Lauren and Mitch’s wedding weekend at St Giles House was everything a modern couple could hope for: relaxed, refined, and full of personality. Set against the grand yet welcoming backdrop of one of Dorset’s most atmospheric venues, this celebration unfolded over two carefully planned days — blending elegance, ease, and plenty of live music.
Friday Night: Firelit Feasts and a Warm Welcome
Rather than saving all the celebration for Saturday, Lauren and Mitch chose to open the weekend with a laid-back evening that instantly set the tone. As guests arrived at the Riding House, they were greeted by the glow of firepits and the scent of food cooking over flames. Flames and Feasts delivered a delicious menu served buffet-style — generous, flavourful, and designed to bring people together.
Later, the mood shifted as Harry North performed live, creating a relaxed energy that had guests swaying, singing along, and truly settling into the weekend. It felt more like a winter gathering with friends than a formal pre-wedding event.
Saturday: Thoughtful Details, Natural Flow
The wedding day began slowly, with a sense of calm that only comes from careful coordination. Breakfasts were shared in different corners of the house, hair and makeup followed a well-paced schedule, and the bridal party were free to enjoy the morning without rushing. The energy was light, focused, and quietly joyful.
Their ceremony in the Great Dining Room was simple and heartfelt. Penny the dog made a sweet appearance alongside the bridesmaids, and the couple exited to a private moment with two glasses of chilled Moët — a small but memorable pause before rejoining their guests.
Reception: Elevated Informality and Lively Music
The drinks reception flowed through the terrace and drawing rooms, with canapés and drinks served as guests chatted in the Autumn sunshine. There was a lovely sense of ease to the day — well-structured but never stiff. The couple were introduced by their MC, had a private first look in the library, and then it was time for dinner.
The wedding breakfast was anything but ordinary. With the Mash Up Kings performing a roaming live set as guests took their seats, the room was alive from the start. The couple made their entrance to music, speeches were heartfelt, and the plated three-course dinner was beautifully served by Red Herring. Between each course, the band kept the atmosphere buzzing — less formal dinner, more intimate concert.
The Evening: Cocktails, Pizza and a Private Nightclub
As the sun set, the terrace became cocktail central while the photobooth opened and guests recharged for the evening ahead. The Mash Up Kings played two more lively sets before handing over to the DJ and saxophonist, who brought a high-energy feel to the night.
Lauren changed into her evening dress, and she and Mitch led their guests down into the private nightclub — guided by live sax and a backing track. It was a brilliant transition and a real ‘wow’ moment. The dancing didn’t stop until the early hours, fuelled by more music, more pizza, and a dancefloor that never emptied.
Lauren and Mitch’s wedding was a masterclass in making the most of a wedding weekend — blending structure with spontaneity, style with soul, and thoughtful planning with freedom to enjoy the moment.
It was a joy to coordinate such a personal and well-paced celebration, and a reminder of just how memorable a wedding can be when it’s truly designed around how a couple want to feel.
Team
Venue – St Giles House , Coordinator – Emily Rose Events , Caterer – Red Herring , Friday Food – Flames & Feasts , Evening Food – Pizza with Love , Celebrant – Janet Glaze , Photographer – Emmylou Kelly , Photobooth – The Photocabin , Videographer – Olly Wilkes , Bar – Cartails , Friday Musician – Harry North , Band – Mash Up Kings , DJ – Max Galactic , Saxophonist – Daisy Megee , Florist – Martha & the Meadow , Stationery – Charlotte Willmore , Hair – Grace Bailey , Make Up – Olivia Marshall
