chic + modern weddings Archives - English Wedding

Eleanor & Tom’s magical Sorrento wedding, with Joss Denham Photography

Claire Gould — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:00:28 +0000

Tom & Eleanor’s Italian wedding is absolutely out of this world. From the beautiful old town and its buildings to the dancing on the rooftops as the sun set… what an incredible day for a lovely couple! The beautiful images are by North East and destination wedding photographer Joss Denham.

“Our wedding was in Sorrento so it was only right for us to go with an Italian style. Our tables were named after Italian landmarks and our wedding cake was decorated with local Sorrentine lemons. We served locally made wine and limoncello shots and our venues were decorated with olive branches and eucalyptus leaves.

Our colour scheme was sage green and white. The bridesmaids dresses were silk sage and we chose white flowers of different textures, with olive branches and eucalyptus leaves. We chose silver jewellery / accessories and everything blended effortlessly. We were delighted with how our vision was brought to life.”

Wedding photographer’s website

https://jossdenham.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

Joss was an incredible photographer. There really aren’t enough words to express our gratitude to him for being an all round fabulous person. He felt like a friend from the outset, gave us encouragement and guidance when we needed it and was such an asset to our day.

We chose to do a pre-shoot with Joss a few days before the wedding and this was an invaluable experience. It made us more comfortable with the camera and also allowed us to meet Joss and get to know one another. The photos also turned out great!

Joss kindly attended a dinner the night before our wedding and captured some special moments of us greeting our friends and family. He made an effort to talk to people and lots of our guests commented on what a lovely guy he is.

Joss returned over 700 beautifully edited photos and they capture every element of our day perfectly. He found and captured little moments that we ourselves missed and it’s wonderful that we can relive our wedding from different perspectives. He also returned all of the photos within just a few weeks which is unheard of!

We would without a doubt recommend Joss to anyone getting married, he was one of the best decisions we made and we will cherish our photos forever.

We wanted our photos to be natural and ‘in the moment,’ with as little posing as possible. Even for our portraits we wanted a fairly relaxed vibe. We were so lucky with the surroundings that we had a multitude of incredible options for shoot locations. We got some stunning ceremony photos at the Cloisters along with the portraits with our families and wedding party. We got some romantic photos of just the two of us on the windy path down to La Marinella beach. Golden hour was fairly muted for us but it didn’t matter at all, the photos came out perfectly! We also have some amazing drone footage.

Venue name + review

We got married in Chiostro di San Francesco (The Cloisters) in Sorrento, Italy. It is a 14th century town hall with a rustic court yard, classic archways, draping vines and a bell tower. It is a truly stunning and romantic space, as soon as we set eyes on it we knew this was the place!

For our reception we chose Hotel Mediterraneo for its incredible sky bar with panoramic views over the Bay of Naples. Both venues were a dream and we would 100% recommend them to anyone wishing for a Sorrento wedding.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

My dress was a simple shape but covered in sequins. I chose it because it was comfortable, weather appropriate and felt glamorous! It sparkled in the light and in photos, which was what I was going for. I chose a plain waterfall cathedral length veil.

Tom wore a 3 piece navy tux with a bow tie. He chose it because it was timeless and was surprisingly not too hot on the day! We both felt great on our wedding day.

Flowers

We found it difficult to choose flowers initially but after a visit to the Florist in Sorrento it all fell into place. We went for white avalanche roses, white lysinathus, white hydrangeas, cotton flowers to add some texture, olive branches and eucalyptus leaves. We had two flower columns next to the ceremony table and these were transported to the reception venue and used as table decorations. We were both delighted with the flowers.

Entertainment, music and dancing!

We had a Guitar & Mandolin duo play during the ceremony and they created a romantic atmosphere. The mandolin particularly is an instrument we don’t hear very often and it felt authentic and special.

