I’m utterly thrilled to share today’s real wedding feature – a charming Brighton Town Hall ceremony and pub reception that exudes a relaxed yet elegant vibe. Dewi and Cameron’s joyous celebration is a masterclass in effortless charm, as they cleverly incorporated local suppliers and infused their special day with their easygoing nature. The couple’s decision to tie the knot on September 2nd, 2019, in Brighton – the same seaside town where they first met – is nothing short of lovely. It’s always a treat when couples choose a wedding venue that holds sentimental value, and this choice undoubtedly added an extra layer of romance to their big day. With its stunning florals, understated decor, and scrumptious cakes, Dewi and Cameron’s wedding was a visual feast. And let’s not forget their impeccable style – both looked absolutely stunning! Bloom Weddings did an incredible job capturing the magic of their special day, from the romantic first look to the heartfelt first dance, and I’m forever grateful for them sharing these breathtaking images with us.
Brighton Town Hall Wedding
The Proposal
The memories of our engagement still sparkle like the gem on Cam’s vintage 1960s ring, which perfectly encapsulated the essence of that special moment. It all began in May 2018 at Birling Gap, a picturesque spot where my grandparents had shared their own romantic encounter years ago, amidst the rustic charm of an old army air base. The setting sun and serene atmosphere only added to the magic as Cam popped the question, making our engagement feel like a dream come true.
The Vision
After much deliberation, my partner and I finally decided to opt for a low-key yet lively celebration. We had initially considered a grander, more traditional wedding or a cozy town hall gathering. However, once we settled on a smaller, more intimate affair, it was as if a burden was lifted from our shoulders! Brighton, with its charming seaside atmosphere, seemed the perfect setting for a fun-filled day of dancing and merriment, complete with an endless supply of drinks.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on the planning process, we deliberately aimed to create a relaxed atmosphere, focusing on making it a fun and laid-back day. The most enjoyable part was discovering suppliers and witnessing the entire event unfold. To get inspiration and find our vendors, I heavily relied on Pinterest and Instagram. For us, the key to success was ensuring minimal stress and an incredible party! By partnering with outstanding suppliers, we knew every aspect of the day was well taken care of.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I had discovered my dream dress at Brighton’s Hope and Harlequin, an independent boutique. The serendipitous find was made even sweeter as it was a sample sale, making the already stunning dress a total bargain! As soon as I put it on, I fell in love with its elegant simplicity and luxurious feel of the heavy silk fabric. What really mattered to me was that it truly reflected my personal style – I had tried on more traditional bridal gowns before, which were beautiful but just didn’t resonate with me. This dress, however, felt like ‘me’ – exactly the kind of gown I could see myself walking down the aisle in after a few tweaks for the perfect fit. And then it was ready to go.I knew I wanted my headpiece to be a statement piece that was both delicate and pretty. After searching for the right combination, I found Sophie Joy Design on Etsy, which delivered exactly what I had envisioned.My veil was custom-made by Sash & Veil – a masterpiece of delicate design with real flower petals scattered across the tulle, giving it an ethereal quality that truly came alive when the sea breeze from the Brighton seaside gently rustled its folds.When it came to shoes, I opted for Russel & Bromley’s comfortable yet stylish options with a low heel and just the right touch of sparkle. For Cam’s suit, we chose bespoke tailor Gresham and Blake in Scottish tartan as a nod to his heritage. We loved that he went for an bold print – after all, why can’t the groom have some fun? His navy suede shoes from Loake added a sleek finishing touch, while his late grandfather’s cufflinks paid homage to his family’s history.
