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Thanim and Bethan are thrilled to share their joyous wedding story with us today. The couple chose the unique Asylum Chapel and Tanner Warehouse in London as the settings for their special day on August 24th, 2018. Their vision was a relaxed celebration of their love and connection with family and friends, which they accomplished beautifully. What’s more, it’s lovely to see them incorporating personal touches throughout the day.
Their stylish choices didn’t go unnoticed – Bethan stunned in her Rime Arodaky floral lace gown, while Thanim opted for a navy jacket, check waistcoat, and cream trousers combo. The bridesmaids added a touch of whimsy with their jump suits. The vibrant greenery flower arrangements, stunning bouquets, and divine semi-naked cake were just a few highlights. To top it all off, the thoughtful favours they chose for their guests made the day even more special.
We’re grateful to Emma Frances Photo for sharing these breathtaking images with us – what a treat!
The Proposal
It was only fitting that I propose to Bethan at the iconic Worship Street Whistling Shop, a venue that held sentimental value as it was also where our first date took place – albeit a different era since its closure. With some luck on my side, I managed to book a private room for the special moment, which would be remembered even more fondly thanks to the exceptional service provided by the staff. They had champagne glasses at the ready, anticipating Bethan’s affirmative response. Following our impromptu celebration, we headed to Sushisamba City, where the staff once again went above and beyond to ensure a memorable night – so much so that they graciously extended their bar hours until 4am for us, allowing us to truly savor the evening.
The Vision
We aimed to create an intimate atmosphere at our celebration by incorporating personal touches – from the music that set the tone to the drinks, flowers, food, and decor that fostered a sense of relaxation and fun. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the people who matter most in our lives, acknowledging the significant role they’ve played in shaping us into who we are today. Their unwavering support, guidance, and generosity have been instrumental in helping us reach this milestone, and we were eager to express our gratitude and appreciation through this special occasion.
The Planning Process
Thanks to Google’s resources, planning the event turned out to be a relatively straightforward process. I managed to source venues, music, and other essential elements during my lunch breaks at work, taking advantage of the fact that most suppliers were based in London, making it easy to visit them on weekends. Additionally, both chosen venues went above and beyond by offering catering services, including food, glassware, cutlery, and furniture. Our florist also lent a helping hand by arriving early at the reception venue and assisting with the decoration. Furthermore, many of our family members were involved in various aspects of the event, which greatly contributed to its smooth execution. Overall, everything seemed to fall into place as everyone pitched in to make it happen.
The Venue
The ceremony took place in Asylum Chapel, a unique venue run by Maverick Projects in the heart of Peckham, London. The chapel’s striking features include stunning stained glass windows, industrial-concrete floors, and an eclectic mix of art pieces scattered throughout the space – a true showstopper! The contrast between the old and new elements created a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that left a lasting impression on all who attended. Following the ceremony, the reception was held at Tanner Warehouse in London Bridge, where guests were transported to the venue in style via two vintage red London buses and a classic black cab.
Beauty
Bridesmaids
Sustainable style takes center stage with two show-stopping pieces. First, a sleek and modern jumpsuit from Topshop adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. Meanwhile, the maid of honour dress steals the spotlight thanks to its unique creation by Sissel Edelbo – a fashion designer who turns beautiful fabrics into one-of-a-kind masterpieces, promoting eco-friendly fashion with every stunning piece.
Groomsmen
With a thoughtful nod to Beth’s Nottingham roots, the groomsmen opted for their own navy suits and crisp white shirts. However, it was the carefully chosen ties and pocket squares that truly paid homage to her hometown. The ties, sourced from renowned fashion brand Paul Smith, added a touch of elegance to the ensemble, while the pocket squares from Charles Thyrett complemented the overall aesthetic with their subtle flair.
The Readings & Music
Music played a pivotal role in our special day. As I walked down the aisle, the soothing sounds of Days are Done, a talented new folk band from Kingston, London, filled the air. Their performance was made all the more meaningful as Adam, the guitarist and my cousin, lent his skills to the occasion. The ceremony itself was designed to be deeply personal and non-denominational. A dear friend, Emma, who has been a constant source of support throughout the years, delivered a heartfelt speech that had us laughing and set the tone for a relaxed and joyous celebration. Her rhyming words and playful jabs at our relationship had everyone in stitches. Meanwhile, Zak, an old friend from Bristol, took to the microphone to deliver his reading, ‘Love: A Human Experience,’ a unique and moving tribute that drew inspiration from some of history’s most renowned thinkers. The contrast between Emma’s lighthearted remarks and Zak’s poignant words added depth and emotion to our special day. After the ceremony, we transitioned seamlessly into the reception, where a band and DJ kept the party going with an energetic mix of tunes. Our first dance song, ‘You are the Best Thing’ by Ray LaMontagne, was expertly performed by The Bloody Mary Brass Band, and they maintained the lively atmosphere for two hours before Sophie took over and kept everyone dancing until the early hours of the morning.
