Chainstore Wedding
I’m thrilled to share Lam and Paul’s Chainstore wedding in London, which took place on August 24th, 2019, amidst warm sunshine. The couple described their celebration as ‘Geeky but Cheeky,’ a phrase that perfectly captures the lighthearted atmosphere of their special day, beautifully captured by Marianne Chua Photography (thank you for sharing, Marianne). With food playing a pivotal role in their wedding planning, it’s no surprise that they chose a venue that allowed them to showcase their culinary delights. And, judging by their guests’ reactions, it seems like their food choices were a resounding success! What really set their wedding apart, however, was their decision to trade the traditional first dance for a bouncy castle – and what a hoot it looked like! The outdoor games, complete with giant Jenga and lawn games, only added to the festive atmosphere. As the sun went down, a silent disco took over the dance floor, keeping the party going strong. Be on the lookout for stunning outfits, fresh flower arrangements, an impressive cheese stack cake, and even light bulb terrariums – Lam and Paul’s wedding was truly unforgettable.
The Proposal
As our conversation about getting married continued, it became increasingly likely that one of us would propose soon. The only question was who would take the lead! Unbeknownst to my partner, I had been planning a special surprise for my birthday, which we had booked at Heston Blumenthal’s renowned restaurant, Dinner By Heston. I thought this setting would provide the perfect opportunity to pop the question and gain an element of surprise.The day unfolded with Lam making me breakfast in bed, followed by a thrilling adventure at a trampoline park – what a unique way to celebrate my special day! However, as we arrived at the restaurant, my nerves began to get the better of me. Between courses, I excused myself briefly to secretly retrieve the ring from my bag. After dessert, I took the opportunity to make a heartfelt speech, expressing how much I cherished sharing every moment with my partner – and asked if she would be willing to share her future with me too? The wait seemed like an eternity as I kneeled in anticipation, but eventually, she realized she had to verbally confirm her answer, filling me with immense joy!
The Vision
As our wedding planning began, we were unclear about the direction to take. However, our shared passion for food was a constant thread throughout. We prioritized finding a venue that either offered exceptional catering or allowed us to bring in our own culinary creations. This led us on a journey to explore various options, including stately homes and rustic estates. Yet, none of these initial prospects truly resonated with us.
It wasn’t until Lam stumbled upon Trinity Buoy Wharf, situated across the Thames from the Millennium Dome, that our wedding vision began to take shape. The unique charm of this quirky venue won us over, and we built upon its rustic atmosphere to craft a warm, inviting, and elegant theme. Our color palette of wood and white took on a playful twist with a pop of fun, perfectly capturing the essence of our special day.
Budget
The wedding planning process was truly collaborative, with our parents making significant contributions to help us stay within budget. In fact, I recall my parents expressing their willingness to gift us a generous sum, which Lam later joked would go towards reviving the decorations budget! With that support, we were able to allocate around £25k for the big day, with the majority going towards securing our chosen venue and catering services. These vendors not only provided the physical space but also handled furniture rental, event management, and staff coordination. To further optimize our spending, we got creative by crafting our own invitations using a laser cutter at the London Hackspace, skipped traditional flowers, and kept things streamlined by hosting both the ceremony and reception at the same venue.
The Venue
Located near our home in East London, The Chainstore at Trinity Buoy Wharf is an old warehouse attached to a lighthouse that offered us the convenient option of traveling by DLR and saving on transportation costs – although our family insisted we not take advantage of this perk on the day. As it was a dry hire, we had to bring in all necessary equipment, except for lighting, which fortunately was already taken care of thanks to the best man’s skills. The warehouse boasts a spacious outdoor area overlooking the Millennium Dome, now known as the O2 Arena, providing breathtaking views during our ceremony. A garden space was also created within the venue, perfect for summer weddings and adding to the lively atmosphere that prevailed despite the scorching 35C weather. Inside, the white-washed walls and high wooden beams provided a stunning blank canvas for us to work with and execute our vision of ‘simple elegance’.
