The South West’s Most Magical Wedding Venue

Ruchel & Dan's three day summer wedding was a show stopper, with no expense spared, the entire wedding was meticulously planned by 'Katrina Otter Weddings'.
This well travelled couple wanted to bring culture and excitement to their celebrations, from a quiz night, champagne tower, photobooth, 7 piece band and disco, cocktail bar, singing bridesmaids, to multiple elegant outfit changes.
Their family and friends were treated to an opulent sit down banquet in our Grand Library on their wedding day, surrounded by flowers, candles and bespoke table styling.
Sunday saw the grounds be transformed into a Moroccan paradise with a breath-taking marquee so elegantly staged with lanterns, flowers, sofas in soft linens.

We were absolutely blown away by not only the detail and elegance of this wedding, but by how much love and laughter filled the entire weekend.

Photo credits: https://www.emma-janephotography.co.uk/

Marquee photo credits: https://www.elenahaydonphotography.co.uk/

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A Lavish Sikh Wedding at Clevedon Hall - a blog written by Isha Lakhani from Guides for Brides.

Arjun and Amariese tied the knot in a breathtaking celebration of their love at the magnificent Clevedon Hall in Somerset. This grand event spanned over two vibrant, ritual-filled days, with an elegant blend of tradition, family, and festivities that honoured their cultural heritage. The ceremonies, infused with deep symbolism and heartfelt moments, were followed by joyous celebrations that included music, dance, and feasting.
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The Venue

Clevedon Hall was chosen as the setting for Arjun and Amariese's multi-day wedding. This exclusive use venue  offered a stunning backdrop for the couple's vibrant celebrations as well as complete privacy for them to celebrate with their friends and family. The venue provided the perfect setting for a multi-day wedding celebration, with 25 beautifully appointed luxurious rooms, that ensured that every wedding guest could relax throughout the festivities. The heart of the celebration unfolded in the Great Hall, an expansive, elegant space that effortlessly accommodated the gala gathering. For the wedding ceremony itself, the enchanting Gazebo nestled in the lush gardens offered a truly magical, picturesque backdrop, perfect for creating unforgettable memories amidst nature's beauty.

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The Fashion

Amariese's bridal looks for each ceremony were nothing short of stunning. For the Maiyan, Choora, and Chunni ceremonies, she wore a beautiful blue salwar-kameez that was simple yet elegant, perfectly capturing the traditional spirit of the events. As the evening festivities of the Jaggo approached, she transformed into a vibrant and colorful lehenga, ideal for twirling across the dance floor. On the wedding day, she took everyone's breath away in a dazzling red bridal lehenga, radiating timeless beauty. For the grand finale at the wedding reception, Amariese opted for a gorgeous white lehenga, setting the tone for her fairytale ending.

Arjun's style choices were equally impressive, with each outfit thoughtfully selected for the occasion. For the Jaggo ceremony, he kept it simple with a subtle shirt and pants, allowing him to dance freely and enjoy the celebration. On the wedding day, he perfectly complemented Amariese in a striking golden sherwani, exuding regal charm. As the celebrations came to a close, he chose a sharp black suit, giving a sophisticated finish to their unforgettable wedding journey. The wedding guests embraced the vibrant spirit of the celebrations, donning a beautiful mix of traditional Indian attire, from elegant sarees to colorful kurtas and cholis, adding to the festive atmosphere.

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Let's take a closer look at the key rituals that made their wedding so memorable.

Day One: A Beautiful Journey of Pre-Wedding Rituals

Maiyan Ceremony: A Cleansing Start

The festivities began with the Maiyan ceremony, a traditional cleansing ritual. Family and friends gathered around the bride and groom as they lovingly applied yellow turmeric paste to their skin. This symbolic paste not only represents purification but also marks the start of their wedding journey.

Overhead, a red chunni (scarf) was held at each corner by four guests, creating a beautiful canopy for the couple. The laughter and warmth of everyone rubbing the turmeric paste on Arjun and Amariese symbolised the family and friends' support and blessings for their new life together. The ceremony concluded with a red thread tied around the couple's wrists, symbolising protection and the blessings of all present. If you can, it is tradition to keep this on until it falls off.

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Choora Ceremony: Blessings of Red Bangles

The second ceremony was the Choora, a touching moment shared between Amariese and her maternal uncle (Mama). He gently placed the traditional red bangles on her wrists, which are traditionally to be worn for five weeks.

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Chunni Ceremony: Welcoming the Bride

The Chunni ceremony followed, where Arjun's family "officially" welcomed Amariese into their lives. The groom's family placed a vibrant red chunni on her shoulders, along with gifts, symbolising their acceptance of her as their daughter-in-law. It was a tender moment that united the two families with love and tradition.
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Jaggo: The Party Begins!

Once the ceremonial rituals concluded, the party truly began with the Jaggo - a vibrant and energetic celebration! The maternal side of both families danced in with drums, bright colours, and pots with lit candles balanced on their heads. The Jaggo, meaning "stay awake," symbolises the beginning of the wedding celebrations, inviting everyone to join in the music and dancing, and that's exactly what happened! Family and friends took turns passing the Jaggo between them, dancing with pure joy and anticipation for the big day ahead.

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Day Two: The Wedding Day

Baraat: The Groom's Grand Arrival

The wedding day started in grand style with Arjun's Baraat; he arrived on a white horse, accompanied by his family and friends. There was also an Ardas (a short prayer) in which all guests bowed to the ground at the end. The Baraat is not just a visual spectacle, but a lively event with drums, music, and dancing, showcasing how well the groom's side can celebrate! Upon arrival, Arjun and his family were warmly received by Amariese's family, marking the start of the union.

