Our advice on wedding planning is to take it seriously enough that you put your own stamp on the day, but not so seriously that you get distracted from the bigger picture. The only genuinely important things are the ceremony itself and that you're in the company of the right people. Everything else is just an add-on, so try to have fun while planning those parts. Don't stress if someone or something is unavailable because there will always be a workaround. Use your strengths where you feel confident, and let professionals do the rest! The biggest help we found was having a great wedding coordinator and a venue that offered catering in-house. This made everything else feel so much simpler.
Edith & Phillip
If there were an Academy Award for Best Wedding Aesthetic, Edith & Phil would have taken it home. Fully embracing the venue’s art deco charm, they infused rich hues of red and pink into everything. From Edith’s magenta slingbacks to the bridesmaid dresses and extravagant floral arrangements. A pair of antique white-and-gold column plinths (definitely props from a bygone theatre production, they suspect) framed the ceremony, while the venue’s bold red curtains made for an opulent backdrop.
Phil’s way with words and Edith’s artistic flair were on full display at the reception. Every table was named after one of their favourite walks, featuring Edith’s hand-painted designs on one side of the place cards and Phil’s witty, personal descriptions on the other. Colourful candles, vibrant napkins, and eclectic decor brought the celebration to life, with a special shoutout to Edith’s dad for his unconventional but successful foliage foraging from the cinema car park. Proof that wedding glamour can come from the most unexpected places.
In true cinematic fashion, the wedding had its fair share of standout performances. Edith’s dress, a custom creation by her talented friend Vivian Dodd, was a work of art in itself and was designed to reflect her illustrator’s eye and love of organic textures.
Meanwhile, their photographer Lou worked her magic, seamlessly blending digital and 35mm film to capture every gorgeous moment (including, miraculously, making two self-proclaimed awkward people look like seasoned movie stars).
The soundtrack of the day was equally legendary. Fraser, a pianist and friend of the couple, delivered a stunning live rendition of God Only Knows by The Beach Boys. Edith’s Maid of Honour brought the house down (or at least brought a lump to everyone’s throat) with a heartfelt reading of Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy. And when it came time for the first dance? The ceilidh band, The Jiggers, delivered an unforgettable cover of Everlasting Love by The Love Affair.
One of the most memorable and funny moments of the wedding was just after Edith and the bridesmaids walked down the aisle. All the guests were standing, and Carol the celebrant asked everyone to take a seat. One triumphant (and loud) farting noise erupted as 100 squeaky chairs folded down in unison. It was incredible. After such an emotional and tearful moment, it was the perfect antidote and everyone had a good laugh.
Edith & Phillip