As an Oxfordshire Wedding Planner I was so excited to meet Angharad and Tom and discuss their small marquee wedding plans. There’s something incredibly special about intimate weddings – the warmth, the closeness, and the deep connection between every guest. Angharad and Tom’s wedding was a perfect example of this, a stunning celebration with just 30 of their closest family and friends. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Oxfordshire countryside, their day was filled with personal touches, heartfelt moments, and exquisite details that made it truly unforgettable.
A Charming Country Church Ceremony
The day began at the beautiful St John the Baptist Church in Kingston Lisle, a quaint and historic country church in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside. The floral arrangements, created by the talented Flowers by Kirsty, added an enchanting touch to the setting. The church entrance was adorned with romantic, tumbling greenery and delicate blooms in soft pastel hues, welcoming guests into an intimate and serene space. Inside, the floral decor continued, perfectly complementing the warm, traditional charm of the church and the spectacular stained glass windows.
A Joyful Homecoming and Garden Reception
After the ceremony, guests were transported back to the bride’s family home in a vintage bus, adding a delightful, nostalgic element to the day. Upon arrival, they were greeted with chilled champagne and exquisite canapés, enjoyed in the lush gardens under a soft summer sky. Whilst a piano was played a relaxed and joyful atmosphere allowed guests to mingle, laugh, and celebrate the newlyweds in a truly personal and homely setting.
As an Oxfordshire wedding planner offering full planning, I supported Angharad and Tom from the very beginning of their journey. From sourcing and liaising with key suppliers and helping them make informed decisions, to building a personalised timeline and managing the logistics of hosting a wedding at home, every detail was carefully considered. I was involved in every element – from the layout of the garden and marquee placement, to the creation of a detailed styling scheme that tied the day together seamlessly.
Planning a small marquee wedding at home comes with its own unique challenges – from coordinating power, loos, and catering access, to weather contingencies and supplier scheduling. My role was to take the pressure off the couple, their families, and the home itself, so they could enjoy the celebration without stress. Behind the scenes, I ensured everything ran smoothly: checking supplier arrivals, overseeing setup, and keeping everything on track from the moment the church bells rang to the final dance.
A Stunning Raj Tent Reception
Dinner was hosted in a breathtaking Raj tent from Red Crest Events, an elegant marquee that brought a sense of opulence and sophistication to the countryside setting. The intricate linings of the marquee added warmth and texture, creating a beautifully intimate dining experience.
The tablescapes were a vision of refined elegance, with delicate floral arrangements echoing the pastel tones of the church flowers. Gold-beaded charger plates, crystal-clear glassware, soft pink goblets and fine linen came together to create a setting that felt both luxurious and inviting. Each element, from the blooms to the candlelight, was chosen to reflect the couple’s style and the intimate spirit of the day.
This was a quintessential small marquee wedding done beautifully – proving just how impactful a thoughtful and creative setup can be, even on a smaller scale.
Details with Personality
One of the couple’s standout choices was having two cakes – a beautifully styled semi-naked tiered cake adorned with soft pink florals, and a show-stopping cheese cake tower with rosemary sprigs and purple chive flowers. Displayed on wooden wine crates, they became a focal point in the marquee and offered something for every guest to enjoy.
The Magic of Intimate Weddings
One of the most wonderful things about a wedding of this size is the opportunity to truly connect with every guest. Angharad and Tom were able to spend meaningful time with each of their loved ones, sharing stories, laughter, and memories. With fewer guests, the atmosphere remained relaxed, allowing for heartfelt conversations and genuine moments of togetherness. Everyone could see the speeches, feel part of every moment, and no one was lost in the crowd.
This is where the expertise of an Oxfordshire wedding planner truly shines – knowing how to balance style, logistics, and warmth to create something extraordinary in a home setting. My full planning service is designed exactly for this – offering a calm, organised, and creative approach that helps couples bring their vision to life without feeling overwhelmed.
An Evening Full of Energy
As the sun set and the candles glowed, the evening came alive. Angharad and Tom shared their first dance to huge cheers from their guests – a romantic, joyful moment that set the tone for the night. Then came the energy! Guests danced the night away to the electrifying sounds of Ellie Sax alongside a live DJ. Ellie brought glamour and high-energy performance, weaving through the crowd with her dazzling outfit and signature saxophone solos.
A Day to Remember
From tractors and Land Rovers to champagne on the lawn, from wild florals to golden tableware and an unforgettable dance floor, Angharad and Tom’s wedding was a true reflection of them. It was joyful, elegant, relaxed and full of life.
Their day was a testament to the beauty of intimate celebrations – where every detail feels personal, and every moment is shared with the ones who matter most. Proof that a smaller guest list can create the most impactful and memorable experience.
To view the whole gallery of this small marquee wedding do take a look at the gallery.
How an Oxfordshire Wedding Planner can Help
If you’re planning your own at-home marquee wedding or dreaming of a small marquee wedding with style, joy, and warmth, this is the perfect inspiration to embrace what truly matters: connection, beauty, and the people you love. And if you need support bringing your day to life, an experienced Oxfordshire wedding planner can help make every detail feel seamless and stress-free.
Whether you’re hosting at home or searching for the perfect Oxfordshire wedding venue, Honour & Pop offers expert full planning services that guide you every step of the way – with creativity, care, and total dedication to your dream celebration.
Do contact me to have a chat about your vision whether it is for a small marquee wedding or a larger wedding at an Oxfordshire venue. I can help you create your day just how you have dreamt it.
Antonia
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Photography – Barker Evans
