Izzy & Sam’s Spring Wedding

There were a few reasons we chose Manor By the Lake. It was the first venue we toured and it remained our top choice.

We wanted somewhere with lots of greenery for pictures and, as we live in a city, we wanted a countryside venue. What’s more charming and romantic than the Cotswolds? We also loved that it is exclusive use, this was the biggest selling point for us. Other venues we viewed were not, which meant there could be random strangers checking in nearby or hanging around. We wanted an intimate wedding with the people we loved and got just that!

The cherry on top was that MBTL factors in Blue Light Card holders. As I work in the public sector, it was so lovely having this recognised with a discount for our wedding day! Sam also loved the unique bannisters across the manor. 

We were so excited but also overwhelmed, you really don’t realise how much goes into wedding planning until you experience it yourself! We both are not planners by nature but MBTL team were amazing at making sure every detail was attended to and helped us consider things we didn’t know were needed. There are venue open days, tasting days, and meetings in the lead up which help you plan along the way, too. 

We had a very loose theme of ‘Wildflowers and Wine,’ after our first dance song of the same name, by Marcus King. We worked closely with our florist to have bright, vibrant wildflowers along our long tables, to feel as though you’re sat in a meadow, whilst also not being over the top.

My bouquet was multicolored featuring a variety of gorgeous flowers that just said SPRING! Our tables were named after our favourite bottles of wine and the red, white, and rose wine flowed during the wedding breakfast and reception. We encouraged our guests to wear bright colours and have fun!

We were immediately drawn to the Maximillian Room for the ceremony. It is simply gorgeous and really places you in a historical English manor home. As our wedding was in April, we weren’t sure about the weather, so we were pleased that there was a stunning indoor room which also looked out into the grounds.

The Maximillian has large windows, so we felt we got the best of both worlds – guests were indoors and could hear our vows well but also have the beautiful scenery of the sun shining on the greenery outside, behind us! 

We have to pick one?? If we have to, probably the ceremony. It felt so intimate and flowed perfectly. The weddings team handled everything from the music to the timing of walking down the aisle. It was such a special moment for us. 

The food was amazing! For canapés, we had the bruschetta, papdi chaat, and grilled chicken with guacamole bites. For starters, guests chose from the salmon fish cake or tandoori chicken, mains were bone in pork or chicken supreme, and dessert was a choice of lemon tart or sticky toffee pudding. We had a set vegetarian menu of tomato soup starter and a sage tortellini and choice of dessert.

All of our vegetarians commented on how grateful they were for their meal as many wedding venues often just give them a plate of vegetables, they felt fully catered to and full from their meal! I don’t know how it’s possible but the meal on the day was even better than when we sampled it. Somehow the kitchen made every chicken crispy. Nothing was lukewarm or soggy. It was an incredible meal. 

We absolutely partied the night away. When we first toured the venue, our guide asked what we were looking for in a wedding and we both shared that we really just want a good party, a true celebration. We got just that! We’re lucky in that our friends and family also love to dance, so from the second our first dance ended, it really was non-stop on the dance floor. 

Sam and I stayed in the lodge and the cottage respectively. It is genius having these properties. It brought such a sense of calm for me as the bride that I was already on the grounds and did not need to commute far in the midst of hair and makeup and final touches. They also serve breakfast and coffee in the morning so it’s one less thing to worry about! The lodge offered plenty of rooms and delicious muffins. It also has a garden space which was nice to sit in with the sun.

Definitely, we were able to play music and debrief about the night – it really helped that there is a KFC a five minute walk away…..

I cannot recommend my supplies more highly. My florist was The Flower Man Cheltenham. They are experts and they are incredible at what they do. My photographer, Jim Hughes, was brilliant. He was everywhere and no where, as in, he captured EVERYTHING to the highest of standards, but wasn’t in the way or in your face, distracting you from the fun of it all. My hair and make up artist Krystyna (@krystyna.hmua) was an absolute joy to work with. I got the soft-glam glow that I envisioned and felt so beautiful!

Of course, I cannot recommend Manor By The Lake more!!! You really will not regret it – they are incredible professional but also warm and kind. You really get the sense that this isn’t just ‘work’ or their ‘day job,’ they genuinely want you to have the best experience, which makes all the difference. I’m so grateful to everyone from the kitchen staff, wait staff, cleaners, coordinators, night porter, all!!