Real weddings Archives - English Wedding https://english-wedding.com Everything weddings, with love and kindness Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:17:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.6.13 https://english-wedding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-English-Wedding-square-1000px-logo-2024-copy-32x32.png Real weddings Archives - English Wedding https://english-wedding.com 32 32 Eleanor & Tom’s magical Sorrento wedding, with Joss Denham Photography https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/eleanor-toms-magical-sorrento-wedding-with-joss-denham-photography/ https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/eleanor-toms-magical-sorrento-wedding-with-joss-denham-photography/#respond Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:00:28 +0000 https://english-wedding.com/?p=150616 Tom & Eleanor’s Italian wedding is absolutely out of this world. From the beautiful old town and its buildings to the dancing on the rooftops as the sun set… what an incredible day for a lovely couple! The beautiful images are by North East and destination wedding photographer Joss Denham. Read more…

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Tom & Eleanor’s Italian wedding is absolutely out of this world. From the beautiful old town and its buildings to the dancing on the rooftops as the sun set… what an incredible day for a lovely couple! The beautiful images are by North East and destination wedding photographer Joss Denham.

“Our wedding was in Sorrento so it was only right for us to go with an Italian style. Our tables were named after Italian landmarks and our wedding cake was decorated with local Sorrentine lemons. We served locally made wine and limoncello shots and our venues were decorated with olive branches and eucalyptus leaves.

Our colour scheme was sage green and white. The bridesmaids dresses were silk sage and we chose white flowers of different textures, with olive branches and eucalyptus leaves. We chose silver jewellery / accessories and everything blended effortlessly. We were delighted with how our vision was brought to life.”

Wedding photographer’s website

https://jossdenham.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

Joss was an incredible photographer. There really aren’t enough words to express our gratitude to him for being an all round fabulous person. He felt like a friend from the outset, gave us encouragement and guidance when we needed it and was such an asset to our day.

We chose to do a pre-shoot with Joss a few days before the wedding and this was an invaluable experience. It made us more comfortable with the camera and also allowed us to meet Joss and get to know one another. The photos also turned out great!

Joss kindly attended a dinner the night before our wedding and captured some special moments of us greeting our friends and family. He made an effort to talk to people and lots of our guests commented on what a lovely guy he is.

Joss returned over 700 beautifully edited photos and they capture every element of our day perfectly. He found and captured little moments that we ourselves missed and it’s wonderful that we can relive our wedding from different perspectives. He also returned all of the photos within just a few weeks which is unheard of!

We would without a doubt recommend Joss to anyone getting married, he was one of the best decisions we made and we will cherish our photos forever.

We wanted our photos to be natural and ‘in the moment,’ with as little posing as possible. Even for our portraits we wanted a fairly relaxed vibe. We were so lucky with the surroundings that we had a multitude of incredible options for shoot locations. We got some stunning ceremony photos at the Cloisters along with the portraits with our families and wedding party. We got some romantic photos of just the two of us on the windy path down to La Marinella beach. Golden hour was fairly muted for us but it didn’t matter at all, the photos came out perfectly! We also have some amazing drone footage.

Venue name + review

We got married in Chiostro di San Francesco (The Cloisters) in Sorrento, Italy. It is a 14th century town hall with a rustic court yard, classic archways, draping vines and a bell tower. It is a truly stunning and romantic space, as soon as we set eyes on it we knew this was the place!

For our reception we chose Hotel Mediterraneo for its incredible sky bar with panoramic views over the Bay of Naples. Both venues were a dream and we would 100% recommend them to anyone wishing for a Sorrento wedding.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

My dress was a simple shape but covered in sequins. I chose it because it was comfortable, weather appropriate and felt glamorous! It sparkled in the light and in photos, which was what I was going for. I chose a plain waterfall cathedral length veil.

Tom wore a 3 piece navy tux with a bow tie. He chose it because it was timeless and was surprisingly not too hot on the day! We both felt great on our wedding day.

Flowers

We found it difficult to choose flowers initially but after a visit to the Florist in Sorrento it all fell into place. We went for white avalanche roses, white lysinathus, white hydrangeas, cotton flowers to add some texture, olive branches and eucalyptus leaves. We had two flower columns next to the ceremony table and these were transported to the reception venue and used as table decorations. We were both delighted with the flowers.

Entertainment, music and dancing!

We had a Guitar & Mandolin duo play during the ceremony and they created a romantic atmosphere. The mandolin particularly is an instrument we don’t hear very often and it felt authentic and special.

