Today, we’re thrilled to feature the enchanting Carriage Hall wedding of Edina and John, which took place on October 25th, 2019. As we step into their Nottinghamshire celebration, you’ll be transported to a world of drama, romance, and whimsy. The rainy weather only added to the ambiance, wrapping the day in a cozy embrace. The soft glow of candlelight and string lights created an ethereal atmosphere, while the stunning floral arrangements and the couple’s stylish attire stole the show. But what truly made this wedding stand out was its warm, family-friendly vibe – a testament to Edina and John’s love for each other and their loved ones. We’re grateful to Bloom Weddings for sharing these breathtaking moments from their special day.
The Carriage Hall Wedding
The Proposal
I had anticipated John’s proposal on multiple occasions, including a trip to New York in 2013 when I was pregnant with our first child, and another year later at a Rolling Stones concert. However, the proposal didn’t materialize until much later. In fact, it wasn’t until a month after I spotted a ring in a store window that we went to purchase one together – a more low-key approach that suited us just fine. Our initial plan was to tie the knot at Christmas 2015, but with the challenges of parenthood, work, and family responsibilities, we ultimately postponed the wedding until the timing felt right. In hindsight, it was the perfect decision, as our children were able to be a part of our special day – our son still refers to it as ‘our wedding’, which is a lovely reminder for us both.
The Vision
After 10 years of being together, our wedding day was a celebration of our love and commitment to each other. From the start, I had a clear vision for our special day: an autumnal or winter wedding with a modern twist. I wanted it to feel sparkly, atmospheric, and intimate – think lots of candles and cozy ambiance. To achieve this look, we opted for a clean and simple aesthetic, free from rustic or vintage elements. We also decided against a themed wedding, instead focusing on what truly mattered: sharing the day with our closest family and friends, as well as our two children.
Budget
We initially took the unconventional route of paying off expenses as they arose. The constant inquiry about our budget left me perplexed – what seemed like an unnecessary question at first, ultimately led me to a crucial realization. With the help of our parents and a willingness to make sacrifices, we managed to achieve our goal. John was adamant about having a spring wedding, which would have been severely impacted by COVID-related cancellations or postponements. Despite the challenges, we’re thrilled that we decided to push forward with planning and execution within a year’s time frame.
The Venue
As we approached our 10-year milestone, we had the privilege of attending numerous friends’ weddings, giving us a clear idea of what we wanted for our own special day. Given our modest guest list and emphasis on quality over quantity, a large venue wasn’t an appealing option. We sought a charming space that would allow us to enjoy every moment with our loved ones.
Your Outfits
I had a clear vision for my wedding dress – I wanted it to be Made in England, but I also wanted to keep an open mind. To achieve this, I scheduled appointments at two exceptional bridal boutiques, only to find myself consistently drawn back to the Rolling in Roses Vega dress I had fallen in love with online. Even before trying it on, I knew that this was the one for me. Upon arriving at Glory Days Bridal in York, I was confident that I would leave with my dream dress. Among the many stunning options, three dresses truly stood out to me, but it was the Vega dress that ultimately won me over. To complete my look, I paired it with Black Jimmy Choo heels, a draped bridal cape from Sash and Veil, and star earrings complemented by Calypso’s headpiece from Tilly Thomas Luxe.Meanwhile, John opted for a stylish three-piece suit in deep grey wool from Herbie Frog, paired with Loakes shoes and a black knitted tie. His groomsmen coordinated their looks with grey wool suits from Next, forest green knitted ties, and liberty print pocket squares. Our bridesmaids looked radiant in Maids to Measure’s forest green dresses, accompanied by black ankle boots, while our junior bridesmaid shone in a pale green sequin and chiffon dress by Maya. The flower girls stole the show with their adorable pale green satin dresses from Ghost London Bridal and green velvet wands from Fable Heart.
The Ceremony & Music
We chose a unique soundtrack for our special day, with the sounds of The Churches’ cover of Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones accompanying me as I walked down the aisle. This song holds a deep significance, as it brings back fond memories of my first concert experience with my father many years ago. It was only natural that we’d select this tune to kick off our celebration.For readings, we aimed for something understated yet meaningful. Our sister-in-law beautifully read an adapted version of He’s Not Perfect by Bob Marley, while a close friend delivered A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton. As we made our exit, the sweet melody of A Higher Love by Steve Winward set the tone for our romantic getaway. For more inspiration on wedding readings and first dance songs, check out these articles!