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Milni Ceremony: Uniting the Families

The Milni ceremony followed, where key members from both families officially met. This symbolic gesture represents the coming together of two families and the joining of their lives through the marriage of their children.

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Anand Karaj: The Sikh Wedding Ceremony

The heart of the celebration was the Anand Karaj, the traditional Sikh wedding ceremony. Under a beautifully adorned gazebo, the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) was placed, and guests were invited to remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering. Guests then proceeded down the aisle and bowed down to the floor, placing money in the box at the front. Traditionally this goes towards the development of the temple. However, the wedding 'priests' were volunteers and every penny donated was to develop the Bebe Nanaki Charitable Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in India.

Ladies then sat on the floor to the left, and men on the floor to the right, as you look towards the front. The religious ladies on the stage sang prayers throughout, and the first ceremony was the Karmai on the groom.

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BLOG CREDIT: Isha Lakhani from Guides for Brides

Read the full blog here: A Lavish Sikh Wedding at Clevedon Hall

Why Clevedon Hall?

For Ellie, returning to the West Country to marry felt like coming home. “I grew up in the Chew Valley and went to school in Bristol, so I always imagined getting married in this area,” she explains. “Clevedon Hall was the first venue I visited with my parents—Titus was

delayed in Liverpool with family—and we were immediately struck by how beautiful it was. We also had complete confidence in Lauren and the team from the very beginning.”

Once Titus arrived, the couple explored a few more venues—but none compared. “The house and gardens are stunning. We loved the grandeur of the Great Hall and the light-filled Orangery, perfect for a spring celebration. With multiple indoor options full of character, we knew we’d be in safe hands whatever the weather. The on-site accommodation also made hosting guests much easier, and the team were warm, attentive, and thoroughly professional. When I finally brought Titus back for an open day, he agreed instantly.”

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The Ceremony

The ceremony was a deeply personal highlight. The couple worked with Tara the Celebrant to craft a bespoke experience that reflected their story and honoured both their families’ cultural and religious backgrounds. Held in the majestic Grand Hall and styled by Lara Parnell, the setting was breathtaking.

“Just over a year before the wedding, we sadly lost Titus’s father very unexpectedly. It was important to us that he was still part of the day in a way that felt uplifting,” says Ellie. They reserved a seat for him and included a musical tribute—Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten—a shared memory from a concert they attended with his parents. “It started as a surprise, but ended with everyone on their feet, singing and dancing. It was a magical moment.”

The ceremony also featured moving readings from their mothers, Titus’s godfather, and Ellie’s childhood friend and bridesmaid.

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Celebration & Style

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a wedding breakfast filled with laughter and heartfelt speeches—Ellie’s father’s speech famously ran over by 15 minutes—and an evening of dancing with Boujee Music’s Uptown Showdown, who kept the dance floor full all night. A charming photobooth by Loove_booth added a playful touch.

The styling, created by Lara Parnell, brought their vision to life. “We wanted something romantic, youthful, and celebratory, inspired by spring,” says Ellie. “We loved the idea of a whimsical palette with pinks, blues, and a touch of sunset yellow—a nod to Titus’s Nigerian heritage.”

Statement pedestals framed the aisle, meadow-like florals dressed the staircase, and bud vases and coloured glassware completed the look. Emma’s cake featured fresh florals and a piped Nigerian pattern inspired by the couple’s stationery, designed by Carly. “The whole design process was so thoughtful and creative—it felt very ‘us’,” Ellie shares.

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Cultural Influences & Modern Traditions

Though they didn’t follow traditional customs, the couple celebrated Titus’s Nigerian roots through attire, colour, food, and design. Titus wore a striking blue Agbada, made by a

Nigerian designer, and his brother and mother also wore traditional outfits. “His outfit was meant to fuse Western and Nigerian styles, but ended up being full Agbada—no sleeves! It wasn’t what we planned, but he looked amazing.”

In the evening, a street food station served Nigerian dishes like suya tacos and jollof rice, giving guests a taste of his heritage.

As a modern couple, they tailored traditions to suit their personalities. Ellie walked down the aisle with her father—but met him at the bottom of the stairs. “In the words of Beyoncé, I’m an independent woman,” she laughs. She also gave a speech, and included female ushers—or “brushers”—in the bridal party.

Outfits

Ellie wore a romantic Jesus Peiro gown from Miss Bush Bridal with dramatic sleeves and a full skirt. “It was whimsical, beautifully made, and gave me that cool-girl princess energy. I never planned to wear something so bold, but Emma and the team opened my eyes to what was possible.”

Instead of changing dresses for the evening, she added custom sparkly puff sleeves from Nortier, Miss Bush’s in-house design team. “They were so fun and fabulous—I felt like Glinda the Good Witch on the dancefloor.”

Advice for Future Couples

“Make it yours,” Ellie says. “Personal touches make the day feel special and unforgettable. We had animal-shaped favours that guests could assemble, as a nod to our first date at London Zoo and our proposal at the Natural History Museum on New Year’s Eve. Our children’s menu was titled Little Aussies in honour of our young cousins visiting from Australia.”

The couple also emphasised the importance of choosing the right team. “Your venue and suppliers shape your entire experience, so work with people you trust and click with. The Clevedon Hall team were incredible—Megan kept us organised, Katie delivered flawlessly on the day, and we’ll be forever grateful.”

Their photographer, Charlie Britz, was also a standout. “She was with us for nearly the entire day and was an absolute dream—so kind, calm, and endlessly talented. We can’t wait to see the full gallery.”

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