As we share Brydie and Ted’s special day with you, I’m confident that you’ll be charmed by their unique celebration. The couple exchanged vows in their local church before moving to the Fairfield Social Club in Manchester for a reception filled with love and personal touches. The memorable occasion took place on August 17th, 2019. Brydie explained that their wedding theme revolved around ‘second-hand’ elements, as they incorporated many meaningful contributions from friends and family, repurposing items from previous family weddings. This added an extraordinary layer of intimacy to the celebration.Emma of The Pin Up Bride was entrusted with capturing every moment, and her stunning images are a testament to her exceptional skill. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Emma for sharing these breathtaking photographs with us.Fans of urban and industrial aesthetics will be delighted by the reception’s atmospheric setting. Additionally, the bridesmaids’ dresses, crafted by Brydie’s mother, are truly striking. As you feast your eyes on the homemade and repurposed beauty, I hope you’ll feel as though you’re part of this joyous celebration.
The Proposal
As the anniversary of our first date approached, Ted surprised me by insisting that we retrace our steps – literally. He was adamant that we follow the exact same route, even refusing to try a new pub along the way. At first, I found his silence during our walk a bit peculiar, but he was too busy collecting his thoughts to chat. Before I knew it, he had stopped in front of the petrol station and dropped down onto one knee, ring in hand. His grandmother’s vintage piece sparkled in the sunlight as he asked for my hand in marriage – a traditional proposal that held great significance for both my dad and me.
The Vision
Our vision was a carefree and joyful gathering that perfectly encapsulated the essence of our relationship. We imagined sharing this special moment with our closest loved ones, surrounded by laughter, warmth, and camaraderie.
The Planning Process
As we saved for our first home, engagement brought an unexpected twist. We initially planned a lengthy engagement, but fate smiled upon us, allowing us to purchase our dream home in April 2018 and kick-start wedding planning. Our shared vision was a carefree celebration with abundant food, drinks, and laughter. Ted stumbled upon the perfect venue during a Google search – a spacious area that accommodated both our large families comfortably. We collectively decided on the menu, experimenting with ‘easy’ options like pizza, burgers, before settling on pie and mash. Ted handled catering arrangements for the event. In the final six months, I took charge of the finer details: dresses, table decorations, hair accessories, my ‘Pie-Chart’, photo booth props – all either created by myself or loved ones. A trusty spreadsheet kept me organized, tracking payments and budgeting throughout the process.
Budget
From the outset, my partner and I were determined to have a fantastically fun wedding without sacrificing financial stability. Our goal was to enjoy the celebration without being burdened by debt for years to come. To achieve this, we carefully planned and budgeted our big day, ultimately spending £6,000 in total. A key tool in our planning process was a comprehensive spreadsheet that allowed us to track expenses and make conscious saving decisions each month.
The Venue
Our ceremony took place in St Mark’s church, a local institution near our home in Stockport. With large families and a close-knit circle of friends, we sought a venue that could accommodate both comfortably while providing an urban atmosphere that was missing from the options closer to home. Manchester holds a special place in our hearts, having spent significant portions of our youth exploring its vibrant nightlife. In search of the perfect spot, we stumbled upon Fairfield Social Club after conducting a Google search and instantly fell in love with its edgy vibe, expansive spaces, and real ale bar – a haven that Ted particularly cherished. As an established hotspot for weekend festivals featuring food, music, and more, the club was well-versed in handling street food vendors and other logistical arrangements. What truly set it apart, however, were its thoughtfully designed ‘escape’ areas and the upstairs PlayStation zone, which became an instant hit with our guests. The cavernous dance floor was another major draw, providing ample space for our 250 evening revelers to let loose and enjoy themselves.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Discovering my dream wedding dress was a thrilling experience for my mum and me. Initially, we visited several local boutiques, but it wasn’t until I stumbled upon Cocomelody’s social media advert that I found the perfect gown. The intricate lace, long sleeves, V-neckline, and romantic tulle bottom were everything I had been searching for. So much so that I decided to place an order, despite my mum being a fashion designer and ready to create my dress from scratch. When the dress arrived in a surprisingly small box, I was amazed by how perfectly it fit inside. After making some tweaks with my mum’s expert touch, the dress was transformed into the stunning masterpiece I had envisioned. As for my accessories, I added a few last-minute touches – a necklace and matching earrings gifted by Ted on the morning of our wedding, and a bracelet borrowed from one of my lovely bridesmaids, which held sentimental value as it belonged to her mother. Comfort being key, I opted for Vans trainers decorated with personalized stickers as my something blue. My something old was my mother’s veil, which she wore on her own special day (though I’m not sure she’ll appreciate the ‘old’ part!). Meanwhile, Ted donned a suit from Slater’s in Manchester, paired with dark brown shoes from a local shop. Not having a specific color scheme worked in our favor, as it allowed the groomsmen to wear their own unique suits, which looked fantastic. The burgundy tie we chose simply happened to match the bridesmaid dress colors, and Ties R Us made it easy for us.