For entertainment in the evening we had a DJ and saxophonist do joint sets. Together they really brought the party vibe and it was a surreal experience dancing to a live sax on a rooftop with everyone we love! One of our most cherished and special memories to date. The DJ opened with Earth, Wind & Fire – September, and so many people commented 21st night of September.. oh that’s today! This song will now always hold a special place in our hearts.


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Tiff & Az’s timelessly beautiful city wedding, with Libra Photographic https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/tiff-azs-timelessly-beautiful-city-wedding-with-libra-photographic/ https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/tiff-azs-timelessly-beautiful-city-wedding-with-libra-photographic/#respond Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:40:54 +0000 https://english-wedding.com/?p=150567 A wonderfully personal, brilliantly creative wedding with all the elegance in the world – today’s blog is a beauty! Gorgeous couple Tiff and Az were married in London on Valentine’s Day. Their outfits were both bespoke and hand made, and every little detail of this day is full of love, Read more…

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A wonderfully personal, brilliantly creative wedding with all the elegance in the world – today’s blog is a beauty! Gorgeous couple Tiff and Az were married in London on Valentine’s Day. Their outfits were both bespoke and hand made, and every little detail of this day is full of love, from the flowers in Tiff’s bouquet to the story behind the bronze rabbit ring bearer! There’s also the most incredible waistcoat you ever did see…

The images are sublime: Dorset wedding photographer Nathan from Libra Photographic joined the happy pair and caught all the loveliest moments of their day. As a wedding photographer himself, Az chose very carefully who would capture their day. Their love shines from the pictures, as do the personalities of this fabulous couple. Az & Tiff – we wish you the happiest married life in the world!

Wedding photographer’s website

Dorset wedding photographer Libra Photographic

Wedding photographer review

As a wedding photographer myself, it was so important for me, and my now wife to feel comfortable on our wedding day. Photographing another photographer’s wedding can be daunting, but Nathan took it all in his stride. He captured the day beautifully, with a strong combination of reportage and posed images, and his creativity shone through. Nathan listened to exactly what were were looking for, and he exceeded our expectations on the day. More importantly, we all enjoyed his company on the day.

Your best moment or memory

Coming out of the ceremony venue to our guests and seeing the confetti all across the Kings Road.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

Both our outfits were handmade for us, and included a very special waistcoat lining with photographs of our time together over the years.

Venue name + review

Kensington and Chelsea Old Town Hall Historic London wedding venue, with wonderful staffing that made us feel very comfortable on the day.

After photographs in and around Chelsea, we headed to the The Hollywood Arms for lunch.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Tiff wore a classic knee length 60s style dress in an ivory heavy queen satin, which featured a simple pleat on the back. Worn with ballet pumps and an elegant handmade birdcage by the the dressmaker.
Over her dress Tiff wore a classic style, pre loved, camel coloured ankle length coat, purchased in East Wittering before the dress was made – it was perfect for our February wedding.

As chose a three piece forest green velvet suit, white, shirt, knitted mustard tie and tan swede brogues.

Accessories included a brass hare pin on the lapel, a pocket watch borrowed from a friend, and a pocket square bought for me by Tiff 10 years ago from Suit Supply.

Dress or suit shop name + review

Peridot Bridal

From initial discussions via email I instantly knew Megan was the person to make my wedding dress. Megan listened to my ideas and provided a detailed, professional and unique service.

Megan made the most beautiful dress which was just how I envisioned. She guided me with samples, ideas, and made a bird cage to compliment my dress which completed my look.

My dress was classic, classy and felt like a dream to where. From the start to the finish the whole experience was exceptional.

Az’s suit was made by Anthony Formal Wear in Essex.

The ceremony

Tiff’s daughter Meg walked her down the aisle. During the ceremony the rings (see below) were carried to the front by Tiff’s younger daughter Rosie on the ears of a bronze rabbit. “This was bought for me by Tiff as a gift in Glastonbury on an early date 12 years ago. I also proposed to Tiff at Glastonbury Tor last year.”

Witnesses were Gabe & Mitch the girls’ partners. The engagement ring, earrings, and wedding bands were handmade for us by South Jewellery in Cornwall. We married on valentines day, as this was also the date of our very first date 13 years ago.

Florist name + review

Buds Floristry Anna White

I immediately hit it off with Anna. We spoke about incorporating the colours of the famous Chelsea Town Halls garland that drapes the famous blue doors.

Anna created a stunning February bouquet and added pussy willow at my request.

The colourful, classy bouquet was the perfect accessory to my dress. Anna took her time to explain the meaning of the beautiful dusky pink rose and the scent was beautiful. It was simply perfect. I didn’t let go of it the whole day.

