Just cruising: Claire and Miles explore Thames at Greenlands House wedding

There was no need for wedding cars at Claire Umbers and Miles Willett’s big day – with two venues along the River Thames, boat was the only way to travel.

“We were so lucky that both of our venues were on the Thames (it did have a part to play in our choice of venues!),” Claire, 38, says.

The Benson, Oxfordshire pair held their Greenlands House wedding on May 14, 2016 in front of 70 family and friends.

The traditional Henley Town Hall hosted the couple’s ceremony, before the newlyweds took a cruise down the river to their reception at the waterside setting of Greenlands House.

“We caused quite a stir walking through Henley back to the boat and then along the river. We felt like royalty as everyone gathered to wave or beep their horns at us!” Claire says.
The boat, which is owned by the couple’s best friends was a special addition, holding fond memories of their time together.

Claire and Miles, 47, put an outdoorsy spin on their decorations, touching on their great loves of cycling and walking.

“My friend makes cakes as a hobby and made us a beautiful three-tier cake with a winding mountain road of red flowers leading to the top of the cake where the ‘topper’ bride and groom on road bikes was placed… It was very appropriate to us,” Claire says.

“We wanted our friends and family to be a huge part of the celebration as they make us what we are and they were all delighted to help and surprise us with every element of the day.”

Photos courtesy of Kevin Belson Photography.

“I love quirky shoes and these were just perfect as well as superbly comfortable,” remarks Claire of the ‘Dorothy’ style by Perfect Bridal Shoes.

Miles’ traditional morning suit by Ted Baker had a modern, fitted silhoutte, in navy blue for the riverside wedding.

Claire says the traditional town hall was just the style they were looking for when searching for a ceremony venue.

The night Claire met Miles out on a stag night, she says, “I did something I’d never done before and gave him my number – on the back of an osteopath’s card (it’s all I had!) – which it materialises, he still has, as he produced this on our wedding day,” she said.

The couple’s custom-made wedding cake was a reflection of the things they love.

“We supplied inflatable guitars and saxaphones… everybody rocked it on the dancefloor – even those who wouldn’t usually dance!” says Claire.