Heidi and James, enthusiasts of the WWW, recently shared their extraordinary industrial-themed wedding celebration with us. Held at The Pumping House in Nottinghamshire on October 5th, 2019, their special day was a testament to their creativity and resourcefulness. As professionals in the construction industry, they aimed to incorporate elements that reflected their passion into the event’s design. Heidi, being an artisanal concrete decorator (Copper Cranes Handmade Shop), crafted stunning concrete letters for favors and decor, which perfectly complemented the industrial aesthetic of the venue. The incorporation of copper accents, including cutlery, added a touch of sophistication to the overall look. To create a breathtaking atmosphere, they also featured a striking moon gate flower arch as a backdrop for both the ceremony and reception. The event was further elevated by gorgeous burgundy bouquets and stylish attire. Last but not least, Heidi’s hairstyle stole the show with its beautiful plaited design. We are grateful to M and G Photographic for capturing these incredible moments of an unforgettable day.
The Proposal
On June 24th, 2017, James surprised me with a trip to Monaco, marking our fifth year together and third year of living together. Although we didn’t typically take vacations, I knew he had always been fascinated by the principality, so I wasn’t suspicious when he proposed a getaway. A few nights into the trip, after dinner on one of Monaco’s picturesque piers, James asked if I wanted to see the present he had gotten me. He had initially planned to surprise me with a custom-made ring, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was delayed. As an alternative, he ordered a beautiful necklace from Etsy with the words ‘marry me’ engraved on the pendant. The following weeks saw James’s parents arrive at our home, leaving behind a scavenger hunt with clues leading us to the hidden ring. I often joke that James never verbally asked for my hand in marriage, but his creative proposal left an indelible mark on my heart.
The Vision
We deliberately shunned traditional church or mansion weddings in favour of a unique celebration that still maintained the classic structure: ceremony, meal, and then music and dancing. My fascination with industrial elements – bricks, concrete, copper – stems from my profession in construction and hobby as an Etsy store owner specializing in concrete creations. I wanted to infuse every aspect of our wedding with personal touches, drawing inspiration from our shared industry background.
Our discovery of the Pumping House was the perfect match for our industrial-themed celebration.
The Planning Process
As soon as we returned from Monaco, I couldn’t help but do a quick Google search for wedding inspiration. That’s when I stumbled upon The Pumping House at Ollerton, an industrial-style venue that James and I both fell in love with. We booked it within a month of getting engaged, and the next two years were spent pouring over Pinterest, scouring Facebook marketplaces for second-hand finds, collecting unique items from local businesses, and enlisting the help of family and friends to gather copper cutlery from Tesco’s within a 50-mile radius.Our suppliers came together quite naturally. We attended open days at the venue, which led us to discover Peonies and Plumes, Confetti Cakery, and Save The Date Event Stylists – all based at The Pumping House. When our initial photographer recommendation fell through, we found M and G Photographic through a Facebook ad. They turned out to be amazing from start to finish.Having booked the wedding over two years in advance gave us plenty of time to save up and collect everything on our wish list without feeling rushed or pressured. With the exception of hiring linen for the tables and a few decorations from Save The Date, we made most of our decorations ourselves, and I even got to design our invitations. Having that extra time to plan was less stressful and allowed us to find our suppliers early on, giving us the freedom to focus on having fun creating new ideas without feeling pressured.
Budget
As we didn’t establish a fixed budget, we focused on setting aside £100 each pay period for two years, working towards our savings goal. A significant portion of our expenses were covered by generous gifts from James’ parents and my own parents, who offered to cover the costs of my dress, cake, and photographer. We also made some savvy financial decisions, such as opting for an off-peak wedding season venue, which helped reduce overall expenses. Additionally, we took advantage of deals on a photo booth and decorations, finding many items at discounted prices or on Facebook market. With our post-wedding expenses uncertain, we decided to delay booking a honeymoon until after the big day. Finally, we scored an amazing last-minute deal for a romantic getaway to Valencia, providing a delightful treat to look forward to after the wedding.