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

For the entrance to the ceremony: Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks
During Signing: Give a Little Bit by REO Speedwagon
For the Leaving Ceremony: Itchycoo Park by The Small Faces


Lovely Nathan at Libra Photographic is a member of English Wedding

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Web: https://libraphotographic.co.uk


 

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An incredible two-day wedding in Florence, with Elegante by Michelle J https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/an-incredible-two-day-wedding-in-florence-with-elegante-by-michelle-j/ https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/an-incredible-two-day-wedding-in-florence-with-elegante-by-michelle-j/#respond Fri, 22 Mar 2024 14:12:36 +0000 https://english-wedding.com/?p=150513 Today’s real wedding is an absolute stunner. A two-day celebration in beautiful Italy, styled and planned to perfection by English Wedding member and luxury destination wedding planner Elegante by Michelle J. Michelle and her team created the perfect setting for the happy couple, styling their venues with such wonderful attention Read more…

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Today’s real wedding is an absolute stunner. A two-day celebration in beautiful Italy, styled and planned to perfection by English Wedding member and luxury destination wedding planner Elegante by Michelle J. Michelle and her team created the perfect setting for the happy couple, styling their venues with such wonderful attention to detail… it’s one of the most beautiful weddings we’ve ever seen! All photographs are by David Bastianoni.

As always, we’ll share lots more including favourite photos on instagram @englishweddingblog

This luxury celebration will have you aching to make lemonade! The welcome party is a glorious fiesta styled with a thousand lemons, sunflowers everywhere and festoon lights shining into the Italian evening light. The bride’s floral dress is divine; Michelle created the most captivating ambiance for the happy couple and their guests.

“Guests were totally immersed in their surroundings by abundant decor, lighting and cosy seating areas provided by Il Giardino delle Fate Flower Design and Alma Project. A chinoiserie-and-citrus theme gave a flavour of the vintage charm of Florence, and we doubt there was a lemon left in the whole city when we’d finished! Beyond the seating area was the main event space; a fantastic hidden gem in the city, a grassy courtyard that unfolds before your eyes and was filled with warm fairy lighting, tables set with blue, white and yellow, and an array of wonderful Italian food and drink. It was a beautiful sight to see, and as the sun set on their very own cosy little corner of Florence we knew A&A’s wedding day was going to be something special.” ~ Elegante by Michelle J

The wedding day itself is styled with breathtaking and abundant florals in shades of red and pink, filling tables and cascading into the most fabulous arrangements.

“When it was time for the big reveal, guests made their way up from the gardens and were greeted with the warm honey-yellow facade of the Villa and a spectacular clearspan marquee, filled to the brim with stunning florals and delicate details. The whole design was sumptuous and flowing, filling the space with lavish life and surprising the guests at every turn. Beautiful bespoke stationery by Ceci New York announced the menu for the evening, and custom monogrammed napkins from Laurel House Design made for a lovely personalised touch. ”

This wedding was previously featured on Smashing the Glass. If the welcome bags look familiar they inspired us to write a piece on Thoughtful Touches: wedding welcome bags earlier this month!

For a fascinating peek behind the scenes, head on over to Michelle’s own blog, where she shares a brilliant behind-the-scenes wedding video showing the incredible hard work, and contributions from all the amazing suppliers that came together to create this exceptional celebration.

Photography – David Bastianoni
Planner – Elegante by Michelle J
Videography – Waterfall Visuals
Venue – Villa di Maiano
Dresses – Elie Saab
Bride’s shoes – Jimmy Choo
Hair + Makeup – Your Beauty Team
Flowers – Il Giardino delle Fate Flower Design
Band – Muzika
Catering and Cake – Galateo Ricevimenti
Stationery/Invitation – Ceci New York
Embroidered napkins – Laurel House Designs
Marquee – Pellicci & Meschi
Production – Alma Project
Travel Services – Come Wander Travels
Singer – Udi Ullman
Welcome Party Venue – Palazzo Ximenes
Synagogue – Florence Synagogue

 

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Jen & Josh’s relaxed family wedding at Alpheton Hall Barns, with York Place Studios https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/jen-joshs-relaxed-family-wedding-at-alpheton-hall-barns-with-york-place-studios/ https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/jen-joshs-relaxed-family-wedding-at-alpheton-hall-barns-with-york-place-studios/#respond Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:54:14 +0000 https://english-wedding.com/?p=150455 It’s thrilling, blogging about weddings, to see everything from carefully choreographed events to days that feel authentic and immersive. This Alpheton Hall Barns wedding feels so real, just scrolling through the images it feels like you’re there. The power of photography can bring you to relive your own wedding in Read more…

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It’s thrilling, blogging about weddings, to see everything from carefully choreographed events to days that feel authentic and immersive. This Alpheton Hall Barns wedding feels so real, just scrolling through the images it feels like you’re there. The power of photography can bring you to relive your own wedding in very different ways, and the charm of York Place Studios‘ phenomenal documentary wedding photography always finds its home with me.

