Today, we’re thrilled to share the wedding of Charlie and Liam, a lovely couple who decided to tie the knot in East London, where they met and now reside together. Their aim was to keep things relaxed and simple, but as you’ll soon see, it’s all just breathtaking! The ceremony took place at St John the Baptist Church in Leytonstone on July 21st, 2018, followed by a reception in the Ballroom above the Red Lion Pub. With some creative touches, this space was transformed from its rustic charm to an elegant haven. The decor featured pretty bud vase florals and tall black candles, creating a stunning dining area with modern tableware that exudes timeless elegance. What’s more, Charlie and Liam’s thoughtful gesture of manning the bar themselves to serve their guests as they arrived added a warm touch to the evening. We’re grateful to Lee of Robbins Photographic for capturing these beautiful moments, which we’re delighted to share with you today.
The Proposal
I still recall the whirlwind events that unfolded during my trip to Nicaragua, where a seemingly routine flight turned into an unexpected adventure. As we were preparing to depart for a friend’s wedding, Liam was suddenly detained at the airport due to issues with his visa. With no choice but to continue on to our destination solo, I nervously boarded the plane and flew ahead, anxious about Liam’s predicament. Little did I know that fate had other plans in store. The very next night, just as the clock struck 11 pm on New Year’s Eve, Liam arrived, exhausted but triumphant, having finally obtained the necessary clearance to enter the country. The joy was palpable as we shared a heartfelt reunion, followed by an impromptu countdown on the streets to ring in the new year. As if the excitement wasn’t enough, Liam surprised me with a proposal that left me breathless. We spent the following days basking in each other’s company on a secluded island, savoring our special moments before joining our friends for the wedding celebration.
The Vision
In keeping with my vision for a stress-free yet stunning celebration, I aimed to create a seamless blend of elegance and simplicity. The goal was to craft an atmosphere that exuded effortless charm while still conveying the importance of this special occasion. By striking a balance between formality and informality, I hoped to ensure that our wedding felt like a truly unique and memorable experience for our loved ones.
The Planning Process
With my meticulous nature, I was able to quickly assemble the foundation of our wedding plans. Given its sentimental value, we decided to hold our ceremony in east London, where we first met and now reside together. Collaborating with Beatnik Bride on the styling and consultation proved to be a wise decision, as they excelled at curating every element and bringing our vision to life on the day. What’s more, we leveraged the diverse skillset of our close friends by enlisting their expertise in various areas, adding an extra layer of personal touch to our special celebration.
The Venue
Located amidst the picturesque backdrop of Leytonstone, two iconic landmarks stand out – St John the Baptist Church and The Ballroom above The Red Lion pub. The historic church, with its stunning architecture, has been a beacon of faith for the community, while the elegant ballroom, situated atop the charming pub, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.
Your Outfits & Accessories
My bridesmaid and close friend Jess played a crucial role in designing my wedding dress. She crafted a relaxed kimono-inspired gown that perfectly captured my personal style. I was adamant about feeling like myself on the big day, rather than trying to fit into a traditional bridal look. To achieve this, we opted for a more understated design that still exuded elegance. The simplicity of my dress allowed me to add some subtle yet striking accessories, including Luna Bea’s exquisite ear cuffs featuring hand-cut and embroidered silk organza blossoms. As the night unfolded, I made a change into a show-stopping Charlie Brear jumpsuit, fully sequined for an evening of dancing. Meanwhile, Liam’s suit was also custom-made by a friend, with a textured charcoal fabric and a slim-knit tie complemented his narrow-collared shirt.
Beauty
As I got ready for my big day, I enlisted the expertise of a skilled hair and makeup artist – a close friend who’s an expert in her field. Given my preference for understated beauty looks, she nailed the perfect balance of enhancing my features without overdoing it. Having her by my side throughout the morning was a lovely bonus, and she remained available all day to offer touch-ups as needed.
Groomsmen
When it came to dressing the groomsmen, a unique approach was taken. Rather than requiring them to wear matching attire, each attendant was asked to wear their own suit, one that they were already familiar with and felt comfortable in. This decision was made with practicality in mind, as it allowed each groomsmen to express their individual style while still maintaining a sense of cohesion through the inclusion of a grey knitted tie – a thoughtful touch that tied everything together, quite literally.
