Inspiration

Abbie and Matt's wedding is absolutely genius. Why? One word: tapas. If I could plan my own big day again, this is the menu I would want. Nom. And the way they manage to bring a Spanish vibe to an industrial Nottinghamshire venue is fabulous, with deep burgundy Rewritten bridesmaids dresses, Mallorcan vodka wedding favours and clever table styling with Spanish tiles and mini olive trees. Not forgetting how fabulous bride Abbie looks in her Essence of Australia dress and slick of red lippy. This truly is one fabulous fiesta. Dive in, darlings!

Burgundy Rewritten Bridesmaids Dresses

Abbie & Matt: I knew from the beginning that I wanted my bridesmaids to be in burgundy dresses. These were the hardest thing to find, but the one thing I would not compromise on. I came across Rewritten through Rock My Wedding's supplier directory, The List, and absolutely loved them. I wanted my girls to have a dress to suit their body shape, so we all took a drive to a stockist called Ghost Orchid Bride and tried every Rewritten dress on in the shop. I loved the dresses so much I wish I could have worn one myself! I gave the girls complete freedom over how they wanted their hair and make up, and what shoes and jewellery they wore. The brief was 'nothing too bridesmaidy' and they all looked amazing.

Spanish-Themed Wedding Styling

Having got engaged in Mallorca - and because we both love tapas - we wanted to create a relaxed Spanish vibe in the day with no rules. And we wanted a big party at night! We hired Salted Orange Food Co to do the catering and opted for an informal Spanish themed menu. We continued the Spanish vibe by decorating the tables with mini olive trees in terracotta pots; using authentic Spanish tiles as table numbers; and, as favours, we gave our guests bottles filled with caramel vodka which was made on the island of Mallorca with tags hand stamped with the word 'Salut!'. A flamenco guitarist played during the ceremony and drinks reception and, after dinner, The Singing Waiters joined the party. They were so funny and I can't recommend them enough.

The Pumping House Wedding Venue

When it came to choosing the perfect venue, we nailed it. We had two criteria: it had to allow our dog Ralf to come, and it had to be super freaking cool! We went to The Pumping House on their first open day, before any of the accommodation was even converted. It was so quirky and not like any other venue we had seen. We booked it then and there and, over the next 18 months, watched it continue to grow. By the time our wedding day came around it was perfect, and everyone commented on how fab the venue was.
Canapes: Croquettes; manchego & fig tarts, Spanish omelette Tapas: Artisan breads and alioli; antipasti boards; chicken, chorizo and butterbean stew; patatas bravas Dessert: Churros and dipping chocolate; Catalan custard
Abbie and Matt's nuptials are proof that you don't need to have a destination wedding to enjoy all your foreign favourites - and that tapas is a hit wherever, whenever. (If you do want a wedding abroad, however, RMW has plenty of inspiration to help you with your planning. How about a sunny celebration in Spain?)
Victoria Honan

Written by Victoria Honan

Featured suppliers

Wedding Venue: The Pumping House | Bridesmaids Dresses: Rewritten | Dress Designer: Essence of Australia | Bridal Boutique: Wellbet Bridal | Bridal Shoes: Ted Baker | Groom's Suit: Coneys of Lincoln | Cake: Catherine Shaw Cakes | Bridal Party Hair: Mark Jeffs Hair Studios | Bridal Party Make Up: The Beauty Boutique Lincoln | Flamenco Guitarist: Glenn Sharp | Entertainment: The Signing Waiters | Caterers: Salted Orange Food Co

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