Today’s brilliantly beautiful wedding is all about the feels. It’s Jen & Josh’s wedding at Alpheton Barns, captured by our friends and award winning wedding photographers York Place Studios. The photos capture the gloriously chaotic behind-the-scenes getting ready parts of the day before taking us through a heartfelt ceremony filled with laughter and impromptu hugs.

The celebrations after Jen and Josh say their vows are a whirlwind of love and joy and family connections. The air is filled with hugs and happiness and we get to see all of the tiny moments that make up the atmosphere of a wedding. There’s something incredibly special running through these images: perhaps it’s the sense of belonging and of family that this stunning couple inspire.

Seen through the eyes of Dom and Liam at York Place Studios, it’s “Irresistible, impulsive embraces during the ceremony, laughter through the vows. Quizzical looks and knowing glances; idiosyncrasies, inside jokes, charisma and chaos. These are characterful qualities that we are inspired to capture but cannot create. The photographic themes emerge not from our minds, nor even from theirs. They are found through the unconscious acts and connections of the people around us; our job is not only to see but to feel.”

The venue is lovely: a rustic barn with bunting and lanterns and country charm, set in the Suffolk countryside. It’s an exclusive use venue with a woodland ceremony space, and different barns for different parts of your day. The owners of Alpheton Hall Barns try to make it as nature-friendly as possible, through tree planting and a wildflower meadow – an idyllic setting!

The styling touches are fun and creative: the flowers are wonderful, the cake is a joy (and we adore the little birds on top) – and the table plan is ace! Stealing the show though, is Jen’s sparkly, sunshine-catching beautiful wedding jumpsuit – a showstopper of a wedding outfit if ever we saw one! (With Josh’s superb tartan suit a very, very close second!)

We’ll share more images on our instagram at @englishweddingblog – for now, here are some absolute favourites to make you smile, laugh and stop your scrolling in its tracks! This is how weddings should be remembered: for all of the amazing people who were there by your side, at their authentically brilliant best!


York Place Studios are members of English Wedding

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Web: www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk


 

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A lovely Lakeside wedding for Philippa & Nathan, with Jaye Peg Photography https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/a-lovely-lakeside-wedding-for-philippa-nathan-with-jaye-peg-photography/ https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/a-lovely-lakeside-wedding-for-philippa-nathan-with-jaye-peg-photography/#comments Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:58:40 +0000 https://english-wedding.com/?p=150381 A wedding *almost* on my doorstep today – a gorgeous couple and a laid back celebration from the gateway to the Lakes. I do love a jetty… I adore a fell side even more, and lovely Philippa and Nathan had some stunning Lake District photos to remember their day, by Read more…

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A wedding *almost* on my doorstep today – a gorgeous couple and a laid back celebration from the gateway to the Lakes. I do love a jetty… I adore a fell side even more, and lovely Philippa and Nathan had some stunning Lake District photos to remember their day, by fab Cumbria wedding photographer Jaye Peg Photography.

Wedding photographer’s website

https://jayepeg.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

“She was incredible! Jaye didn’t waste any time and we were very happy with the photos.”

Philippa and Nathan’s wedding day styling was perfect for the Lakes. Their relaxed vibe with understated elegance combined beige and blue for the men’s suits, and mismatched florals for the bridesmaids’ dresses. They look fantastic.

Philippa is incredible in an off the shoulder Bardot style dress.

The beautiful flowers are in shades of white, peach and pale coral, adding to the laid-back and relaxed vibe, which really set the tone for the whole day.

Lakeside Hotel & Spa is surrounded by the serene beauty of the Lake District and the lush greenery of the Cumbrian countryside. It’s an easily accessible Lakes wedding venue, with jetties and fells nearby providing perfect photo opportunities!

Some of my favourites are the relaxed wedding portraits of Philippa and Nathan on the mountainside of Gummers How, where they had a little time for just the two of them (and dog Nala!) to enjoy a scenic walk, and to take in the stunning views over Windermere.

The genuine and authentic emotions captured in these photos are wonderful to see. Do check out Jaye Peg Photography if you’re looking for a relaxed and laid-back Lake District wedding photographer!