Beauty
Poppy Tallulah, the talented artist behind the stunning hairstyles and makeup looks, brought her expertise to our wedding day. In addition to doing my hair and makeup, she also worked her magic on the bridesmaids’ styles. During my trial a few months prior, I knew I had found the right person for the job. I was looking for a natural, effortless look that would enhance my features without overpowering them. The result was a beautiful blend of soft, glowing makeup and a delicate yet intricate braid that framed my face perfectly. A headpiece and veil were expertly incorporated to complete the overall aesthetic. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids’ braided up-dos provided a lovely contrast. What truly made our experience special, however, was Poppy’s presence throughout the morning. Her calming energy and warm demeanor helped put everyone at ease, making the entire process feel more like a relaxed gathering of friends than a whirlwind of wedding preparations. As I got ready to walk down the aisle, I felt so serene that it wasn’t until we were almost out the door that I realized – I’m actually getting married! Poppy truly had us all feeling like absolute goddesses.
The Venue
We exchanged our vows at the regency room within Brighton Town Hall, where a relaxed atmosphere and sentimental significance drew us to this unique venue. The building held special meaning as it was also the place where we first met, making it an intimate and romantic setting for our ceremony.
Following the ceremony, we hosted our wedding breakfast and reception at The Walrus Pub in Brighton, which went above and beyond by curating a sumptuous Indonesian-inspired menu to honour my cultural heritage. The spread was nothing short of spectacular, with an impressive array of cheeses and accompaniments that left us and our guests in awe.
The Readings & Music
As the special moments unfolded, my mother had a personal touch to add. She chose to read Maya Angelou’s ‘Touched by an Angel’ during our ceremony, filling the air with its powerful words. Meanwhile, Tom Odell’s soulful tune ‘Grow old with me’ played softly as we shared our first dance together. To explore more wedding readings and find inspiration for your special day, you’re just a click away!
Groomsmen
In a departure from the traditional uniformity of the bridal party, the groomsmen opted for their personal navy suits while the bridesmaids wore dresses that were coordinated through their choice of attire. To create visual harmony, we selected ties that harmonized with the colors used in the bridesmaid dresses and boutonnieres from Dove & Myrtle, which effectively tied the entire look together.
Bridesmaids
For our special occasion, we opted for multiway bridesmaid dresses from TFNC London, sourced through ASOS. This allowed each of the girls to personalize their look by styling the dress in a way that best suited them, despite being in the same color. To further enhance their overall aesthetic, I also treated the girls to Katie Loxton bridesmaid clutches as a thoughtful gift on the day.
Your Photographer
We sought a photographer who could capture our special day with ease, particularly considering our camera-shy groom. Our search led us to Bloom on Instagram, where we discovered Chris and Anni’s unique approach. Their non-invasive yet natural photography style resonated with us, and we were impressed by their ability to blend in seamlessly with our wedding party. Before the big day, we had a video consultation with them, which allowed us to ask questions and get a sense of who they were. This proved invaluable as it helped us feel more at ease on the day itself. On the day, Chris and Anni were a calm and organized presence, effortlessly directing family members and capturing our special moments. Our loved ones still rave about how fantastic they were, making them an integral part of our wedding celebration. Receiving our photos and highlights reel was overwhelming in the best possible way, as we relived memories that had slipped under our radar.
Your Filmmaker
We also opted for Bloom’s package, which featured a stunning video highlights reel that perfectly captured the essence of our special day without committing to a full-length film of the entire event. This was an excellent choice, as it allowed us to share the most memorable moments with family and friends in a concise and easily shareable format. The beautifully crafted highlight reel has become a treasured keepsake for me, as I find myself returning to it again and again, reliving the magic of that day whenever I desire.
The Details & Décor
As the wedding planning progressed, my mum and I found ourselves indulging in hours of Pinterest browsing to craft a unique DIY décor scheme for the big day. We opted for a harmonious blend of gold and green hues that beautifully complemented the Walrus’s dining room ambiance. My mum took the initiative to source lush greenery from an online florist, carefully arranging it with tall cylindrical vases and floating tea lights on the lunch tables. Meanwhile, I procured acrylic signs from Etsy for the table numbers, while my mum handwrote the placards and seating chart with finesse. Fortunately, the Walrus’s dining room already boasted a distinctive vintage flair, allowing us to incorporate only subtle touches to elevate its charm. Similarly, our reception in the underbelly room was enhanced by simply adding a few fairy lights and vases on tables, which beautifully accentuated the unique character of the space.
