“Who wouldn’t want to get married in a castle?”  Those were the words of Rebecca Craig when we asked her why she chose Farnham Castle as the reception venue for her gorgeous black and white themed wedding to drama teacher and fiancé, Jon Scott.

Rebecca, who is also a teacher, married Jon in St Andrews Church, Farnham, Surrey.  Farnham is the bride’s home town and the church is very close to home: “we could always hear the bell ringers practising,” comments Rebecca.

Rebecca and Jon held their reception at Farnham Castle.  “The Bishops’ Palace at the Castle is one of the most important historic buildings in the South of England and is a most sought after venue for wedding receptions,”   explains Jeff Toms, director of marketing and client services at Farnham Castle.  “Now with the recent completion of the extensive refurbishment work, Farnham Castle provides a truly unique setting for any wedding reception.”

Home of the Bishops of Winchester for over 900 years and a popular choice for meeting and celebration of many Kings and Queens of England over the centuries, the historic 12th century castle is set in 5 acres of grounds which overlook the picturesque town of Farnham.

For her wedding, Rebecca wore a stunning strapless ivory dress with fish tail and full rouching with a lace sparkled bolero by Ritva Westinius.   The bridesmaids wore matching black, one shouldered evening gowns from Karen Millen, with black and white earrings and large, statement black flower rings, all from Mimco bought in Australia.  The best man and groomsman carried on the classic black and white theme with black tails and personalised black and white polka dot ties and handkerchiefs by Gresham Blake.

120 guests attended the reception at Farnham Castle for a meal of prawns and melon to start, followed by a choice of duck, salmon or goats cheese and tomato tart.  For dessert, the guests tucked into a fantastic black and white chocolate wedding cake covered in white chocolate and decorated with hand made lilies and orchids and detailed with black stamens and outlines from Choccywokkydodah.

“Everything worked like clockwork except a spot of rain but the photos with the black and white umbrellas were great,” said Rebecca.

Rebecca and Jon’s fairy tale wedding was followed up by a Kenyan safari honeymoon where the couple climbed Mount Kenya and relaxed on the beach.

Photography: Philip Nash Photography

Farnham Castle in Surrey provides a unique setting where family and friends can celebrate that special wedding day in style and the backdrop of the building and grounds offers opportunities for unforgettable photographs.  See www.farnhamcastle.co.uk, or go to their website at www.farnhamcastle.com.