This Intimate Autumn Wedding at Middleton Lodge Was Inspired by the Beauty of the Estate’s Seasonal Gardens

Welcome to Real Wedding Inspiration, where we collect and curate beautiful wedding stories. We invite Wedding Present Company couples to share favourite moments from their special day — and we have stunning photos of every last detail. 

Bathed in the soft glow of early autumn, Marsha and Toby’s wedding at The Fig House, Middleton Lodge Estate, was a celebration of natural beauty and understated elegance. Set against rustic brick walls, climbing fig trees and a walled garden bursting with seasonal flowers, their day perfectly reflected the charm of autumn and their relaxed, thoughtful style.

The couple envisioned a day that felt intimate and personal — full of warmth, joy and meaning. “We had just 56 guests during the day and 10 more in the evening,” Marsha shares. “It was perfect; we were able to speak to everyone and celebrate surrounded by our closest friends and family.”

Marsha and Toby reflect on their beautiful autumn wedding day, sharing favourite picks from their wedding registry and how they blended a heartfelt village-church ceremony, a candlelit reception filled with seasonal flowers, champagne towers and joyful dancing into a day that was completely true to them.

In August 2022, a birthday trip to Paris took an unforgettable turn for Marsha. “Toby had planned a little getaway for my birthday, and a few days later we went to Versailles — the first place we ever holidayed together five years ago,” she recalls. After lunch, Toby suggested a cocktail at the Airelles Château de Versailles, a breathtakingly beautiful hotel that Marsha assumed was just another birthday treat.

“As soon as we got our drinks, Toby said he’d take a photo of me — and then he got down on one knee,” she shares. “There wasn’t a soul around, and I completely lost the ability to speak, with tears of happiness streaming down my face.” The staff, fully in on the surprise, appeared moments later with celebratory champagne. “It was honestly the most perfect proposal in the most gorgeous place,” says Marsha. “We can’t wait to go back.”

Throughout the planning process, the couple were supported by venue planner Ellie Mead, who ensured every detail on her wedding coordinator checklist came together seamlessly. “Ellie was brilliant — very professional and accommodating of all our needs,” Marsha says. “She made everything feel effortless, which allowed us to really enjoy the day.”

“So many of our friends recommended The Wedding Present Company, and we couldn’t have made a better choice. The team made the process such a joy — it felt like the biggest treat, choosing gorgeous pieces for our new home. We loved unpacking everything and reliving the magic of our wedding all over again.”

For Marsha and Toby, visiting The Wedding Present Company showroom was one of the highlights of their entire wedding planning process. “Their incredible showroom made the whole experience feel so special,” says Marsha. “We were greeted with a glass of Nyetimber and a coffee, and spent hours browsing through hundreds of wedding gift ideas. We even brought my mum along, which made it such a lovely day.”

They were instantly drawn to the brands on offer. “We loved Pooky, OKA, Sharland England — I especially loved one of The Wedding Present Company’s showroom events, where Louise Roe herself gave a presentation on the art of tablescaping — and Klimchi,” she recalls. “Honestly, all the brands were amazing.”

When it came to favourite gifts, one item stood out above the rest. “Our true showstopper present was the completely unnecessary but absolutely fabulous spruce stripe stool from OKA,” Marsha laughs. “It had gone out of production, but the brilliant Wedding Present Company team managed to make it happen. Our friends used the Group Gifting feature and clubbed together to buy it, and it’s such a special piece — I can already imagine it holding a glass of red wine and a whisky on a wintery Sunday afternoon in the shires.”

Other treasures included their bold leopard candlestick holders — “loud, 80s chic, and such fun!” — as well as a green tray and a Pooky lamp shade. “We had an intimate wedding, so every gift feels incredibly meaningful,” Marsha says.