Your Outfits & Accessories
For her special day, the bride chose a stunning dress from Mews Bridal in Notting Hill, designed by Rime Arodaky as part of their Delilah collection. To complete her look, she opted for skull stud earrings and a matching bracelet from The Great Frog, while Tika’s head piece from Bees in Upton Park added an extra touch of elegance. Her shoes were carefully selected from Office, ensuring she felt both beautiful and comfortable throughout the celebration.
The groom’s attire was equally impressive, with his jacket, waistcoat, and trousers coming from Suits Supply. His shirt, tie, and pocket square were thoughtfully chosen from Charles Thyrett, complemented by shoes from Bass London & Co.
Your Photographer
Our photographer for the day and night was the talented Emma (@byemmafrances), whom we discovered at a friend’s wedding a year prior. We were so impressed with her work that we immediately knew we had to have her capture our special moments. In fact, many of our friends have since followed suit and booked Emma as well, a testament to her exceptional skill behind the lens.
The Flowers
In the midst of a sweltering August, I sought out Victoria Windsor, a talented florist in Pimlico, to bring my unconventional vision to life. My brief was simple yet challenging: create arrangements that exude green, grey, and muted blues – a far cry from the vibrant hues typically associated with summer. Victoria rose to the occasion, crafting beautiful compositions that defied convention. I wanted the flowers to appear wild and untamed, as if they had been plucked straight from the great outdoors. To achieve this look, we used mis-matched glass bottles of varying sizes as centre pieces. The result was a visual representation of my own personality – imperfect, unrefined, and delightfully unconventional.
The Details & Décor
For me, the most significant aspect of our special day was the thoughtful gestures made through the wedding favours. Each red badge, designed in the shape of a heart, came with a business-style card explaining its purpose. What made this even more meaningful was that £1.50 from each badge was donated to Cardiomyopathy, a charity close to my heart after running the London Marathon for them back in 2017. This gesture held immense significance as it served as a tribute to my late father, who had passed away in 2009 due to this very disease. The sight of our loved ones wearing these badges, adorned on their elegant attire, filled me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.Music has always been a vital part of our relationship, and we’ve had the privilege of enjoying countless gigs together over the years. To incorporate this passion into our wedding celebration was only natural. We chose vinyl records featuring some of our favourite bands that we’ve had the pleasure of watching live over the past six years. With so many great memories to draw from, selecting the perfect records wasn’t a difficult task.Our decision to opt for simple, mismatched tables and chairs perfectly encapsulated the relaxed atmosphere we desired for our London wedding. It was the perfect blend of elegance and informality.
The Cake
A special wedding gift, the delectable cake, was courtesy of Dunn’s Bakery in Crouch End. It was a thoughtful present from Bethan’s sister and her husband, adding a sweet touch to the celebration.
The Honeymoon
As we embarked on our romantic getaway, my partner and I chose the Ambassador Suites in Santorini as the perfect setting for our honeymoon. Our luxurious suite was a true haven, boasting a private infinity pool and an inviting jacuzzi nestled on the balcony, providing us with the ultimate relaxation experience following our wedding celebrations. The enchanting island of Santorini itself proved to be just as captivating, with its stunning landscapes and charming locals who showered us with warmth in the various restaurants and bars we frequented.
Memorable Moments
As I stood at the altar, I made sure to have my say. This was, after all, my wedding too – and I didn’t want the day to be defined solely by male voices, no matter how wonderful they are. In fact, giving a speech was an opportunity for me to express my gratitude and share with everyone why I’m so proud to call my husband mine. It was also a chance to acknowledge and thank my dear friends – my urban family – who mean the world to me. In a touching moment, I even got to play my dad’s electric guitar alongside the brass band. The instrument holds immense sentimental value for me, as it was something my father cherished. Having him with us in spirit made the experience all the more special.
Advice For Other Couples
As you embark on a significant endeavor, remember to pace yourself and distribute responsibilities fairly among those involved. This approach can help alleviate the burden and ensure a smoother outcome. For instance, when writing my thesis while simultaneously planning our wedding, I made a conscious effort to delegate tasks and share the load with my partner, Thanim. By doing so, I was able to manage my academic commitments alongside the wedding preparations.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
We’re grateful to have had such an incredible support system from our loved ones. The musical talents of my cousins Adam and Emmy, who form the band Days are Done, helped create a memorable atmosphere as they sang the bridal party down the aisle. Additionally, Cousin Mark’s expertise in providing the DJ equipment, PA system, and speakers ensured that everyone was entertained throughout the day. My cousin Alex’s skill with makeup allowed her to beautifully pamper the bridesmaids and the mother of the bride. The bridesmaids, including my sister Rhian, did an amazing job organizing a hen party that I actually enjoyed (a rare treat!), while also being a constant source of support on my wedding day and beyond. Special thanks go to Keira and Matthew, our fantastic MCs, PA, coordinator, and all-around behind-the-scenes wizards who kept the day running smoothly and ensured everyone was well-fed, happy, and taken care of. We’re so thankful for the love and support from our wonderful friends and family.On my end, I want to express a huge thank you to my groomsmen and best men for their help throughout the day, including ushering guests around and organizing my stag do’s. The speeches delivered by the best men were hilarious yet respectful, much to everyone’s relief! Our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without these special people in our lives.