Love Stories
Our beautiful Bride Cat, and self-confessed Groomzilla Phil met on Tinder, and since then have shared a whirlwind romance leading up to their wedding at Hornington. Phil is in the Royal Navy, so it was always guaranteed that his wedding would be planned to the finest details. The day began with champagne and Rugby (as any good wedding does)! We served Cat and her Bridal party in the West Wing as they prepared for the day ahead, in special glasses beautifully designed and decorated by Cat. Phil and the Groomsmen were set in the Gallery as they watched the match unfold on the big screen.
The ceremony was being held in the Wedding Barn, and the beautiful shades of autumn were reflected in the stunning red tree arch and the autumn leaves on the chandeliers. Cat looked amazing in her lace detailed bardot style gown, and her bridesmaids wore lovely claret red dresses which tied in with the autumnal theme. Cat’s richly coloured bouquet featured Calla Lilies, symbolising joy, growth and strength, Red Roses and Rosehip Berries.
Cat walked down the aisle to ‘Over the Rainbow’ where her Groom was waiting, wearing his Naval medals with pride. Cat and Phil’s little family include their beloved dog Nala, and during the ceremony, we heard a beautiful reading by Phil’s mum called ‘All I need to know about life I learned from my dog’.
‘Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride together.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home always run to greet them.
When you want treats, practice obedience.
Let others know when they have invaded your territory.
Take naps together and stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Be loyal.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on the attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No Matter how often you’re scolded, don’t but into the guilt thing and pout… Run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk together.
Love each other unconditionally.’
After the ceremony, guests moved across to the Gallery where they enjoyed beers and Prosecco while Phil and Cat had a wander around the grounds with their photographer, who captured some beautiful moments. Before long, guests made their way back to the Wedding Barn which had been transformed into the autumnal reception they had both dreamed of. The tables were topped with wooden planters filled with beautiful rusty red and burnt orange blooms, each guests’ place setting was marked with an autumn leaf, and their cake, lovingly made by Cat’s friend, was decorated with Calla Lilies and Roses to match Cat’s bouquet. Phil and Cat’s custom glasses complemented Hornington’s gift to the Bride and Groom, which was a beautifully decorated with an autumnal picture of Hornington’s rich and varied wildflowers and birds. Instead of favours, our Bride and Groom instead chose to donate to two charities close to their hearts- The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
Before they were served an incredible feast by their caterers Bon Appetit, Cat’s dad Steve spoke of how she has blossomed into such a beautiful, conscientious woman, and he couldn’t be more proud. Phil revealed that Cat is the most selfless person he had ever met, and initially he saw this as a weakness. However after their years together, he realises this is her greatest strength and aspires to be more like her.
Phil’s brother and Best Man shared lots of photos from their childhood and his frustration as a child as Phil was just so good at everything! That being said, as they have ventured into adulthood it has become clear that Phil has no common sense and absolutely cannot do DIY! He shared a lovely little poem he has written about the newly weds- ‘She really is your soul mate, for us it’s clear to see, get ready mate, cos mum and dad love her more than you and me!’.
As evening fell, everyone danced that night away, celebrating the new Mr and Mrs, and the celebrations continued into Sunday as they took advantage of the weekend-long stay and all enjoyed a BBQ in the afternoon.
We are so thrilled to have been a part of Cat and Phil’s wedding journey and we wish them all the love and luck for their future together. 
Suppliers on the day…
Photographer
Caterer
Trees
Florist