A Real Burghley House Wedding: Lucy & Matt’s Story
Matt was born and raised in Stamford, while Lucy grew up in Castle Bytham. After university and time spent building early careers elsewhere, both independently made the decision to return to the area during the pandemic, drawn back by family life and a desire to be closer to home. A brief spell in Newcastle together followed, before they eventually settled back in Stamford in late 2022.
A date voucher and a lockdown walk
The couple’s first meeting goes all the way back to 2012, introduced through Lucy’s older sister Becky, who also happens to be one of Matt’s close school friends. For Matt’s 18th birthday, Becky presented him with a rather telling gift: a voucher for a date with Lucy. As Lucy puts it, it was exactly what he had asked for.
The connection was immediate, although life, distance and circumstance meant their paths drifted apart for a time. It was not until lockdown that they reconnected properly, with a socially distanced walk in Burghley Park. From that moment, they have been inseparable.
A proposal in Bangkok
Matt later chose Lucy’s birthday in January to plan a trip to Thailand, carefully insisting that there would be no engagement involved. However, once they arrived in Bangkok and settled into their hotel overlooking the pool and city lights, he had other plans. After presenting Lucy with an envelope containing a symbolic ‘permission voucher’ from her sister Becky, he got down on one knee — having already asked both of Lucy’s parents for their blessing. The ring, a platinum band with a single round brilliant diamond, was exactly as Lucy had always dreamed: a perfect balance of classic and contemporary.
The venue that chose itself
When it came to planning the wedding, one place immediately stood out. Burghley House had played a special role in their story, and after a spontaneous enquiry they were delighted to discover it was both available and within budget. Without visiting anywhere else, they secured a late September date and set about shaping their day in a venue that felt entirely right for them.
Lucy’s gown, designed by Dando London, was the very first dress she tried on — a timeless and elegant silhouette paired with her sister’s veil, borrowed as her something borrowed, whilst bridesmaids wore sage green. On the morning of the wedding, Rebecca Chantrell created natural, glowing makeup looks, and hair was styled by Nikki Dawson of Envy, who has known Lucy since childhood, making the morning even more personal. Matt wore a deep green velvet jacket with a black bow tie, while his groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos, all supplied through Vow Bridal.
A day brought to life
The day itself was brought to life by an exceptional team of suppliers. Mrs Bee’s Flowers created beautiful, personal arrangements, including a bouquet featuring a bloom named ‘Lucy’. Catering was provided by Absolute Taste at Burghley, who curated a relaxed yet refined menu, with the expertise of Burghley’s weddings team, Kara Groves and Katie Hinch.
Music played a central role throughout, with Apollo Quartet performing during the ceremony and drinks reception, followed by Mastersounds in the evening — including a first dance to Tiny Dancer. Photographer Sarah Carter and KB Wedding Videography captured the day perfectly, preserving both the grandeur of Burghley and the intimacy of the moments shared.
Matt and Lucy describe the day as one they wish they could relive again and again.
FAQ
Can you get married at Burghley House?
Yes — Burghley House near Stamford hosts weddings, with venue and catering coordinated by Burghley’s weddings team and Absolute Taste.
Who photographed Lucy and Matt’s Burghley wedding?
The wedding was photographed by Sarah Carter Photography with Josh Hyde, and filmed by KB Wedding Videography.
www.burghley.co.uk (venue)
www.sarahcarterphotography.co.uk (photography)
What did the bride wear for the Burghley House wedding?
Lucy wore a timeless, elegant gown by Dando London — the very first dress she tried on — paired with her sister’s borrowed veil, while bridesmaids wore sage green.
Which suppliers were used for the wedding at Burghley House?
Suppliers included Mrs Bee’s Flowers, Absolute Taste catering, Apollo Quartet and Mastersounds for music, Rebecca Chantrell Makeup, Nikki Dawson of Envy for hair, Vow Bridal, Pretty Quirky Hire styling and Purple Pumpkin Cakes.