For entertainment in the evening we had a DJ and saxophonist do joint sets. Together they really brought the party vibe and it was a surreal experience dancing to a live sax on a rooftop with everyone we love! One of our most cherished and special memories to date. The DJ opened with Earth, Wind & Fire – September, and so many people commented 21st night of September.. oh that’s today! This song will now always hold a special place in our hearts.

The post Eleanor & Tom’s magical Sorrento wedding, with Joss Denham Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Tiff & Az’s timelessly beautiful city wedding, with Libra Photographic

Claire Gould — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:40:54 +0000

A wonderfully personal, brilliantly creative wedding with all the elegance in the world – today’s blog is a beauty! Gorgeous couple Tiff and Az were married in London on Valentine’s Day. Their outfits were both bespoke and hand made, and every little detail of this day is full of love, from the flowers in Tiff’s bouquet to the story behind the bronze rabbit ring bearer! There’s also the most incredible waistcoat you ever did see…

The images are sublime: Dorset wedding photographer Nathan from Libra Photographic joined the happy pair and caught all the loveliest moments of their day. As a wedding photographer himself, Az chose very carefully who would capture their day. Their love shines from the pictures, as do the personalities of this fabulous couple. Az & Tiff – we wish you the happiest married life in the world!

Wedding photographer’s website

Dorset wedding photographer Libra Photographic

Wedding photographer review

As a wedding photographer myself, it was so important for me, and my now wife to feel comfortable on our wedding day. Photographing another photographer’s wedding can be daunting, but Nathan took it all in his stride. He captured the day beautifully, with a strong combination of reportage and posed images, and his creativity shone through. Nathan listened to exactly what were were looking for, and he exceeded our expectations on the day. More importantly, we all enjoyed his company on the day.

Your best moment or memory

Coming out of the ceremony venue to our guests and seeing the confetti all across the Kings Road.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

Both our outfits were handmade for us, and included a very special waistcoat lining with photographs of our time together over the years.

Venue name + review

Kensington and Chelsea Old Town Hall Historic London wedding venue, with wonderful staffing that made us feel very comfortable on the day.

After photographs in and around Chelsea, we headed to the The Hollywood Arms for lunch.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Tiff wore a classic knee length 60s style dress in an ivory heavy queen satin, which featured a simple pleat on the back. Worn with ballet pumps and an elegant handmade birdcage by the the dressmaker.
Over her dress Tiff wore a classic style, pre loved, camel coloured ankle length coat, purchased in East Wittering before the dress was made – it was perfect for our February wedding.

As chose a three piece forest green velvet suit, white, shirt, knitted mustard tie and tan swede brogues.

Accessories included a brass hare pin on the lapel, a pocket watch borrowed from a friend, and a pocket square bought for me by Tiff 10 years ago from Suit Supply.

Dress or suit shop name + review

Peridot Bridal

From initial discussions via email I instantly knew Megan was the person to make my wedding dress. Megan listened to my ideas and provided a detailed, professional and unique service.

Megan made the most beautiful dress which was just how I envisioned. She guided me with samples, ideas, and made a bird cage to compliment my dress which completed my look.

My dress was classic, classy and felt like a dream to where. From the start to the finish the whole experience was exceptional.

Az’s suit was made by Anthony Formal Wear in Essex.

The ceremony

Tiff’s daughter Meg walked her down the aisle. During the ceremony the rings (see below) were carried to the front by Tiff’s younger daughter Rosie on the ears of a bronze rabbit. “This was bought for me by Tiff as a gift in Glastonbury on an early date 12 years ago. I also proposed to Tiff at Glastonbury Tor last year.”

Witnesses were Gabe & Mitch the girls’ partners. The engagement ring, earrings, and wedding bands were handmade for us by South Jewellery in Cornwall. We married on valentines day, as this was also the date of our very first date 13 years ago.

Florist name + review

Buds Floristry Anna White

I immediately hit it off with Anna. We spoke about incorporating the colours of the famous Chelsea Town Halls garland that drapes the famous blue doors.

