An Intimate April Wedding at Kelmarsh Hall | Emily & Phil

Some weddings simply stay with you, and Emily and Phil’s elegant April celebration at the beautiful Kelmarsh Hall is certainly one I’ll always remember.

Kelmarsh Hall is not a venue that hosts weddings often, making this day feel all the more special. The setting was steeped in exclusivity and charm — and the early spring sun didn’t disappoint either. With only 12 guests / wedding party invited, the wedding was a perfect blend of understated class and heartfelt emotion.

From the very beginning, Emily and Phil had a clear vision: simplicity, elegance, and a colour palette of whites, greens, pale blushes, and the softest touches of ebony. It was a true pleasure to work with such refined floral choices — white roses paired beautifully with lush foliage, creating an effortless flow throughout the arrangements. These gentle tones were designed to complement, rather than overwhelm, the character of the venue’s rooms, and the result was both timeless and fresh.

This particular wedding held extra meaning, as it was also a tribute to the bride’s mother, who had sadly passed just a month prior. Amidst the joy, there were moments of quiet remembrance, and a deep sense of family pride. The father of the bride stood tall throughout the day, and it was impossible not to feel moved by the love and strength shared between them all.

The ceremony and wedding breakfast were held in the same room, which meant a swift turnaround was needed once the vows were said. While the newlyweds and their guests wandered out into Kelmarsh’s spring gardens for photographs — the borders and beds already full of bloom thanks to the early season warmth — the room was transformed. I wasn’t able to stay for the changeover, but everything had been carefully planned in advance: table flowers, the fireplace mantle arrangements, and a special note on where the cake should sit — on the piano, where it could become the centrepiece it deserved to be.

And speaking of the cake… the way it anchored the room, surrounded by carefully placed floral elements, truly set the tone for the reception. Everything came together seamlessly, and it was an honour to play a part in that.

Of course, no wedding morning would be complete without my now rather well-known “buttonhole tutorial.” I always enjoy these little moments, showing grooms, groomsmen — and even photographers (yes, Lee, I’m looking at you!) — how to pin their buttonholes just right (to varying weights of fabric jackets / coats and the like. It’s become something of a signature tradition.

The day was beautifully captured by Lee Daniel’s Photography, whose eye for both the grand and the intimate made for stunning memories, including our featured image — the couple, framed perfectly in Kelmarsh’s springtime gardens. I’ve captioned credit where I’ve used Lee’s photos here and linked to his Instagram here too.

Weddings like this remind me exactly why I love what I do. The flowers, the venue, and the people all came together to create something truly special: a day that was as much about love and future beginnings as it was about remembrance.

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