Pamela & Raphael
Pamela and Raphael took their vows in front of their friends and family in the summer sun overlooking the Lavender pond at Royal Berkshire. Fun and modern was their brief and they certainly brought that to life.
Photography by: Zeal Photography
How did you both meet and how did the proposal occur?
Our story is a modern-day love story. We met online during lockdown, when restrictions meant our first dates could only take place outdoors.
Three years later, on our anniversary, Raph proposed on a beautiful summer’s day in the Cotswolds. He read me a carefully written, heartfelt love letter before getting down on one knee. This made an already special day one we’ll never forget.
What did you love most about Royal Berkshire?
The people at Royal Berkshire. The support we received from the wedding team, particularly Chloe and Dominika, was truly exceptional. We even had the opportunity to meet with the operations team to brainstorm room layouts, which felt so personal and special.
It was the little details that made such a difference. The team thought of things we hadn’t even considered, and everyone was incredibly kind, attentive and invested in making our day feel completely our own. We genuinely don’t think we would have received the same level of care anywhere else.
We also loved how beautifully the day flowed. Getting married beside the pond, followed by drinks outside and then moving into the bright and airy Berkshire Suite for the reception created a seamless transition between each part of the celebration. Our guests commented on how effortlessly everything came together.
Did you have a theme or particular style for the day?
We wanted a fun, modern wedding that felt stylish but, most importantly, gave our guests an amazing experience. We loved the idea of taking everything we had saved on our Pinterest board and bringing it to life in a way that still felt personal to us.
Green is our favourite colour, so we incorporated different shades throughout the day, from the bridal party attire and ribbons to our stationery and finer details. We also took on a lot of DIY projects ourselves, which allowed us to add those personal touches and bring our vision to life exactly as we had imagined.
Tell us all about the outfits...
The bride’s first dress was the Shakespeare by Justin Alexander Signature, from Evelie Bridal. The Basque waist added a touch of drama while keeping the look classic and timeless. She paired it with satin green Malone Souliers and a pear-cut tennis bracelet.
For her second look, she wore a two-piece column dress with a custom teal cape by IDY Atelier, Vietnam, designed to complement the groom’s second outfit and celebrate his Nigerian heritage.
The groom wore a custom black tuxedo in a cashmere-blend fabric, styled with a patterned bow tie and cummerbund for a modern take on a classic look.
The bridesmaids wore variations of olive-green dresses from Dessy, while the groomsmen wore two-piece tuxedos from Moss Bros.
What do you remember most about the day itself?
The ceremony stands out most. The emotion of the moment and seeing all our loved ones there to celebrate with us, surrounded by such a beautiful setting. We also loved our reception entrance; seeing everyone cheering, dancing and celebrating as we walked in was such a special and unforgettable moment.
Were there any special moments or surprises?
One of the most special parts was being able to work with the chef to incorporate dishes from our cultures into the menu. It meant so much that the team took the time to learn our recipes and perfect them for the day.
We also loved our many trips to the venue in the lead-up to the wedding. Each visit built the anticipation and excitement, and it was so special seeing everything slowly come together. The team were incredibly accommodating and worked with us on all the little details, helping to bring our Pinterest board and overall vision to life.
What tips or advice would you give to future couples?
Enjoy the process and make the most of the experience. Don’t be afraid to ask your venue team and suppliers for advice, they have so much experience and can often suggest things you may not have considered.
Most importantly, remember to take time away from wedding planning. It’s so easy to get completely immersed in the world of weddings, so having moments where you simply enjoy being engaged and focus on each other is just as important.
