A Chic Pronovias Gown and Maids in Pale Blue

As a child I had a book called ‘Summer Story’ by Jill Barklem, which was about the mice of Brambly Hedge and a summer wedding which took place on the river, with lots of beautiful wild flowers and plenty of food and dancing.  I loved it so much we had an extract read during our wedding ceremony and today’s wedding really makes me think of that story- beautiful, so very traditionally English and, of course, taking place by the river on a beautiful summer’s day.

Meet Joss and Tim, who married on the 18th of June 2016 at St. Michael’s Church in Joss’ childhood village of Bray, Berkshire followed by a reception at the nearby Riverside Marquee.  There is something terribly romantic about a riverside reception in midsummer, don’t you agree?

“We wanted a relaxed vibe to the day and as the venue was a riverside location we opted for a bit of a regatta theme with the colours and styling. We both love wild flowers so these were a key part of the look.”

Photography by laria Petrucci Photography

Joss wore the most beautiful gown by Pronovias, which she purchased from Windsor and Eton Brides in Berkshire.  I just love the very simple silhouette, which allows the fabulous floral crown to stand out so well.  The unusual back of the dress is a lovely surprise.“It was a simple dress with a statement back and I loved the sleekness of it.  It didn’t look too bridal either and felt like myself in it.”

The amazing flower crown was the work of florist Tarnia Williams.  I am completely and utterly in love with it- the colours are just beautiful and the spikiness of the foliage really adds a modern twist to a traditional headpiece.

“We like natural, green foliage and Tarnia captured this perfectly both in the bouquets and in the table decorations.  I loved my flower crown.”

“Given it was the only accessory I had and I didn’t know what it was going to look like until the day I was nervous to see it but it totally amazed me and it finished off my dress perfectly.”

On her feet Joss wore high silver heels by Jimmy Choo, while for jewellery she chose to keep things simple with a pair of earrings borrowed from her mother.  For scent, she chose Miss Dior, which was a gift from Tim.

The bridesmaids looked fresh and pretty in pale blue dresses from NABBD in Wimbledon.

The colour was rather serendipitously named ‘Blue Harbour’.

Joss walked down the aisle with her father to The Prince of Denmark’s March and she and Tim exchanged the traditional Christian vows.

For readings, they chose one modern and one biblical, opting for Colossians Chapter 3 V 12-16 and an extract from ‘The Amber Spyglass’ by Philip Pullman.

I will love you forever; whatever happens.  Till I die and after I die, and when I find my way out of the land of the dead, I’ll drift about forever, all my atoms, till I find you again…  I’ll be looking for you, every moment, every single moment.  And when we do find each other again, we’ll cling together so tight that nothing and no one’ll ever tear us apart.  Every atom of me and every atom of you…  We’ll live in birds and flowers and dragonflies and pine trees and in clouds and in those little specks of light you see floating in sunbeams… And when they use our atoms to make new lives, they won’t just be able to take one, they’ll have to take two, one of you and one of me.

“Tim and I met in February 2012 in London, having found each other on Guardian Soulmates despite little experience of online dating.”

“We soon realised we were a good match and we welcomed our baby daughter in June 2014.  We got engaged a year after our daughter was born in 2015 and were engaged a year before our wedding day.”

Tim looked perfectly attired for a regatta celebration in a smart blue suit with silver waistcoat purchased from John Lewis, worn with a tie by Ted Baker, shoes from Loake and belt from Hackett.

The talent behind the lens today was Ilaria Petrucci and this wedding is her real weddings debut for Love My Dress (take a peek here for some beautiful images from a styled shoot we also featured a little while ago).  I love the lightness in these photos.

“Ilaria captured our day perfectly and her photographs demonstrate the relaxed vibe we hoped people would enjoy.”

The soaring five-tiered cake was by Melissa Woodland Cakes.  I absolutely adore how glamorous and fun it is with the gold tiers and pink flamingos- definitely fabulous!

“We wanted multiple flavours and to use a local supplier.  Melissa’s work looked great and when we met her she instantly understood what we wanted- something pretty but simple with a bit of a quirky edge – hence the flamingos on top.  The gluten free cake was supplied by Henrietta Irman who is an expert in clean cake making.”

For favours, guests were treated to mini bottles of Campari Soda, which were sourced from Italian wholesalers, Nife is Life.

For entertainment, every generation was kept happy.  The adults danced to music by the Bright Lights (no details), while Riva Williams did face painting and fancy dress for the children.  For everyone, a bouncy castle and popcorn van were hired from Bounce Krazee.

Words of Wedded Wisdom

“Don’t let your guests go hungry or thirsty – people have often travelled a long way to come and see you on your big day so keep them fed and watered. Also, don’t fret about every detail as on the day people don’t seem to notice.”

Huge thanks to Joss and Tim for sharing their beautiful riverside day with us, and of course to  Ilaria Petrucci  for sharing her gorgeous photographs.  Does a riverside reception appeal to you?  Take a look here for some more waterside wedding inspiration.

Much love,

Shona x