Inspiration

Smoke bombs. Sage green bridesmaids dresses. Semi-naked drippy cake. This wedding should be graded 'S' for swoon. I've fallen head over heels for this cute couple and their industrial-inspired wedding day, which is packed full of thoughtful decorative details. We're talking a DIY doughnut wall, Chinese paper fans, and tear-jerking personal touches including a photo charm of the bride's late father attached to her bouquet and cufflinks with photos of the groom's late father and grandfather. I also adore the florals, with dusky pink roses, white peonies, sweetpeas, coffee-coloured phlox and foliage. Dreamy. And then there's that dress, with its beautiful Bardot neckline and buttons all the way down the back. Utterly divine.

Inspiration Behind The Styling

We didn’t have a specific theme for our wedding and instead wanted to incorporate things we both love to make the day personal to us. My heart was set on using terrariums in some way to complement the contemporary feel of The West Mill, with its industrial vibes, exposed bricks and cast-iron light fittings. We hired terrariums from Liz at Mad Philomena and they looked wonderful adorned with beautifully-arranged flowers by Sarah from Mrs Umbels. I also thought it would be great if we could incorporate an element of Chinese culture or design into the day, and came up with the idea of using Chinese paper fans hanging down from ribbons as a backdrop. This ended up being a stunning, multi-purpose focal piece used in both our ceremony and as a background for the photobooth.

Anna & Will

Smoke Bombs

Avid readers of this blog will know that the smoke bomb trend is one the RMW team are divided on, and each to their own of course. However, I am strongly in the smoke bomb camp, feeling that colourful flares capture the joy and jollity of your wedding day - and result in some epic imagery. I love the shots of Anna and Will with their bridal party, and the couple admits that these were some of the most fun photos to take; their smiles certainly testify to that. Using a prop - be it smoke bombs or giant balloons - is also a great way to help you relax in front of the camera. Anna and Will admit to feeling nervous about having their photos taken, but you certainly wouldn't know from this incredible set of captures, which are testament to the talent and impeccable eye of RMW recommended photographers Twig & Vine, as well as the clear love and trust between this beautiful couple.

Advice For Brides-to-be

As a bride who has been there, done that, my advice for anyone in the throes of wedding planning is to organise a day that is unique to you and not worry about what anyone else wants. That said, do trust in your friends and family along the way, and delegate as much as you can. On the day, relax and trust in your photographer – if they are anything like Mamad from Twig & Vine, you will find them to be a lovely and calming presence, even around a stressed bride! – and, if you have enough in your budget, get a videographer; you will not regret having a moving picture of your special day.

Anna & Will

It could be because it's coffee-break time, or perhaps it's down to the fact that food is never far from my mind, but Anna and Will's wedding cake by The Ruddington Cake Comapny has my mouth-watering. I bet it does you, too? Comprising three layers of lemon meringue, chocolate & salted caramel and strawberry & champagne, it must have been as stunning to eat as it is to look at. Isn't the drippy copper detail on point? If you, too, crave a cake that has both style and substance, check out our hand-picked supplier directory for all the best bakers. And please remember to send me a slice!

Victoria Honan

Written by Victoria Honan

Venue: The West Mill | Dress Designer: Watters | Bridal Boutique: Iconic Bride | Veil: Blossom and Bluebird | Bridal Shoes: Dune | Bridal Jewellery: Tiffany & Co. | Bridesmaids Dresses: ASOS | Groom and Groomsmen's Suits: Moss Bros. | Groom's Shoes: Peter Bullock | Groom's Tie and Pocket Square: T.M.Lewin | Groom's Cufflinks: Etsy | Groomsmen's Ties: https://www.tiespecialist.com/ | Hair: Everyone's Looking Rosie | Make Up: Josephine Way | Flowers: Mrs Umbels | Cake: The Ruddington Cake Company | Catering: Jenkinsons Caterers | Props: Mad Philomena | Ceremony Music: Adam Peter Smith | Band: Gravity | Photobooth: Oh Photobooth | Videographer: Storytellers Wedding Studio | Stationery: The Love Lettering Co

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