I’ve never been to a Christmas wedding but I imagine the excitement of the season, plus the natural excitement of weddings creates a really fabulous atmosphere.
That said, every single time of year has something wonderful going for it and sometimes getting married outside of peak season can work out just beautifully. I’m a definite fan of a winter wedding. Today’s bride and groom chose a cool urban February day, and as you’ll see from the film below (by Pixel Pro Media), they had the time of their lives! Meet Katie and Sean, who married on the 17th February 2018 at The Electric Cinema in Birmingham, followed by a reception at The Penthouse.
The couple met at work and got engaged in Castleton in the Peak District in 2017, so planned their big day in just six months.
“We are both big film lovers and knew that we wanted our venue to be something a bit different. The minute we stepped into The Electric Cinema we couldn’t see us saying ‘I do’ anywhere else. The Penthouse was perfect for us too as we wanted our pictures to be very urban and the room was right in the city centre with such a good vibe.”
Photography by Nick Brightman
“We didn’t have a particular theme for our wedding but we enjoyed utilising the large screen at the Electric Cinema and spent a lot of time putting together a black and white film to be played to our guests before the wedding. This was a selection of our favourite movie scenes and set the mood for the ceremony.”
Katie and her maids were made up and coiffured by Katie’s friends Emma Keogh (hair) and Evie Grosvenor (make up), who worked hard from 6am to make everyone look fabulous. Katie chose to wear her hair waved and down (under that beautiful flower crown), while for make up she chose a soft smokey eye, to add even more drama to her look.
“I came across my gorgeous faux flower crown on Etsy, from a seller called Polpia. The service was impeccable and it tied in so well with my dress.”
Katie wore a gorgeous two piece gown by the fabulous Jesus Peiro (who is also a member of our Little Book), which she purchased from The Bridal Boutique Warwickshire. I just adore the tulle skirt and the delicate lace on the top. It manages to be both fun and elegant.
“I knew that I wanted a top and a skirt from the start and as soon as I saw the selection in the Bridal Boutique I was excited. The beaded top stood out to me instantly and I loved the look of the dropped sleeves. It was so delicate and beautiful. I fell in love with all of the tulle and how the simple skirt contrasted the fitted, intricate beaded top. The two-piece made me feel like a princess.”
On her feet Katie wore silver peep-toe heels from ASOS, while for scent she opted for Princess by Vera Wang, the first scent Sean ever bought for her.
For jewellery, she chose a few sentimental pieces- a necklace from her mum, a bracelet from Joma Jewellery from her best friend (given to her on the morning of the wedding with a blue stone as her ‘something blue’) and silver studs from Sean, purchased from The Great Frog London.
“Our photographer Nick Brightman prides himself on being a relaxed and candid photographer and this was exactly what we wanted. After our first meeting with Nick we were both confident that he would capture our day perfectly. He had the idea to take pictures of us walking through Birmingham City Centre and the pictures were brilliant. We both wanted an ‘urban’ feel to the wedding so we were excited to see what the pictures would turn out like.”
“Our florist was Whoops a Daisy in Kings Heath. We wanted simple flowers for the bouquets and the bridesmaids had simple gypsophila bouquets, which were complimented by the buttonholes. I didn’t want my bouquet to look too perfect and asked for a loose bouquet with lots of eucalyptus to match my headpiece. All of the flowers tied in perfectly, especially with the fake eucalyptus used in the centrepieces.”
Katie’s dad accompanied her down the aisle to a version of ‘How Long Will I Love You’ by Ellie Goulding.
“We had two readings at our wedding. One by my sister Sarah and the other by Sean’s sister Nicola.
Sarah read ‘He’s Not Perfect’ by Bob Marley and Nicola read an extract from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières. I chose that reading for my sister as it felt really personal and like she was giving me advice.”
To cement their vows the couple exchanged rings, with Katie’s classic wedding band purchased from Diamond Dealer Direct in the jewellery quarter in Birmingham, while Sean’s matt black titanium ring came from Ernest Jones.
