A Relaxed Summer Wedding at Rothley Court | Ella & Tom
There’s something about a summer wedding where nothing feels rushed.
The light lingers a little longer, people settle into the day more easily, and everything just feels open. That’s exactly how Ella and Tom’s wedding at Rothley Court felt from start to finish. Relaxed, personal, and full of meaningful moments.
Ella & Tom’s Story
Ella and Tom’s story began in a way that will feel familiar to a lot of couples.
They met in their first year at college, sharing classes and crossing paths without really knowing what was coming. It wasn’t until their second year, when they were paired together for an assignment, that things started to shift.
A Halloween party, a proper conversation, and about a week later, Tom asked Ella out.
Simple, natural, and the kind of beginning that doesn’t try too hard.
A few years later, in July 2022, they found themselves on a short break in Edinburgh. They planned a walk up Arthur’s Seat, taking their time and enjoying the views.
Halfway up, near the quiet remains of some chapel ruins, Tom proposed.
No big production. Just the two of them, in a place that already felt special.
A Wedding That Felt Personal and Relaxed
From the start, their plans were clear.
They wanted a wedding that kept the meaning of a traditional day, but without the pressure that can sometimes come with it. Nothing overly staged. Nothing that pulled them away from the people they care about.
Just a day that felt like them.
A summer setting, colourful flowers, and a space filled with their closest family and friends.
That was enough.
A Church Ceremony and Rothley Court Reception
The ceremony took place in Tom’s church, somewhere that has been part of his life since he was three years old.
That decision wasn’t about aesthetics. It was about connection.
For the reception, they explored a number of venues before choosing Rothley Court. The gardens, the history, and the overall feel gave them exactly what they were looking for. Somewhere relaxed, but still special.
Having accommodation on site also meant more time together and less moving around, which helped the whole day feel easier and more connected.
The Planning Journey
Like most couples, they found that planning came with its challenges.
For them, it was balancing the day they wanted with staying within budget. That’s not always easy.
But there were parts they genuinely enjoyed.
Looking around venues. Meeting suppliers. Trying on suits and dresses with the people closest to them. The kind of moments in the build-up that often become part of the memories too.
They kept things simple and organised, using an online tool to manage RSVPs and guest details, and turning to Pinterest when they wanted inspiration.
The Dress That Found Its Way
Ella’s dress story didn’t quite go to plan at first.
She originally chose a dress she loved, even though it was slightly too small, reassured it could be altered. But just under two months before the wedding, she found out that wasn’t actually possible.
Not the news anyone wants that close to the day.
But sometimes things work out differently for a reason.
She found a completely different dress. One that felt more like her. And looking back, it was the right one all along.
The Ceremony Moments That Matter
That moment at the end of the aisle tends to quiet everything else.
Ella said that as soon as she saw Tom, any nerves disappeared. It stopped feeling like a room full of people and became something much smaller. Just the two of them.
Tom remembers it just as simply. Happiness, and the realisation that she was about to be his wife.
Their favourite part was exchanging vows. That point where everything shifts from planning to reality.
Although Ella did mention one close second. Tom’s smile as she walked towards him.
A Relaxed Wedding Celebration at Rothley Court
After the ceremony, the rest of the day unfolded exactly how they had hoped.
Time with family and friends. Conversations that didn’t feel rushed. Laughter running through everything.
They added simple touches that brought people together, including mini golf and a photobooth, both of which were used constantly throughout the evening.
Their first dance was to All About You by McFly. A song they already loved, light-hearted and easy to enjoy together.
The Moments You Can’t Plan
Not everything goes exactly as expected, and that’s often where the best moments come from.
During the confetti toss, two of Tom’s groomsmen decided to take things a step further and poured confetti all over Ella.
Completely unplanned. Completely unexpected.
And something they still laugh about now.
Personal Details That Made It Theirs
There were a few details woven into the day that felt especially personal.
Their wedding cake was made by Tom’s mum and decorated by his nanna, something that meant a lot to them both and became a real talking point.
And a small detail that will stay with them long after the day itself. A personalised Lego bride and groom cake topper. A quiet nod to something they both love.
A Natural, Documentary Approach
Like a lot of couples, Ella and Tom weren’t completely comfortable in front of the camera.
But by the end of the day, that wasn’t something they were thinking about anymore.
They told me they hardly noticed the cameras most of the time, and when they did, it felt natural. Easy. Like it wasn’t something they needed to perform for.
That’s always the goal.
A Favourite Moment
When it came to choosing a favourite photo from their gallery, Ella and Tom found it almost impossible.
But one that really stood out to them was a quiet moment on the stairs, with soft, low lighting and Ella turned slightly away from the camera.
It’s actually now Ella’s home screen photo.
Not because it’s posed or perfect, but because of how it feels.
Calm. Natural. Completely them.
Final Thoughts
If they had to describe their day in three words, it would be:
Joyful. Personal. Unforgettable.
And that really sums it up.
Planning Your Own Wedding
One piece of advice they shared was to give yourself time.
Start early where you can, especially if you’re getting married during a busy season. It takes the pressure off and gives you more space to make decisions that feel right.
And just as importantly, try not to get pulled too far into other people’s opinions.
It’s your day. It should feel like it.
A Little Note From Me
Weddings like this are always a reminder that it doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.
When people feel relaxed, and when they’re surrounded by the right people, everything else tends to fall into place.
If you’re planning a relaxed wedding at Rothley Court or somewhere similar, and you’re a bit worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera, you’re not alone.
Most of my couples feel exactly the same at the start.
If that sounds like you, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
No pressure. Just a conversation to see if it feels like a good fit.
More Photos….
A big thank you to all the brilliant suppliers who helped make Ella & Tom’s day what it was:
Church: Christ Chuch Clarendon Park
Reception: Rothley Court Hotel
Flowers: Magnificent Bouquets
Ella’s Dress: Wed2b
Bridesmaids Dresses: JJ’s House
Make Up Artist: Kelly Odell
Hair Stylist: Tanya Harvey
Wedding Car: Cars 4 Your Wedding
Tom’s Suit: Suits Direct
