Photography Ivyhouse Photography ivyhousephotography.co.uk Venue Pynes House pyneshouse.co.uk
Ellie and Mat have known each other since secondary school – though romance wasn’t always on the cards. “It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that we didn’t particularly get on back then,” laughs Ellie. Years later, however, a mutual friend reintroduced them – and the connection was instant. “There were sparks straight away!” she smiles.
A summer trip to Cyprus set the stage for Mat’s carefully planned proposal. “He’d purchased the ring and asked my dad for permission,” Ellie reveals. During a sunset walk before dinner, Mat dropped to one knee and asked Ellie to marry him. “I was overwhelmed with emotion and tearfully said yes.”
For the wedding, the couple chose Pynes House for its timeless elegance, shaping a celebration that felt romantic and effortlessly classic. “Our aesthetic was refined and understated, designed to complement and enhance the beauty of the house,” says Ellie.
Bridesmaids wore buttercream dresses that harmonised with the venue’s historic architecture and church setting, while florals in delicate shades of cream and blush – including Ellie’s favourite peonies and roses – added soft romance. Candlesticks paired with crisp white table linens completed the look, creating a tablescape that felt quietly elegant.
A lifelong James Bond enthusiast, Mat embraced the aesthetic with a sharp black-tie look, accessorised with an Omega Seamaster gifted by Ellie and her mother. His one non-negotiable detail? Arriving in the iconic 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger. “He was even fortunate enough to drive it himself,” says Ellie. “It made for a truly unforgettable moment as he drove us down the long driveway at Pynes House.”
The ceremony took place at nearby St Mary’s Church in Dunsford – the same church where Ellie’s grandparents were married 61 years earlier – making it a deeply meaningful setting for the couple’s vows. Ellie’s uncle and cousin were among the bell ringers, while the family’s longstanding relationship with the vicar helped create a warm, relaxed and intimate atmosphere. “It was an incredibly meaningful and cherished moment of the day,” reflects Ellie.
Back at Pynes House, guests gathered on the terrace for a champagne reception before sitting down to a wedding breakfast featuring duck liver parfait, roast topside of beef and oven-roasted hake, followed by desserts of olive oil panna cotta and lemon tartlet.
For Ellie and Mat, one moment stands out above all. “During the wedding breakfast, we made sure to visit each of our guests together,” says Ellie. “It was so important to us to feel truly present and to share a moment with everyone who had joined us to celebrate. It made the day feel even more meaningful.”
Speeches in the ballroom followed before the newlyweds opened the dance floor with a choreographed first dance to Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli, after which celebrations continued late into the night.
Reflecting on the day, Mat shares this advice for couples currently planning: “Make a conscious effort to spend as much time together as possible, you’ll never regret prioritising those quiet, shared moments.”
Ellie agrees. “Don’t lose sight of the reason you’re planning the wedding in the first place – to marry your best friend and celebrate your love for each other. If you keep that at the centre of everything, you can’t go far wrong.”
Photography Ivyhouse Photography ivyhousephotography.co.uk
Venue Pynes House pyneshouse.co.uk
Planning Elisabeth Shell Events elisabethshellevents.com
Dress Jane Hill janehill.com.au
Bridesmaids’ dresses Odd Muse London oddmuse.co.uk
Hair EV Hair evhair.co.uk
Make-up Bridal Artistry by Justine Kendall justinekendall.com
Flowers The Flower Sessions instagram.com/theflowersessions_
Catering Pickle Shack pickleshack.co.uk
Stationery Ivy and Betty ivyandbetty.co.uk
Entertainment DC Sax bandsforhire.net
Bespoke Disco bespokedisco.com
Videography Charlotte Dart charlottedart.co.uk
