Pub Wedding With Retro Games

Photography by Irene Yap Photography

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What Made Your Day Unique

We wanted the whole day to be stress-free for all our guests. We had an intimate morning ceremony with only family and a handful of guests who’d flown in from abroad, then they went off to lunch while we had our couple photos done with Irene. All our other friends joined us at the pub in the afternoon. We timed it this way so our guests wouldn’t have to wait around, and it’d feel more like a casual, fun Saturday for them.

Charlotte & Nathaniel

Suppliers

Being a wedding photographer myself definitely helped! I’d already shot a few weddings at Balham Bowls Club, and it was one of our favourite London pubs anyway. Food is a top priority for us (always) and we knew Balham Bowls’ chefs were fantastic. We then worked in some other favourite food suppliers - Mons cheesemongers and Crosstown Doughnuts. I’d worked with Irene before and knew she’d get along great with Nathaniel. She’s phenomenally talented and we are thrilled with all our photos.

Charlotte & Nathaniel

Inspiration & Styling

While we had couple photos taken, a few wonderful friends headed to the pub to decorate. I ordered lots of olive branches, gold candlestick holders and wildflower seed-studded name cards (which doubled as favours). Nathaniel is a keen woodworker and built a custom wall for the Crosstown doughnuts - a “holey” matrimony half for ringed varieties and an “unholy” half for filled ones. I made the rest of the stationery, including the cheese and doughnut flavour guides.

Charlotte & Nathaniel

Advice

From the start, we agreed to forego any part of a “traditional” wedding that didn't mean anything to us, allowing more budget and time to dedicate to aspects of the day that reflected who we are. I know this attitude might cause conflict with certain family members, so open and frank communication is key. Rank suppliers in order of importance (different for every couple) to make it easier to allocate your budget going down the list. For example, we wouldn’t compromise on food, drink or the photographer; but I found both dresses and pairs of shoes for £550 total.

Charlotte & Nathaniel

Entertainment

We kept the retro gaming consoles a secret from the majority of our guests. While we ate dinner, Joypad arrived and started setting up the SNES, N64 and Dance Dance Revolution mats. I saw a similar set-up at a wedding I photographed the year before and realised it was the perfect entertainment for guests who didn’t like to dance. What better way than a competitive game of Mario Kart to instantly make a new friend/nemesis!

Charlotte & Nathaniel

Written by Lorna Shaw