Toby and Marsha were married in the local church in Middleton Tyas, a place that soon became close to their hearts. “The church was so kind to us — we got to know the congregation really well. It made our wedding ceremony feel very personal,” Marsha reflects. The celebration continued back at the Fig House, where guests enjoyed the gardens by day and fire pits by night.

The couple discovered The Fig House at Middleton Lodge Estate on a rainy October night — and fell instantly in love. “It was pouring with rain, but the venue’s beauty still shone through,” Marsha says. “We loved the rustic brickwork, the fig trees, and the walled garden. On the wedding day, the sun came out, which felt like a miracle for North Yorkshire!”

The day also carried a special tribute to Toby’s late father, who sadly passed away a month before the wedding. “Instead of hiring a vintage car, we used his dad’s little Mini,” Marsha shares. “Toby’s mum decorated it with white ribbon. It was incredibly emotional — such a simple but meaningful way to have him with us on the day.”

Marsha found her romantic, high-neck lace wedding dress at Bridal Rogue Gallery in York. The Nicole Milano gown was then altered to make it her own, featuring a fitted bodice with delicate floral embroidery, sheer lace sleeves, and a softly flowing A-line skirt that fell into a sweeping train. “I wanted sleeves and a high neck because I get cold so easily,” she laughs. “My mum knew a brilliant seamstress who added both, and it made the dress completely unique.”

She paired her gown with green velvet Manolo Blahnik shoes, her grandmother’s earrings for something old, her mother’s pearl bracelet for something borrowed, and, in her words, “quite an awful blue garter — something blue!”

For her wedding day look, Marsha worked with KH Make Up Artistry. With the founder, Kate, heading on maternity leave, she recommended her colleague Ellie Ryder, who stepped in seamlessly. “Ellie was absolutely amazing,” says Marsha. “She did the most natural make-up and created a beautiful low bun that felt effortless all day.” She adds, “Ellie also styled the bridesmaids’ hair — they all looked incredible.”

The autumn wedding flowers included dahlias, Canterbury bells, snowberries, blush roses, and delicate grasses. “The bridesmaids’ bouquets were all different — the girls loved choosing their own,” Marsha says. A floating floral installation above the dining tables became the centrepiece of the reception. “Bronwyn built it on a birch branch from her parents’ garden, covered in thyme, berries, and flowers. It was so beautiful.”

Simple ivy ran the length of the tables, interspersed with pink and green taper candles from the Covent Garden Candle Company. “They had every colour we wanted and were so affordable — I’d highly recommend them,” Marsha adds. The couple’s wedding seating plan then echoed the natural aesthetic, with hand-drawn name cards and soft green accents complementing the florals. 

“I designed and painted our wedding invitations myself, taking inspiration from Fee Greening’s beautiful illustrations,” Marsha shares. “Our venue’s garden had kale growing beside meadows of wildflowers, so I used soft shades of pink and green to reflect the fig theme. Guests recognised and loved the detail,” she smiles.

The signage — including the Order of The Day and Wedding Seating Plan — was brought to life by Charlotte Waite at D3sign Yard, who cleverly wove Marsha’s hand-painted motifs into each board. “Charlotte was brilliant — she made sure everything tied together beautifully,” says Marsha. The result was a cohesive, handcrafted aesthetic that perfectly complemented the couple’s fig-inspired celebration.

Marsha and Toby chose Middleton Lodge’s own kitchen for their cuisine — renowned for its locally sourced, organic produce. “The food was incredible,” Marsha says. “We had lamb fillet with pomegranate and mint, duck breast with star anise carrots, and the most delicious vegetarian gnocchi. And of course, for dessert — sticky toffee pudding. You can’t be in Yorkshire and not have that!”

Later, guests tucked into street food — truffle mac and cheese, crispy chicken wings, and pulled pork ciabattas — before celebrating into the night. “We somehow missed the late-night food, which I was so looking forward to,” Marsha laughs. “But we made up for it with pizza the next day in Richmond Park!”

