Regency Opulence at the Wedding of Richard & Hannah Strudwick at The Pittville Pump Rooms in Cheltenham

There is a certain sense of opulence associated with the Regency era, a vintage elegance of; summer scents and eclectic pieces of nonsense, frippery and trinkets.

When we first discussed Hannah & Richard’s hopes and dreams for this very special day we pictured a day reminiscent of Austen’ s Regency balls, high society and huge quantities of Romance.

So when the magical day finally arrived there was a great feeling of excitement and anticipation not only with the Bridal Party but with Flower Design Team too.

A ballot was held back at Flower Design Head Quarters to decide on the Team for the day, surprisingly Sally requested entry to the draw, the final line up was Sally, Gary, Jason and I.

Our day began at 4:30am, I don’t interfere with van loading, I don’t want to appear sexist but the men seem so much better suited to this kind of activity and they both dislike my input enormously. Sally had prepared the schedule beautifully she even included time for a comfort stop on route.

Our three vehicle convoy arrived at The Pittville Pump Rooms at 12:00 noon exactly on time as per Sally’s timetable much to her relief. We unloaded, re-packaged the Bridal Bouquet and Jason & I left Sally & Gary in charge of the seating plan to go to the Brides home with the bouquets.
I love the “Big Reveal” it’s the most heart pounding bit but also the best, (I’ve never ever had a bride not love her bouquet but!) Hannah loved it and oh what a relief it is to hear that.





Jenny, Hannah’s lovely mum has been a very close friend and client of Flower Design ever since we opened many years ago; Jenny has supported our Supper Club, Afternoon Teas and various events over the years so it really was a huge honour and privilege to be asked to create the flowers for Hannah’s wedding in Cheltenham.

Needless to say this is a huge posting for which we make no apology, the flowers were made from the heart and I hope you’ll enjoy...


So back to The Pump Rooms to set up the flowers for the ceremony, we decided that two really fabulous column style pedestals would be perfect with fabulous trailing Phalaenopsis Orchids, Jasmine, Hydrangeas and David Austin Roses.
We dressed the back of some of the chairs with clusters of Sweet Avalanche, Veronica and Calla Lilies.The Registrars table was decorated with vintage crystal bowls and tiny vases filled with Lily of the Valley, Orchids, Roses and Veronica.


























Kevin from the Pittville Pump Rooms helping one of the three Best Men with his duties

Hannah’s super handsome Groom, RAF Pilot Richard was wearing full uniform with medals, I completed his “Groom Look” with an exquisite Miranda Rose boutonniere.

The Corsages and Buttonholes were all made to compliment the individual outfits

The Pittville Pump Rooms were quite magnificent and the team running the venue were an absolute joy to work with, they made us very welcome with cups of tea and coffee and a wonderful guided tour, many, many thanks to them for their hospitality.

Well what a bevy of beauty eight gorgeous Bridesmaids all wearing their own choice of gown in either ivory or pale pink. The Bouquets were designed to compliment all of the gowns with a selection of English garden roses and some specialist Ecuadorian Roses together with Alchemilla Mollis, Champagne Grass and Hostas.

The Boys enjoyed a tot of Port before the main event.

So far we had seven out of eight Bridesmaids and then we received a phone call to say the last bridesmaid was stranded so Jason was dispatched to collect her.

Lovely Kevin from The Pump Rooms he was such a star!

The Uber Gorgeous Ladies of Lytham

Sally was waiting with her bouquet as she raced from Jason’s car to join the other Bridesmaids.

And then there were eight!

The fabulous Sword Party were ready.

Hannah looked exquisitely beautiful in her handmade designer gown, I made her a bouquet of fresh Lily of the Valley, Peonies, Fragrant Jasmine, Sweet Peas, Fuschia and the most exceptional selection of Roses.

Our gorgeous Bride arrived in a VW Camper Van with her lovely Dad John, there was lots of excitement and then a bit of serious choreography by the very efficient Ruth Hunter from Finesse Planning, she organised all of the beautiful girls into order and the impressive retinue headed to the Pump Rooms for the Ceremony.

Totally Breathtaking!

Congratulations to Richard & Hannah, we wish you both a wonderful life together.

The Proud Parents!

Our Flower Design Charming Floral Seating Plan, each table is named after a fresh flower or herb that we have used in the bridal party flowers.

Then it was all hands on deck for the change around, the caterers and the Pittville team were superb to work with, very slick and organised, the whole room was completed in sixty minutes no mean feat I can tell you (thank goodness there were four of us).

Three tier crystal cake stand with vintage crystal liquor glasses filled with miniature posies of fresh flowers.

Silver Regency style Candelabras dressed with garlands of fresh Roses, Orchids and Jasmine.

Crystal single tier Cake Stand with a mound of fresh blooms surrounded by elegant candle sticks

Other Tables were decorated with two Bird Cages filled with flowers and butterflies

I decorated the four tier cake with a garland of roses and herbs.

The top table completed the eclectic collection of Regency trinkets with pearl encrusted crystal bowls and candle holders filled with the most delightful flowers, the backs of all the chairs were dressed with posies of Callas and Roses.The View from the balcony

Jenny removed her jacket for the line up so we moved her corsage.

The Anniversary Jar, guests write notes to the happy couple put them into the jar for them to be opened and read on Hannah & Richards first anniversary.

Jason was there at midnight to clear away all of our bits and pieces, the Bride & Groom were just leaving and the Brides Parents John & Jenny were the last to leave a great day was had by all.