5 REASONS WE’RE STILL DREAMING OF BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH AND SOPHIE HUNTER’S WEDDING
By Emily Houston
Martha Stewart Weddings, 12 February 2016
One year ago, Oscar-nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch married theater and opera director Sophie Hunter in an intimate wedding on Britain's Isle of Wight. Though the under-the-radar couples planned a private affair to match, we do know a few things about how the big day went down. To celebrate their one-year anniversary, we're recalling our favorite moments from their wedding.
Their Old-School Engagement Announcement
Talk about traditional. The couple made headlines when they casually announced their engagement in the paper—specifically the U.K.'s Times. "It's what I would have done if I wasn't sort of famous," Cumberbatch told People. "It's what we do. It's a kind of traditional thing to do."
Two Words: That. Dress.
For the Valentine's Day wedding, Hunter fittingly chose a custom Valentino dress. The unique silver lace was inspired by artist William Blake’s watercolor paintings and The Hunt of the Unicorn tapestry collection. The dress featured a high neckline along with vine and pomegranate motif patterns across the delicate lace overlay.
The Humble Guest List
While notable names like Tom Hiddleston and Sherlock co-star Andrew Scott were in attendance, the guest list totaled fewer than 50 guests.
The Quaint Venue
Located on the grounds of Mottistone Manor, the 12th century architecture of St. Peter and St. Paul's Church suited the couple's elegant, understated style.
The Romantic Rehearsal Dinner and Reception
The couple kicked off their nuptials with a prewedding celebration at the Royal Yacht Squadron, a club where the likes of Queen Elizabeth II can be found. The equally fabulous wedding reception was held on the grounds of the Manor, which is a part of Britain's National Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving the country's historical buildings. So very English, so very them.