Anna created a stunning February bouquet and added pussy willow at my request.

The colourful, classy bouquet was the perfect accessory to my dress. Anna took her time to explain the meaning of the beautiful dusky pink rose and the scent was beautiful. It was simply perfect. I didn’t let go of it the whole day.

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

For the entrance to the ceremony: Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks
During Signing: Give a Little Bit by REO Speedwagon
For the Leaving Ceremony: Itchycoo Park by The Small Faces

Lovely Nathan at Libra Photographic is a member of English Wedding

Web: https://libraphotographic.co.uk

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Jen & Josh’s relaxed family wedding at Alpheton Hall Barns, with York Place Studios

Claire Gould — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:54:14 +0000

It’s thrilling, blogging about weddings, to see everything from carefully choreographed events to days that feel authentic and immersive. This Alpheton Hall Barns wedding feels so real, just scrolling through the images it feels like you’re there. The power of photography can bring you to relive your own wedding in very different ways, and the charm of York Place Studios‘ phenomenal documentary wedding photography always finds its home with me.

Today’s brilliantly beautiful wedding is all about the feels. It’s Jen & Josh’s wedding at Alpheton Barns, captured by our friends and award winning wedding photographers York Place Studios. The photos capture the gloriously chaotic behind-the-scenes getting ready parts of the day before taking us through a heartfelt ceremony filled with laughter and impromptu hugs.

The celebrations after Jen and Josh say their vows are a whirlwind of love and joy and family connections. The air is filled with hugs and happiness and we get to see all of the tiny moments that make up the atmosphere of a wedding. There’s something incredibly special running through these images: perhaps it’s the sense of belonging and of family that this stunning couple inspire.

Seen through the eyes of Dom and Liam at York Place Studios, it’s “Irresistible, impulsive embraces during the ceremony, laughter through the vows. Quizzical looks and knowing glances; idiosyncrasies, inside jokes, charisma and chaos. These are characterful qualities that we are inspired to capture but cannot create. The photographic themes emerge not from our minds, nor even from theirs. They are found through the unconscious acts and connections of the people around us; our job is not only to see but to feel.”

The venue is lovely: a rustic barn with bunting and lanterns and country charm, set in the Suffolk countryside. It’s an exclusive use venue with a woodland ceremony space, and different barns for different parts of your day. The owners of Alpheton Hall Barns try to make it as nature-friendly as possible, through tree planting and a wildflower meadow – an idyllic setting!

The styling touches are fun and creative: the flowers are wonderful, the cake is a joy (and we adore the little birds on top) – and the table plan is ace! Stealing the show though, is Jen’s sparkly, sunshine-catching beautiful wedding jumpsuit – a showstopper of a wedding outfit if ever we saw one! (With Josh’s superb tartan suit a very, very close second!)

We’ll share more images on our instagram at @englishweddingblog – for now, here are some absolute favourites to make you smile, laugh and stop your scrolling in its tracks! This is how weddings should be remembered: for all of the amazing people who were there by your side, at their authentically brilliant best!

York Place Studios are members of English Wedding

Web: www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk

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Sonya & Batsirai’s vibrant and joyful Yalding wedding with Hannah Hall Photography

Claire Gould — Tue, 30 May 2023 10:00:31 +0000

A blast of colour, a generous sprinkling of pure joy, and the cutest couple – this wedding is EVERYTHING! Gorgeous couple Sonya & Batsirai were married at The Gardens, Yalding and chose the exceptionally talented Hannah Hall Photography to capture their day.

Some fab reviews and heartfelt words of advice from the happy pair below, plus supplier recommendations for couples tying the knot in Kent. Enjoy!

Wedding photographer’s website

Hannah Hall https://hannahhallphotography.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

Hannah is great! We chose her because her photography style really brought out the joy and excitement of the day. She captured moments that we may not have seen behind the scenes and also brought back memories of special moments in her quirky style.

