A brilliant marquee wedding at River Cottage: Thomas and Tilly’s wonderful day
Thomas and Tilly got married on Saturday, with the most fantastic wedding celebrations at River Cottage. They started the day in Lyme Regis, with the relaxed preparations including a swim in the sea (sadly before I got there, otherwise I might have been tempted to join them) and a lot of laughter. Then it was off to River Cottage, a tractor ride down the hill, and a really beautiful outdoor ceremony in the sunny kitchen garden. Thomas and Tilly are lucky enough to have talented musician friends, who accompanied the guests through some songs during the ceremony. I loved hearing everyone join together and sing acoustic versions of Yazoo’s Only Love, and The Beatles’ I Wanna Hold Your Hand. Such a brilliant way for Thomas and Tilly to give their ceremony a personal feel to it. The singing reminded me of Cos and Vicky’s humanist ceremony in Wiltshire a couple of years back.
After the ceremony, everyone spread out into the games field to enjoy champagne and canapés in the sunshine, with more music and a wonderful impromptu singalong and dance. There was also much fun with welly wanging and garden skittles. Thomas is French, as are his family and many of his friends, and it was so funny (and slightly terrifying!) to see the French contingent attempting skittles with a boules style throw! At the end of the drinks reception, the musicians made like the Pied Piper, and led all the guests past the River Cottage farmhouse and into the back field for a completely brilliant marquee reception. There were wonderful speeches, and much hilarity at some of the French/English confusion, plus some good natured ribbing of English food – apart from the River Cottage feast, which was described by the French as ‘French style food’. The view from the marquee was quite incredible, with the sun setting over the valley and most of the guests heading outside at this point to enjoy it.
Then followed the party to end all parties! A fantastic night of dancing and singing and drinking and more dancing, with the excellent and highly entertaining Piano Factor providing the music. It was really great to photograph the dance floor right through to the sticky and emotional end, and capture Thomas and Tilly’s sparkler exit to finish. I had such a wonderful day, and really loved every part of it. I think that the relaxed and fun side of it all really shines through, and I’m so excited about editing the full set of images. For now, here is a selection for the blog…
![Bride and groom kissing on dance floor in silly hats](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_1-1.jpg)
![Boats moored at The Cobb at Lyme Regis](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_2.jpg)
![A seaside shop and side street in Lyme Regis](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_3.jpg)
![Seagulls and crab sandwiches](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_4.jpg)
![Bride to be, laughing while having hair done](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_6.jpg)
![Group of women laughing together](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_7.jpg)
![Bridesmaids hanging up a wedding dress](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_8.jpg)
![Bride smiling and having make up done](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_9.jpg)
![Father of the bride laughing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_10.jpg)
![Bride and mother laughing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_11.jpg)
![A group having breakfast in a large garden](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_12.jpg)
![People chatting and laughing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_13.jpg)
![A man ironing a shirt](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_14.jpg)
![Groom putting on cufflinks](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_15.jpg)
![Groom looking at speech](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_16.jpg)
![Groomsmen receiving gifts from groom](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_17.jpg)
![Groomsman smiling at groom](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_18.jpg)
![Groom with groomsmen preparing for wedding](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_19.jpg)
![Hip flasks with bottle of whisky](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_20.jpg)
![River Cottage farmhouse](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_21.jpg)
![Wedding guests outside River Cottage farmhouse](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_22.jpg)
![Groom cuddling flower girl](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_23.jpg)
![Bridesmaids arriving at River Cottage](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_25.jpg)
![Bride and father arriving from tractor](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_26.jpg)
![Groom with best man](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_27.jpg)
![Flower girl laughing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_28.jpg)
![Bride and father, and bridesmaids, walking through River Cottage kitchen garden](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_29.jpg)
![Bride's father walking her up the aisle for outdoor ceremony](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_30.jpg)
![Flower girl holding ring boxes](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_31.jpg)
![Bride and groom exchanging rings in outdoor ceremony](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_32.jpg)
![Bride's parents smiling during wedding ceremony](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_33.jpg)
![Mother of the groom smiling during wedding ceremony](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_34.jpg)
![Bride and groom smiling at each other during wedding ceremony](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_35.jpg)
![Outdoor wedding ceremony at River Cottage](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_36.jpg)
![Bride and groom clapping and laughing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_37.jpg)
![Bride and groom walking down the aisle in kitchen garden](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_38.jpg)
![Bride and groom walk towards River Cottage farmhouse](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_39.jpg)
