When today’s wedding dropped in to my inbox I could not wait to get writing. Not only is it the most beautiful celebration with hints of mint green and gold, the photography is by a duo very local to me and the couple were engaged in one of my favourite places for a gentle walk.
The bride and groom are Steph and Lewis, who chose the magnificent Stoke Rochford Hall, Grantham, Lincolnshire for their early autumn wedding on 30 September 2018. Whilst the groom is a licensed aircraft engineer, Steph is a bespoke bridal designer and owns Stephanie Kate Bridal Couture, so it was a given that she design her own gown.
Photography James Green Studio
Both the ceremony and reception were held at Stoke Rochford Hall, and once again Steph used her wedding experience to pull together this classic look with splashes of gold.
“Working in the wedding industry, I’ve seen so many weddings, details and themes but I wanted to avoid the stereotypical traditions. My favourite colour is a cross between mint green and ‘Tiffany’ blue. We paired it with little touches of gold and kept it simple. The venue had a beautiful library that we could use for our wedding breakfast.”“It had to speak for itself so we decided to create one huge, long table to fit all 53 guests. It looked amazing and the room curled around us with all the books, coving and wood-panelled shelves. With the help of Lewis, Adam’s (the best man) wife and friend Dawn we set to making the table decorations; we put sparkly lights inside doily bowls made from doilies I had collected for years and they looked super-cute.”
“With my friend Roxie, I created personalised handwritten quotes to go in gold frames on the table. My super friend and florist Justine did the rest; she is just incredible and went crazy with mirror plates, real flowers everywhere and vines running up and down the table.”
Steph also turned to her bridal boutique for her sparkling hair slides which adorned her hair.
“In my bridal studio I stock beautiful hair accessories and jewellery. I loved these hair slides and said to myself, ‘If they don’t sell before the wedding then it’s fate and they’re for me’. Lo and behold everything sold except those so I bought them.”
“A year before the wedding, I had a delivery and fell in love with a pair of crystal silver stud earrings. They were over the top, dramatic and so me. To match I found a similar bracelet with drawstring ends.”
The bride asked friends to style her hair and make-up for the day, opting for a high up-do and statement fringe styled by Sofie Langton and nude make-up by Charlie’s Beauty in Brigg.
“I have known Charlie since we were at primary school and she is such a kind, beautiful, caring friend. We did an amazing trial and I was in awe – I looked flippin’ awesome. I had no worries or concerns about my wedding day knowing I had Charlie there. She was the first to arrive and calmed me down straight away. I had major anxiety and was in bed with an ice pack on my stomach when she arrived.”
“I had met Sofie years before and she is so talented when it comes to knocking out an epic hair do. I had also created Sofie’s mums wedding dress a few years before and knew then I had to have her when it was my turn. She’s gorgeous, kind, friendly and can do anything. I showed her a few images of what I wanted for myself and sisters and boom, she nailed it. Even after a full day and dancing like crazy loons there wasn’t a hair or pin out of place. She is a genius.”
Talking of her sisters, they were both bridesmaids in separates once again designed by Steph. She paired simple, lacy boat-neck bodices over minty-green skirts for a laid-back but oh-so elegant look. I’m in such awe of her talents.
“I wanted to dress my sisters in something unique so I designed and made them both a two-piece. I found the most beautiful matt, stretch crepe fabric for their skirts. They were fitted, high-waisted and flowed to the floor with a little puddle train and button and loop back fastening. Their tops were designed around my dress.”
I used a stunning cotton lace that was very unusual and stayed away from a bridal lace. Both my sisters are tall and slim so they had to be very flattering. They were covered to the collar bone, had fabulous three-quarter sleeves and a button and loop fastening up the front. This matched the back of mine and the fastening on the dress I designed for my mum, too.”
“They didn’t need a necklace because the neckline on the tops came so high. Lizzy has her ears pierced so she wore her favourite drop Art Deco-look earrings and a little silver bracelet with a love heart on. My little sister didn’t wear any.”
“Justine Gould Flowers was our next door neighbour when I was growing up. She set up her own floristry business and is a genius; her knowledge and skills are incredible. On the day I was blown away by the stunning bouquets Justine created. I hadn’t seen the immense table decorations and flowers and the first time I saw the ceremony flowers was as I walked down the aisle. As I reached the end of the aisle my face was in awe as I saw the magnitude and work Justine had put in to making our flowers the best I have ever seen her create. They were breathtaking.”