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Phoebe & Sarah’s super creative, everything-and-more wedding, with Martin Cheung Photography https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/phoebe-sarahs-super-creative-everything-and-more-wedding-with-martin-cheung-photography/ https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/phoebe-sarahs-super-creative-everything-and-more-wedding-with-martin-cheung-photography/#respond Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:39:17 +0000 https://english-wedding.com/?p=150331 A glorious, joyful wedding for a gorgeous couple with a wonderful sense of fun! This one will go down in English Wedding history for the creative way Phoebe & Sarah picked the best bits of their heritage to include as wedding traditions – and for the colour, the joy in Read more…

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A glorious, joyful wedding for a gorgeous couple with a wonderful sense of fun! This one will go down in English Wedding history for the creative way Phoebe & Sarah picked the best bits of their heritage to include as wedding traditions – and for the colour, the joy in Martin Cheung‘s images and the generous reviews of their incredible wedding suppliers. As always – more on @englishweddingblog Instagram!

Wedding photographer’s website

Martin Cheung https://www.martincphotography.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

Martin was personally recommended to us by a good friend, who had worked with him several times. We loved his energy and sense of fun, and felt comfortable he would help us capture our day and record the amazing memories! We also loved that his wife, Daiga, was available to film, as we were really keen to get amazing video for those of our far-flung family who couldn’t attend. They were both so lovely on the day, working with us throughout a pretty hectic day to capture so many amazing images, both intimate and relaxed as well as large group shots. Reviewing the photos on our honeymoon, we felt so fortunate to have had them both involved with the day. Martin managed to corral our 150+ guests into numerous group and family shots, and is still mentioned at family gatherings as a ‘legend’! He was also endlessly patient with us putting back the time of our first dance because, in true Greek fashion, nothing happened on time!

Your best moment or memory

Seeing our dog Cleo, in her beautiful flower collar, coming down the aisle as our ring bearer was so special! Phoebe’s favourite part of the day was stepping out into the ceremony room and seeing Sarah’s beautiful smile lighting up the room, where Sarah and her family had been in charge of building a traditional Jewish chuppah on the morning of the wedding. The whole room was filled with love and sunlight. Sarah’s favourite moment was during the evening reception, when we found our roller derby team-mates building a human pyramid on the lawn! It just showed how relaxed our guests were, feeling free to let their hair down and party, which is exactly what we wanted!

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

We mixed some Jewish and some Greek traditions in, without much religion, to celebrate both of our family heritages, so we smashed a glass, swapped flower crowns, drank raki and danced to some traditional (and not so!) Greek and Jewish music at the reception. Phoebe walked down the aisle on her own, following both of her parents, and Sarah was accompanied by both her mom and dad, to buck the tradition of being ‘given away’.

Sarah + Phobe – Hazel Gap Barn from No Ordinary Films (Daiga Cheung) on Vimeo.

Videographer name + review

Daiga https://www.noordinaryfilms.co.uk/ Daiga was so friendly and enthusiastic about capturing our wedding. We have laughed and cried over our wedding videos as they really capture the warmth and love of the day! Daiga was so intent on capturing the little moments, and has woven them into a gorgeous video which really feels so personal and heartwarming to watch back. It really takes us back to the day!

Venue name + review

Hazel Gap Barn – what can we say but wow! This very quickly became our wish-list venue as it is so beautiful, but it was a bit out of our price range. Thanks to our very generous parents, we were lucky enough to be able to make it work and we were so happy we did.

Our co-ordinator, Beth, was so on top of everything on the day, it felt like we didn’t have to worry about a single thing. She was worth her weight in gold! The entire staff at Hazel Gap were so professional, polite and made the whole day run so smoothly. We got so many compliments on the food – people said it was the best wedding meal they had ever had – and we have to agree! It was so important to both of us that the food was great and we were so happy with the feast night that Hazel Gap offers to its customers, where we got to sample the menu. As a vegetarian, Phoebe was adamant that their vegan and vegetarian guests would have as much choice as anyone else, and Hazel Gap really delivered! The grounds and buildings are absolutely stunning and the staff really are excellent at what they do.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Phoebe wore an off the shoulder, old Hollywood-style chiffon dress with a dramatic sleeve, from All Who Wander. It made me feel like an absolute glamazon! Sarah had a tailored three piece suit, in a dark green and orange checked bamboo fabric. She wore her grandfather’s RAF dress shirt and cufflinks, which matched her buttons.

Dress or suit shop name + review

Phoebe: Emily’s Bridal, Sheffield.

Emily’s was one of the first dress shops I looked at online, and as soon as I visited in person, I knew I would get my dress there. Nicole helped me throughout, as my mum and sisters all lived abroad at the time, so I was flying solo when dress shopping. She listened to what I wanted, brought me armfuls of dresses and then found THE ONE (which was none of the things I had said I wanted!) She has a magic eye and her enthusiasm and warmth shone through every appointment, every silly question, and every request I made!

