British Brides

Ethical Wedding at Home: Feng & David

Kat

December 6, 2012

Simple weddings are often the best, and for Feng & David, doing something low-key and ethical was important. So they had a super tiny civil ceremony with only their closest friends and family in attendance, and hosted the reception at their own house! Yes, Feng put on an apron and served all the food herself! "Our wedding budget was £1500, but we went over this with our photographer and our rings", began the bride. "Our rings were pretty expensive as they were custom made using fair-trade gold, recycled gold & conflict-free gems by Amanda Li Hope. We were married at Oxford Registry Office and our reception was in our tiny house in East Oxford."

Retro 1960s Wedding with a Moroccan Vibe: Jo & Aki

Kat

December 5, 2012

Jo, a taxidermist, & Aki, a web designer, were married at Byzantium, a quirky bar and restaurant in Bristol. The Moroccan decor added an interesting touch to the celebration. The room was decorated with Moroccan lanterns, pipe cleaner animal and personalised cocktail stirrers. Some friends made them a guest list tree surrounded by candles and glass beads, flowers and fairy lights. Jo made some taxidermy through her company Death & Glory Taxidermy. "I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by a lot of very talented people", explained the bride. "It’s very easy to get caught up with the idea of doing everything yourself but if you've got people around you that can (and want to) help, then let them! In the end our photographer (Noel was already a professional wedding photographer - handy!), invitation designer, guestbook tree makers, band, 'priest' and florist were all friends. It made the whole day much more personal and special and really helped us get the most out of our budget."

Americana Kitsch in London’s East End: Anna Lee & Paul

Kat

November 28, 2012

Anna Lee & Paul were married in London in September. Their ceremony was held at Saint Etheldreda’s Church, and their reception - in two parts - took place at The Modern Pantry in Clerkenwell and All Star Lanes in Brick Lane. "We dined on a mouthwatering fusion menu for dinner, and mini burgers, hot dogs and classic American cocktails at the after-party", wrote the bride. Anna Lee looked stunning in her gold gown by by Roland Mouret. Called 'Wallis' and inspired by Wallis Simpson, the opulent diamond-embossed design looked amazing on her. Clearly Anna Lee wasn't going for a traditional bridal look. She wore Beatrix Ong shoes and instead of a veil or any jewellery, she had pearls glued down the nape of her neck. I just LOVE this idea. "I didn't wear jewellery or a veil", she explained, "but wanted pearls in my cropped hairstyle. So Angela, my hairdresser, had the idea to fix pearls down the back of my neck using super-strength wig glue! They held fast all, and were a real talking point."

Purple, Dinosaurs & Peacocks: Lauren & Matt

Kat

November 27, 2012

Purple. Dinosaurs. Peacocks... These were the things that inspired Lauren & Matt's October wedding. Although the theme wasn't really intentional, by incorporating the things they just really liked it totally worked! "Our ethos for our wedding was that we were going to what we wanted and not what people expected", wrote Lauren. "We picked and chose aspects of tradition that we liked and binned those we didn't. We had a humanist ceremony which isn't like a registry wedding - it's a lot more personal. We tied a Celtic knot which we practiced loads before hand! My friend did the reading of 'A Lovely Love Story' by Edward Monkton, which is about dinosaurs and dinosaurs are awesome! One of our other close friends gave us the book as an engagement present and we thought it was apt as a reading. We also had a dinosaur cake topper!"

Comic Book & Superhero Wedding: Holly & Anthony

Kat

November 26, 2012

Happy Monday you lovely little critters - have I got a wedding to start this week off with a bang or what!? Unusually I was actually submitted this wedding by the groom and via twitter because his gorgeous bride, Holly, was nervous about doing so. Er, girl, are you KIDDING me?! I'm dying over your wedding. The comic book, superhero and geek chic radness is just too good. This is one of those weddings that I genuinely wish I'd been invited to!

Retro Kitsch British Wedding: Lynne & Stevie

Kat

November 23, 2012

We may be well on our way towards the depths of winter (waah!) but I thought I'd just cling onto those hazy Summer days for just a little while longer by sharing Lynne & Stevie's June wedding. The quintessentially British vibe perfectly accompanied by vintage and retro touches was just too good to pass up.