“We kept them understated. I told Justine I wanted greens and whites – a wild look and not typically bridal. I knew I could trust her creativity to create something divine, perfect and eye-catching but nothing could prepare me for what she did. It really framed the venue and she went above and beyond what I had asked for. Justine’s husband Neil was a godsend and helped deliver and set up all the flowers. They didn’t have long to change and get ready because they were also guests at our whole wedding too.”
Talking of her sisters, they were both bridesmaids in separates once again designed by Steph. She paired simple, lacy boat-neck bodices over minty-green skirts for a laid-back but oh-so elegant look. I’m in such awe of her talents.
“I wanted to dress my sisters in something unique so I designed and made them both a two-piece. I found the most beautiful matt, stretch crepe fabric for their skirts. They were fitted, high-waisted and flowed to the floor with a little puddle train and button and loop back fastening. Their tops were designed around my dress. I used a stunning cotton lace that was very unusual and stayed away from a bridal lace. Both my sisters are tall and slim so they had to be very flattering. They were covered to the collar bone, had fabulous three-quarter sleeves and a button and loop fastening up the front. This matched the back of mine and the fastening on the dress I designed for my mum, too.”
“They didn’t need a necklace because the neckline on the tops came so high. Lizzy has her ears pierced so she wore her favourite drop Art Deco-look earrings and a little silver bracelet with a love heart on. My little sister didn’t wear any.”
The couple wanted to let the Hall’s beauty shine so they created a simple, classic and understated look with touches of Steph’s favourite hue of minty green-Tiffany blue enhanced with gold.
Steph created her multi-layered gown and cathedral-length veil herself to suit her style and tastes perfectly. I love her attitude to helping brides celebrate themselves; I can’t wait to look at her website and browse her other designs. Her own gown featured a mermaid skirt flowing from an off-the-shoulder, sleeved bodice, all in layers of silk tulle and iridescent sequins with an Art Deco-inspired lace overlay.
“I always knew what I wanted and what suited me. I play in all my samples and knew I wanted something no one else had. It had to be a dress that suited my personality and screamed ‘Steph’. It had to have sleeves; I adore sleeves on brides and I’m not a fan of my arms.”
“The one part of myself I have always hated is my collar bone; I have an autoimmune disorder so I will always be skinny and slightly scrawny. People would comment on my body and bones so I made a conscious effort to work on this, strengthen my body and muscles through yoga and get bigger, boosting my confidence. In the end I decided to show only that… my collar bones. So many brides have hang-ups, a lack of confidence and a part of them they have always hated. With every bride and every fitting I try and help them to love and appreciate themselves – we only have one body – and I made sure I did this for myself.”
“I made my veil and it had to be cathedral; go big or go home I say. I actually made three. I couldn’t choose and in the end I went with the biggest, longest, silk tulle veil I’ve ever made.”
“I can’t walk in heels anymore. I ordered seven pairs from Debenhams – they were all rose gold. I tried my favourites first but they all hurt like hell. The final and ugliest pair were left. I slipped them on and it felt like I was back in my slippers. We had a winner. I had some Swarovski crystals left over from a wedding dress I was working on so I put them on my new shoes.”
“We met the conventional way, in a pub. It was seven years ago and I didn’t believe Lewis was only 21 years old as I’m a few years older. It was his birthday. There was surprisingly no attraction between us; we were friends, I stole his pizza and Lewis asked for dating advice. I tried to help Lewis date a girl he liked but to no avail. We hung out at the pub many times and after a few drunken evenings we decided that neither of us wanted to be in a ‘relationship’ so we agreed to be, how shall we say it, intimate friends. It was the beginning of one of those chick flicks, where it is obvious to everyone else they will fall in love and be eternally happy.”
“It was a mere two months when I realised I liked this guy more than I was supposed to. I had to tell him. He didn’t run a mile and by Christmas we had used the ‘L’ word. Five months later Lewis moved in with me and my mum. The plan was to save money for a house and spend every waking moment with each other and we did just that. It was whilst living with my wonderful mother that she introduced Lewis as ‘Steph’s boyfriend’ to her friends. It just became the one thing neither of us wanted but we were just so happy.”
“As I am a bridal designer I am obsessed with all things bridal so Lewis had no chance; he had to propose. In June 2016 we packed a picnic and headed for Hubbard’s Hills in Louth, Lincolnshire with our beloved dog Baxter. Lewis’ grand plan was to attach the ring (which had been hidden in plain sight at my mother’s for months) onto Baxter’s collar.”
