your perfect mansion house here!

The Venue

Having already visited ten Essex wedding venues with no success, Sophie and Tom went to see Braxted Park after work one evening, hopeful that they might find the perfect place for their August wedding. “As soon as we pulled in to the driveway lit with torches, I felt something special," says Sophie. "It was balmy outside and as we walked around the gardens, dotted with quaint greenhouses and flowers in bloom, I just felt that it was the place I wanted to get married. It’s the perfect mix of traditional and modern.”

The Décor

With a love of Champagne, the newlyweds incorporated shades of peach, rose gold and ivory to the day with a simple, elegant theme. Décor included beautiful fairy-lit drapes and chandeliers alongside beautiful flowers and candle centrepieces which added a warmth and softness to the ambience. Sophie and Tom also opted for a white aisle and a white LED dance floor. “We accompanied the peach with ivory and, I’m a bit of a magpie, so I got my sparkle satisfaction from the gold," says Sophie. "I wanted the day to feel luxurious, opulent and romantic.”

The Fashion

Sophie was stunning in a gown by Dando London purchased at Confetti & Lace in Essex. She fell in love with the floral applique, illusion sweetheart neckline and dramatic train. The beautiful bride accessorised with Swarovski earrings, a diamond band by Monica Vinader, a crystal hair vine by Botias Accessories and Jimmy Choo shoes. Tom looked the part in a three-piece suit with silver pocket watch and Christian Louboutin shoes. Finally, Sophie’s four bridesmaids wore champagne-coloured fishtail dresses embellished with sequins.

The Flowers

Sophie spared no expense on her stunning bouquet and opted for more simple posies for her bridesmaids. Elegant arrangements adorned the aisle with hydrangeas and roses playing a lead role in the beautiful designs. 

The Day

Following their glorious wedding ceremony in the Knott Garden, a drinks reception was held on the lawn around the back of the house. “It’s a beautiful wide open space and we wanted to use as many parts of the venue as we could," says the bride. Singer Nike Jemiyo played a huge role in the day, with her soulful voice accompanying Sophie down the aisle and delighting guests throughout the day.

Moving in to dine, a delicious menu commenced with smoked salmon or chicken parfait, moving on to lamb with goats curd or pork with chorizo. And, for pudding, a fabulous trio of desserts.

The Evening

As the sun went down, the newlyweds danced their first dance to ‘You and I’ by John Legend. While the dance floor filled, a kebab stand with halloumi and falafel proved the perfect choice for evening summer dining. An open bar also served Aperol Spritz and Mojitos – favourites of the bride and groom - and the newlyweds and their guests danced the night away.

The Best Bit

What was bride Sophie's favourite moment from the day? “As I turned the corner to come in to the Knott Garden and walk down the aisle. It’s a moment you think about a lot and you’ll never get back. It’s every little girl’s dream to walk down that aisle. Also Tom’s speech.”