The last few weeks where I was driving up to Sheffield for fittings and stylings were some of my favourite wedding prep moments, because I was SO excited to see my dress and step into the calm, kind and happy environment they have created there! I was treated with kindness and joy by every single person I met at Emily’s and I will recommend it to anyone looking for a dress.

Sarah: Orhan London Tailoring.

I found the process of finding a wedding suit quite daunting at the beginning, as I wasn’t sure exactly what I was looking for and how the typical ‘mens’ suits would fit. I found Orhan London Tailoring recommended online as somewhere specifically queer-friendly and really loved their photos, so gave them a visit.

I felt super taken care of from my very first visit, where Joe went through the different options with me and made me feel completely comfortable asking all the questions!

Although I wasn’t originally planning on a tailored suit, I decided that it was a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to create exactly what I wanted, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

Florist name + review

Sanita’s Flowers, Nottingham.

It took us a few false starts to find Sanita, and it turns out the best wedding florist is actually our local one! Right from our first meeting, Sanita filled us with confidence that she understood what we wanted and was going to deliver it. On the day, she was hands-on and enthusiastically making sure every flower she had planned was in the right place and looked perfect! Sanita absolutely fulfilled our ideas of bright, rainbow coloured blooms in a bohemian, relaxed style. She was also really mindful of our budget, and helped us carefully and thoughtfully make some small changes to deliver what we wanted within this.

Cake maker name + review

Pudding Pantry, Nottingham. When we realised our favourite cafe also made wedding cakes, we were pretty sure that we wanted them to make our wedding cake! However, having almost 200 guests to the event meant A LOT of cake. Pudding Pantry worked with us to do cake tastings (the best day of wedding planning!) and come up with completely custom combinations, and they didn’t bat an eyelid at any of our guests dietary needs. We weren’t quite sure about how we wanted it to look, but they were really patient and kind at showing us different ideas and talking us through options to design a cake together. On the day, it looked and tasted incredible, even if one of our younger guests did try to eat it with their hands before we got to cut it!

Stationery maker’s name + review

We used Vistaprint and some of their design features to personalise our invitations and thank you cards. It was an affordable provider with loads of options to customise the designs and we were really happy with the speed of service and quality of the prints.

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

We did a lot of the decor ourselves, with Sarah’s friends and family spending the night before the wedding constructing paper lanterns, garlands and pompoms to hang up around the venue, as well as labelling the wedding favours. Phoebe painted the welcome sign and schedule, and made the guestbook and seating plan display herself as well, and brushed up on her calligraphy skills for the place cards too. These little touches made a lot of the wedding feel more personal and a lot of them are still decorating our house now!

Wedding readings?

Our friend Nathan read an extract from ‘Everything I Know About Love’ by Dolly Alderton, which perfectly captured how Sarah and Phoebe feel about each other and their life together.

Sarah’s cousin Justin read ‘A Lovely Love Story’ by Edward Monkton, really hamming up the line about the couple being old. It was fun and funny, and just the kind of laughter that Sarah and Phoebe wanted during their ceremony!

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

Ten Years by Daði Freyr. We pondered for ages on the wedding first dance song, as we wanted something not too formal and stiff, but that we could have a few moments together to dance to, before having our friends and family join in! This was the perfect song, as it is bouncy, energetic but with a gorgeous message, and we still get up and recreate our dance moves whenever we hear it!

Hair + makeup name + review

Ms Moo Makeup – As soon as I got engaged, I knew I wanted Sali to be my makeup artist – I think she was the first person I booked when the date was confirmed! She has done several friend’s wedding makeup, and is a well known wedding makeup artist in the East Midlands. She is so funny, and fun, and made me cackle like a witch several times over the course of my wedding morning! She made me and my bridesmaids all look absolutely gorgeous and glowy, and set us all at ease. She listened so carefully to me during our initial chats and trial sessions, and delivered a truly special service on the morning, making me feel relaxed and at ease, despite my nerves.

Blush Moments Hair – Sharon was quite a late addition to my wedding team, and she was personally recommended to me by Sali, who had worked with her before. Sharon is so lovely and friendly, she was great at listening to what I wanted and delivering it in a way that worked with my dress, veil and overall style of the day. She gave me loads of input into hair care and prep, to make sure that it would all work together on the big day and last well into the night! On the day, she was calm, well-prepared and efficient and had us all ready early – which is no mean feat! Sarah’s hair and makeup was done by her gorgeous bridesmaid, Kariisa, with the help of some amazing samples from our friend Hayley at La Mer!

