The lowdown
The happy couple: Tanvi Gadre, a 36-year-old product manager and Rob LaBarbera, a 38-year-old technical director and software producer from St Louis, Missouri, USA.
Wedding date: Thursday 26 September 2024
Ceremony and reception venue: Thornbury Castle
The suppliers
Wedding theme: Rustic castle getaway
Photographer and videographer: Richard LaBarbera
Flowers: T&J Owen
Dress: White and silver was the order of the day
Groom’s outfit: Rob went for specific colours in his outfit embracing blue, white, pink and gold
Cake: Cupcake Delight
Catering: Thornbury Castle
Transport: Uber
Entertainment: Wedding players
Rings: Family heirlooms
Hair and Makeup: Jax-Glam Beauty Salon
The details
When and how did you first meet?
We met at work and still work closely together!
Who popped the big question and how did they propose?
Tanvi proposed around Christmas time, but Robbie was prepared — as he opened a seven-layer gift from Tanvi, he knew what was happening — he ran and got his ring and they proposed at the same time.
How long did it take you to plan your wedding?
We found Thornbury pretty quickly and it was a no-brainer — the planning itself was fairly simple, with Thornbury providing several services, and Tanvi being a naturally gifted planner and strategist. All in all, it took roughly one month.
How important was it for you both to be legally married?
Very.
Why did you choose your venue?
It was the only castle we could find that blended rustic and fashionable so well.
Was there an inspiration or theme for your wedding?
The castle did most of the job for us — we just chose the colour scheme.
Did you hire a wedding planner or was it a DIY affair?
Jayne Randall, with Thornbury, was a huge help — she pretty much did all we needed and everything else was organised by Tanvi.
What song did you walk down the aisle to?
The wedding party arrived to Spring 3 by Max Richter. Tanvi was serenaded by Spring 1 by Max Richter.
What did you have for your wedding breakfast?
We kicked off with vine tomato soup, followed by chicken, with a main of garden risotto and chocolate tart rounded off our wedding feast.
What kind of cake did you go for?
We went for the sweetness of blueberry combined with the tanginess of lemon.
What was your first dance song?
Glorious by Muse.
What was your favourite part of your wedding day?
Getting married outside in the gardens and the scallop canapés.
Did everything go to plan?
Absolutely, and more. The weather turned in our favour, and the staff were extremely accommodating in moving us outdoors last minute.
What advice would you give anyone planning their big day?
A destination wedding, with a limited guest list was perfect for us. It meant we were not under any pressure and we knew everyone who attended was special to us.
Also, having more than just half of a day to celebrate was magical. It was a happy surprise when we realised how important it was to have the day before with family and friends to catch up, relax and chit chat, which put even more focus on us during the 'big day'.
And if you have your wedding at Thornbury, make use of their croquet garden with a bottle of Prosecco the morning of the wedding — it’s exquisite.
Is there anything you know now that you wished you’d known before the big day?
It flies by — try not to burden yourselves (bride and groom) with many tasks — find someone to take them on for you.
And finally, where did you spend your honeymoon together?
We kicked off the trip with a honeymoon trip around the UK and Scotland and we ended it with our wedding. This was a wonderful choice, as the two weeks kept building and building to the most exciting day.