A 1940s & Vegan Wedding in Canada: Sarah & Carol

Kat

November 22, 2012

Sarah & Carol had a destination wedding in Canada. With Sarah originally from Canada the pair, who now live in Brighton, wanted to fly back for the wedding. "We decided to be married in Sarnia because Carol is incredibly attached to her hometown and the beaches and water of Lake Huron (can you blame her?)", wrote newlywed Carol. "At the time we booked the venue we thought we would both be living in Canada, so it seemed a natural choice. We chose Sarnia Riding Club as our venue so we could be right next to the water. We knew that whatever continent we decided to do the wedding on, a lot of people who wouldn't be able to attend, we're so pleased that so many people made it – and we've promised to dance with those who didn't make it very soon."

A Very Mod Wedding: Paula & Mark

Kat

November 14, 2012

London. The 1960s. Mod. These were the inspirations for Paula & Mark's big day. The couple met at a rhythm, blues & soul night run by Mark in a bar in Bethnal Green, so the theme was very 'them'. "We bonded over our love of vintage fashion and music", wrote Paula, "I couldn't believe my luck when we were introduced, we hit it off immediately. The bar has changed owners since, but we always smile when we go past it. It holds happy memories of parties and beautiful friends in immaculate vintage fashions dancing to great music and having fun."

A Bohemian but Urban Wedding with a 70s Twist: Mark & Ania

Kat

November 13, 2012

Mark & Ania didn't particularly want a theme for their wedding, but what they did want was a relaxed and laid back wedding with all their friends and family. They chose Islington town hall as their ceremony venue as the north east of London is one of their favourite areas of the city. For their reception they headed to AK Rowing Club which is right on the bank of the Thames in Hammersmith.

Flamingos & Fun: Charlotte & Luke

Kat

November 12, 2012

"I got married in August", said pink haired Blogcademy attendee Charlotte after the workshop was over. "Your blog was a huge help so thank you." "Amazing, I responded - make sure you send me your photographs!" And she did, and oh boy am I glad. What a wedding! "Our wedding theme was decided on a drunken weekend in Palm Springs in May when we were on a work trip", Charlotte told me. "We ordered 50 pink plastic lawn flamingos to be delivered to the Ace Hotel… then panicked when they arrived and we had to buy four huge holdalls to take them back on the plane! I was convinced customs would think we were smuggling drugs and cut them all open but they really made our wedding!"

Tattoo Britannia Wedding: Lisa & Paul

Kat

November 6, 2012

"Being the Jubilee year as well as the Olympics, a red, white & blue themed wedding seemed fitting", began newlywed Lisa who married Paul this Summer. "I sat with my bridesmaids and mum the night before the wedding watching the opening ceremony with great pride. The bright colour options coupled with my love of rockabilly styling and 1940s glamour added such vibrancy and fun to the day. Paul and I also both love tattoos so we wanted to bring this into our day. The swallows on the wedding cake, invitations, table decorations and gifts were all tied together with tattoo images."

Don’t Tell The Bride: The Real Story aka Mike & Becky’s Mexican Wrestling Wedding

Kat

October 31, 2012

I have a love/hate relationship with the BBC Three show Don't Tell the Bride. On the one hand, I love a voyeuristic nosey at other people's weddings (hello! Wedding blogger criteria number one) but on the other, the obvious sensationalism of shows like this can often get a bit much. I usually sit watching the show wondering if the groom really plans the whole thing himself and if the real truth of the matter is that the production company tell him exactly what to do so they can have the usual drama that seems to follow the programme around. But mostly I wonder if the brides really have no say on ANYTHING. I mean surely you'd give him a few subtle hints beforehand, right?!

A Musical & Modern Wedding: Katie & Adam

Kat

October 29, 2012

"Without wanting to sound too sucky I've read Rock n Roll Bride for years, even before I was engaged", wrote newly-wed Katie, who married Adam in Leicestershire in September. "I loved looking at the photography and the different styles & ideas out there. So as soon as Adam popped the question I had a great starting point!" The entire wedding had a music theme - from the vinyl motifs, the homemade posters, the guitar pick favours and the concert venue table names, "Music was a really big inspiration for us, from the background music to the first dance & church music", the bride continued. "Everything was carefully planned and picked to fit our theme. The vinyl theme continued all the way from the invites to decorations around the venue."