Champagne was at the heart of the celebration. “We had a champagne tower, which was so much fun,” Marsha recalls. The couple served Marquis de Bonnieres Champagne Brut NV and Louis Dumont, before moving to Petit Ballon Rouge and Blanc for the meal. Later, guests gathered at the Boiler Bar for gin and whisky.

Adding a cultural twist to British wedding traditions, Marsha introduced a Russian wedding custom during the speeches. “When my mum spoke, everyone took a shot of vodka and shouted ‘Gorko!’ — meaning ‘bitter’ — and then we had to kiss to make it sweet,” she laughs. “It was hilarious and completely broke the ice.”

“Lucy came with me and my maid of honour, Ariana, when I changed into my party dress, and we had the best time twirling and drinking champagne,” Marsha smiles. “She really is special.” Lucy was joined by second photographer Jules Williams, who captured incredible candid shots throughout the day — the laughter, the emotion, and the small moments that so often go unseen.

From the very start of the wedding day, unforgettable memories were being made. “We began with a cold water swim at 7am in the venue’s outdoor pool,” Marsha laughs. “It was absolutely freezing, but such a brilliant way to wake up and start the day!”

The wedding ceremony at the village church remains one of Marsha’s most cherished memories. “It was just the best,” she says. She adds that she loved singing the hymns the couple had chosen and especially appreciated her friend’s modern wedding reading — an excerpt from Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton. “It was so special,” Marsha says.

Of course, no wedding story is complete without one perfectly unforgettable moment. “My very close friend Scott decided it would be a fantastic idea to lift Toby and me up on chairs during the dancing,” Marsha laughs. “I was wearing tights under my party dress, which meant the chair essentially became a slide! I lasted a few seconds before the slow-motion tumble of the bride began. Watching the videos back later to work out who tipped me was hilarious.”

“Enjoy and take in every single moment — I really can’t stress enough how quickly the day goes,” Marsha recommends. “It was the best, most magical day of our lives. Everything we wanted, it all happened.”

Another advice is as practical as it is heartfelt. “Have a great bar — not everyone wants champagne — and make sure the waiting staff are accommodating. If you’re choosing a venue, go for one with fewer rooms. That way, everyone stays close together on the dancefloor or at the bar. I’ve been to weddings where guests disappear into other rooms and it can break up the atmosphere.”

Finally, she adds with a smile, “It might feel like you have plenty of time to plan, but you don’t! Suddenly you’re three months away and there’s still so much to do. So plan early — and just have the most fun on the day.”

Photography: Lucy Henzell & Jules Williams, Wedding Flowers: Bronze Floral, Bridal Fashion & Accessories: Nicole Milano gown from Bridal Rogue Gallery, Jenny Packham, Manolo Blahnik & Roger Vivier, Groom’s Outfit: J.P. Hackett (fabric by Loro Piana), Turnbull & Asser, Crockett & Jones, E. Marinella, Jewellery: Clewley, Wedding Ceremony Venue: St Michael & All Angels Church, Middleton Tyas, Wedding Reception & Party Venue: The Fig House, Middleton Lodge Estate, Catering: Middleton Lodge Estate, Cake: Local baker (Harrogate), Stationery: Designed by the Bride & printed by Print.Work, signage by Charlotte Waite at D3sign Yard, Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ghost London, Hair & Make-Up: Ellie Ryder at KH Make Up Artistry, Music Band/DJ: The Houndcats via AMV Music, Wedding Planner: Ellie Mead (Middleton Lodge), Gift List: The Wedding Present Company

Special thank you to Marsha and Toby for giving us permission to share their gorgeous wedding photos. If you would like to join them and be featured on The Wedding Present Company too, submit your wedding below.

The Wedding Present Company is a bespoke wedding gift list experience; couples come to us seeking the extraordinary. We offer a tailored and completely personalised wedding registry experience free of charge. Our team goes above and beyond to help you create a wedding list that is unique to both of you and full of items that you will love and use for a lifetime.