Inspiration

If you've got the Monday morning blues this elegant wedding in historic Bath, with its coral hued blooms by Ruby and the Wolf is guaranteed to wipe them away in an instant and put a huge smile on your face. Utterly delicious and achingly beautiful against the Assembly Rooms wedding venue, not to mention colour popping against the Brides gorgeous bespoke gowns. Another reason to be grinning like a Cheshire cat is M and J Photography are behind the lens, so you know Every. Last. Detail and emotion will be captured to perfection. A good reason to get those pinning fingers ready and sit back and relax whilst you absorb all the pretty. Plus we've also treated you to the couples pre-wedding shoot in London, which is equally jaw dropping and inspirational. And look out for talented bride Irene's own bouquet. She's used very similar tones to the ones Kirstie from Ruby & The Wolf has used for the big day - a telling sign the bride is a designer herself!

Venue

Irene The Bride: Knowing that I was a massive Jane Austen fan, Tom took me to Bath for my birthday during my first trip to the UK. The city's gorgeous Georgian architecture and rolling English hills were exactly like Austen had described in her novels. I was so struck by the beauty of the city and especially the Assembly Rooms, where I remember twirling and dancing to an imaginary ball, utterly content. When we got engaged, it was the only venue I called.

Stationery

As a designer and artist at Irene Suh Art, it was really important to me that I plan the wedding myself and design all its elements, right down to the smallest detail. From ‘save the dates’ to invitations to all the little pieces that needed calligraphy, it was all DIY. I spent countless hours sourcing the perfect cotton cold press paper on which to print each menu, program, and table name from my home professional printer. I illustrated a map of Bath and added little personal touches such as our cat accompanying us to the venue and my favorite landmarks.

Wedding

With my father by my side, I arrived at the Assembly Rooms in a horse and carriage, taking me back to Austen’s time. As the string trio filled the air with splendid music for my entrance, I was struck by the crisp smell of fresh flowers in the ceremony room. Our florist Kirstie, from Ruby and the Wolf, had produced the most stunning, exquisite arrangements. Our wedding was also a blend of cultures: Tom and many guests wore their Scottish kilts and later both Tom and I slipped into Korean hanboks (all the better for ceilidh dancing!). And my mom wore her own beautiful hanbok all day. Words can't describe the cascade of joyful emotions as I married Tom. I cried during the entire ceremony and Tom had to repeatedly reach into his sporran to pull out a handkerchief to wipe his own tears. (Knowing he’d need it, I’d given him a personalised one that morning at our first look.)

Decor

In the adjacent tearoom, the elegance of the eighteenth-century chandeliers and timeless Roman columns made for a captivating setting for our reception. For the décor, we chose a classic look to match our surroundings. Candlesticks and candelabras made the room glow with warm, natural light. To add a bit more colour to the room, we used all rose pink Ester and Erik tapered candles and matching colored napkins with sprigs of waxflower tucked in. For each table’s centerpiece, the flowers were arranged so they would look natural, elegant, and effortless. Full of vibrant pinks, corals, and peaches, the blooms perfectly complemented the stationery I had designed.

Entertainment

After dinner and speeches, the ceilidh kicked off, drawing everyone—young or old, Scottish or not, expert or beginner—together on the dance floor, unable to resist its famous charms. Every bride dreams of having her perfect wedding. It was such a joy and a privilege to be able to be so hands-on with the design process to ensure my special day realised my dreams so perfectly. I’d like to think if Jane Austen were plucked out of her time and into ours, she’d have been angling for an invitation.
Lorna Shaw

Written by Lorna Shaw

Cinematography: Tom Dawson Wedding Films | Venue: Assembly Rooms, bath | Wedding Flowers: Ruby & the Wolf | Caterer: Searcys | Bakery: Bath Baby Cakes | Crockery: Vintage Gold China | Stationery: Irene Suh Art | String Quartet: The Bristol String Quartet | Ceilidh Band: The George Buchanan Scottish Ceilidh Dance Band | Rentals: Cahoots | Custom Made Gown: Shin Bu Bridal, LA | Makeup: Becky Flynn | Hair Stylist: The Styling Lounge | Engagement Shoot Bouquet: The Bride

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