Set in a romantic 16th-century walled garden in England and beautifully captured by Kelsie Scully Photography, Chelsea and Robert's big day blends American and British traditions, heartfelt handmade details, and sweet nods to their loved ones. This wedding is the perfect reminder that no matter where you are in the world, love will always find a way to shine beautifully.
How Their Story Began
Sometimes the best love stories start when you least expect them. Chelsea traveled to England for what she thought would be a six-month sabbatical adventure. But life had other plans. Just before the world shut down due to a global pandemic, she met Robert, a kind Englishman with a steady spirit and a heart she instantly connected with, at a pub by the Brighton seafront.What followed was not an easy road. Immigration visa stress, travel restrictions, two cancelled statutory ceremonies, health complications, and a postponed wedding tested their patience, but those challenges also showed them what their souls already knew – just like the 80s classic promised, "Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now." Fittingly, an instrumental string duo version of that song was what they walked down the aisle to on their big day.
Choosing a Garden Wedding Full of History
For their soft spring pastel-colored wedding day, Chelsea and Robert fell in love with The Walled Garden at Cowdray Estate in West Sussex. This beautiful 16th-century garden coordinated by Emma Reeve Weddings feels like stepping back in time, with romantic old walls and a peek at the Cowdray Castle ruins nearby. As fans of Jane Austen, it couldn't have been more perfect, especially when paired with their dear professional florist friend's arrangements inspired by a curated, yet foraged garden look. (We're obsessed with the lush floral table runner and floral columns!)Because of travel and local restrictions, their celebration was intimate with just fifteen guests, but thanks to livestreaming technology, their families and friends around the world were able to join in virtually and celebrate across the miles.
Eco-Conscious Details
One of the special motifs of the day was the fluffy bumblebee – a symbol of resilience and impossible dreams coming true. Chelsea also calls Robert "Mr. B," so bumblebees are very much a part of their new life together. Guests spotted bees tucked into so many details — from the gold bee charm on their handfasting cord to a honeycomb-shaped ring box, from a letterpressed bee on their invitations to the tiny embroidered bee on Chelsea's pink bridal denim jacket.Wanting to appreciate nature as much as each other, the couple also chose as many eco-friendly details as they could. Their menus and programs were printed on wildflower-seeded paper that guests could take home and plant, and their flower petal confetti was biodegradable. Their ribbons were naturally dyed by British makers, they sourced pre-loved throw blankets from local thrift shops for their guests' comfort, and they donated their reception florals to a local senior care home with the help of their venue.
Family, Heritage, and Handmade Touches
Chelsea and Robert made sure their families and histories were part of their day. A special memorial ceremony chair honored loved ones who had passed — Robert's dad and Chelsea's Nuna and Poppi. Guests also enjoyed favors of Yorkshire Mixture sweets, a nod to Robert's great-great-grandfather, a Victorian confectioner in the city of York.With their shared love for creating, they brought so many handmade touches into their day. Weaving together DIY with the help of professionals, Chelsea designed their paper goods in collaboration with Yorkshire letterpress stationer, Danielle Bleuse. The bride and groom also they crafted wooden table place cards, vow books, and wedding signage with their Cricut machine.
For entertainment, they made use of the walled garden's outdoor space and setup lawn games like croquet and a giant wooden tumbling tower as well as an evening fire pit for their guests to enjoy s'mores and cozy vibes while the DJ played fun and relaxing music into the evening.
Words, Traditions, and a Purrfect Signature Cocktail
Words of intention mean a lot to this couple, so they literally wove them throughout their ceremony and details. Their ceremony handfasting ribbons featured calligraphy of favorite Jane Austen quotes by Maria Elizabeth Designs, and Chelsea's bouquet ribbons carried their own poetic vows:"It's been his soul passing through time leaving traces of memories we have yet to live like breadcrumbs guiding her."
"She is his heartbeat, he is her light."
Even their sweet cat Miss Pickles Barrington was part of the celebration, with her very own signature cocktail — Pickles’ Punch — a refreshing blend of gin, elderflower, and fizzy apple juice. But not just that, she also made an appearance at the ceremony with a giant cardboard cut-out of herself (which Chelsea and Robert then brought to their Virginia wedding picnic celebration later that year). More cats at weddings, please!
A Day Filled with Love
Chelsea and Robert's wedding may have been small in size, but it was overflowing with love, laughter, and personal touches. From historic English romance to heartfelt American traditions, from bumblebees to Jane Austen, their celebration was a true reflection of who they are: resilient, joyful, and meant for each other.
VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Kelsie Scully Photography | Venue & Catering: The Walled Garden at Cowdray | Day-Of Coordination & Styling: Emma Reeve Weddings | Florals: Luba Carlton | Celebrant: Lemonade Ceremonies | Ceremony Music: Music Students for Hire | Hair & Makeup: Gemma Souter | Wedding Cake: Bunston Bakes | Livestreaming Service: LoveStream | DJ: BPM Events | Chair Rentals: PW Event Hire | Stationery, Signage, and Favors: DIY by Bride | Letterpress Services: Danielle Bleuse | Calligraphy: Maria Elizabeth Designs | Eco-Friendly Silk Ribbons: The Botanical Dyer and Pompom Blossom | Seeded Paper: Little Green Paper Shop | Vellum Invitation Jackets: Lilac and White | Confetti Petals: Bubble & Berry | Wedding Dress: Piondress | Bride's Accessories: a.b. Ellie from Anthropologie Weddings and Emilia Rae Bridal | Bride's Shoes: Sargasso & Grey | Groom's Attire: Marks & Spencer | Groom's Cufflinks: Moda London | Wedding Rings: Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth
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