Clare & Matt’s Spring Wedding

The Story

How did you meet?

This couple’s story began in a place many of us spend a huge part of our lives – at work. What started as colleagues crossing paths soon developed into a relationship that would eventually lead them to their wedding day at Seckford Hall.

Who proposed and how did it happen? Bonus Q: Was it a surprise?

Matt’s proposal couldn’t have been more perfectly planned. Whilst enjoying a holiday in the Forest of Dean, he proposed at the stunning viewpoint of Symonds Yat. The proposal came as a complete surprise, making the moment even more memorable for Clare.

What made Seckford Hall stand out for you?

Seckford Hall had always held a special place in the couple’s hearts, having been the setting for several of their first dates. Alongside the sentimental connection, they had always considered it an incredibly beautiful venue, and its layout perfectly complemented the vision they had for their wedding day.

Tell us about your wedding journey in the lead up to your wedding and how did you feel?

Unlike many couples who find wedding planning stressful, Clare and Matt approached the process feeling surprisingly relaxed. With lots happening in other areas of their lives, they placed their trust in the Seckford Hall team to bring everything together. Having confidence in the staff allowed them to enjoy the journey without unnecessary stress, and they felt that approach paid off perfectly.

What was your theme? Any favourite unique touches?

Rather than focusing on an elaborate theme, the couple kept things simple with a fresh and cheerful colour palette of lilac and yellow. The colours added a beautiful touch to the day whilst allowing the venue’s stunning surroundings to shine.

With several ceremony spaces available, where did you choose and why?

As lovers of the outdoors, there was never really any doubt about where they would say “I do”. The couple chose to marry beneath Seckford Hall’s beautiful bandstand, surrounded by nature and enjoying the sunshine that blessed their special day.

What food did you choose? Is there a reason for your choices?

Their menu was carefully chosen around foods they genuinely love to eat, whilst ensuring there was plenty of variety for their guests. The beef roast proved to be a fantastic choice and certainly lived up to expectations. For dessert, they selected both the white chocolate brûlée and chocolate torte, giving themselves the perfect excuse to share and enjoy the best of both worlds.

What was the 3 most important ‘must-haves’ at your wedding?

When planning their day, three things mattered most: having the perfect words during their ceremony, incorporating the music they love and, most importantly, celebrating their commitment to one another. These priorities helped create a day that felt incredibly personal and meaningful from beginning to end.

What was the soundtrack to your day? Aisle music, first dance?

Without hesitation, the ceremony itself was the standout moment. For Clare and Matt, that was what the entire day was truly about. One particularly emotional memory was seeing their little girl run to her daddy at the top of the aisle, knowing that after the ceremony they would all share the same surname as a family.

Favourite moment of the day?

Without hesitation, the ceremony itself was the standout moment. For Clare and Matt, that was what the entire day was truly about. One particularly emotional memory was seeing their little girl run to her daddy at the top of the aisle, knowing that after the ceremony they would all share the same surname as a family.

With unlimited photo opportunities, where was your favourite spot?

Choosing just one location proved impossible. The lakeside views, the beautiful wisteria and Seckford Hall’s sweeping driveway all featured among their favourite photo spots. With so many picturesque backdrops around the venue, narrowing it down to a single favourite simply couldn’t be done.

What was your favourite space/area at Seckford Hall? Why was this your favourite space and how did you use it?

Thanks to glorious weather, much of the day was spent outdoors making the most of Seckford Hall’s beautiful grounds. The lawn and pond area became a particular favourite, where guests could enjoy drinks, canapés and garden games whilst soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.

Any funny stories or unusual anecdotes from the day?

Much of the day was spent chasing after their energetic two-year-old daughter. Far from being stressful, it became one of the things that made the day so memorable and special, creating plenty of moments that now make them smile.

Tell us about your evening reception, did you party the night away?

Whilst Clare and Matt certainly enjoyed the celebrations, it was their little girl who truly stole the show on the dance floor. The evening was made even better by their band, Sons of Southpaw, who kept guests entertained and ensured the atmosphere remained lively throughout the night.

Did either of you stay the night before in the cottage or lodge? Did you enjoy being closer the night before?

Clare chose to stay at Seckford Hall the night before with their daughter and was incredibly pleased she did. Having everything in one place made the wedding morning feel much calmer and smoother, giving everyone a comfortable space to gather and prepare before the celebrations began.

Any suppliers that you would recommend to others?

The couple couldn’t speak highly enough of the suppliers they worked with and would happily recommend every one of them. They chose several recommended suppliers, including Astar Photography, Pastry Mama Suffolk and Scintillo Strings. Clare also praised Sara at Hair For Your Occasion and Charlotte Victoria MUA for helping her look and feel her best on the day. Their evening entertainment came courtesy of Sons of Southpaw, who delivered an incredible performance and kept the dance floor full.

If you had 3 pieces of advice you could offer to future couples getting married, what would they be?

Looking back on their wedding day, their advice is refreshingly simple: don’t let the little things stress you out, focus on each other and enjoy every moment. And if they’re allowed a final recommendation, it’s an easy one – choose Seckford Hall.

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