“Our florist was Whoops a Daisy in Kings Heath. We wanted simple flowers for the bouquets and the bridesmaids had simple gypsophila bouquets, which were complimented by the buttonholes. I didn’t want my bouquet to look too perfect and asked for a loose bouquet with lots of eucalyptus to match my headpiece. All of the flowers tied in perfectly, especially with the fake eucalyptus used in the centrepieces.”
Sean’s bespoke black suit was from Clements and Church, which he wore with a bespoke black shirt and a black Hugo Boss watch, which was a gift from Katie.
To continue the celebrations, the party moved to the super cool Penthouse for the reception and meal where guests were entertained by singer Sean Kenwrick (no details).
“We continued the black and white theme with a black and white ‘Arctic Monkeys’ inspired table plan. They are our favourite band and the titles of our favourite songs became the names of our tables, accompanied by a black and white album cover and quote on each.”
The bridesmaids looked screen-ready in floor-length gowns from Monsoon, paired with silver heels from New Look.
“Our photographer Nick Brightman prides himself on being a relaxed and candid photographer and this was exactly what we wanted.”
“After our first meeting with Nick we were both confident that he would capture our day perfectly. He had the idea to take pictures of us walking through Birmingham City Centre and the pictures were brilliant.”
“We both wanted an ‘urban’ feel to the wedding so we were excited to see what the pictures would turn out like.”
The table plan and place names were designed by talented friend Adam Finch, while all centerpieces came from The Range. As a main feature, Katie and Sean hired an LED heart that was set up on the stage at the Electric Cinema and then moved to the dance floor of The Penthouse (from Sterlings Photobooths).
“We made the decision to donate money to the MS Society as our wedding favours as this is a charity close to our hearts. They sent beautiful cards that were placed next to every name.”
“We debated for a long time as to whether we wanted a ‘traditional’ wedding cake and finally decided on the wedding version of the Marks and Spencer Caterpillar Cakes. They were brilliant and added a fun element to the cake table. We also had a Victoria sponge made by my Nan as this is Sean’s favourite.”
“Our first dance track was ‘Do I Wanna Know’ by the Arctic Monkeys. This then mixed into ‘Mr. Brightside’ by The Killers which was a great touch as we invited everyone to join us on the dancefloor.”
“The speeches and first dance were highlights for me. Seeing everyone you love surrounding you and your partner and cheering you on is amazing. Then to have everyone join you on the dancefloor is the best feeling ever.”
Words of Wedded Wisdom
“Go with your gut instinct and plan your wedding exactly how you want it.
If your budget allows, 100% have a videographer film your big day. It is true what they say- the day going by in a flash and the video is something to treasure forever.”
“Don’t sweat the small stuff because on the day nothing will be able to wipe the smile off your face. Have fun!”
Huge thanks to Katie and Sean for sharing their laughter-filled day with us all. I’m completely in love with Katie’s fabulous Jesus Peiro two piece and her beautiful flower crown (could I wear one for Christmas day do you think?). If you are too, then take a look here at more beautiful dresses, skirts and tops by this amazing designer.
Happy Christmas!
Shona x
Credits & Thanks
- Photographer - Nick Brightman
- Film - Pixel Pro Media
- Venue - The Electric Cinema + The Penthouse, Birmingham
- Bride's Dress - Jesus Peiro, purchased from The Bridal Boutique Warwickshire
- Flower crown - Polpia, on Etsy
- Shoes - ASOS
- Jewellery - bracelet, Joma Jewellery; earrings, The Great Frog London
- Scent - Princess by Vera Wang
- Bridesmaid dresses - Monsoon (shoes from New Look)
- Groom's outfit - Suit, Clements and Church; watch, Hugo Boss
- Hair stylist - Emma Keogh
- Make up artist - Evie Grosvenor
- Rings - Diamond Dealer Direct (bride) + Ernest Jones (groom)
- Flowers - Whoops a Daisy
- Cake - Marks and Spencer
- Favours - MS Society
- Entertainment - Sean Kenwrick (no details)
- LED heart - Sterlings Photobooths