On the 13th of June, 2024, Southdowns Manor had the honour of hosting the intimate and heartfelt wedding celebration of Karen Dupree and Les Reagus. As an older couple, Karen and Les envisioned a day that was less about tradition and more about cherishing the company of their closest family and friends. Their wedding was a testament to love’s timelessness, set against the serene backdrop of our beautifully adorned manor.
Falling in Love with Southdowns Manor
From the moment Karen and Les stepped through our doors, they felt an immediate sense of warmth and homeliness. The tasteful styling and serene ambiance resonated with their desire for a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Karen shared, “As soon as you enter the building, it feels homely and cosy. It looks beautiful and has a serene quality provided by the tasteful styling and decoration throughout.”
A Celebration of Family
Opting for a celebration without a specific theme, Karen and Les focused on the joy of uniting their families. They collaborated closely with our wedding coordinator, Becky, to craft a day that reflected their unique journey. “We wanted a celebration with family; it just happened to also be our wedding day,” Karen explained. Becky’s understanding and support were instrumental in bringing their vision to life.
Elegant Attire
Karen chose a traditional off-the-shoulder ivory gown adorned with large muted pink roses, complemented by a graceful train. Her Maid of Honour and Flower Girl donned mauve outfits that harmonised beautifully with the floral accents. Les looked dashing in a smart blue three-piece suit, personalised with bespoke cufflinks engraved with both their initials and those of their sons, adding a sentimental touch to their ensemble.
Personalised Floral Arrangements
To ensure peace of mind, Karen selected a combination of dried and artificial flowers, meticulously chosen to match the hues of her dress. This decision allowed her to relax, knowing the floral arrangements would be exactly as she envisioned.
A Cheese Lover’s Delight
Departing from tradition, the couple opted for a cheese tower in lieu of a conventional wedding cake, reflecting their shared passion for cheese. This unique choice delighted their guests and added a savoury twist to the celebration.
Capturing the Moments
Entrusting the day’s photography to long-time friend Vanessa Randall from Wickham, Karen and Les are eagerly awaiting the images that promise to encapsulate the joy and love of their special day. While they chose not to have a videographer, the extensive collection of photographs is sure to serve as cherished mementos.
Memorable Highlights
Several moments stood out for the couple, including the emotional experience of exchanging vows outdoors to the melodious strains of harp music, surrounded by loved ones. Karen and Les also appreciated the seamless coordination led by Becky, which allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the day’s festivities without concern. A delightful surprise awaited them at the end of the evening—a drawn bath accompanied by a bottle of bubbly, providing a perfect conclusion to their celebration.
Words of Wisdom
Reflecting on their experience, Karen offers sage advice to future couples: “Trust your planner; they have done this many times. Be honest about things that are important to you and make it happen.” She emphasised the unwavering support and guidance they received throughout the planning process, which was particularly invaluable as they navigated the complexities of modern wedding arrangements.
Karen and Les’s wedding at Southdowns Manor was a heartfelt celebration that beautifully encapsulated their love and the coming together of family. Their story serves as an inspiration, highlighting that with the right support and a focus on what truly matters, a wedding can be both personal and profoundly meaningful.