Bridesmaids
My luck in having a fashion designer and seamstress for a mother played a significant role in making our special day even more memorable. As it was possible for me to invite all my closest friends, including my younger cousin and Ted’s cousin, thanks to her ability to create the bridesmaid dresses from scratch. I chose a design that allowed each girl to express their unique style by choosing from four different colors: green, light grey, slate grey, and burgundy (which matched the groomsmen’s ties). The girls looked stunning, and the addition of flower crowns further elevated their beauty. Each one stood out as an individual, and it was wonderful to see them all feeling confident and beautiful. The makeup and hairstyles were also a highlight, with each girl doing her own makeup and having her hair styled by family members or my mother’s friend in a range of styles from effortless waves to more formal up-dos.
Groomsmen
We incorporated a harmonious blend of personal style and uniformity into our wedding party attire. To complement the 10 bridesmaids, we had an even number of groomsmen and page boys, with the best man, a childhood friend of Ted’s, standing out in his blue-grey chequered suit from Burton. The other groomsmen opted to wear their own suits, which added to the relaxed atmosphere of our celebration. The cohesion was enhanced by matching ties that tied together the individual looks. Meanwhile, the page boys looked dashing in light blue chinos and cotton shirts from Next Boys, topped off with bow ties that matched the colour scheme of the group as a whole.
Beauty
I opted to create my own makeup look for the wedding, leveraging the expertise of a No7 consultant at Boots. One of my bridesmaids had traveled from Sydney, Australia just weeks prior, so we decided to take advantage of her visit by embarking on a shopping adventure together. As someone with sensitive skin, I chose to stick with a trusted brand and was thrilled when the cashier offered me a few vouchers, allowing me to save £40 in the process! I opted for a natural, yet subtly smoky eye that perfectly captured my desired aesthetic.
The Flowers
The wedding planning process was undoubtedly enriched by the generous contributions of our talented friends and family. One such gift was the exquisite floral arrangements, courtesy of one of our esteemed bridesmaids – a skilled florist who expertly wove together an array of lush greenery and herbs to create a captivating scent. The bridesmaid bouquets were a masterclass in understated elegance, while my own bouquet – a stunning assemblage of roses and other blooms (I’m afraid I’ve forgotten the precise names of all the varieties) – left quite the impression on our guests, including Ted, who praised its beauty during his groom’s speech.
The Readings & Music
We chose my godmother to deliver the first reading at our church wedding, selecting ‘The Union’ by Robert Fulghum due to its poignant reflection on the promises we had already made. This felt particularly fitting given her long-term marriage and close family ties. Meanwhile, Corinthians 13:4-7, 13 was read by Ted’s cousin, chosen for its sentimental value and heartwarming message. For our aisle walks, we opted for unconventional yet upbeat tracks that resonated with our personalities. Tom Odell’s ‘Grow Old with Me’ played as I walked down the aisle with my bridesmaids, a nostalgic nod to our first date when I had just seen him in concert. As we exited, ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ by The Beatles filled the air, its infectious energy mirroring our joy and excitement. On our wedding invitations, we asked friends and family for their favorite songs, providing the DJ with a personal touch. This led to James, our friend and DJ extraordinaire, working his magic on the night. A local pub regular and Ted’s dad’s friend, James is a great guy who balances listening with spontaneity, allowing guests to make requests throughout the evening.