The Flowers
I’ll never forget the stunning bridal bouquet crafted by Jane at Dove & Myrtle, which left me breathless. After discovering her Instagram page and falling in love with her natural arrangements, I knew I had to have her create the perfect bouquet for my special day. During our consultation, I gave her a vague color scheme and asked her to push the boundaries with an unconventional design. She exceeded my expectations, delivering a breathtaking arrangement that was truly beyond my wildest dreams. When Jane arrived at our hotel room with the finished product, I got emotional – it was a moment I’ll always treasure.As an added touch, Jane also created beautiful boutonnières for the groomsmen to match my bouquet. Meanwhile, my mom played her part in the floral preparations by crafting lovely floral hoops for the bridesmaids using artificial flowers and greenery from Country Baskets, thanks to one of our bridesmaids’ flower-related allergies. In the end, the simple yet elegant hoops complemented my bouquet nicely, serving as a thoughtful keepsake for my bridesmaids after the wedding.
The Cake
Our sweet treats were provided by Brighton-based Cielo Cakery. Opting for a petite, understated wedding cake for cutting was the perfect choice, while we also wanted to offer our guests a delightful favour in the form of cake jars. To cater to various tastes, we featured an assortment of flavours – there truly was something for everyone! To add a personal touch to the main cake, I discovered a charming wire cake topper on Etsy, and custom stickers were created for the cake jars, serving as a lovely memento of our special day.
The Honeymoon
Our romantic getaway began with an unforgettable experience at White & Co’s La Torre Suites in the picturesque island of Santorini, Greece. This stunning destination had long been on our bucket list, and what better excuse to indulge in relaxation and culinary delights than our honeymoon? We spent our days lounging by the pool or taking leisurely strolls around the caldera, while evenings were filled with delectable Greek cuisine and refreshing cocktails.
Memorable Moments
What stands out most vividly in my mind is the intimate, pre-ceremony moment when my partner and I shared a ‘first look’. We had decided that this was an experience we wanted to cherish, and walking into the ceremony together, just as we would for the rest of our lives, felt like the perfect way to do so. As we exchanged glances, all the morning’s nerves melted away, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquility. This quiet moment before the ceremony was a beautiful opportunity to connect with each other, and it set us up perfectly for what was to come – beginning this new chapter in our lives together.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning your big day, it’s essential to remember that ultimately, it’s about creating a celebration that truly reflects you and your partner. Don’t be afraid to stray from traditional wedding customs if they don’t resonate with you both. Instead, focus on incorporating elements that will make the day truly special for you and your loved ones.From the talented team behind the lens to the stunning attire and delectable treats, we’re grateful to acknowledge the incredible vendors who helped bring Dewi and Cameron’s vision to life. A huge thank you goes out to Bloom Weddings for their photography and film expertise, Poppy Tallulah for her hair and makeup magic, Hope and Harlequin Vintage for the bride’s stunning dress, Sophie Joy Design for the elegant headpiece, Gresham and Blake for the groom’s dashing suit, Dove & Myrtle for the beautiful bouquet and boutonnières, The Walrus for their exceptional reception venue and catering services, Brighton Town Hall for hosting the intimate ceremony, Cielo Cakery for crafting the show-stopping cake – we’re truly grateful to have had the pleasure of working with such talented professionals.As I look back on this unforgettable day, I’m reminded that sometimes it’s the little details that make a wedding truly unforgettable. For Dewi and Cameron, it was their love, laughter, and joy that shone brightest of all. So here’s to them – thank you for sharing your special story with us, and congratulations on an absolutely fantastic celebration!