Manor by the Lake in Cheltenham with its grand architecture, sweeping gardens and views across to the pagoda, it provides a beautiful backdrop in every season. On this particular February morning, the sunshine was already spilling across the grounds as we arrived to begin setting up the kind of crisp, bright day that feels like winter gently giving way to the first hints of spring.
Bridal Bouquet
The bridal bouquet perfectly captured the spirit of this alternative gothic wedding. It was textured, full of movement and layered with a rich palette of colour. Deep autumnal tones blended with darker winter hues, creating something striking yet romantic. The perfect statement piece to complement the overall aesthetic.
Buttonholes
The groom and his groomsmen wore beautifully textural buttonholes that tied seamlessly into the wider floral design. Each one featured layered foliage and seasonal elements, adding subtle colour and depth. These small details echoed the bouquet’s palette and textures, creating a cohesive look across the wedding party while still feeling relaxed and contemporary.
Ceremony Space
The ceremony took place overlooking the gardens and pagoda, a stunning view that Manor by the Lake does so well. To frame the space, we created a broken floral arch filled with seasonal textures and rich tones. The design felt organic and slightly asymmetric, adding to the alternative feel of the day.
Along the aisle, delicate pew ends brought gentle floral touches that guided the eye towards the ceremony space. With winter sunshine streaming through the windows and lighting the florals, the whole scene felt like the perfect blend of winter atmosphere and the early spring.
The Fireplace
One of the most striking features when guests arrived was the entrance fireplace. We topped the mantel with layered florals that echoed the ceremony palette, creating a welcoming moment as everyone entered the venue. Not only did it add warmth and impact to the space, but these flowers were later repurposed during the day a thoughtful way to make the most of the designs while keeping the overall look cohesive throughout the celebration.
Wedding Breakfast
For the wedding breakfast, the couple chose trestle tables set within the Manor by the Lake ballroom a slightly different and refreshing way to see the space styled. The long tables created a wonderfully intimate atmosphere while still allowing the grandeur of the room to shine.
Bud vases cascaded down the length of the tables, each filled with small clusters of seasonal stems that brought colour, texture and movement to the setting. Behind the top table, we repurposed the ceremony arch along with the florals from the fireplace, creating a beautiful backdrop for the couple. It was the perfect way to reuse the flowers and carry the design story through every part of the day.
Planning a wedding at Manor by the Lake in Cheltenham or elsewhere in Gloucestershire? Thoughtful floral design can transform each part of your day, from the ceremony through to the wedding breakfast. If you’re looking for a wedding florist who specialises in modern, textural and alternative floral styling for Manor by the Lake weddings, we’d love to hear about your plans. You can see another of our Manor by the Lake wedding flowers here.
Get in touch to start planning your wedding flowers.
Florist: @femme_petale
Photographer: Ivy & Pine
Venue: @ManorbytheLake