As I kick off this week’s blog post, I’m thrilled to share the stunning story of Jo and Ben’s Great John Street Hotel wedding in Manchester on October 12th, 2019. This dynamic duo knew exactly what they wanted – a city wedding with an industrial vibe and a boutique feel that would be nothing short of fabulous! From the location to the styling, outfits, and flowers, their day was a masterclass in Autumnal elegance. The way they blended navy, teal, orange, leopard print, copper, and gold into a harmonious whole left me utterly enchanted. And can we talk about those show-stopping flowers? The bouquets, staircase arrangement, and hexagon flower arch were absolute masterpieces that exuded lushness and drama. I’m grateful to About Today Photography for allowing us to feature these incredible images, which are sure to leave you feeling inspired.
The Proposal
As we sat on the balcony of our Airbnb in Chania, Crete, in September 2018, a crisp evening set the perfect scene for a toast. We celebrated with refreshing Radlers, which we had picked up from a nearby convenience store.
The Vision
As soon as we started planning our wedding, we knew that a city centre ceremony was the perfect fit for us. I envisioned a unique blend of industrial grit and boutique charm in our photos, which ultimately influenced our venue choice. After viewing just two options, everything fell into place quickly, and we settled on autumn as our ideal season to wed. We loved the idea of having nearly a year to plan and save, making it an even more enjoyable experience.
The Planning Process
The Bridebook App proved to be a valuable tool in keeping track of my wedding planning progress, providing a sense of accomplishment as I checked off tasks and received reminders for upcoming deadlines. Initially, I focused on securing the big three – venue, photographer, and florist – by booking them first. This foundation established, I was able to enjoy the rest of the planning process without feeling overwhelmed. However, there were times when nothing seemed to be happening, leaving me with a sense of anticipation for the next milestone.
Budget
In our case, we committed the common mistake of not establishing a comprehensive budget at the onset. However, we still managed to keep a detailed record of our expenses, which allowed us to identify the necessary monthly savings needed to make the purchase feasible.
The Venue
At the heart of our event design was the desire to thoughtfully curate every space within the Great John Street Hotel in Manchester. To achieve this, we deliberately created distinct zones and areas for various activities, ensuring a seamless flow throughout the venue. The rooftop proved an ideal spot for pre-event cocktails, while the Oyster Bar played host to the wedding breakfast – its unique ambiance providing a memorable backdrop for the occasion.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I ventured into the world of wedding dress shopping at Cheshire Bridal Lounge, I was thrilled to discover the Ronald Joyce Jodie dress that stole my heart – literally! Having never given much thought to what I’d wear on my big day, I was delighted by the sheer variety of styles and fits available. But it was the presence of pockets in this particular gown that truly won me over. I had an absolute blast trying on dresses with my mum and bridesmaids, making it a fun and unforgettable experience. To give the classic dress a touch of my personal flair, I opted for unconventional accessories to deviate from traditional norms. The leopard print shoes from Lost Ink caught my eye, and at £40, they were a steal! I’ve worn them countless times since then. Additionally, I got my nails painted in a warm copper hue and paired it with a striking ring finger featuring a leopard print pattern.
Beauty
With a team of trusted professionals, I felt pampered as my long-standing hairdresser and friend, Hannah Raynes, worked her magic alongside makeup artist Amy Curran. The trio’s friendship added an extra layer of warmth to the experience, as they effortlessly collaborated to bring my vision to life. Hannah expertly crafted a look that incorporated copper tones throughout my locks, then skillfully coiffed them into an updo. Meanwhile, Amy brought out the best in me with her makeup skills. The pièce de résistance was a custom-made hairpiece from Peacock and Pearl, which perfectly captured the essence of my desired ‘copper leaf’ aesthetic.
The Readings & Music
As I walked down the aisle, the soothing melody of Kina Grannis’ cover of Elvis’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ filled the air, setting a romantic tone for the proceedings. The classical feel of the song perfectly captured the essence of the moment, as we exchanged our vows and sealed our love with a personalized ceremony. To make it even more special, we chose songs that held significant meaning to us, including a heartfelt tribute to Jo’s late father, which was beautifully performed during the signing of the register. The atmosphere shifted gears when we walked back down the aisle to The Cure’s ‘Just Like Heaven’, a song that resonated deeply with our story and our love for each other. Our first dance as husband and wife was a memorable one, thanks to our talented band, The Cassettes, who reworked Lionel Richie’s classic hit ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ into an unforgettable performance. The slow and sultry opening section gave way to the upbeat original, inspiring everyone to take to the dance floor and celebrate with us. We were also honored to have a special reading from our sister-in-law, Lang Leav’s poignant poem ‘Soulmates’, which perfectly captured the essence of our love story.
Groomsmen
Ben’s groomsmen wore identical suits, except for a distinctive waistcoat that set him apart from the group. To complement the attire, we coordinated the tie colors with those of the bridesmaid dresses, courtesy of our helpful friends Whitfield and Ward, who kindly sourced these accessories for us.
The Details & Décor
Given that Great John Street was a boutique hotel, I felt no need to go overboard with the decor, as the existing aesthetic aligned perfectly with our wedding vision. As a stylist myself, it was challenging to relinquish control and let someone else handle the table settings, but Kate from Florence & Vera did an incredible job sourcing unique elements that resonated with my Pinterest boards. We even had a styling session together, which I found to be a lovely bonding experience for those who appreciate such details.
To add a personal touch, we commissioned bespoke wedding invitations from Frain and Grain, featuring beautiful illustrations of North West wedding venues. This not only complemented the overall aesthetic but also served as a starting point for our seating plan, which Mark expertly brought to life.
I’m particularly fond of the invitations, which have become a treasured keepsake – I’ve even had one framed as a lovely reminder of the day.
