When Charlotte René, a senior technology delivery manager, and Patrick Muyot, a media communications officer, attempted to plan a destination wedding in France or Italy, they didn’t expect the perfect location could be just 45 minutes using their home in London. Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire happened to possess everything the pair wanted inside a venue—a classic, romantic setting that felt effortlessly chic. Charlotte and Patrick were sold as soon as they pulled up.

“It was everything we wanted from the venue; similar to your own home during the day, where every room could be accessible to all of your guests,” Charlotte says of the August 2019 nuptials. “We had always wanted each day that exuded elegance and romance, however with a modern design edge.”

Charlotte drew on her behalf French and Mauritian heritage, in addition to Patrick’s Filipino background, to create each day that felt true to their life in England together and honored their own families. She caused wedding planner Louise Hughes of One Stylish Day to drag the wedding altogether; champagne bridesmaid dresses highlighting tradition whilst adding a contemporary aesthetic using the flower arrangements, music, and food.

The couple kept the party going later around. At the end of the six-week honeymoon through Sri Lanka, Bali, and Vietnam, they'd a family moon in The Philippines with Patrick’s relatives and Charlotte’s parents and grandparents. “It would be a trip a person can have,” Charlotte says.