Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast!

The run up to the wedding was...well, intense! We got engaged on Halloween, in Paris and had just over a year and a half to plan. We visited quite a few venues, including a spectacular one near Canterbury, (which included its very own carousel and 2, yes 2, original Art Nouveau organs.) I fell in love with that venue, but the brutal reality that we weren't on a film star's budget kicked in and that one had to be sadly sidelined! However, I am super glad we went with Marks Hall, in Coggeshall. Getting married through Braintree Registry office, (where I grew up) was not important to me at the start, but it became more meaningful as the process went on. 

In the end it was a very difficult choice between Marsh Farm in Beccles in Norfolk and Marks Hall. Getting married outside was one of our priorities, so we went for Marks and I am so glad we did.

The Alice in wonderland theme seemed to develop organically, (and indeed it took on a life of its own!) Throughout the planning stages I weaved in and out of many 'themes', including Mexicana, twee vintage, 50s, art deco / nouveau, Day of the Dead... 

I am so happy we went with Alice in the end, (I didn't really intend for the entire wedding to be themed, as such) - I guess it's for other people to decide if it was or not! Certainly, I didn't choose my BM dresses in relation, I just chose the ones I liked and ones that complimented mine. ('Tonal range' - as we kept saying throughout the process!) I was definite that I wanted a whole heap of BMs, - this felt a bit indulgent at first, but all those women have been so important to me in my life so they had to be included.

The Groomsmen's hats and jackets were a last minute addition, but I am happy they were included and I think they look great in the photos! (Their styling was by Saskia @ The Lion, The Bitch & The Wardrobe). 

Deciding on decor when you are a magpie is so hard! There are so many styles I like and the wedding, (and my dress) could have gone in a million different directions. The dress in itself was a magnificent journey. I searched long and hard on the internet for a designer. In the end it was a close race between Cymbeline and Joanne Fleming, and I am over the moon I went for Jo! I got an original, bespoke, made to measure, fairy tale dress! The year before, Brighton had emerged as a very important town to us. I was a BM for my friend Toni, whose dresses had a 50s feel and our designer was down in Brighton. This is where Joanne is based, so that seemed like another reason to chose her, as it meant many trips for fittings in the run up to the wedding; she is so, so talented, easy going and super unpretentious! It was a sheer delight visiting her basement studio of wonder and delight, and I will miss those visits. 

During the run-up to  the wedidng I  collected vases, decorations, ornaments, parasols, bunting etc as I went along. I knew the overall effect would be a bit 'mish-mash' as I kept calling it, but I felt, (and hoped) this would be ok! My sister, Erin (@ Daisy Shelly Designs)  was a tremendous help, and made some beautiful curtains, quilts and cushions for my Bedouin tent area.

My husband is Australian, and we were so pleased and grateful his father and his partner and siblings, (who still live there - his mum is now based in the UK) came over for the wedding; especially given the journey and the cost involved. 

The day seemed to whiz by, (as I knew it would) in a series of snap shots! We were blessed with the sunniest of days, (although the wasps were making the most of it too!) We even had our own special circular rainbow around the sun! 

Rob and I wrote our own vows (his idea!) I felt a little trepidation at first, but was really please we chose to do this as it was personal and specific to us. (We managed to get a few musical and Alice references in too!).

Our registrar was great and did an incredible job - especially considering she was allergic to wasps! The staff at Mark's Hall were lovely as well, and really laidback yet attentive throughout the while process.  

 

I had written a speech, but wasn't sure if I'd bottle it on the day! From the off though, I knew there was no doubt in my mind that I would give it: I wanted to thank everyone who had helped, so generously and selflessly, to get me and Rob to that place in our lives.  It was important for us that we included so many of our talented and creative friends and family in the wedding and we are eternally grateful for all their help, love and support! 

Contributors:

Groomsmen's hats: The Lion, The Bitch & the Wardrobe

Bedouin tent area, quilts and fabric hangings: Daisy Shelly Design

Flowers: Amy @ Kersey Mill

Brides Dress: Joanne Fleming Design 

Makeup artists: Katie Louise Jones & Lucy Parker

Hair: Kool Kuts

VW Vans: Custard Campers

Professional Pictures: Sabrina Dallot-Seguro

Professional videographer: Rackett Media

Overall design / table arrangements and ornaments: Bride

DJ: Roly

Band: The FOG

Face Painting: The Wizard (Simon Rogers)