The Readings & Music
As the reception began, we surprised our guests with piano renditions of Disney classics, eliciting amused chuckles from the crowd. Our entrance music, however, was a delightful departure – the iconic ‘Concerning Hobbits’ from The Lord of the Rings soundtrack, its light and airy melody perfectly capturing the joyful atmosphere we aimed to create.
For our readings, we chose three pieces that resonated with us. The first, an excerpt from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved tale, The Little Prince, highlighted the value we assign to things not through inherent worth, but rather through the effort we invest in them. The second reading was Taylor Mali’s humorous poem ‘How Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog’, which our friend Resi brought to life with remarkable flair. Her performance perfectly captured the poem’s lighthearted essence, likening love to a mischievous pup on a leash, leaving little messes in its wake.
The final reading was Robert Fulghum’s timeless wisdom, ‘All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten’, offering sage advice such as apologizing when hurt and taking a nap every afternoon. These simple yet profound life lessons left a lasting impression on our guests.
Your Outfits & Accessories
When it came to staying within my £750 budget, including alterations, I refused to let it limit my options. I initially explored high street stores before visiting David’s Bridal, a specialist wedding dress retailer. With no pressure from anyone, I tried on five dresses and left with the one that stood out to me – exhausted but confident in my choice. The only reason I didn’t buy the dress then and there was so my mum could verify it was the right one later on. With alterations, the final cost remained exactly within budget. My jewellery was a thoughtful gift from my mum, showcasing her excellent taste. For shoes that would be comfortable throughout the day, I opted for flat brogues from Rogue Matilda, which added a pop of colour when they peeked out from under the dress.In line with our desire for a fresh and fun look, we aimed to achieve a light-hearted tone in our outfits. I chose a light blue suit from Moss Bros’ ‘Tailor Me’ range, complete with a beautiful watercolour flower pattern on the jacket lining and back of the waistcoat. The monogram option allowed me to add a personal touch – I had it inscribed with the second half of RuPaul’s famous quote: ‘[We’re all born naked…] …and the rest is drag!’ A T.M. Lewin cotton shirt was my go-to for a reliable fit, and we found the perfect pink silk tie at Hawes and Curtis to complete our outfits.
The Flowers
When we first started planning the wedding, having flowers wasn’t even on our radar due to the complexity of logistics involved. But fate had other plans – my mom showed up with gorgeous bouquets for the entire bridal party! To complement this lovely surprise, we opted for artificial vines and lightbulb terrariums on the tables, which paired beautifully with the warm overhead lighting, creating a lush atmosphere in the room. Meanwhile, the birch trees hired from the venue effectively divided the space without overwhelming it.
The Cake
We opted out of indulging in cake and instead chose to build a majestic cheese tower as the centerpiece. To curate our selection, we scoured various sources, ensuring that all our beloved cheeses were represented. The foundation consisted of a substantial wheel of Tome, complemented by an assortment of blues, bries, and semi-hard cheeses from Bath Soft Cheese company. A vintage cheddar wheel and a custom-produced kilogram of vegan cheese courtesy of the Fauxmagerie rounded out the selection. The crowning glory was a heart-shaped cheddar that added a touch of whimsy to the overall arrangement.
Groomsmen
While the groomsmen arrived attired in their own suits, with one notable exception – a groom who decided to make a bold statement by wearing a bathing suit – I wanted to bring some cohesion to the group. To achieve this, I gifted each of them a silk tie and pocket square in a vibrant green hue that perfectly complemented the bridesmaids’ dresses, creating a stylish harmony among the group.
Bridesmaids
As the summer wedding approached, I sought out Joy’s dresses for their light and airy design. The discovery of the perfect dress in the store window sealed the deal, but I didn’t stop there. I conducted an online search and made multiple calls to ensure that five dresses in the correct sizes would be available. The manager’s assistance was invaluable throughout this process. While I left most of the aesthetic decisions up to my stunning bridesmaids, I did specify one requirement: shoes in a subtle nude or metallic hue to complete the look.