Your best moment or memory

The whole day was prefect – even the weather! It was warm and sunny for October and started raining the day after our wedding! If we had to choose, the Chinese door games and ceremony were my favourite part. The western ceremony was outdoors, making the most of the warm sun. It was a surreal, unique moment for us to be surrounded by our friends and family all in one place. Definitely a moment to remember.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

The Chinese door games is a tradition that puts the bridesmaids against the groom and groomsmen. The idea is that they hide the bride so that the groom, with help from his men, has to face challenges to get to her. Thus proving his devotion.

Venue name + review

The Gardens Yalding. If you’re looking for a venue that’s beautiful, relaxed with a large outdoor space and a rustic vibe – this is the place! Staff were friendly and helpful and put our mind at ease on the day. The food here was also lovely! https://www.thegardens.co.uk/

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Our outfits they were quite understated and they just fit well with the autumn theme and look of our venue.

Dress or suit shop name + review

Bride’s Chinese dress – Toni Bridal: Staff was friendly and helpful. Unfortunately I didn’t find my white dress here but I did find the Chinese dress to suit me here!

Bride’s western dress – David’s Bridal. A large selection of dresses to suit different budgets. It can get pretty busy here so personal one-to-ones is more limited. However I was able to find ‘the one’ here!

Groom’s suit – Hawes and Curtis: Fast and catered to our needs!

Florist name + review

Anthologie Florist – Ellie was super helpful and knowledgable. I don’t know a lot about the types of flowers and what goes well with my theme, but she helped stick to my budgets, find solutions and put our minds at ease. The final results was beautiful and incredible! https://www.anthologiefloristry.co.uk/

Cake maker name + review

We had a friend and 1 of my bridesmaid to help with the cakes!

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

Welcome sign, table decorations, seating plan, placecards, Polaroid table, card box all DIYd!

Props and hire items

Bay Wedding Props – We hired a decorative arch for our outdoor ceremony and it was beautiful! It went well with the gazebo that was already there along with the outdoor garden. https://bayweddingprops.co.uk/

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

The few things – JP Saxe, Charlotte Lawrence

Hair + makeup name + review

Alex hair and makeup artist – Alex was my hair stylist. She was very friendly, approachable and opened to feedback to ensure I was happy with my hair style. It didn’t take her long to do my hair and she did a fabulous job on the day! https://www.alexhairandmakeup.com/ Jamie Lee makeup and brows – Jamie Lee was my makeup artist. She has a relaxed vibe and very easy to talk to. I went for a natural, soft look as I don’t usually wear too much makeup. She nailed it pretty quickly and I felt super comfortable all day! https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-beauty-hair-make-up/kent/jamie-lee-make-up-artist_51468.htm

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Becky & Ben’s amazing Hackney wedding, with Szerdi Nagy Photography

Claire Gould — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 15:46:52 +0000

Some weddings are beautiful, some weddings are playful, some are sophisticated and sexy as hell… and Ben and Becky’s ticks ALL of those boxes! We have Marilyn vibes and then some; TWO dresses to die for; lush locations and super stylish personal touches. Step into the weekend with us, as we bring you this AMAZING London wedding, captured by Andy & Szerdi Photography (whose About page, by the way, is epic!)

Wedding photographer’s website

https://andyandszerdi.com

Wedding photographer review

I truly believe Szerdi is the best photographer ever. ABSOLUTE STAR! From start to finish our expectations were exceeded in all ways! Szerdi is so lovely, she made us feel comfortable and we had so much fun with her too! She went above and beyond in capturing the special moments of our day and “got us” from the moment we met. She also made us look like movie stars! She captured the vibe, energy and love we felt on the day and we never felt like we were awkward posing and enjoyed every minute! All our friends and family commented on how great she was on the day and were so impressed with the pictures!