Bridesmaids
In a unique twist, the bridesmaids were tasked with selecting full-length dresses or jumpsuits in black – an endeavor that allowed each member to showcase their personal style. Given that my two sisters are mothers to young children, I opted for comfort and practicality when it came to their attire. Meanwhile, my nieces Aurora and Eden stole the show in their adorable white frocks from Accessorize, adorned with dainty black bows in their hair. To complete the look, each bridesmaid received a matching bouquet, resulting in a stunning visual cohesion that perfectly captured the essence of sisterly love.
The Readings & Music
The memories of our special day are still vivid in my mind, and one of the most poignant moments was when the local gospel choir took to the stage at the church. Their incredible performance had everyone entranced, and as I made my way down the aisle, their soulful rendition of ‘Say a Little Prayer’ set the tone for what was to come. As we left the church, their lively performance of ‘Oh Happy Day’ had everyone smiling and feeling joyful. My dad’s thoughtful choice of a reading by our friend Amy from Bruce Springsteen’s ‘If I Should Fall Behind’ was another highlight that I’ll always treasure.
The Flowers
Cressida Jamison, an incredibly talented florist and friend, worked her magic on our flowers, bringing my brief to life with her own romantic and relaxed style. As someone who appreciates pottery, I was thrilled when Cressida suggested we create custom vessels for the tables – a collaboration made possible through Luke, one of Liam’s best men, who happens to be a budding potter in his own right. The handmade pots complemented Cressida’s exquisite choice of blooms perfectly, resulting in a stunning array of single stem arrangements flowing elegantly down the length of the three long trestle tables.
Your Photographer
Lee Robbins’ exceptional skill lay in his ability to seamlessly blend staged and candid shots, prioritizing the genuine atmosphere and joyful moments of the day. His photographs beautifully captured the essence of the event, effortlessly conveying the sense of enjoyment and camaraderie among those present. Moreover, he cleverly preserved tiny details that might have escaped my notice on the day itself, allowing me to relive the experience in its entirety when reviewing the photos.
The Cake
Just a short walk from where we celebrated our special day, The Wild Goose Bakery played a crucial role in making our wedding unforgettable. They crafted two stunning layers – one featuring the sweet combination of coconut and jam, while the other showcased the tangy union of lemon and buttercream. Although we didn’t get to slice into it on the actual day, the cake proved to be an excellent motivator as we tackled the aftermath of the big day. Its sugary allure was the perfect pick-me-up as we wrapped up the celebrations.
The Details & Décor
Beatnik Bride’s design expertise shone through as she skillfully refined the pub’s rustic charm, transforming it into a stunning event space. One of her clever ideas was to adorn the reception area with plush Persian rugs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, she designed floor-to-ceiling curtains that elegantly divided the reception from the dining room, expertly separating the two spaces without disrupting the flow.
The Honeymoon
Spending a week by the Portuguese coastline was just the beginning of an unforgettable experience. As we settled into our initial stay, we couldn’t wait to share it with our closest friends and family. So, we arranged for a group of loved ones to join us for the second week, securing a couple of villas that would provide ample space for everyone to relax and have a blast together.
Memorable Moments
As we entered the venue, Liam and I took the initiative to greet our guests by handing out drinks at the bar. This allowed us to personally welcome each attendee as they arrived, setting the tone for a warm and inviting atmosphere. Meanwhile, I felt it was essential to express my gratitude to everyone through a heartfelt speech. It was an incredible opportunity to share my love and appreciation for Liam with the room, making it a truly memorable moment.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the freedom to curate your special day on your own terms. Ditch the pressure to conform to traditional wedding expectations and focus on incorporating the elements that truly matter to you and your partner. By doing so, you’ll create a unique celebration that reflects your personalities, interests, and love story.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With a team of talented professionals, Charlie and Liam’s special day was nothing short of extraordinary. The photographer behind the lens was none other than Robbins Photographic, capturing every precious moment with precision and artistry. To bring their vision to life, they enlisted the expertise of Beatnik Bride for wedding styling and consultation – ensuring every detail was meticulously planned and executed. The beautiful blooms were courtesy of Cressida Jamieson, a renowned florist who brought the couple’s romantic aesthetic to life. Tableware that sparkled like diamonds came from Classic Crockery, adding an air of sophistication to their celebration. Jessica Elizabeth Horton worked her magic on dress, creating a look that was both timeless and trendy. A flawless face was courtesy of Pippipip’s makeup mastery. And for the sweet treat, Wild Goose Bakery crafted a show-stopping cake that left everyone in awe. We’re honored to have been a part of their unforgettable day – thank you, Charlie and Liam, for sharing your love with us!