Hi everyone 🙂
How are you all? What with all the talk of the Royal Wedding of late, I thought I’d go a little regal this afternoon with a completely beautiful Tower of London wedding. Rare is it that we get to see the Tower Guards, or Beefeaters as they are better known, in their full regali, and who dressed beautifully for this occasion in their red and gold uniform, so this is a very special treat for us all. This particular wedding is also extra special, because it comes to you from the perceptive of the Photographer, Gem Rey. The couple themselves are off travelling the world right now and have given full permission for Gemma to share her story with you today.
I do hope you enjoy…
“Harriet and Joel are currently in Laos travelling the world together. They planned their Wedding day with care and the most important part was that they remained relaxed and at ease throughout. These are the times when we must live life to the full, and they did. As their photographer, I would like to give you a little insight into their special day from the way I saw it.
It was a beautiful sunny day in July. I arrived at the gates of The Tower of London with the tourist season in full swing. The river sparkled from the sunlight and London felt alive. Having photographed many Weddings before this one, I felt very aware that this was different. Harriet’s loving father is the Reverend Roger Hall for the Chapel Royal of St Peter Ad Vincular where she married, so you can imagine how exciting it was for everyone close by as this was an ‘in house’ wedding…”
Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Gem Rey
“Harriet’s tiara and earrings came from Bonhams and were true 1920’s vintage wonders. She looked beautiful, and very excited to be wearing such treasured diamonds. When the bride was in her dress, the guests all sitting expectantly in the chapel with the Groom waiting patiently for his precious bride to appear at the door, Harriet came down the stairs with her father and was greeted by her four Beefeaters….”
“The choir sang heavenly music in the chapel so the atmosphere for the guests and for us outside was angelic.
The tourists are only allowed to go so far, so this gives privacy for the Wedding party. You could see the excitement in their faces on realising what they were about to see. Harriet and her father were escorted around the square by the four Beefeaters before entering the chapel.
It was a beautiful sight and caused a few loving tears from the mother’s and bridesmaids looking on in the afternoon sun. When the Beefeaters had gone inside the chapel, standing guard at the end of the aisle facing the congregation looking wonderful, the Vicar came outside to pray and bless the Bride and this special day. A lovely gesture….”
“Each part of this Wedding had a beautiful sense of attention to detail. The chapel was full of flowers and candles bursting at the seems with natural beauty. This historical venue looked exquisite. After a graceful ceremony with more heavenly hymns from the choir, the Beefeaters first, followed by the now Mr & Mrs Bevans glided out of the chapel whilst beaming from ear to ear at their family and friends.
As Harriet and Joel walked up the steps, the Beefeaters gave them a glorious guard of honour! A stunning and respectful display for such an occasion….”
“Champagne accompanied by a brass band on the lawn in the afternoon sunshine, Tower Bridge standing tall in the background. Hugs and laughter, tears and memories in the making.
The evening commenced with a final procession from our loyal Beefeaters and an elated Wedding party. They led the Wedding party in the golden light along the cobbles where so many have trod, with the tourists now gone you could really take in your surroundings….”
“Inside each table had miniature homemade cakes of some sort on a pretty cake stand. Victoria sponges, chocolate brownies, lemon meringue pies….And as for the Wedding cake, home made by the Groom and his Mother! A lemon cream cake! Just gorgeous! A friend had drawn a beautiful picture of The Tower on the table plan, another had made incredible little figures showing the family and bridal party who amazingly looked very true to life! These were amazing.
Harriet and Joel planned to go travelling as soon as they were married for a year. An adventurous way of starting married life. The proud looking cheese rounds had fun little figures on them representing the journey Harriet and Joel were about to start exploring the world together.”
“Now for ‘The Correspondents!’– a musical and visual treat. I saw the little ones right the way up to Granny get up and dance their socks off! The Correspondents consisting of a singer and DJ first met Joel and Harriet at Glastonbury a few years ago. Feeling completely blown away by them after seeing a live set, the couple asked the guys if they would perform at their Wedding in the future. One of their many brilliant songs is a version of The Jungle Book’s “I Wanna Be Like You”. You will be off your seat in seconds!”
“I loved every second of this superb Wedding Day. It was full of love and laughter in such an iconic setting.
Harriet and Joel communicated so well with what they wanted photographically too. I said my goodbyes, put my lens cap on and my camera to bed. As I said goodnight to the guards I thought to myself what a privilege it is to photograph a Wedding like this.”
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Venue – The Tower of London, The Chapel Royal of St Peter Ad Vincular
Dress – unknown (regrettably)
Shoes – Russell & Bromley
Flowers – Local lady who always does the flowers for The Chapel Royal of St Peter Ad Vincular
Tiara and earrings – delivered from Bonhams vintage original 1920’s pieces
Cake – Beautifully made by the Groom and his wonderful Mother! Together they made this delicious Lemon Cream cake. It was gorgeous! I love the fact that the Groom did this!
Photographer – Gem Rey
Entertainment – The Correspondents
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Thank you so very much Gemma for providing such a lovely account of this special wedding.
Oh, and whilst we’re on a regal/royal kind of tip, I was super pleased to find out today that Love My Dress is linked to in a Times Online feature, written by London Wedding Planner and Stylist, Penny Cullen of Tigerlily Weddings, that addresses ‘How to design your own regal but real wedding: wedding design’ – thank you Penny! 🙂
Have a GOOD afternoon and fab Friday evening everyone 🙂
Much love,
Annabel xXx
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