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23
Jun
2014
Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was spent enjoying the treats that birthdays bring and generally over-indulging. This week’s real bride showcases start with a beauty! Zoe and Luke look like they have been snatched straight from the 1940s, proving that vintage inspired weddings are still very much en vogue. Friend and regular contributor to the blog Jacqui McSweeney has done another excellent job capturing the true romance and classic charm of this wedding. I particularly love Zoe’s hair and the simplicity of her lace overlay gown. Have an awesome Monday!
Zoe and Luke were married on the 22nd March at Rye Town Hall and then celebrated with over 100 family and friends at The George in Rye Hotel. “I’m originally from Sussex so we researched online and the George looked so gorgeous we knew it was what we wanted. Sarah the event organiser was lovely and down to earth.”
How they met
We were introduced by a mutual friend 8 years ago and we’ve been together for 7 years.
The proposal
We’d been backpacking around the world together for a year. My 30th birthday was in Shanghai, our last week away, so Luke booked a special hotel and a romantic dinner out. He popped the question when we were walking back to the hotel along the Bund.
How did you allocate your budget?
A vast spreadsheet I inherited from a previous bride friend kept track of the budget. The honeymoon and venue largely dictated the rest of the budget. Honeymoon was a biggie – a week skiing in Canada, then a week on the beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. And the new hubby surprised me with two nights in Vegas on the way! And the venue, we wanted as much as possible to be taken care of for us so we had to be prepared to pay for it.
Why did you choose your photographer?
Jacqui was recommended by the venue. Once we met her we liked her relaxed style and beautiful photographs.
The wedding dress and accessories
My dress by Sabina Motesam from The Dress in Teddington, a lovely little boutique. Shoes were Ginger by Rachel Simpson, recommended by a friend and I got to wear them on honeymoon too.
The suit and bridesmaids
Luke wanted to buy matching suits for the groomsmen so he spent ages on the phone sourcing different sizes of the same Red Herring @ House of Fraser suit from across the country.
We chose the first dress my bridesmaids tried on, Matthew Williamson Butterfly @ Debenhams. With fur collars from Urban Outfitters.
The theme
Cream colour scheme with some black and red accents. Theme in mind was loosely 40’s glamour. I wanted vintage but elegance.
The flowers
Cream roses, ranunculas, gpysophilia, thyme.
The decoration
Very simple as the venues are quite decorative in themselves. Just low vases of gyp on the tables, some tea lights, rose petals and storm candles.
The food and wedding cake
Trio of smoked fish to start, main course were big pies to share on the table with bowls of mash and gravy. Then apple crumble and custard. Luke’s sister made a stunning 3 tier naked Victoria sponge and successfully transported it from Somerset. It completely surpassed our expectations. Luke also then ordered a ‘cheese cake’ from Teddington Cheese.
The entertainment
A string Duo playing modern classics in the town hall and champagne reception and a live band in the evening.
Buy or DIY your Stationery?
DIY from Snapfish and using a wedding chick’s stationery template.
Personal or handmade touches
– I made and wrapped batches of honeycomb for all the favours.
– Luke made our table plan by spray painting 2nd hand frames with gold paint, affixing wire and clipping polaroid photos of the guests.
– We bought smaller 2nd hand frames from local charity shops for mismatched table numbers.
– Luke printed the menus and order of service to match the invitations.
Special moments
The ceremony was wonderful, facing a room of all our friends and relatives. I wasn’t nervous at all, I just remember feeling happy! And the first dance was a Ray LaMontagne song, “You’re the best thing” which our band sung very well – it was the only thing that made me cry all day.
Advice to other couples
Have an idea in your mind and go for it.
Try and keep it fun and something you share.
Be prepared to negotiate hard for everything.
Biggest surprise
How well my lipstick stayed on! (lipcote to the rescue)
www.jmcsweeneyphotography.co.uk
www.jmcsweeneyphotography.co.uk/blog/blog
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@jacquimacphoto
Oh this is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Right up my street, I love her hair, dress, so glamorous and elegant! Beautiful work too Jacqui xxx
Thanks Annabel, such a gorgeous wedding to shoot xx
Such a gorgeous wedding to shoot