Your best moment or memory

Getting married and celebrating with our loved ones in Hackney where we have both grown up and live together! Proper east end knees up!

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

Pit stop for a cheeky pint in pub on the park, one of our local haunts, after getting wed at hackney town hall! We were driven there in our mate’s black cab and were served by our favourite barman Luca! We got to celebrate and absorb that we had just got married with our closest family before heading to the reception lunch at Martello Hall. Szerdi captured some amazing wedding shots over London Fields, our local green space! Everythwere we went on our wedding day had meaning to us both and we now have all the memories in pictures forever!

Venue name + review

Hackney Town Hall – amazing, classic, art deco vibes. Perfect from a small registry office reception with our nearest and dearest.

Pub on the Park– our local pub, wholesome and fun!

Martello Hall– lunch meal with family and friends and then evening party! Perfect venue for us, stripped back and vintage style, quirky and cool, urban vibes and fabulous staff.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

My dress was made fabulous by Teresa at Polka Bridal

I had 2 dresses as I decided to get a white one last minute! I wore this in the day and it was a classic 1950’s inspired, off the shoulder dress and birdcage veil. I also rocked a leopard print fur outside Hackney Town Hall, I am obsessed with the print. In the evening I wore a beaded flapper style dress and dances the night away on it!

I bought my white dress in a generic wedding shop David’s Bridal, but was actually disappointed with the service and alteration advice. I took it to Teresa at Polka.Bridal and she transformed the dress (and me)! I would not recommend David’s Bridal at all.

Dress 2 – Karen Millen. Fantastic quality and perfect fit.

Ben wore a blue three-piece suit with a vintage feel with a gold tie pin. He hired his suit from Moss Bros and felt like an absolute boss. He looked very dapper.

Florist name + review

My friend Lyndsay used a local florist called Just Beautiful Flowers arranged all the flowers in the home made vases on the day! My bouquet was beautiful! https://instagram.com/justbeautifulflowers

Cake maker name + review

My amazing friends Lyndsay also sourced the cake from a local cake maker named Lisa who is a full time Nurse (like me) but bakes as a hobby.

Stationery maker’s name + review

Lyndsay Lewis, superstar friend

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

My maid of honour Lyndsay is so creative! She designed and printed table names and seating arrangement on vintage craft paper with a gold border. She helped with so much and knows me so well… she was a wedding star for sure, sourcing the cake and flowers and arranging the flowers which she then decorated and arranged with the help of my other great formed Nikki on the day! Let’s not forget the DIY dress up sun glasses for evening fun too! I also got transfer tattoos made to match our light of “til Death Do Us Party”

Wedding readings?

Father of the bride John – emosh. Sister of groom, Sarah – a cockney poem. Best man Terry – sentimental and funny. My cousins, Abi and Jess- sang a witty and funny song about me and Ben to the tune of Britney Spears, Hit Me Baby One More time. Went down a storm!

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

Motown and 80s playlist, no 1st dance. We danced in the rain outside for some Pics with Szerdi! Some of our favourite shots!

Wedding planner name + review

We planned our wedding ourselves in 3 months! Eeek! We focused on the essentials and everything else was a bonus! The most important thing was us getting married being together. Beauty of a London wedding and the venue Martello Hall had all we needed to throw a great celebration.

Hair + makeup name + review

Lipstick and Curls- Nicci was amazing, she understood the “Marilyn esc” look I was going for. I felt a million dollars!

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Octavia & Steve’s West London Bohemian Wedding by the River, with Ben Pipe Photography

Claire Gould — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 09:39:56 +0000

Today’s beautiful, modern and romantic wedding is from London. Octavia and Steve make a stunning couple, and the elegant decor and styling and the most wonderful atmosphere make this day truly special. We’ve loved scrolling through London wedding photographer Ben Pipe‘s images of the day – and we’re thrilled to share Octavia’s story of such an amazing wedding.