The Venue
The second venue that caught our attention was The Pumping House in Ollerton, Newark. As soon as we arrived, we knew we had found the perfect spot. This stunning Grade II listed red brick building nestled in Sherwood forest boasts beautifully decorated feature rooms, complete with original details like semi-circular windows and a striking chimney tower. We were particularly impressed by the attached accommodation, which felt more like luxurious apartments than hotel rooms. We were so enamored with the venue that we decided to hold our ceremony and reception there, making the most of the upstairs conservatory, butterfly-inspired, botanical-style, and engine hall areas, each offering breathtaking views into the expansive engine hall where we served our meal and held the reception. One of the biggest compliments we received about the venue was how it allowed parents with kids attending to relax, knowing their little ones were safe from wandering off, thanks to the engaging cinema room featuring a foosball table and film screenings. Having the entire building and grounds at our disposal for the day, we took full advantage by setting up a gin and whiskey bar amidst the themed rooms, encouraging guests to explore and discover the unique charm of this exceptional venue. The staff, led by Lian, were instrumental in helping us set up our decorations and ensured a seamless event from start to finish.
Your Outfits & Accessories
James and Declan, his best man, drew inspiration for their suits from Pinterest, opting for bright navy blue suits paired with grey waistcoats. They made the purchase from Slaters in Nottingham, where they had previously bought suits for Declan’s own wedding a few years prior. The staff at Slaters proved to be particularly helpful and knowledgeable.To add a touch of elegance to their outfits, James and Declan both wore rose gold cufflinks and pocket watches courtesy of Not on the High Street. In a heartfelt nod to Declan’s son Noah, who brings immense joy to their lives, James organized for all the men in attendance to wear odd socks, with proceeds from the purchase going to the Down-Syndrome charity website.This thoughtful gesture allowed Noah to participate in the ceremony in a special way, making it an unforgettable experience. Initially, I was hesitant about the traditional white princess dress and fell deeply in love with an unconventional pink dress from America that, unfortunately, exceeded my budget. After searching locally, I discovered a similar silhouette at Alice Rose in Ashby by Ellis Bridal. As soon as I tried it on, I knew it was meant to be – a stunning white A-line dress with a flowing train that perfectly captured my personal style. James surprised me with a pair of pink glittery Jimmy Choos as a thoughtful wedding gift.
Beauty
With the help of makeup artist Liz Bond and hairstylist Amie at Mon-Amie, we were able to achieve our desired looks for the big night. Liz’s natural flair shone through in her work, and Amie magically transformed my hair into a stunning bohemian-inspired plait that perfectly complemented my dress. Meanwhile, Lily-Rose opted for a charming milkmaid-style updo with a crown-like effect, which she adored.
The Readings & Music
As we exchanged our vows, the sweet melody of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Songbird’ accompanied us down the aisle, perfectly capturing the emotions of the moment. This was followed by the poignant ‘Albatross’, which served as a beautiful backdrop for our register signing ceremony. To get things started, Ludovico Einaudi’s ethereal ‘Nuvole Bianche’ set the tone for the celebration to come.
The Cake
Sophie’s masterful creation at Confetti Cakery left us thoroughly impressed. The dual-tiered masterpiece featured Red Velvet and Lemon cakes, both of which were a treat to the taste buds. The navy and copper bottom tier was perfectly complemented by the concrete-effect top tier, resulting in a visually stunning dessert. But that wasn’t all – Sophie also crafted an array of sweet treats, including blueberry marshmallows, raspberry macaroons, meringues, and decorated shortbread, which she beautifully displayed in terrariums. We were thrilled with the final product!
Your Photographer
Patrick and Hollie from M and G Photographic were a dream to work with. Despite being camera-shy, we felt incredibly at ease in their presence, almost forgetting they were capturing our special moments. Their natural and relaxed style focuses on genuine reactions rather than posed setups, which resonated deeply with us.
The only specific request we made was for a unique photoshoot featuring colored smoke bombs. We expected to simply stand still while the effects were used in the background, but Patrick and Hollie exceeded our expectations by incorporating the props into a fun and spontaneous activity. Our guests enthusiastically ran around us with the smoke bombs, creating an unforgettable experience that stands out as one of the highlights of our wedding day.
We also have some fantastic video footage courtesy of Jack, which captures the joy and excitement of that moment.
What truly sets M and G Photographic apart is their exceptional service. They delivered our photos within 10 days of the wedding, a remarkable feat considering the quality and attention to detail in the final product. We are thoroughly impressed with the results and wholeheartedly recommend Patrick and Hollie for any photography needs.
The Details & Décor
The Flowers
For the flowers, I entrusted Danielle from Peonies and Plumes to create a stunning arrangement. Before she got started, I shared some inspiration photos of the bouquet styles I liked, along with pictures of the gin bottles, lanterns, and cake stand that would match our ceremony’s moon gate centerpiece. I also requested an abundance of foliage, specifically eucalyptus, which became a key element in the overall design.Given that my favorite peonies weren’t in season, Danielle cleverly suggested using open garden Roses instead, which ended up being a beautiful choice. My partner Emily and I both had lovely pink garden Roses, while our flower girl Lily-Rose’s sewing hoop was adorned with similar blooms and ribbons.The groomsmen – James, Declan, Jack, and the dads – formed a striking foliage circle with astilbe and burgundy ribbon, adding to the overall aesthetic of the day.
