Ah, you can’t beat a good old knees-up in a pub! Rachel and Rowen were married in a traditional Catholic ceremony on Clapham Common in March this year, then hopped on a double decker bus to the reception at The Great Exhibition pub in East Dulwich. Photographed with aplomb by Harriet Gill at Weddings Vintage, this is a gorgeous example of how to capture the spirit of London and create a welcoming, laid back atmosphere in which to celebrate. I love it!
“We met in 2007 at the school we both work at and became engaged on 6th March 2013 in Paris, but South London inspired our wedding day. Laid back loveliness! Our celtic heritage very much coloured our choices. Rowan is Welsh and while I am very South London my family roots are in Dublin and my large family all flew over. Vibrant colours showed the joy of the day we think.”
Photography Copyright (c) 2014, Weddings Vintage
After the ceremony, the newlyweds jumped into a black taxi while all the guests piled into a fabulous double decker bus to take them to the reception. The pub has a great eclectic style and was decked out for the event with frames containing old family wedding photos, vintage style posters and gorgeous spring flower arrangements created by Boutique Blooms, who also made Rachel’s bouquet.
Each of the guests received a chocolate welsh love spoon from Pembertons Chocolate Farm as a wedding favour. Each place name was printed onto a luggage label with bespoke stamps by Bloomfield and Rolfe.
Rachel’s gorgeous lace dress was by French bridal designers Cymbeline and she purchased it at Mirror Mirror in London. “I wanted something vintage and beautifully structured, edwardian in style but flattering. Lace was very important!” Her pretty veil was also from Mirror Mirror. Rowen looked every inch the dapper groom in a suit from Ted Baker, they make such a handsome couple don’t you think?
It’s amazing how stunning gypsophelia can look when entwined simply into a bride’s hair. Instead of opting for a complicated up-do, Rachel’s stylist Natalie Shirlaw created a relaxed half braid with tumbling curls, adorned with tiny sprigs of pretty white flowers. She wore her grandmother’s vintage pearls and carried a 1930’s beaded bag. Those delightful sparkly ballet pumps are from Kurt Geiger.
The bridesmaids all wore gypsophelia in their hair too and I just think it looks so lovely. The cute polkadot dresses in contrasting colours are from The Whiting Post in Whitstable.
I adore Rachel’s choice of lipstick! The dark plum shade might look a little heavy for a summer wedding but on an early spring day, with the sun shining the way it did for them, Rachel couldn’t have looked more gorgeous. The colour really sets off her blonde hair and all that pretty lace.
The ceremony was held at St. Oliver Plunkett Chapel on Clapham Common. Rachel walked down the aisle with her dad to ‘Moon River’ sung by London Welsh Rugby Club Choir. “They also sang Tom Jones’ ‘Delilah’ and ‘Bread of Heaven’ during the service as it was Saint David’s day. They sang us out to Johnny Cash ‘ A Thing Called Love’.”
“The service was traditionally Catholic- our priest was a friend of the family so it felt very personal. We included quotes from Sean O’casey (my favourite Irish Dramatist) in the ceremony such as “When it was dark you always carried the sun in your hand for me”.”
“The best part of the day for me were the speeches- I’ve never felt so happy or loved. I thought I would burst with pride!”
Words of Wedded Wisdom
“Keep it simple, personal and about what you absolutely love. Don’t get too stressed or swept up. It’s the people that matter.”
No truer words were ever spoken. Even with the last minute venue changes, I think it’s clear that Rachel and Rowen’s wedding was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. Thank you to the happy couple for sharing their day and a big round of applause for the super talented Harriet Gill for these stunning images.
Love Susie x
Photographer – Weddings Vintage
Reception – The Great Exhibition pub, East Dulwich
Bride’s dress – Cymbeline, Mirror Mirror
Bride’s shoes – Kurt Geiger
Groom’s suit – Ted Baker
Bridesmaids dresses – The Whiting Post
Florist – Boutique Blooms
Transport – Double Decker bus- Red Route Masters
Entertainment – The Bears band
Decor – Paragraphics
Invitations – Chris Hugall
Hair Stylist – Natalie Shirlaw
Choir – London Welsh Rugby Club Choir
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