Good morning ladies and gentleman, my name is Emily Deaman, or ‘Em’ – the second Emily (here is the first) to have joined team Love My Dress this week – hello! I hope you’ve got some wonderful plans lined up for the Easter break? They say Thursday is the new Friday and today it couldn’t be more true. I’m absolutely delighted to be bringing you this dream of a wedding (and my very first feature as part of Team Love My Dress *dances with excitement*) to start your four-day weekend.
Danielle and David, both directors of flower wholesale company Bon-bloemen Ltd, wed on 29th August 2015 and filled their day with beautiful scented blooms supplied and arranged by no fewer than nine florists! The forward thinking bride started dreaming up her wedding as a schoolgirl in Durham from a pew in the iconic Durham Cathedral. These dreamy images were taken by our Little Book For Brides wedding directory member, Katy Melling.
“From the age of 13 I knew that this day would happen. When I started school in Durham I became obsessed with the Cathedral building. I would visit most Saturdays and take up a pew by myself and sit there dreaming of that day. I would picture the candles, the plush white carpet, the rose petals, the scent of the flowers (everything had to be scented) the massive floral displays, all whites and creams, pure and fresh.”
Photography by Katy Melling Photography
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Danielle paired her gown with the most amazing blue Sophia Webster shoes reminiscent of Hermes, the Olympian god of transitions; how fitting that this be her footwear of choice as she entered the cathedral a fiancée and left a wife.
“I searched for two years for my dress. As soon as I saw Galia Lahav dresses I just knew this would be my designer. I was torn between two styles so I went to a trunk show to make a decision. As I arrived for my appointment they were putting a new dress on display and as soon as I saw the sleeves I knew it was my dress. Completely different to the two I went to try on.”
Oh how I know that feeling – I’ve bought my own wedding dress for our Tuscan nuptials and its nothing like what I thought I wanted.
The bride wore Tom Ford Jasmine Rouge perfume to accentuate the jasmine in her bouquet, a scent which will forever evoke memories of her wedding day, earrings from Bentley & Skinner and a sweet blue bead bracelet made by her son. Her make-up artist for the day was Amanda Bell.
Danielle and David have a sweet story in more ways than one; flowers brought them together and continue to bind them as a couple. I’m feeling wistful just thinking about it, a romance set to a backdrop of sweetly scented petals…
“David and I met because of flowers. We have developed our business around flowers. At the time I had a florist business and David was a wholesale flower supplier. I would go to his warehouse and not dare lift my head I was so shy. I don’t think I even saw his face for six weeks. My mother would say ‘oh isn’t he handsome’ and I would answer with, ‘no way he’s old, he has a beard’. But there was just something.”
“It was electric, it was as if my blood turned into a current. I think it was my soul waking up. But that’s how they say souls recognise each other, through vibrations. We were engaged for three years.”
The dapper groom also wore a Tom Ford suit and accessorised with a dress cane from Jeffery West engraved with ‘You have my heart in your hands’ and Alexander McQueen cufflinks, both gifts from his lovely bride.
On hand to capture the abundant elegance of the day was North East photographer, Katy Melling Photography.
“We hired the best photographer. Katy was absolutely amazing. We would of struggled to find someone who could beat her creative excellence.”
What a joy to see so many local suppliers used to orchestrate the day – as Danielle says, “It just goes to show what can be accomplished when everyone works together.” I adore the way Katy has captured the magnificent grandeur of the Cathedral and combined it with candidly caught tender moments between husband and wife, mother and son. The couple also had their day documented on film by Bloombury Films and I’m sure are giddily awaiting the chance to relive every moment.
Danielle’s bridesmaids wore ethereal floor-length Dessy dresses in soft pastel shades to match the beautiful blooms and pearl earrings from Ernest Jones and David’s groomsmen were dressed to the nines in Jules B suits. My personal favourite, however, are the wedding outfits of the flower girl and page boys, all from Next – I’ve never seen such dapper young men and I’m coveting the flower girls choice of accessory; fluffy feathered wings (25 isn’t too old for fancy dress, right?)
Danielle arrived at the Cathedral to meet her prince charming in truly regal style in a carriage pulled by four black horses hired from North East Carriage Company, which was a surreal and incredible experience:
“When my father and I pulled onto the cobbled road in the carriage which would lead us to the Cathedral we were surrounded by people. It was so overwhelming. People came out from the shops to the side of the road to wave me on…I did feel like a princess but I’m just little old me from a small village on the outskirts of Durham.”