Bridesmaids
For the special young ladies in your wedding party, you’ll want to find dresses that fit their unique personalities. Emily, for instance, would look stunning in a chic bridesmaid dress from Ted Baker, while Lily-Rose’s playful demeanor calls for a whimsical flower girl outfit from Etsy.
The Honeymoon
Our honeymoon adventure took us to Valencia on a whim, courtesy of a friend’s recommendation. We’d never given the city much thought until then, but it turned out to be an absolute gem. Our first night was capped off by fireworks, which I unfortunately slept through. The following day brought a lively parade celebrating the city’s unique spirit – an annual tradition that we were lucky enough to experience. The rest of our time in Valencia was spent indulging in delicious paella and strolling along the picturesque Turia Gardens, once the riverbed before its diversion. We also made a point to visit the stunning Ciudad de la Artes y Las Ciencias complex, comprising Agoras, an opera house, science museum, and aquarium. With its blend of modern architecture and rich history, Valencia truly won our hearts.
Memorable Moments
The smoke bombs will forever be etched as our wedding highlight. I had initially thought they’d simply provide a unique photo opportunity, but they ended up being a true showstopper and a topic of conversation among our loved ones. Surrounded by the people who mattered most to us, we laughed and ran around together, basking in the joy and spontaneity of the moment. The photos from that period perfectly capture the elation we felt as it was happening.Taking a brief respite just the two of us with our best man, bridesmaid, flower girl, and page boy after the ceremony allowed us to catch our breath and truly absorb the magnitude of what had just transpired. We’d exchanged vows in front of those who cared deeply about us, and it felt like a surreal dream come true.We opted out of the traditional first dance, instead inviting our guests to join in after a minute or so. It was wonderful to reconnect with friends and share stories about the day’s events. Then, when our closest pals arrived, we formed a group huddle and danced together for the rest of the song – an unforgettable experience.The sight of all the men embracing their goofy socks warmed my heart. There’s a fantastic photo of them standing in front of the venue, proudly displaying their unusual attire.
Groomsmen
When it comes to dressing the best man and page boys for a wedding, the right outfits can make all the difference. Declan Murray’s stylish choice was courtesy of Slaters, while Jack Peachey opted for a sleek ensemble from Next. These two gentlemen set the tone for the special day, and their attire undoubtedly added to the overall atmosphere.
Advice For Other Couples
As we looked back on our special day, we realized that it was the smart financial decisions we made that allowed us to have everything we wanted without breaking the bank. By being frugal and finding great deals, we were able to enjoy every moment of our wedding without worrying about debt.One of the most important things for us was taking time for just the two of us. After the first dance, we slipped away for 10 minutes to catch our breath and savor the magic of the day. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and feel grateful for this new chapter in our lives.Remember, it’s your wedding day, so don’t be afraid to put your own stamp on it. Don’t worry about what others might think – choose what makes you happy, and that’s all that matters.We didn’t follow the traditional route of a church wedding or large guest list. While some people had opinions about our choices, everyone agreed in the end that we’d pulled off an amazing celebration. And that’s all that counts.On the day itself, nothing else really mattered – not the years of planning, nor any minor hiccups. We were too busy basking in the joy and love of being married to worry about anything else.Finally, our top tip is to surround yourself with people you love, and invest in a great photographer. The memories they capture will be treasured for years to come, far more than any material possessions.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
In the realm of photography, M and G Photographic captured the essence of Heidi and James’ industrial-chic celebration at The Pumping House. As a nod to their unique style, Peonies and Plumes brought forth an arrangement of flora that added a touch of elegance to the space. The Confetti Cakery crafted a delectable masterpiece that was almost too beautiful to eat. Meanwhile, Save The Date Event Stylists worked their magic to bring the overall aesthetic together. As evening descended, Tacoporium served up a feast of flavors that kept the guests satisfied and happy. For Heidi’s hair, Mon Amie Wedding Hair brought forth a look that was both stylish and effortless. Liz Bond Makeup Artist added the perfect finishing touches with her expertise. To add an extra layer of whimsy to the decor, Copper Cranes Handmade Shop contributed their unique handmade items. It was truly a day to remember, as Heidi and James’ love shone bright amidst the industrial backdrop.