![Bride and groom with guests throwing confetti](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_40.jpg)
![Bride and groom in kitchen garden at River Cottage](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_41.jpg)
![Wedding guests in field with River Cottage farmhouse behind](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_42.jpg)
![Man throwing skittle ball high in the air](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_43.jpg)
![Three men standing by skittles](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_44.jpg)
![Canapés](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_45.jpg)
![Wedding guests welly wanging at River Cottage](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_46.jpg)
![Wedding guests playing skittles at River Cottage](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_47.jpg)
![Mother of the groom laughing with usher](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_48.jpg)
![Guests throwing wellies at River Cottage wedding](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_49.jpg)
![Bride dancing in a field](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_50.jpg)
![Wedding guests dancing in a field](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_51.jpg)
![Wedding guests laughing in a field](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_52.jpg)
![Wedding marquee at River Cottage](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_53.jpg)
![Wedding marquee at River Cottage](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_54.jpg)
![Musicians leading guests](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_55.jpg)
![Musicians leading guests to marquee](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_56.jpg)
![Bride and groom enter wedding marquee](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_57.jpg)
![Guests cheering and clapping as bride and groom enter marquee](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_58.jpg)
![Bride giving wedding speech](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_59.jpg)
![Mother of the groom waving](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_60.jpg)
![Groom smiling at bride's speech](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_61.jpg)
![Bride and groom kissing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_62.jpg)
![Bride's father giving speech](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_63.jpg)
![Wedding guests laughing at speeches](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_64.jpg)
![Main course being served at River Cottage](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_65.jpg)
![Alliums at River Cottage](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_66.jpg)
![Farm animals at River Cottage](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_67.jpg)
![Flower girl peeking through wedding marquee](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_68.jpg)
![Wedding marquee in a field](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_69.jpg)
![Wedding guests cheering](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_70.jpg)
![Groom giving wedding speech](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_71.jpg)
![Wedding guests laughing at speeches](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_72.jpg)
![Bride laughing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_73.jpg)
![Guests in wedding marquee listening to groom's speech](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_74.jpg)
![Bride kissing groom in marquee](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_75.jpg)
![Groom at the top of a human pyramid](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_76.jpg)
![Bride and groom cuddling and watching the sun set](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_77.jpg)
![Bride and groom kissing with a sunset](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_78.jpg)
![Bride and groom with a sunset](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_79.jpg)
![Bride and groom walking across a field](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_80.jpg)
![Wedding guests throwing groom up in the air](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_81.jpg)
![Wedding guests watching the sunset](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_82.jpg)
![Wedding guests watching a screen and laughing](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_83.jpg)
![](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_83a.jpg)
![](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_84-1.jpg)
![Two wedding guests sitting outside a marquee](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_85.jpg)
![Fire pits in a field](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_86.jpg)
![Bride and groom doing first dance with guests watching](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_87.jpg)
![Bride and groom smiling on dance floor](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_88.jpg)
![Two men preparing mojitos](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_89.jpg)
![Two women smiling on the dance floor](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_90.jpg)
![Images of guests on the dance floor](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_91.jpg)
![Bride dancing with wedding guests](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_92.jpg)
![Bride and groom dancing with silly hats](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_94.jpg)
![Group of wedding guests on the dance floor](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_93.jpg)
![Bride and groom dancing on guests shoulders](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_95.jpg)
![Bride and groom hugging on dance floor](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_96.jpg)
![Bride and groom laughing surrounded by sparklers](https://helenliskphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06-3157-post/river-cottage-wedding_helen-lisk-photography_97.jpg)
Wonderful suppliers involved in this wedding:
Venue & catering: River Cottage
Tilly’s dress: designed by Rime Arodaky, from The Mews Bridal, Clifton
Tilly’s shoes: Patricia Blanchet
Thomas’ suit: Guide London and bowtie Colonel Moutarde
Florist: Luna in the Wild
Band: Piano Factor
Marquee & lighting: Abbas Marquees