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
We stumbled upon Bloom Weddings during our initial wedding planning phase and, when the time came to plan a second wedding, they were at the top of our list. We’re thrilled that they agreed to capture our special day once again.Initially, we didn’t think an engagement shoot was necessary since we’d been engaged for five years. However, we ultimately decided to book one with Chris and Annie, which proved to be a fantastic decision. It gave us the opportunity to get to know them better and experience what it’s like to be in front of the camera. As someone who’s not fond of formal photos, I was initially nervous, but Chris and Annie put me at ease and delivered some incredible shots.Our wedding day turned out to be a rainy affair, which surprisingly didn’t detract from our experience. The gloomy weather actually added to the mystical atmosphere we were aiming for. However, it did pose challenges for outdoor photography. Chris and Annie rose to the occasion, though, and managed to capture every moment of our special day.From getting ready to exchanging vows, speeches, and our first dance, we felt completely at ease with Bloom Weddings throughout the entire process. What was more significant this time around was incorporating our two children into our wedding plans. Chris and Annie did an outstanding job of capturing their presence in our marriage, giving us treasured memories and stunning photos that will be cherished forever.
The Styling & Decor
As I began planning my wedding, I knew exactly what I didn’t want: anything vintage, shabby chic or rustic themed. Instead, I envisioned a modern, dark and moody celebration that reflected my personal style. I was adamant about incorporating black into the decor, which might seem unusual for a wedding but felt essential to me. My natural inclination towards perfectionism initially had me concerned about leaving the décor in someone else’s hands, but with two young children and work commitments, it wasn’t feasible for me to take on the task myself. I was fortunate to have Sophie from Gigil Bloom share my vision, allowing me to trust her completely and give her creative freedom to bring my ideas to life. She exceeded my expectations by crafting a stunning atmosphere that included botanical balloons with black ribbons adorning the aisle and a breathtaking moon gate arch where we exchanged our vows. I wanted a lavish bouquet featuring greenery and black ribbons, which Sophie beautifully executed, as well as flower crowns for our junior bridesmaid and flower girls and a buttonhole for our son adorned with Wolverine – because why not? The setup of our ceremony room left me awestruck when I walked in with my father. It was as if time stood still, surrounded by the soft glow of candles that seemed to fill every nook and cranny. Even the rain on our wedding day added to the enchantment, making it feel like a candlelit hall where we exchanged our vows. At the reception, terrariums filled with lush greenery and flowers, along with plenty of candlelight, created an intimate ambiance. We opted for menus printed on vellum paper and I designed name tags dipped in gold glitter, which were wrapped with black natural ribbon napkins. The team at Charlotte’s boutique created a stunning welcome sign, while our top table featured a long black runner adorned with black candles and plenty of greenery. In contrast to traditional wedding fare, we decided against giving out favors and instead welcomed an exceptional caricature artist to our evening reception, allowing all guests to take home a cherished memory of our special day. We also chose not to have a traditional cake or cutting ceremony, instead offering a vast selection of brownies from Blondie Brownie Bakes for our guests to indulge in throughout the evening.
The Honeymoon
We’re still reeling from the disappointment of missing out on our planned family getaway due to COVID-19. As parents to two young children, we were deeply looking forward to some well-deserved sunshine and relaxation time together. Despite not getting the chance to take a break this year, we remain optimistic that we’ll be able to squeeze in a belated vacation in 2021 – keeping our fingers crossed for a brighter future!
Memorable Moments
As I look back on our special day, I’m reminded of the subtle signs that told me it was going to be a memorable experience. For me, it started with waking up feeling under the weather and lingering in that state until we left for the ceremony. My sister’s thoughtful loan of her sickness bands served as a constant reminder throughout the morning – and now, when I glance at our photos, I’m delighted to see the faint indents on my wrists, a tangible connection to that day.
The anticipation was palpable as we waited for that defining moment when the Father of the Bride makes his entrance. My dad’s unexpected decision to join in, camera in hand, added a layer of humor and whimsy to the proceedings.
Riding the vintage bus to the ceremony with my closest friends by my side – including my childhood best friend from across the seas – was an experience I’ll treasure forever. It’s moments like these that make memories truly unforgettable.
For John, it seems that the turning point came when Clara’s exuberant declaration of ‘DADDY!’ and subsequent sprint down the aisle to reunite with him stole the show. And as for me? Well, I think it was the collective antics of our friends – who, fueled by too much revelry, took to crawling around the venue or belting out Oasis tunes long after the music had stopped – that kept the party going well into the night.
Advice For Other Couples
As you begin planning your special day, it’s essential to have a realistic budget in place. Consider sitting down with family members or loved ones to discuss potential contributions or financial support early on. This can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with wedding planning.
For older brides-to-be, remember that age is just a number. Focus on finding the right partner and having a wonderful celebration. Don’t worry about what others might think.
When it comes to your big day, prioritize efficiency and logistics. Keep your first dance brief and consider establishing a rota for childcare or other responsibilities among family members.
To our lovely couple Edina and John, thank you for sharing the details of their beautiful Carriage Hall wedding with us. We wish them all the best for their future together.