Your Photographer
We’re thrilled to have worked with Emma Wise from The Pin-up bride Photography, who was a brilliant find thanks to a friend’s recommendation. When our original photographer fell through at the last minute, we were lucky to have Emma on standby. As soon as I saw her portfolio of previous weddings, I knew she was the perfect fit for us – her candid style mixed with some stunning formal shots really captured my attention. And now that I’ve received the official photos, looking back through them has filled me with all sorts of warm and fuzzy feelings, reminding me of the joy and love we shared on our special day.
The Honeymoon
After exchanging our vows, we embarked on a 9-night adventure up north to Scotland and Northumberland. Our first four nights were spent in a quaint cottage nestled in the Scottish Borders, where we indulged in leisurely strolls, toured historic estates, and cozied up by the fireplace while the fierce wind outside subsided with a Netflix marathon. The following days took us to Edinburgh, where we reveled in the excitement of the fringe festival and tattoo festival amidst a scorching heatwave. Feeling invigorated, we decided to extend our escapade and booked an additional two nights in Northumberland’s charming Hexham. As newcomers to this region, we thoroughly enjoyed a leisurely beach day, followed by some retail therapy and pub hopping in the bustling market town.
Memorable Moments
The guest’s comment perfectly encapsulated the day’s euphoric atmosphere: ‘You’re always a cheerful person, but I’ve never seen you with such a radiant smile.’ This observation resonated deeply, as it echoed our shared sentiments about the sheer joy and love we experienced. My most treasured moment was undoubtedly our impromptu first dance to Pulp’s iconic ‘Common People.’ The carefree abandon of being twirled around the room in that magical moment has left an indelible mark on my memory.
The Cake
Our evening spread was elevated by a show-stopping cake crafted from locally sourced artisanal cheeses, courtesy of our trusty market vendor. Fresh figs and luscious grapes, plucked from the nearby greengrocer’s stand, added a pop of color and sweetness to this savory delight. The cheese cake took center stage amidst an assortment of crackers, cheese, salads, and chutneys, making for a well-rounded and indulgent evening buffet.
Advice For Other Couples
As I reflect on the pre-wedding advice I received, one piece of wisdom stands out – truly appreciate the people surrounding you on your special day. Take a mindful moment to absorb the atmosphere and acknowledge each individual who has come to share in your joy. The truth is, the day flies by, leaving you with memories that are often harder to grasp than the fleeting moments themselves.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Brydie and Ted’s wedding was a truly unforgettable celebration, filled with thoughtful touches from loved ones. The photographer, The Pin Up Bride, captured the joyous moments beautifully. The charming Fairfield Social Club served as the perfect venue, where delicious pies from London Pie & Mash Company were enjoyed by all. Brydie looked stunning in her Coco Melody dress, while Ted and his best man donned suits from Slaters and Burton respectively. Fresh flowers courtesy of Kate Green Flowers added a lovely touch to the decor. The bride’s stunning wedding ring was a gift from @joseylewis_ Jewellery. A sumptuous buffet featuring Costco’s finest offerings satisfied the guests’ hunger. Ties R Us provided Ted and his best man with stylish accessories, while the bridesmaids’ dresses featured fabric sourced from My Fabrics. With makeup by Boots and hair styling courtesy of Zoe Cullum Conner, Brydie looked every inch the radiant bride. James Hayden Davies kept the party going as the DJ, playing a range of tunes to keep everyone entertained. To top it all off, Charlie’s Cheese provided an impressive selection for the wedding guests. Thank you, Brydie and Ted, for sharing this special day with us. Rachel x