I do hope you had a fantastic bank holiday weekend! Mine was spent catching up with friends; in particular with my oldest and dearest friend, sleep! Thank goodness it’s only a 4 day week to get through now. To kick off the last working week of May, let me introduce you to Will and Zoe, who were wed almost a year ago on 24th May 2014 in the opulent surroundings of the Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich.
Photography by Caught the Light Photography
“We didn’t have a theme, but incorporated 50s elements from my Candy Anthony dress and Gillian Million birdcage veil, to our fabulous band the Flip Top Floozies. We also had British and American influences reflecting my dual nationality. The former included Pimms during the reception, the historic venue itself and a black cab wedding car, while the later included pizza at midnight to sustain the dancers and a rehearsal dinner the night before.”
Zoe accessorised with a stunning headpiece and birdcage veil, both from Gillian Million. Oh and those glitter heels? So cute! They’re by Kate Spade.
Today’s sparkling photography is by Chloe Browne at Caught the Light Photography.
“I had admired Chloe’s photographs on wedding blogs (including this one Zoe?!). Her business is aptly named as all her photos seemed so light filled. She has a magic touch! I liked her documentary style and eye for detail too. Chloe was a pleasure to work with from the start, full of helpful advice, well-organised and thoughtful and produced glorious photos – and so many of them!”
“Our venue was the Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. We wanted to get married in London, in a memorable location, and have a lot of fun with our guests. The Old Royal Naval College couldn’t have been more perfect. The Painted Hall, where we were married and had our wedding breakfast, is historic and breathtakingly beautiful.”
“Will proposed in September 2012 when we were living in Australia. He whisked me away on a surprise weekend to tropical Hamilton Island and proposed on the beach under the stars.”
The flower arrangements are simply spectacular.
“To balance the grand Painted Hall we wanted wild and whimsical flowers with lots of greenery and British flowers, where possible. The very talented Athena at Rebel Rebel delivered this in spades, including dressing the staircase railings in ombre flowers, and centerpieces of foliage and flowers which trailed along the long tables in a continuous line, and cascaded to the floor. Sweet William flowers (in honour of Will the groom) were included in my bouquet and in the centerpieces, together with Peonies – a favourite of mine.”
Zoe’s Dad walked her down the aisle to music played by Michael Tyack and Jennifer Bennett.
“The music I walked down the aisle to was composed by my talented sister in law, Lillian Henley, for a London theatre production of Pride and Prejudice. It was wonderful to walk down the aisle to something she had composed, and share her music with our guests.
It took us a long time to choose readings. We picked these two ‘I’ll be there’ by Louise Cuddon and ‘i carry your heart with me’ by e.e. cummings. We liked their message and tone and the fact we hadn’t come across them at other weddings.
It’s difficult to pick a favourite part of the day; I enjoyed every second of it! If I had to choose then it would be saying our vows. I couldn’t quite believe it was happening or take in the vows themselves, but standing with Will at the aisle was incredibly exciting and felt momentous.”
It’s great to see a groom with a stand-out wedding suit. Will’s dapper Dolce and Gabbana outfit inspired the colours for the day.
“The colour scheme was inadvertently decided by the groom who wanted, from the get go, a burgundy suit! I found not a lot of colours go with burgundy so we settled on different shades of pink for the bridesmaids and as part of the flower arrangements.”
And as for the bride’s fabulous fifties frock…
“I adored my Candy Anthony dress. I find 50s style so flattering and fun. The experience of shopping at Candy Anthony was great in itself – I was able to customise the dress, adding sleeves, changing the neckline and choosing fabrics. My dress had a tulle skirt, lace bodice and white petticoat. I loved the tulle and big skirt, which swayed as I walked.”
“My niece was my Maid of Honour. Her dress was from Candy Anthony. My three other bridesmaids live in far-flung places – New York, Sydney and the North of England. I thought it would be too difficult to coordinate something for them to wear so asked them to choose something pink instead in a style of their choice, which turned out great!”
I love this pretty table plan by BerinMade.
“We had a ‘naked cake’ by Daisy Cakes, which was decorated in fruit and edible flowers. Its four tiers were different flavours – chocolate chocolate and salted caramel, coffee and walnut, raspberry and vanilla, and lemon – and each one of them delicious!”
“Our wedding bands were made by James Fairhurst. James listened to what we wanted and produced two beautiful rings that we couldn’t be happier with.
Our first dance was a 50s song Be Bop A Lula by Gene Vincent – an unusual choice but fun for a swing dance, which is what we did.”
“We were able to stay at the venue till 1am and even hire the Victorian Skittle Alley – where our guests bowled late into the night with the original and heavy bowling balls!”
Words of Wedded Wisdom
“Do as much preparation as you can before the big day – and there is a lot to do – but forget it on the day itself, and just enjoy it and whatever is thrown at you.
I visited Love My Dress daily when we were planning the wedding and really enjoyed seeing what other couples wedding photos, reading their stories and tips, as well as using the Love My Dress supplier list.”
Zoe and Will, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful wedding day with us – what a stunner. I hope you had a wonderful one-year anniversary! Huge thanks also to Chloe Brown at Caught the Light Photography for the exquisite imagery today.
Louisa x
Photographer – Caught the Light Photography
Venue – Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
Dress – Candy Anthony
Bride’s headpiece and birdcage veil – Gillian Million
Bride’s shoes – Kate Spade
Maid of Honour – Candy Anthony dress and Rainbow Club shoes
Groom’s suit – Dolce and Gabbana
Page boys – Shirts and trousers by John Lewis, converse trainers, bow ties by Mrs Bow Tie
Florist – Rebel Rebel
Entertainment – Michael Tyack and Jennifer Bennett + The Flip Top Floozies + Wedding Smashers (DJ)
Photobooth – The Mightybooth
Rings – James Fairhurst
Cake – Daisy Cakes
Catering – Ampersand at the Old Royal Naval College
Transport – Wedding Taxis
Stationery – table plan by BerinMade, order of service by groom’s father
Make-up artist – Rebecca McMahon
Lighting and furniture – Stress Free Hire