Morris Dancing Wedding: Bev & Ed

Kat

October 26, 2012

What could be more 'quirky-Brit' than Morris Dancing? For my foreign friends, Morris Dancing is a traditional form of English folk dance dating back to the 15th Century. Dancers adorn their bodies with bells and whistles whilst wielding handkerchiefs, sticks and even swords... It's certainly a niche form of fun, but one that that initially brought Bev & Ed together.

Idyllic Camber Sands Beach Wedding: Jo & Rob

Kat

October 26, 2012

Jo & Rob were married at The Gallivant Hotel, an eclectic, shabby chic coastal hideaway. Once a former retro motel on the edge of Camber, the hotel is located right opposite the sand dunes and beach of Camber Sands - what a perfect and idyllic spot to get married! In fact it was even more perfect for this romantic pair because Rob proposed to Jo whilst flying kites on this very beach! "With its beautiful British beach side charm we knew straight away it was the perfect place for us to get married", began Jo.

Retro Mod Wedding: Nikki & Paul

Kat

October 25, 2012

Brought together by a mutual love of the 1960s and mod culture, Nikki & Paul met at a 1960s themed club. "I was inspired by wedding blogs like Rock n Roll Bride that talk about weddings that are slightly left field", began the bride. "I was inspired by weddings with bright colours (we had orange and electric blue with grey) and we wanted to make sure each part of the day was reflective of who we are. We also didn't take anything too seriously - it was meant to be fun!"

A Retro Glastonbury Wedding: Beth & Jonny

Kat

October 22, 2012

Oh Anna Hardy you do have a way with that camera of yours. A way that makes everything dreamy and beautiful and cool all at the same time... although to be fair, I think you had it pretty easy with Beth & Jonny, like, how totally smokin' are these two!? And Beth's second dress by the epic Delphine Manivet is AMAZING. I love me that high collared cape thingy! The wedding took place in Yorkshire in June. They had an informal registry office wedding in the morning with just a handful of their nearest and dearest, then got changed and had a big Glastonbury themed ceremony & reception with all their friends and family. As devoted Glastonbury goers, Beth & Jonny chose the weekend that the festival should have been on this year so that all their future anniversaries can be celebrated there! "Originally we wanted to marry in the woods, and have a tipi reception in a field", began the bride. "This turned out to be seriously and surprisingly expensive, and finding a field for rent in the north of England was pretty much impossible. When we went to see the venue at Broughton Hall it was a miserable day to say the least, but even in the rain, the place looked awesome."

A Festival Tipi Wedding on the Family Farm: Amy & Chris

Kat

October 20, 2012

Festival and tipi weddings have been big in 2012... like huge. Like they're the wedding trend that just won't quit. And that not necessarily a bad thing, because hell, who doesn't love a festival and camping and toasting marshmallows over an open fire? When Amy & Chris set to planning their July wedding, they decided that the groom's family home, Laskey Farm in Thelwall, was a more than perfect spot. After a humanist ceremony performed by Kate Gee came a various bands and performances with the evening being rounded off with a silent disco!

Alice in Wonderland Wedding: Adam & Louise

Kat

October 19, 2012

Alice in Wonderland themed weddings have been pretty popular since the Tim Burton version of the story was released in 2010, but that doesn't mean I don't still love to see them! I mean who wouldn't want to look at photographs that transport you into a much more psychedelic world? When Adam & Louise got engaged, and despite the fact that they thought the theme had 'been done' quite a bit, they knew it was perfect for their wedding. Louise had been a huge fan of the story for her whole life, and had always dreamt of an Alice themed wedding... so why go changing?

A Quirky Railway Museum Wedding: Emily & Rob

Kat

October 18, 2012

Having visited East Anglian Railway Museum since she was a little girl (and in more recent times, every September for their beer festival), Emily always knew it was the place she wanted to get married. In her own words, they chose the Town Hall for the reception, and the pub for the lunch "out of necessity", but luckily for them the sun shone for the whole day and in the end all venues were equally stunning. "People loved that we had three venues throughout the day", she explained. "We even had the miniature railway running for the children at the railway museum."

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