A Lusan Mandongus Gown and Bridesmaids in Purple for an English Autumn Wedding

I know I have colours that tend to be my ‘go to’ shades (usually purples, greens and bluey greys) so I love seeing the different colour combinations our couples choose for their own big days –  today’s combination of purple and yellow is a really lovely one.

Meet teachers Ben and Natasha, who married on the 3rd of September 2016 in East Dulwich with a ceremony at St John the Evangelist on Goose Green and a reception at Dulwich College. The couple met during their teacher training in 2013.

“We wanted to get married close to home in the church that we attend.  Our wedding invitations included the London skyline in the background and our church in the foreground and were designed by one of the ushers.”

Photography by Matt Penberthy

The bridesmaids looked lovely in long purple dresses from Romans Originals, worn with fresh hydrangea petals in their hair, to match the bride. Natasha looked radiant in her gorgeous ‘LM’ gown by Lusan Mandongus, which she purchased from Hitched Bridal, Chislehurst.  I just love the lace bodice and delicate soft tulle skirt.

“I was struck by how beautiful the train of the dress was.  I also liked the detail on the lace and the ‘shimmering’ effect of the dress as I walked.”

Seasonal flowers were provided by the Fresh Flower Company in shades of purple and yellow: sunflowers, delphiniums, hydrangeas and larkspur, with miniature sunflowers for buttonholes.

On her feet Natasha wore the most gorgeous heels by Rainbow Couture, while flowers which complimented her bouquet were woven through her hair.  For jewellery, she chose a Pandora bracelet (a gift from her cousin) which held a single charm- a locket with a small tree saying ‘family’.

“The lace design on my shoes complemented the dress and the small velvet bows on the back were too sweet to resist.”

Ben looked very smart in a classic grey three piece suit with lighter grey waistcoat from Kin by John Lewis.  The groomsmen and even Ben’s two year old godson matched. For accessories, Ben wore Arsenal cufflinks, while his best man wore Newcastle United ones. Luckily there were no clashes about this decision!

I just love this sweet engagement story (and the fact that Natasha proposed to Ben!). Ben shares the story below…

“We were both placed in the same school for part of our training and got talking at the back of an art lesson.  Natasha taught me how to make a friendship bracelet, so I took one home to finish and brought it in the next day to give to her.  When Natasha proposed just over two years later, she did so with that same friendship bracelet, using it as a makeshift engagement ring.”

Natasha was accompanied down the aisle by her twin brother Aaron.

“Both of the readings were from the Bible.  The first was from Corinthians, read by Ben’s sister Amy (we felt there was something important and moving about hearing the words that generations of couples before us have heard at the same moment) and the second was from the Song of Songs, read by Natasha’s university friend, Sophie.”

After their vows, the couple exchanged rings purchased from Lila’s in East Dulwich.

“This local boutique had such unique pieces and we were helped by the brilliant Hannah.”

To move between the church and the reception at Dulwich College, two London route-master buses were hired through Traditional Travel Ltd.  I love the fact that they are decorated both inside and out.

Today’s glorious photos are by Matt Penberthy.  Like Natasha and Ben, I just love the ‘feel’ of Matt’s work- he captures the emotions of the day so well.  The use of the autumn light is also beautiful.

“We approached Matt to be our photographer because we felt that his portfolio showed how he captured moods and not just moments.  We liked the ‘feel’ of his photographs and, after we spoke to him on Skype, we felt that he really listened to our thoughts on the day.  We both have big families (there were over 220 guests) and Matt was sensitive to the need to make everyone feel included.”

“On the day, Matt was such a reassuring presence.  He was gently insistent when he needed to be and we think it is to his credit that our ambitious timings for the day were followed to the minute.  When it came to our couple shots, we were so glad to have someone so patient and skillful – so many of our guests have commented on how the photos perfectly represent us.”

The wedding breakfast was provided by Sapna Caterers, while the cakes (yes, two, these are people after my own heart) were made by Ben’s grandfather (the fruit cake) and a friend of Natasha’s, Cecile (the elderflower sponge).

“Rizwan and his team did a superb job of feeding over 220 guests.  We chose a silver-service buffet placed on tables and our guests were full of praise for the food and the range of options available.  The biryani later in the evening went down a treat.”

Favours were macaroons in an array of different colours and flavours, purchased from Boulangerie Jade.

For entertainment, Natasha and Ben chose Motown Gold, provided by EarCandy, who proved extremely popular.  Their first dance was to ‘This will be (an everlasting love)’ by Natalie Cole.

 “The band were so good that members of our family we had never seen on a dance floor before had to be dragged off at the end!” 

Words of Wedded Wisdom

“My bridesmaid Caro put together a last-minute ‘emergency kit’ for the day, which included safety pins, chocolate, mints, make-up, etc.  It was very useful.”

“As we are both school teachers and our wedding took place right before the start of a new term, we went away on holiday three weeks before the wedding.  Everyone told us this was a mad idea, but we had an incredible time and really valued being able to switch off from the organisation of the day briefly.  It also allowed us to focus on each other for a few weeks in the build up.”

Huge thanks to Natasha, Ben and Matt Penberthy.  It has been such a pleasure to feature this beautiful and so smiley day.  Have you fallen head over heels for Natasha’s gorgeous gown like me?  Take a peek here for more brides in gowns by Lusan Mandongus.

Much love,

Shona x