Robyn and Peters Wedding at Cliveden House
Castigliano bride Robyn married husband Peter in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, followed by a reception at the fabulous Cliveden House.
The venue’s opulent history made it the perfect setting for this fairy-tale wedding.
Having met on a summer internship at a city law firm (where Peter now works) nearly ten years ago, the couple bonded during their daily train commute to London and became a couple a few years later.
How did Pete propose?
Pete proposed on a surprise trip to Lake Como. He had booked me time off and packed me a bag (surprisingly well). He claimed it was an early birthday trip – it seemed excessive but I didn’t doubt him. On the first night, at a private dinner on the edge of the lake, he got down on one knee. It was perfect!
How did you choose your wedding venue?
We knew we wanted somewhere relatively close to where I grew up (Henley-on-Thames) so that narrowed it down. We also wanted amazing food and a beautiful setting for the pictures. Andre Garrett (the head chef at Cliveden) is incredibly talented and the grounds are spectacular. When we saw it we knew we couldn’t get married anywhere else.
The bride looked stunning in a bespoke Caroline Castigliano wedding gown in silk Mikado with beaded lace applique.
What did you enjoy the most about your Caroline Castigliano experience?
The whole experience was absolutely wonderful – from the first time we came in to try on dresses (and the patience of the team as I tried on almost every style and fabric) to the numerous later fittings. The highlight had to be the earlier fittings where Caroline and I were working to finalise the design of the dress. Watching her cut out sample pieces of lace and pin them onto my dress was a really special moment.
What did you like the most about your dress and what was the reason for choosing it?
I wanted something classic and timeless, but also something unique and beautifully detailed. I fell in love with the shape and structure of the Karolina dress (on which mine was based) and Caroline did a fantastic job of adding the detailing in the most wonderful beaded lace. I think my favourite part of the dress was all of that detailing – the heavier lace and beading around the waist of the dress, the amazing organic lacework around the entire train and the intricate detailed lace around the neckline and back.
Best moment of the day?
The whole church ceremony – from standing in the vestry as my mum straightened my train and veil (not an easy thing to do, given the length), walking down the aisle and seeing all our friends and family there to support us, to making the vows and singing the hymns. I didn’t think I’d enjoy that part as much as I did, but it felt very important and special.
Any tips for brides-to-be?
Take a breath and try to enjoy the day (and ignore the things that will, inevitably, not go exactly as you planned). The day will go by so quickly and it is important to enjoy the moment and not worry about anything.
Photography: Mark Seymour Photography
Venue: Cliveden House
Flowers: Russell New from Blomster Designs
Hair and Make-up: Claire Sexton from Claire Nicole
Headpiece: Debbie Carlisle
DJ: Mark, from Mighty Fine Events