Other thoughtful details included Autumn leaf place names crafted by Lucky Nibs and charger plates from White House Crockery, which I happened to win in an impromptu Instagram competition! To create a magical atmosphere at the evening reception, we also rented festoon lights that wrapped around the balcony area, bringing it all together.
Bridesmaids
The moment I laid eyes on the dark teal green Coast dresses online, I knew I had to have them – so much so that I impulsively purchased a few different sizes. The off-the-shoulder detail was an added bonus, as it beautifully complemented my own dress and looked stunning on all of the bridesmaids. As if fate had played a role in our decision, one of my bridesmaids became pregnant after we acquired the dresses, but we were able to source another that not only fit her new figure but also flattered it perfectly.
The Flowers
As I began planning the wedding, I knew exactly who I wanted to entrust with creating the perfect floral arrangements – Sian, the talented award-winning florist from the Flower Lounge. Her expertise in crafting breathtaking bouquets is unparalleled, and she did not disappoint. For my big day, Sian crafted a stunning bouquet that combined the freshest local and European-grown flowers, expertly selecting seasonal blooms to evoke the warm, cozy essence of autumn. To add an extra touch of whimsy, we incorporated playful feathers into the design – a delightful surprise that perfectly captured the joy and romance of our special day.
Your Photographer
As I embarked on my search for the perfect photographers, I found myself overwhelmed by the daunting task of making the wrong choice. Thankfully, a serendipitous discovery led me to Zoe and Tom from About Today on Instagram. Their unique blend of fun, quirky style and masterful use of mood and contrast in their shots resonated deeply with me. The end result was nothing short of spectacular – far exceeding my wildest expectations. We were left with an abundance of stunning images to sift through, making it a challenge to narrow them down for the creation of books and prints.
Your Filmmaker
One of our most spontaneous yet rewarding decisions was hiring a videographer for our special day. Little did we know, Amy Louise would capture the essence of our celebration with such finesse that the resulting highlights reel remains an treasured keepsake to this very day.
The Cake
When it came to our wedding cake, we decided to go with a timeless option – a classic choice from Marks & Spencer (M&S). This allowed us to keep costs in check while still achieving a beautiful and delicious dessert for our special day. To give our cake some extra personality, we added a thoughtful touch by placing a custom-designed wedding topper on top, which we found on Etsy. We also incorporated some of the lovely flowers that were already available at the venue into our decoration scheme, ensuring that our cake not only tasted amazing but also looked stunning.
The Honeymoon
When Jo initially expressed reluctance to embark on a long-haul flight, her skepticism stemmed from having never experienced one before. However, after considering Morocco as an option, the travel agent’s persistence persuaded them to venture further afield. As individuals who don’t typically enjoy two weeks of lounging in the sun, we delved into twin-centre holiday research. It was a luxurious splurge to go on safari, but it ultimately proved to be the best investment we’ve ever made! With our destinations and hotels researched, I reached out to Charlie at Paperplane Travel, who expertly organized the entire trip for us. We opted for South Africa paired with Mauritius, and it far surpassed our wildest expectations.
Memorable Moments
As the day drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness – it’s undeniable that post-wedding blues are a real phenomenon. The two-week countdown before the big day was an absolute delight, with the hen and stag dos being particular highlights. I’ll never forget taking my nana dress shopping and making a special memory out of it. And let’s not forget our adorable flower girl and flower boy, who stole the show with their ‘here comes the bride’ balloons. They did such a fantastic job! What made the day truly unforgettable, though, was sharing it all with our loved ones – being surrounded by friends and family in one place was pure magic.
Advice For Other Couples
As you embark on the planning process, take a moment to rekindle your focus and remember what this celebration is truly about – the union of you two. Resist the urge to get caught up in societal expectations or pressures from others; instead, make it a reflection of your unique love story. Don’t be afraid to break with tradition if it doesn’t resonate with you both – after all, it’s your special day! By doing so, you’ll create an atmosphere that authentically represents your relationship and leaves a lasting impression on your loved ones. Additionally, don’t overlook the wealth of local talent and suppliers that can be discovered through social media platforms. You might just stumble upon a hidden gem that not only fits your budget but also brings a personal touch to your celebration.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the sun sets on a crisp autumn day, Jo and Ben’s love shone bright at their enchanting celebration. The scene was set at the picturesque Great John Street Hotel, where every detail had been carefully curated to create an unforgettable experience.
Jo’s stunning dress, courtesy of Ronald Joyce from Cheshire Bridal Wear, stole the show alongside her beautiful hair piece from Peacock & Pearl. Her bridesmaids were radiant in their Coast dresses, adding a pop of color to the autumnal atmosphere.
Ben looked dashing in his bespoke suit from Whitfield & Ward, paired with Hugo Boss shoes that perfectly complemented Jo’s Lost Ink heels. The gentlemen also donned suits from Cad & The Dandy, exuding charm and sophistication.
The wedding was captured in all its glory by Amy Louise Photo, whose expertise brought the special moments to life. The lovely flowers were arranged by The Flower Lounge, while leaf name cards from Lucky Nibs added a touch of whimsy.
As guests signed their love and best wishes in Liumy Design’s beautifully designed guest book, they were treated to table dressing that was simply divine, courtesy of Florence & Vera Events. The twinkling festoon lights from Love Lights The Way cast a romantic glow over the proceedings.
Stationery duties fell to Frain & Grain, whose lovely designs perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic. The decadent cake, crafted by M&S, was almost too beautiful to eat (almost!). The reception’s lively atmosphere was kept in check by the talented band, The Cassettes, while hair and makeup magic were courtesy of Hannah Raynes and Amy Curran, respectively.
To top it all off, Balloon Smith’s delightful creations added a playful touch, making this autumn wedding truly unforgettable.