As I look around me now, the leaves lie in golden piles on the ground, the heating is switching on and the pyjamas are being dug out of cupboards. Winter is just around the corner and the memories of warm, summer evenings have all but faded into the archives of my mind. Yet as I look through these photographs, taken by the brilliant Lee Garland, I am transported back to earlier this year when the sun endlessly shone until darkness came to take its place.
It looks like Jules and Keith couldn’t have picked a more perfect summer’s day to celebrate their bright and relaxed, vintage inspired day. This meant that they could make the most of the beautiful grounds of East Bridgford Hill in Nottinghamshire.
The couple chose Lee Garland as their photographer, with Kim from Bonbon as a second shooter. Lee is a fabulous story-teller so you can really see how the day unfolded from start to finish; the smiles, the fun and all the quirky little details are captured perfectly. I’ve really enjoyed discovering more of his work as I’ve been writing about today’s wedding.
Photography Copyright (c) 2014, Lee Garland
The couple, who married on 5 July 2014, met on a night out in Nottingham. They became engaged in the Lake District 15 months before their big day.
“We were inspired by bright colours and wanted our wedding to represent our fun personalities, as well as be relaxed, so that all the guests could relax and have fun too.
We chose East Bridgford Hill as it was quirky, intimate and has beautiful grounds.”
Jules had her fabulous 50s inspired dress made for her by Nottingham based designers Frock.
“I did not like traditional bridal dresses and wanted a shorter design; I found this shop online and thought the style was great. I love that it was handmade and the designer added some lovely personal touches so that it matched my shoes.”
Romance by Ralph Lauren was Jules’s chosen wedding day scent. It was bought for her at Christmas by her now husband.
This is also the first time I have seen nail varnish used as favours, but what a fabulous idea! This is especially fitting with a multi-coloured theme.
Jules was walked down the aisle by her brother Paul who, like groom Keith, looked rather dashing in his Moss Bros suit.
The creative help from talented friends and family continued as Jules’s mum made all the wedding stationery and favour boxes too.
Jules’ pretty bow shoes were from Irregular Choice along with the bridesmaid’s quirky yellow numbers that contrasted perfectly with her 50s colour pop purple and petticoats dress from Tiger Milly.
Jules’s jewellery and diamante and bead headpiece were from The Tiara Bar in Nottingham.
All of the bright blooms were arranged by one of their friend’s mums and the cleverly co-ordinated cake was made by the bride’s friend, Hannah. “She’s ace at making cakes and it was special to have her make it for us. The flower colours matched the wedding theme.”
A lady after my own heart, Jules says that her favourite part of the day was chilling out in the garden in the afternoon…
“It was a warm day and this gave us a chance to relax and chat to all of our guests.”
Words of wedded wisdom
“Relax, don’t get stressed. When you find something you like, be impulsive and get it, shopping around confuses things. Do what you want, not what others want. Be organised, make lots of list, and make sure your husband-to-be sticks to them.”
What’s not to love about a perfect English summer wedding with a sprinkling of quirky, vintage inspired touches?
Much love and best wishes for the future to Jules and Keith and many thanks to Lee Garland for sharing the wonderful story of their day with us all. You can see more from Lee Garland on Love My Dress right here.
Anyone else fancy donning their petticoats for a glorious 50s inspired frock?
Love Katie xx
Photographer – Lee Garland
Venue – East Bridgford Hill
Dress – Frock
Headpiece & jewellery – The Tiara Bar
Bridesmaid – Tiger Milly
Shoes – Irregular Choice
Groom – Moss Bros
Flowers – Family friend
Cake – friend
Entertainment –Just Ben
Nail varnish – Barry M
Makeup Artist – Amy