“However being a border terrier, Bax had better plans playing in the bushes. Lewis said he had found one of the Peter Rabbit 50 pence coins. I had been after one for ages and he handed me his wallet. There was no 50p but a sparkly beautiful ring. As expected, tears ran and he jumped onto his knee and asked me to marry him. The plans started and we booked our venue in November 2016. During this time we sold our first home and moved up the ladder to the ‘family’ home ready for our future. I moved my business into its first premises and we cracked on with the wedding plans for the following year.”
Whilst Steph prepared, Lewis dressed in a smart, light grey, three piece suit from Next, accessorised with a tie created by the bride.
“To finish the look I hand-made ties for the groom, best man, stepfather of the bride, stepfather of the groom and my wonderful godfather. They were made from the same material as my sisters’ frocks.”
When the time for the ceremony came, Steph walked down the floral-lined aisle with her godfather Des to the ‘Portuguese Love Song’ from ‘Love Actually’ by Craig Armstrong.
“Estranged from my biological father for many years, I had asked Des to give me away even before I had that rock on my finger. When Lewis finally put me out of my misery I asked again. He was over the moon, as was I. Uncle Des and Aunty Annie don’t have any children so when we were growing up they practically made me and my sisters their own and have spoiled us rotten ever since.”
“Des and Lewis are a pair of cheeky boys when they get together. I knew as soon as they met and clicked immediately that Lewis was the one. Des knows me better than anyone and I couldn’t have been prouder to have him give me away. It is something so special to both of us.”
The vows exchanged were very personal, and the bride’s elder sister also read Wendy Cope’s ‘A Vow’.
“Lewis and I had been tried and tested over the seven years we had been together; from family opinions and rifts to illness and some really challenging times, and we stuck by each other the whole time. My vows were in honour of all that we have been through and a promise not just to Lewis but everyone to continue to carry on as life throws more mountains and battles.”
“My ring came from the same place as my engagement ring – Diamonds Factory. They offer high street rings with a discount and you can tailor-make your perfect ring with the metal, clarity and value of the diamonds. It’s a fabulous company with so many designs.”
“I chose a platinum half-band of diamonds to complement my engagement ring. Because Lewis is an aircraft engineer he won’t wear his ring as much as me so it made sense to spend a little less and buy his ring from our local jewellers who were so helpful. Lewis chose a brushed silver ring with bevelled edges.”
The newly-weds emerged into the Hall’s grounds in a shower of confetti, before taking time for some beautiful autumnal shots and quiet time together. Back in the Hall’s library, the guests sat down for a bespoke menu.
“The catering came with the venue. Having so many dietary problems and issues with food, the food was a huge part of the day. If there was any cross-contamination it would have ruined my whole wedding weekend. The chef was fantastic. Together we created a bespoke menu that every one of my guests would eat. To avoid any risks, everyone ate my gluten-free, dairy-free banquet.”
I love how Steph drew on her wedding industry expertise to select her suppliers for the day, which resulted in these beautiful photographs from James and Merika of James Green Studio. Their work is timeless yet classic, intimate but relaxed.
“This married duo are incredible. I had met these guys at wedding fayres and previous brides’ weddings. I loved their work immediately and after getting to know them, we loved them too.”
From the get-go they are so supportive, kind and treat you like you are the only bride and groom they are working with. We went on a pre-wedding shoot with our fur-baby Baxter. This was awesome – they spent all day with us travelling around and many hours spend posing at Newark Air Museum. We had to get aeroplanes in there for Lewis somehow.”
“James and Merika make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Lewis had never done anything like this before and he relaxed so quickly, thanks to them. We have never kissed so much in one day before. The photos are immense and everyone praised them. I always say, apart from your wedding dress, the photographs are the most important part as they last forever.”
“We adore every image James and Merika took. They are magical and capture the day better than we ever expected. Having two photographers is a godsend; they can capture twice as much and having Merika with the girls in the morning and James with the guys you feel as though you have another friend with you during this special time.”
“During the whole day we never felt rushed, we never noticed them darting around snapping away – I called them superstar ninjas. They gave Lewis and I ‘us’ time away from the guests and captured a mix of settings, looks and cheeky personal moments.”
“We found Jamie and Sarah (another married couple) of For All The Days Videography. They are the nicest pair and met us at a local coffee shop to chat about all things film. They were also secret ninjas all day and have just been a pleasure to work with.”
