ENGAGEMENT
Gareth proposed on the 19th of September 2022 at an altitude of 3,842 metres. Ceri and Gareth had just stepped into the Aiguille du Midi Skywalk (also known as the glass room at Mont Blanc) when Gareth got down on one knee. Ceri recalls that it was quite possibly the best distraction from the terrifying height they were at. The proposal had been nearly a year in the planning, with their entire holiday to Lake Annecy revolving around this day trip to Chamonix. Ceri had no idea.
Ceri and Gareth have both worked at Rowton Castle for many years and met within this extraordinary setting back in 2007. They have now been together for over 10 years.
WEDNESDAY, 28th AUGUST 2024
Although Ceri had found her dress, the couple did not set a date for their wedding until January 2024. While Ceri and Gareth both felt a deep connection to Rowton Castle, they were initially unsure if it was the right choice for their wedding. Feeling a little guilty about it, they decided to explore other venues. This decision ultimately led them to realise that no other location could offer the same level of care and attention. With the reassurance that they would have the best day possible in a place they knew and loved, they set a date at Rowton Castle, and from that moment on, everything began to fall into place.
The couple knew they wanted to marry during the summer months and envisioned an intimate, family-only ceremony, followed by a much larger, laid-back garden party. A relaxed atmosphere with plentiful food and drinks was key, and Ceri and Gareth also wanted the day to reflect their personalities.
Ceri’s sister was her only bridesmaid, with her niece, Darcie, acting as the flower girl. Their son, Toby, had the important role of being Gareth’s best man, with Gareth’s dad supporting him. Ceri and Gareth decided to hold their ceremony at the Old Music Hall in Shrewsbury, also known as the Shrewsbury Museum. To add a vintage touch, a classic bus transported their guests from the castle to the ceremony and back. A particularly meaningful detail was Ceri’s wedding band, made by a local goldsmith in the same square as the ceremony venue. Crafted from half of her great-grandfather’s wedding ring, the other half would be used to make the wedding band for her sister.
After the ceremony, guests were seated for lunch at Rowton Castle. Ceri and Gareth chose a menu featuring some of their favourite dishes, including burrata salad, steak with dauphinois potatoes, and the most incredible salted-caramel chocolate cheesecake. A special touch was added with vanilla salt, which they had picked up during a trip to Anglesey just months before. As the evening approached, additional guests were greeted with Hugo Spritz cocktails and a selection of delicious canapés. The reception included live music, garden games, and an evening meal served from the garden kitchen. There were no speeches or cake cutting, and even the first dance was a last-minute addition. The evening was informal and full of joy, just as Ceri and Gareth had imagined.
The flowers used throughout the wedding were sourced locally, all grown within 30 minutes of Rowton Castle, and carefully chosen to reflect the season. While the florist created the bouquets and ceremony arrangements, Ceri and her sister had a hands-on moment the night before the wedding, assembling the bud vases that enhanced the effortless and romantic aesthetic. Any leftover flowers and bouquet stems were dried and repurposed to create confetti for Ceri’s sister’s wedding, preserving the wonderful memories of the day further. Ceri also designed and created all the wedding stationery, adding yet another personal touch to the event.
Ceri and Gareth commented, “We honestly had the best day. The only thing we’d wish for is more time to enjoy it. We also know now that it wouldn’t have been the same if we had celebrated elsewhere, and we feel a little silly for even considering it. Team Rowton Castle was exceptional, as always.”
SUPPLIERS
Ceremony Venue @shrewsburymuseum
Celebration Venue @rowton.castle
Photographer @pbartworks (Phil Barrett)
Videographer @katyyatesphotography
Florist @greendaisyfloral (Karen Hubbard)
Makeup @nicholawitcombetantmua
Hair @bridalhairbyjaydeelizabeth
Music @joe_seager
Cakes @thecheeseshed and @tim_bakes
DJ @djchrisadamsuk
Games, Uplighting and Audio Guestbook @littlegemfx
Tables and Chairs @tipplescateringhire
Dress was @essenseofaustralia purchased from @weddingbelles_4oaks with fittings @thebridalandsewingstudio
Tux was @mossbross and Cufflinks @montblanc
“Our suppliers were chosen because we knew what a brilliant job they would do. Our day would not have come together without them.”