Chris and Sam celebrated their wedding day at Clearwell Castle on Friday 26th May 2017 having booked the castle 2 years prior to their wedding.
Chris and Sam met at Cardiff university 13 years ago and he later proposed in October 2014 after giving Sam 10 clues, the final of which read ‘will you marry me.’ Sam told us that whilst she was getting ready she had been singing Beyonce – Single Ladies, and Chris really did end up putting a ring on it!
Sam knew she had wanted to get married at a Castle and when she attended one of our open days she knew it would be the Castle for them!
“the light in the ballroom…. It was love at first sight!”
Date Set. Now time to plan. 1920’s vintage glamour became the wedding theme. Great Gatsby had been a film they watched together and with Sam’s hair piece being just like Daisies from the film, they could tick theme off the list. Dove grey and gold – Colours done – Mulberry bags playing a part in this!
Only immediate family had seen the venue prior to the wedding. Sam and Chris “wanted them to have the excitement we did as we first drove up the sweeping driveway.”
North Lodge was where the ladies spent the night before the wedding before moving over to The Gresham Suite on the Friday.
“I did not sleep a wink the night before and at 5am I sat in the conservatory waiting for the others to wake, just trying to take in the reality of what the day would hold.”
North Lodge – “chocolate box beauty”
The Gresham Suite – “I loved sitting in front of the window having my makeup done watching the cars pull up the main driveway.”
Our beautiful Baynham Suite was where the ushers and Chris got ready for the big day!
Sam walked down the aisle in a beautiful Augusta Jones dress.
“The beauty of the castle is that long aisle, so we made sure we enjoyed every single second walking down it.”
Ceremony complete!
Mai Tai’s served and photographs taken followed by the wedding breakfast.
Time to Dance.
“We took to the beautifully lit dance floor and waltz and spins started. The fairy lights on the dance floor lit up the underneath of my dress and highlighted the beautiful lace appliques.”
“I loved the idea of being able to stay in the castle, not just us but all of our close friends and family. 49 of us had breakfast after our wedding, what a way to end the day hearing about all the stories from the night before.”
Friday 26th May 2017 was a gorgeous day and we loved being a part of Sam and Chris’s day! From Tuxedo napkins to Strawberry champagne cake the day was truly special.
“My favourite part of the castle is actually very well hidden, and that is the view from the back of the castle. Surrounded by white flowers, there is a large lawn that looks onto the grand framed window of the ballroom. From here you can walk around to the Duck pond. It is peaceful and quiet, with natural beauty.”
“We really cherish Clearwell Castle and all they did to make our dream the most exquisite reality.”
Flowers and table decorations – Panache weddings
Cake – Annedd Wen Cakery
Table plan and Table names – Valley Calligraphy
Performers – Cat Delphi and Sarah Brown
Suits – Men’s Hire, Clifton (Bristol)
Bride’s Dress – Augusta Jones
Jewellery – Neil Lane
Shoes – Emmy, London
Photographer – Dream Wedding Photography/ Videography
Love letters, vintage grammar phone, typewriter, garden games – Aisle Hire It
Georgie at Clearwell Castle