The bride’s father gave her away and it was one of her very favourite moments of the day; “My dad is my rock. Walking down the aisle with my father was very memorable for me, the anticipation was indescribable.”
Danielle and David chose two readings for their ceremony; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 read by the sister of the bride and Song of Solomon 8:6-7, which was read by one of their florists, Helena Johnson. Danielle cites Helena as, “the catalyst in making the whole day happen” and chose this reading because of the significance flowers and plants play in their lives;
“My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of one’s house, it would be utterly scorned.”
For our bride, the vows were the pinnacle point of the day; “Our vows were the most important part of our day. I know in my heart that they will be the only vows I ever make.” I love love love that they combined the ages old, traditional Corinthians passage with the poignant Song of Solomon reading, which is so personal to them as a couple who have their very roots in the world of flowers. The lovely couple sealed the deal with rings from Rennie & Co, for the bride and Solitaire for the groom.
The crafty bride painstakingly created gift boxes for each guest containing an embroidered handkerchief sourced from Spence Bryson Ltd, a scratch card and a vial containing wish fairies assembled with help from her son and sister-in-law. This was all tied together with tags from Creative Calligraphy with the message, ‘Never stop making wishes.’
The reception took place at the beautiful coastal venue Seaham Hall and guests were greeted by the sight of this magnificent flower covered wedding cake by Dreamworld Cakes.
Now to those spectacular flowers – over 2500 rose heads, 60 metres of cream carpet and 50 coach lanterns were used to decorate the aisle in the Cathedral in addition to over 1000 vases and 1500 candles during the day! I can almost smell the sweet floral scent in the air…
“The flowers had been a week long project. The Cathedral had so many visitors that week, everyone was curious about what was going on. I think everyone who visited that week returned for the wedding on Saturday.”
I am particularly obsessed with the stunning floral staircase at Seaham Hall created by Bels Flowers, what a way to make an entrance! And the beautiful table decorations crafted by Wild and Wonderful Flowers.
Danielle and David swayed to River Flows In You by Yiruma for their first dance, played by Mark from Music Newcastle.
Words of Wedded Wisdom
“My advice would be to enjoy the planning. Try and choose vendors you connect emotionally with. That way they will connect with you and will understand your visions so much more. Our emotions make us much more creative and if you can get this flow going the results will always be amazing.”
I can’t tell you how true that is! A huge congratulations to you Danielle and David, if you aren’t proof that dreams really do come true, I don’t know what is. And as always, a very heartfelt thanks to Katy Melling Photography for sharing these beautiful images. You can see more weddings shot by Katy on the blog here.
Well ladies, I’m off put on my comfiest trousers (you know the kind, with the concealed elastic waist at the back) in preparation for the inevitable deluge of Mini Eggs. Have a lovely lovely Easter!
Emily x
Photographer – Katy Melling Photography
Film – Bloombury Films
Venue – Durham Cathedral + Seaham Hall
Wedding Dress – Galia Lahav via Browns Bride
Veil – Peter Langner via Browns Bride
Shoes – Sophia Webster
Accessories – Bentley Skinner earrings
Perfume – Tom Ford’s Jasmine Rouge
Groom – Tom Ford + Alexander McQueen cufflinks + Jeffrey West cane
Bridesmaids – Dessy
Flowergirls + pageboys – Next
Florists – Wild and Wonderful Flowers + Bels Flowers + Wildflower + Flowers Unlimited
Cake – Dreamworld Cakes
Transport – North East Carriage Company + Cars For Stars
Entertainment – Red Wings + Music Newcastle (pianist) + Tyneside Piano Company (piano) + Edd’s Heads (caricatures) + Premier Evenings Ltd (casino) + Paul Lytton (magician) + Goofbooth (photobooth) + Construction Kids – (Lego party for children) + Party Time Inflatables (bouncy castle) + Reaction Fireworks
Rings – Rennie & Co + Solitaire
Catering – Seaham Hall
Stationery – Artcadia
Make-up Artist – Amanda Bell
Calligraphy – Creative Calligraphy
Post Box – Epernay Bridal
Embroidered Handkerchiefs – Spence Bryson Ltd
Oh my… How stunning?! Such a gorgeous couple and the dress! This is spectacular. Congratulations to you both and congratulations Emily on your first post, amazing! Xx
Tell me about it Bianca, complete glam-fest! I want aaalllllll the flowers! Thanks for your kind words lovely x x x
Well this is pretty special! A Cathedral wedding that you’ve dreamed about since being a little girl- that’s got to be an incredible feeling when finally walking down that aisle! Congratulations!
