Antonia & Craig's Traditional English Wedding

Join us as we relive Antonia and Craig's traditional church wedding, followed by a dramatic reception at the historic Cowdray House in the Tudor-style Cowdray Estate. The bride, Antonia, takes us back to the couple's romantic engagement story, shares the inspiration behind their classic wedding decor, and reveals the personal touches that made their day truly special.

From the elegant floral arrangements to the timeless dress from Miss Bush Bridal, discover how Antonia and Craig created a wedding that perfectly reflected their love and style, and browse through their favourite wedding gifts from the registry.

Being able to visit the showroom and have an in-person appointment gave the experience such a personal touch. We could see and feel so many gorgeous items and really visualise what they could look like in our home. It was also something we tried to take our time over, and being able to revisit the showroom through our engagement was a joy.

The personalised service is second-to-none, and I loved that The Wedding Present Company had a wonderful connection to my bridal boutique, Miss Bush. It felt like a wonderfully connected family determined to deliver the best experience.

The White Company, Burleigh, Denby, Sophie Conran for Portmeirion

Craig and I have been together since 14th May 2009 (so 12 years as a couple) but as Craig quite rightly said in his Groom speech, our story started 13.5 years ago at Hurstpierpoint College, West Sussex. He tells the story differently, but we first started “speaking” after I sent him a rather embarrassing message on Facebook and slowly we got to know one another. Craig being the year above at our boarding school was quite the College gossip. We went to different Universities (Exeter and Reading) which we didn’t intentionally do but it definitely allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in university life, but long distance was difficult. Eventually, we both moved to London (me to do a Masters) and Craig to start a Graduate Scheme at Network Rail. In 2015 we bought our first flat together.

Craig’s proposal was a complete surprise, despite having been together for so long! On Good Friday 2018 he took me for the Sunrise Breakfast at Duck and Waffle, London which I had always wanted to do. He then took me for a walk through a silent St James’ Park and with a backdrop of Buckingham Palace he proposed. I was absolutely stunned and couldn’t speak. He had planned an entire day, booked us in to The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and had a table reserved at my favourite restaurant, The Wolseley. Just to make sure my answer was a “yes” the next day Craig drove me to St Mary’s in Thakeham, West Sussex and as the sun was setting and proposed once again. He had bought a toy ring for me to keep so we could choose my engagement ring together. We both wanted a long engagement so that the wedding wouldn’t completely take over our lives and to give us an opportunity to save and plan. I also felt a little young to officially tie the knot! From engagement to wedding was going to be 2.5 years. And then, the Pandemic. We decided to push the wedding back by a year to allow for the dust to (hopefully) settle and allow us to have the day we imagined.

My dress was custom-made by Jesus Peiro from Miss Bush, Ripley. The dress was a bespoke creation of styles from Jesus Peiro and from the Miss Bush Anniversary dress. The Overtrain was also a Jesus Peiro special from the 2020 collection. My veil was a bespoke design by The Couture Veil and Sassi Holford, overseen by the Miss Bush team.

My shoes were Manolo Blahnik, Hangisi in white satin. Earrings were pearl and diamond studs from Liberty London. My Engagement Ring was by Sophie Breitmeyer, a yellow gold ring with diamonds set in to the band, central round diamond with diamond halo, platinum top setting.

Craig’s morning Suit was from Favourbrook. He had houndstooth trousers, jacket and buff waistcoat with cream piping, and a tie from Hermes.

My Bridesmaids wore Maids to Measure's Regent Dress in Cream Soda, LK Bennett Suede Courts and pearl earrings.

DT8, our first dance opened with Paolo Nutini's 'Someone Like You' which the Mother of the Bride choreographed a routine to for us! As the track faded, DT8 broke in to 'Pencil Full of Lead' by Paolo Nutini and everyone raced to the dancefloor., our first dance opened with Paolo Nutini's 'Someone Like You' which the Mother of the Bride choreographed a routine to for us! As the track faded, DT8 broke in to 'Pencil Full of Lead' by Paolo Nutini and everyone raced to the dancefloor.

Save the Dates were by Papier, Wedding Invitations were by Rosemood Atelier, Menus: Bride’s Design. The Table Plan was by ERA Caligraphy and Wedding Guest Tables Place Cards were by Ellie Riley Calligraphy.

Venue: Cowdray House, Bridal Fashion: Miss Bush, Jesus Peiro, The Couture Veil, Manolo Blahnik, Sassi Holford, Engagement Ring: Sophie Breitmeyer, Groom's Fashion: Favourbrook, Hermes, Bridesmaids' Fashion: Maids to Measure and LK Bennett, Transport: Premier Carriage, Flowers: This Floral Life, Hair & Make Up: The Bridal Dream Team, Caterer: Caper & Berry, Cake: Emily's Mixing Bowl, Photographer: Helen Abraham, Band: DT8, Stationary: Papier, Rosemood Atelier, ERA Caligraphy and Ellie Riley Calligraphy.