Elise & Rowan

Saturday, the thirteenth of June, 2026

Elise and Rowan

We are getting married under the old orangery arches, and we would love for you to be in the room when we do.

Thornfield Orangery Ceremony at four o’clock Dinner & dancing to follow

RSVP by 1 May See the day
A long reception table laid with linen, glassware and low floral arrangements.
A couple standing together outdoors shortly after their ceremony.
A candlelit reception room with hanging lights above the tables.

The invitation

Nine summers, one long garden walk, and now this.

We met on a Tuesday, in a queue for bad coffee, and we have been arguing happily about the best route home ever since. Thornfield was the place we kept coming back to — a glasshouse full of light with one enormous arch at the end of it, which felt like the right shape to stand under.

There is no seating chart drama and no long programme. Come early, stay late, and expect a slightly chaotic first dance.

— Elise & Rowan

Guests throwing confetti over a newly married couple as they walk out.
Dress code
Garden formal. Long dresses, linen suits, and a shoe that can survive gravel and a lawn at midnight.
Arrival
Doors open at three. Please be seated by ten to four — the ceremony starts on time, which will surprise everyone who knows us.

The day

Saturday, from three until late

Everything happens on one site, so once you arrive you can leave the car and forget about it until the end of the evening.

  1. 3:00 pm

    Welcome drinks on the lawn

    Arrive, find your name on the card table, and take something cold from the trays by the hedge.

  2. 4:00 pm

    Ceremony in the orangery

    Twenty-five minutes, two readings, and one very short vow each. Seating is open — sit wherever you like.

  3. 4:45 pm

    Photographs & the long table

    Group photographs happen quickly on the south steps while the rest of the garden is yours to wander.

  4. 6:30 pm

    Dinner is served

    A shared-plate menu, seasonal and mostly grown within sight of the glasshouse. Speeches between courses.

  5. 9:00 pm

    First dance, then the band

    A four-piece plays two sets. The terrace stays open if you need a quieter corner and a slice of cake.

  6. 12:30 am

    Farewell

    Last song, sparklers by the gate, and shuttles leaving from the front courtyard.

Good to know

The answers to what everyone asks us

If your question is not here, reply in the notes box on the RSVP form and we will get back to you.

What should I wear?

Garden formal. The ceremony is indoors under glass and the evening moves outside, so bring a layer — it cools down quickly once the sun leaves the lawn.

How do I get there and where do I park?

There is free parking on site for the full day and night, and shuttles run back towards town from half past eleven. Full travel notes go out with the final details in May.

Can I bring the children?

Children are very welcome at the ceremony and dinner, and there is a quiet room with games off the main hall. Let us know ages on your RSVP so we can plan food.

What about dietary requirements?

The menu is shared-plate with vegetarian and vegan options at every course. Tell us about allergies in the notes field and the kitchen will build around them.

Are you expecting gifts?

Honestly, no. You travelling to spend the day with us is the gift. If you would still like to do something, a contribution to the honeymoon can be arranged nearer the time.

Can I take photographs?

Please keep phones away during the ceremony itself so our photographer has a clear view. After that, take as many as you like.

Moments

A little of what the day will look like

Two wedding rings resting on pale blooms.
The rings, made by a friend two streets from home
A couple holding hands closely after exchanging vows.
The bit right after the vows, which we will not remember

Répondez s’il vous plaît

Let us know by 1 May 2026

One form per guest, please — it keeps the seating chart honest and the kitchen calm.

We are handing the list straight to the band.

We read every reply ourselves, usually late on a Sunday.