Emily D you are amazing, this is so beautifully written. You’re such a sweetheart and it comes across so well. So glad we’re now in the first post club together my darling, and it’s nearly Easter egg time; so much to celebrate! Xxxxx
Thank you so much Twinnie-Em, I had a ball writing this but now have seriously unrealistic floral expectations for my wedding day! Danielle’s spine must have been tingling walking down that grand aisle! Happy Easter Bunning bunny x x x x
Oh … my … wow! What a stunner of a wedding – those shoes, that cathedral, the angel wings … and *the* most romantic get-together story over flowers ever. Totally amazing. Congrats on a beautifully written first feature lovely! 🙂 xxx
Bless you Jo! I have horrendous shoe envy and now wonder if I can bribe my flower girls to wear wings…Have a GORGEOUS Easter my love x x x
The shoes are AMAZING aren’t they? Funnily enough I just had a mailshot from the designer, Sophia Webster, who has just won a big awards with the British Fashion Council and Vogue. Her shoes are to DIE for!
What perfect timing! They are true works of art aren’t they Annabel x x x
Wow, what a wedding! Amazing looking day!! Would have loved to photograph something like this!
Fabulous isn’t it!
I can’t stop staring Nick! x
Absolutely beautiful wedding! When I was at university in Newcastle I visited Durham Cathedral several times and it is truly magical. What an incredible wedding venue. Fantastic first feature Em! Really enjoyed reading it and looking forward to more xxx
This couple are so lucky too – they don’t host many weddings at the cathedral, you need to prove a connection and be on their community roll. It really is a majestic place and I feel quite privileged to be able to share this wedding today – thank you for the super lovely comment Rebecca,
Love Annabel xx
Aww thank you so much Rebecca! Majestic really is the word that springs to mind – what a spectacular building and all round gorgeous day x x x
Having witnessed this wedding from beginning to end I can’t express what a magical experience it was, being a florist weddings become much of your daily role, this wedding I can’t express in words how different it was. I had the upmost privilege of not only being maid of honour but also help putting together the floral festivities of the day. From helping choose the amazing oak trees that donned the bottom of the aisle, being up scaffolding adding the wisteria weeks before to sitting in the back of van holding flower laden candelabras, it was months in the making and that was just the flowers. It will live on in my heart as one of the best experiences (and tiring haha) of my life. Long may the friendships continue xx
Kay you sound like an absolute wonderwoman! What a huge project – it came together so beautifully, I’m sure you’re super proud to have been a part of something so fabulous x x x
What a magical Wedding ! Wow !
Tomasz, I had so many jaw-drop moments looking through these beautiful images before I even started to write! It is totally dreamy x
Wowee! What a glam day in the most amazing cathedral. A real stunner of a wedding. I’m all over those florals and Emily, I’ll join you with those wings. I now feel that I cannot live without a pair!! Congratulations to the super smooth couple and congrats too to Emily on your very lovely first post xx
Katie, I now have visions of us running around Italy in angel wings! The more I look at these photos, the more I love! Thank you so very much x x x
Italy + angel wings = I’m in heaven! 😉 xx
The shoes were what first got my attention on Instagram. And then I read they married at Durham cathedral so I had to click through! I went to university in Durham, was at Hatfield College (just behind the cathedral) and celebrated my graduation at Seaham Hall with my family so it brought back so many happy memories. More than that though, it’s one of the most beautiful, elegant and glamorous weddings I’ve seen in a long time.
Can they please come and do it all over again at Fetcham Park because I’m dreaming about what that many flowers must really look and smell like! My congratulations and very best wishes Danielle & David xXx
Ah Laura – your comment just made me laugh! I’m sure that they would love to do it all over again at Fetcham Park. Any excuse to have another beautiful wedding day sounds wonderful to me! I’ve never been to Durham but that cathedral looks beyond amazing. A very special backdrop to an already beautiful day xx