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Celebrating love and heritage: the beauty of multicultural weddings https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/celebrating-love-and-heritage-the-beauty-of-multicultural-weddings/ https://english-wedding.com/2024/03/celebrating-love-and-heritage-the-beauty-of-multicultural-weddings/#respond Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:00:53 +0000 https://english-wedding.com/?p=149228 A guest blog by Carla Thomas Photography As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the unique beauty of multicultural weddings. They aren’t just about two people tying the knot; they’re a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures, rich traditions, and unique personal stories. They offer a wonderful opportunity Read more…

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A guest blog by Carla Thomas Photography

As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the unique beauty of multicultural weddings. They aren’t just about two people tying the knot; they’re a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures, rich traditions, and unique personal stories. They offer a wonderful opportunity to honour both who you are and where you come from.

Why multicultural weddings are special

A multicultural wedding isn’t just about uniting two people; it’s a beautiful fusion of families, traditions, and cultures. These weddings are about much more than mixing races; they celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds within the same race too. For example, the subtle yet rich differences between Ghanaian and Nigerian customs can add a unique flavour to your day, often sparking playful debates over who makes the best jollof rice. No contest – Sierra Leone! 😉

Planning your multicultural wedding: a step-by-step guide

Respect and celebrate differences: Your wedding should honour and celebrate both cultures. Aim for a harmonious blend of traditions that reflects your shared story, and make it authentic to you.

Family insights: Your families are your link to cultural heritage. Embrace their stories and traditions to bring depth to your wedding day. It’s about reinventing traditions in a way that resonates with your personal style.

Communicate and educate: Use your wedding programme or website to explain the significance of different cultural elements. This is particularly important for guests who may be unfamiliar with some traditions, helping them appreciate the cultural depth of your celebration.

Stay true to yourselves: Remember, it’s your day. Whether you choose to showcase your cultures throughout the day or select specific moments, what matters most is that it feels right for both of you.

Choose empathetic suppliers: Work with suppliers who understand and share your excitement about your vision. Wedding planners with multicultural wedding experience can be invaluable in blending different traditions respectfully and creatively.

Acknowledging and overcoming challenges

Multicultural wedding planning can present unique challenges, such as reconciling different family expectations or navigating logistical complexities. The key is open communication.

Discuss your visions and concerns with your families, finding common ground where possible. The goal is to celebrate your love and heritage in a way that’s meaningful to you both.

Where to incorporate your cultural heritage

Feast for the senses: Your wedding menu is a chance to wow your guests. Think of a fusion that represents you both.

Ceremony with a twist: The ceremony is where your cultural blend takes centre stage. Mix traditions and customs that mean the most to you, creating a unique and heartfelt experience.

Fashion fusion: Your wedding outfits are a powerful way to express your heritage. Embrace the idea of multiple outfit changes to showcase different cultural clothing, each change symbolising a different aspect of your heritage. I once shot a wedding with 3 outfit changes, so they could honour all aspects of their lives. Imagine switching between a stunning dress and a colourful ashobie or combining a cheongsam with mehndi

Groove to your own beat: Music transcends boundaries and is where the fun really starts. Mix rhythms and styles that let your guests feel a vibe that’s unique to you.

In the details: The little details can powerfully reflect your cultural blend. Weave in elements from your cultures, be it through colour themes, patterns, or even the flowers you choose.

Stay true to you

Remember, this is about what feels right for you. Your wedding can be a grand cultural celebration or a more intimate affair with subtle nods to your roots. The key is to make it authentically yours.

Celebrating your story

Every time I photograph a wedding, I’m reminded of how love brings worlds together.

Multicultural weddings aren’t just beautiful; they’re powerful narratives of unity, diversity, and the incredible journey you’re on. So here’s to you and making your mark in your own unique way.


Your Turn: Which cultural tradition excites you the most for your wedding? Share your thoughts and use the hashtag #MyCulturalWedding on social media to join the conversation!

 




Carla Thomas Photography is a member of English Wedding

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Web: https://carlathomasphoto.com


 

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A stunning Tortworth Court wedding for C & R, with Greg Shingler Photography https://english-wedding.com/2024/02/a-stunning-tortworth-court-wedding-for-c-r-with-greg-shingler-photography/ https://english-wedding.com/2024/02/a-stunning-tortworth-court-wedding-for-c-r-with-greg-shingler-photography/#respond Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:00:48 +0000 https://english-wedding.com/?p=150197 Today’s gorgeous couple celebrated with a stunning wedding at a sought after venue. We’re calling the happy pair C & R for privacy reasons. They’re absolutely lovely and they’ve written some fabulous reviews for favourite wedding suppliers, along with a wonderful write up of their incredible wedding day. As always, Read more…

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Today’s gorgeous couple celebrated with a stunning wedding at a sought after venue. We’re calling the happy pair C & R for privacy reasons. They’re absolutely lovely and they’ve written some fabulous reviews for favourite wedding suppliers, along with a wonderful write up of their incredible wedding day. As always, we will be sharing more on @englishweddingblog over on insta, so make sure you’re following us, as well as the amazing Wiltshire wedding photographer @gregshinglerphotography who captured their day!