Beauty
I relied on trusted professionals to help me feel my best on my wedding day. Klerissa of Curly by Nature in North London worked her magic on my hair, delivering a stunning result after just one consultation the day before. The pampering session and chat were a great way to unwind ahead of the big day. I couldn’t resist taking selfies even before getting into my dress – the style was that impressive! Meanwhile, my cousin Onome, a skilled makeup artist, transformed me with her expertise and an arsenal of products.When it came to our nails, we headed to Color Riot Nails in Shoreditch. I got mine done a week ahead of time, while Paul waited until just a few days before the wedding. He initially wanted a color that matched his pink tie, but forgot to bring it along! Fortunately, he ended up opting for the same shade as my nails, which turned out to be a great match when he wore the tie on the big day.
The Details & Décor
When it came time to decide on a first dance at our wedding, we decided to have a little fun instead. We set up a bouncy castle on the terrace, which became a great spot for guests to let loose and get creative. To keep things interesting during the cocktail hour, we had a giant Jenga game and some lawn games available. As the night went on, we opted out of traditional music and went with a silent disco instead. It was a hit! Guests got to choose from three different playlists, while others could continue chatting without having to shout over the music. It was also hilarious watching people belt out their favorite tunes, even if they couldn’t actually hear them. We set up a selfie station with an Instax printer that printed out instant photos, allowing guests to capture memories and take home as a keepsake. Most of our décor came from Crumble, our amazing caterers, who not only served up incredible food but also handled many of the logistical details on the day. Their hard work helped bring our vision for the wedding to life.
Your Photographer
It wasn’t until two years before our special day that my wife and I stumbled upon Marianne Chua, but it was clear to us then that we couldn’t entrust our wedding memories to anyone else. Her work had already impressed us through a friend’s wedding photos, which we had admired for their beauty and authenticity. With this in mind, we knew we could rely on her to capture the essence of our celebration. Marianne’s professionalism shone from the moment she arrived at our venue, where she remained throughout the day, effortlessly weaving into conversations to produce those captivating, documentary-style photographs that would leave a lasting impression. Even after the wedding, we received countless compliments about her remarkable ability to connect with people and remain omnipresent without ever being intrusive.
The Honeymoon
As we embarked on our two-week adventure across San Francisco, New Orleans, and Austin, Texas, the culinary landscape of America unfolded before us. Our wedding registry’s unique focus on experiential gifts rather than physical presents set the tone for a honeymoon filled with cherished memories. Highlights included a serene sunset sail beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a spirited session of axe-throwing in the vibrant atmosphere of Austin, and an eerie ghost tour through New Orleans’ haunted alleys. With full plates and happy hearts, we left behind a trail of delicious indulgence, yet still yearned to return and savor more of what these gastronomic havens have to offer.
Memorable Moments
As the festivities got underway, a few unexpected moments stole the show. The first surprise came when someone dared to jump on the bouncy castle – and it turns out that’s perfectly fine as long as you stick to straight-up jumps! Paul’s attempt to sneak in a pre-dinner snack was foiled by the best man’s wife, who was having none of his meddling in her kitchen. Meanwhile, the tallest groomsman proved he had a knack for catching things when he snagged the bouquet without even jumping for it. And then there was the breathtaking photoshoot at the lighthouse, where the stunning sunset provided a backdrop for the Longplayer art installation’s soothing sounds.
Advice For Other Couples
As the big day unfolds, it’s essential to set clear expectations. Designate a special ‘bride and groom’ canapé station that’s off-limits to others. It’s easy to get caught up in conversations and miss out on the food. On the wedding day itself, you shouldn’t have to worry about solving problems. Feel free to delegate tasks to your trusted best man or maid of honour – it’s a great way to stay calm even when things don’t go as planned.Don’t be afraid to shake things up and subvert expectations. You can modify traditional wedding elements like the bouquet toss (make it just for the guys) or skip the first dance altogether if you’re not feeling it. Speeches don’t have to be reserved for specific roles, either – use them as an opportunity to express yourself.And remember, this is your day to shine! Don’t be afraid to get creative and do things that might seem silly or unconventional. After all, no one can tell you that you’re doing it ‘wrong’ when it’s your special day. So go ahead, have fun, and make the most of every moment – just like Lam and Paul did.