Plan the perfect big day at Buckingamshire's Stoke Place

Kay Tilbury shares all the details of her relaxing stay at this romantic and picturesque wedding venue.

Nestled within a 26 acre estate of stunning parkland lies Stoke Place country house. As you turn off the country road you're led up a beautiful stone driveway and instantly presented with the grand exterior, surrounded by beautiful greenery.

Friendly staff welcomed my wife and me and showed us to our stunning junior suite – which was a simple yet elegant design featuring a large four-poster bed and flat screen television. Our bathroom felt like a mini-spa with its soft robes, luxury Edwardian bath, and walk-in rainfall shower. The junior suites would make a lovely room for the mother-of-the-bride or -groom to stay in after the big day.

We stayed on a hot day, so upon arrival we were eager to head outside and enjoy the sunshine. The parkland was the perfect setting for a summer's day – we sat by the stunning lake, home to a variety of wildlife which gave it a lovely enchanted feel. The exterior is so immaculately maintained it provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs.

There's something about the venue that draws you in and invites you to take a look around, so we did just that. The historical house had been effortlessly combined with a modern luxury and classical style. Original beams, beautiful bay windows and a sweeping staircase still dominated the rooms as they did when it was built in 1690; the décor consisted of chandeliers, candelabras, and antique furniture for a signature look, and this continued into the King & Lamb restaurant - lavish fabrics, stunning hand-crafted lighting and antique ornaments combined seamlessly with hardwood floors and modern fixtures.

As foodies, we were excited for our three-course meals in this eclectic and ambient setting. The service was first class and restaurant manager, Mark Hepton, was a delight to meet. He showed real passion for the country house and its outstanding menu, educating us on the history of the venue and the inspiration behind the dishes. I opted for heritage tomato to start: glazed goats cheese, thyme pannacotta, wild wood sorrel; this was followed by beef: aged sirloin steak, cherry vine tomato, grilled mushroom, skin on chips, peppercorn sauce; finishing off, I chose the delicious chocolate tart: chocolate and honey tart, rippled raspberry ice-cream, citrus salsa, white chocolate soil. We ended our wonderful evening with a cocktail on the terrace.

Licensed for marriages, civil ceremonies and partnerships, Stoke Place really is a fairy-tale wedding venue. Up to 200 guests can witness you tie the knot in The Ballroom and Lakeside which offers that exclusive feel for the special day, with its own private entrance for the newlyweds-to-be and their guests, along with double doors out onto your very own private terrace area overlooking the lake.

Stoke Place comprises of 39 rooms, all which have been specially designed to combine the classic period architecture of the property with stylish modern feature - perfect for wedding guests.

Visit Stoke Place for its wedding open evening, every last Thursday of the month. You'll receive a goody bag and glass of bubbles upon arrival and get a taste of our delicious food as well as some exclusive special offers. The perfect event to begin planning the details of your dream wedding!

This is an RSVP event, please get in touch for more details: www.weddingsatstoke.co.uk/rsvp

For more information visit, www.thecairncollection.co.uk