Wedding photographer’s website

Greg Shingler https://www.gregshingler.co.uk/

Wedding photographer review

Greg is an exceptional photographer! Choosing him to capture the memories of our special day was truly the best decision. Right from the beginning, we were captivated by his unique photography style, which beautifully portrays intimacy and personal moments. Greg’s impeccable organisational skills made the entire process seamless, and our instant connection with him added an extra layer of comfort. On the day of the event, Greg exhibited the utmost professionalism, leaving our guests thoroughly impressed. The photos we received were not just images; they were emotional snapshots of precious moments that we will cherish for a lifetime. Greg’s ability to capture the essence of our day exceeded our expectations, making the entire experience unforgettable!

Your best moment or memory

While it might sound a bit cliche, the absolute highlight of the day had to be when C made her way down the aisle, and I caught sight of R for the first time! It was an indescribable feeling – that perfect culmination when your envisioned dream becomes a tangible reality.

The venue and decorations were nothing short of breathtaking, each detail adding to the enchantment. As you stroll down the aisle, the magic unfolds: familiar faces of cherished friends and family fill the room, leading up to that heart-fluttering moment when you lock eyes with the person you’re about to marry. Truly, it was a moment of pure magic.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

Culture held immense significance for us. With C coming from a Chinese background and R from an African background, it was crucial for us to infuse elements of our heritage into the wedding. One notable aspect was C’s outfit change, featuring her Chinese traditional wear—an heirloom passed down through generations. The family was elated to capture moments of C adorned in this meaningful attire. Additionally, we incorporated readings in various languages, including English, Cantonese, and Lutooro, creating a beautiful fusion that truly united our cultures. Lastly, breaking away from tradition during the bouquet toss, typically reserved for unmarried women, we opted for inclusivity by inviting participants of all genders to join in on the excitement.
We wanted to do something sentimental on the day. C gifted some cufflinks for R which says “Today, Tomorrow, Always”. She also gifted a pair of cufflinks to her dad that says ” Today a Bride, Tomorrow a Wife, Always your little Girl”
R used to be a DJ. So during the evening reception he raised the roof with some bangers!

Venue name + review

De Vere Tortworth Court – At the Orangery. The venue was truly breathtaking it was like something from a fairytale. However, the pre planning side with the wedding team was very challenging as there was lack organisation. However, they outperformed themselves on the day.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

C – 1st dress- A beautiful A line white dress made by Justin Alexander. It had a beautiful embellished bodice and then different layers at the bottom created a beautiful “princess” style dress. 2nd Dress- A traditional 2 piece Chinese dress called a cheongsam. A wedding cheongsam is red as this represents luck and happiness, this is then handsewn with gold thread. 3rd dress- A simple a line dress with a big bow at the back designed by Mori Lee. This was shortened at the front making it easier to dance in The best piece was C’s shoes. Silver heels by Roger Vivier. They were truly to die for! R wore a 3 piece suit made by Ted baker As our wedding was in spring, We wanted spring colours. His blazer and trouser were both a beautiful pale blue colour and we decided to go for contrasted waist coat in a dirty rose colour.

Dress or suit shop name + review

London Bride UK – Absolutely amazing service. Although this boutique is in London, the prices of the wedding dresses were truly affordable. They also do sales. I got my night dress for just £200!
Suit Direct

Florist name + review

The Sodbury Florist – This florist came highly recommended by the hotel. I specifically requested flowers that were in season and affordable, and they were incredibly flexible with my preferences. I indicated the colors I desired, and they skillfully selected the types of flowers that were in season at that time

Cake maker name + review

The Sugar Sweet Cakery – Andrea was a perfect 10/10! I visited her house beforehand for some cake tasting. Together, we discussed the style of cake I desired and the flavors. Andrea created a stunning 3-tiered cake for me with flowers that matched my bouquet. We opted for different flavors for each tier: red velvet, salted caramel, and raspberry & white chocolate.

Wedding readings?

We had a bible reading 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in 3 different languages, English, Cantonese and Lutooro. We also had a poem- The Giraffe and the Monkey by Daniel Thompson

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

We did a mash up of songs and did a dance routine to wow our guests!

Hair + makeup name + review

Grace Kingsley- She was recommended by my sister who also had her for her wedding! Grace is super friendly and amazingly talented

 

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