As well as designing and making all of stationery herself, Steph undertook to bake gluten-free, button-shaped biscuits for her favours.
“The Thursday before the wedding I formed a team of my mother and two friends to help me on my 12 hour baking mission. Four each for 53 guests with spares in case they broke, we made over 250 biscuits, iced and boxed with a little label showing a wax seal of ‘H’ for Harper that we had made the week before. Never again. It’s safe to say me and my friends haven’t eaten biscuits since.”
The gluten-free cake came from Teri Baker Cakes, who made a two-tiered marbled cake with figurines who bare an uncanny resemblance to the bride and groom.
“I really struggled to find a cake maker. I asked over 12 businesses but none of them could help me. I have Coeliac Disease and am dairy intolerant too. I was so disheartened and thought I was going to have to make my own. I was tinkering on Facebook and wrote ‘coeliac cake baker’ and there she was, my saviour Teri Baker Cakes. Having the disease herself for over 30 years I knew I had found my fairy cake godmother. I went to meet Teri and she had even made samples for me which I happily and confidently gobbled up. I don’t trust anyone with my food so this was incredible. She is a genius. Not only that but the nicest, kindest woman you’ll ever meet.”
“The design was a two-tier, chunky round cake with white and ‘Steph’s green’ marble effect in the icing. I asked for a peony in gold leaf and icing on the second tier and three icing figurines: myself in my wedding dress; Lewis in his work overalls; and our beloved Baxter. They were flippin’ amazing. Lewis couldn’t see it until after the ceremony because Teri had replicated my wedding dress so well in icing.”
“The speeches have always been my favourite at weddings and I loved them at our own. Lew went first, I followed, then my godfather and finally the best man. Making a speech myself was very emotional and awesome. The best man Adam is a legend, he has always been so supportive of us both and he was the perfect best man.”
“He kept Lewis calm on the wedding day and gave a very touching speech – there wasn’t one joke about the bride. It was incredible and he kept his cool even when a bat flew into the hall mid speech and took everyone’s attention.”
“Every wedding needs a DJ. We booked The Hi-Life. They were so easy to book, we created our own lists of do’s and don’ts and the partying was a hit. The DJ was a little shocked to hear that even with all my questionable dancing, I was the only sober one in the room.”
Words of Wedded Wisdom
“As I work in the industry I knew how much things would cost and knew I didn’t want to scrimp on the photographers, videographers and my dress. Once we found the venue we went from there. We said around £7,000-£10,000 (I know, cheap right?) but it ended at £12,000 which in wedding terms is still really good, and I wouldn’t change it. Having a smaller wedding helped and actually it was so much nicer having a really select room of favourite people all in one place.
“Never let anyone ruin, change or control your day, even if it is your mum, gran or friend of 20 years. I know that’s easier said than done, but if they love you and want to be a part of such a special time for you then they will listen when you say, ‘Back off, it’s my day’. You waited a long time to find Mr Right and this is YOUR time to shine.”
“When planning a wedding you find out who those true friends are. Don’t be disheartened – it happens for a reason and it happens to us all. The ones you are meant to have in your life will be there, or reappear. Embrace it. This goes for both of you…the groom sees it too.”
“Get that frock on in plenty of time. Look at yourself and if you can, just have five minutes to yourself before you reveal yourself and the day zooms off. I didn’t get this and I wish I had.”
“Make lists, lots of them. Let your inner control freak and OCD come out. This is your WEDDING DAY.
“Be selective when you do your wedding guest list. If you haven’t spoken to your 12 cousins in seven years or even have a relationship with the multiple aunts and uncles, do not invite them… it’s not the law. Don’t be pressured into inviting anyone YOU TWO do not want there. After all, you’re paying.”
“My favourite is for the ladies. Bridesmaids and brides, before you walk down that aisle say to yourself “flowers to flou”. When you hold those flowers a little lower than your waist, you can see all the detail on your dress, your waistline AND your photographs will look amazing. Lift your bust to the ceiling and you have the posture of a woman carrying books on her head.”
Steph and Lewis, I have totally loved sharing your day today and I send so many congratulations and thanks on your marriage. I adore your gown’s design and your sisters’ bridesmaid separates too. Just so wonderful! James and Merika at James Green Studio, it’s also been fantastic to share your photographs here and I really hope to see more of your work soon.
Ele xx
