Late August at Nymans is exactly what you hope it will be. The gardens are full, colour everywhere, borders spilling over in that slightly unruly way that makes them feel alive rather than arranged. Chantelle and Ollie chose Nymans for a simple reason. They are keen gardeners and have loved visiting for years. It meant something to them long before it became a wedding venue.
Their ceremony took place in front of the Loggia, with drinks flowing straight afterwards in the same space. Warm, but not baking hot. Guests settled easily into the gardens, moving between shade and sun. Chantelle had a strong sense of how she wanted things to look. Thoughtful details, considered styling. More aesthetic than some of my usual couples, perhaps, but beneath that there was a real softness between the two of them. They were calm with each other. Steady. Their guests were exactly the same. Friendly, relaxed, happy to be there.
Dinner was held in the new Barn space, which works as a café during the day but transforms well in the evening. In front of it sits a courtyard, and they had a mobile bar set up in a horsebox serving summer cocktails while the light slowly shifted. It felt informal in a good way. People chatting in small groups, glasses in hand, the day stretching out.
The real highlight for me came a little later. At five o’clock the public leave and the gardens empty completely. While everyone was eating, I wandered out on my own to look for spots. Just me and the wildflowers. It’s a rare thing to have Nymans to yourself. During a break in the meal I brought Chantelle and Ollie out to join me. No crowd. No noise. Just late summer light and colour in every direction. For a couple who chose the venue because of the gardens, it felt right that they had a few quiet minutes to enjoy them properly.
A late August wedding at Nymans built around flowers, family and a shared love of the outdoors.
