This styled shoot at Wotton House combines English romanticism with American modernism
This styled shoot shows this couple’s international love story that started years ago and culminated at Wotton House in Dorking. “Bella and Hugo became pen pals through their schools,” says photographer Eleanor Stenner. “Bella grew up in California and Hugo, a little village on the outskirts of London. At age 15, they met in person on a high school exchange trip, and their relationship blossomed. They lost contact for a few years after that, until Hugo, now age 27, hunted Bella down. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her and the bond they had developed during that time together. When they finally met again, even after all those years, the love had not gone away. Bella made the leap and moved to England to be with Hugo and Hugo proposed with his grandmother’s ring soon after. Their wedding was an intimate destination affair with just their nearest and dearest from both sides of the Atlantic in the English countryside.
“Every detail of this wedding was chosen to represent a lovely blend of English romanticism and elegance with American modernism and colour. Seasonality and sustainability were also a hugely important part of the design process. With this wedding taking place in early winter, we wanted a colour palette and florals that represented that fact.”
Bridal Showers Are Becoming the Biggest Pre-Wedding Trend of 2026
Not sure where to start? Don't worry - experts at Abbott Lyon have put together simple steps to help you plan the perfect bridal shower, so everything runs smoothly and the bride (and her besties) can enjoy every moment of the day. You know the bride better than anyone - after all, she's asked you to be a big part of her big day. Think about what her vibe is and what she's into. Is she more about getting pampered at a spa day or would she prefer a wild brunch somewhere? Also, think about who's coming to the bridal shower. Will her older relatives be there or will it be mainly her friends? Are work colleagues coming? You want to make sure anything you plan is appropriate for everyone to enjoy.
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5 Tips to planning a perfect hen weekend in the UK revealed
61% of pre-wedding parties now stay in the UK as safety, cost, and connection reshape how Brits celebrate. Rising airfares, safety worries and global tensions, including travel hesitancy linked to the ongoing conflict, have fuelled a dramatic turn in how Brits celebrate before tying the knot. According to new figures, 61% of hen parties now take place in the UK, marking a clear shift from pre-pandemic years when city breaks in Europe dominated.
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Guests Spend £348 On Average to Attend A Wedding, Says Expert
Wedding guests across the UK are spending hundreds of pounds just to attend a single wedding, with new research revealing the growing financial strain placed on friends and family. Research* commissioned by The Insurance Emporium, conducted by Censuswide, has revealed among people who have attended a wedding in the last five years shows that guests spend £348 on average to attend a wedding - with costs rising even higher in major cities. The wedding insurance specialist's findings reveal that 72% of guests now say attending weddings has become a financial burden, while 38.2% admit they have felt pressured to overspend in order to attend.
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Divided down the aisle: The UK’s feelings on the most controversial wedding choices uncovered
Weddings bring with them lots of excitement, joy and happiness, but couples also often face the added challenge of trying to balance their personal wishes and preferences with the opinions of their guests. From who qualifies for a plus one to how much to spend on an engagement ring, new research conducted by Pandora UK has uncovered the nation's true feelings about the most divisive wedding decisions¹. Pandora has also enlisted wedding expert and events director at The Post Barn, Daisy Bradley to share advice on the best ways to handle tricky decisions with guests.