When we first began planning this wedding at The Manor of Hurst near Reading, the couple were clear about one thing: they wanted a celebration that felt effortlessly stylish, relaxed for their guests, and filled with moments people would still be talking about years later. As a planner at Atelier Ateljee, those are exactly the kinds of weddings I love shaping — where the experience of the day matters just as much as the visual details.

The celebration unfolded as a full weekend gathering, with close family and the bridal party arriving ahead of the big day to spend time together in the beautiful countryside setting. By the time the wedding day itself arrived, there was already a wonderful sense of familiarity and warmth among the 120 guests. It meant the day never felt formal or staged; instead it felt like a joyful house party set within the grounds of a historic manor.

The ceremony took place in the garden, with the red brick façade of The Manor of Hurst providing a timeless backdrop. Rows of wooden chairs were set across the lawn, framed by relaxed floral arrangements that carried the colour palette of the day — soft blues, coral tones and lush green foliage. It was elegant but intentionally unfussy, allowing the setting and the emotion of the moment to lead.

After the ceremony, the atmosphere shifted naturally into celebration mode. Guests spilled across the lawns with drinks in hand while the couple slipped away briefly for photographs. One of the things I loved most about this wedding was how sociable the entire experience felt. There was no rush, no rigid schedule — just that wonderful sense of people enjoying being together in a beautiful place.

The reception itself took place in a marquee designed to host all 120 guests while still feeling intimate and full of atmosphere. Inside, we blended classic elements with modern styling touches to create something that felt fresh and slightly unexpected. Above the dining tables, hanging floral installations floated overhead, drawing the eye upward and filling the marquee with movement and texture. The tables themselves were layered with thoughtful details, including bottles of Côtes du Rhône ready to be shared and plenty of Cazcabel Tequila for the guests who were ready to start the party early.

Food was a huge part of the experience, and the couple chose open fire cooking to create something interactive and memorable. Guests gathered around the flames, watching chefs prepare dishes over the fire while the smell of grilled ingredients drifted across the gardens. It added a sense of theatre to the evening and encouraged people to wander, chat and explore rather than remain seated.

As the evening progressed, the energy in the marquee steadily built. Speeches gave way to music, cocktails flowed, and the dance floor began to fill. And then, at exactly the right moment, came one of the most unforgettable surprises of the night — an Elvis impersonator appearing to kick the party into full swing. It was completely unexpected, wonderfully playful, and within minutes the entire room was singing along.

From that moment onwards the celebration took on a life of its own. The dance floor stayed full late into the evening, the tequila continued to circulate, and the marquee that had hosted an elegant dinner earlier in the night transformed into a proper party.

Looking back, what made this wedding so special wasn’t any single detail, but the way everything came together to create a feeling. It was stylish without being serious, beautifully designed but never precious — a weekend that felt generous, joyful and a little bit wild in the best possible way. Exactly the kind of celebration we love creating at Atelier Ateljee. ✨