There’s something undeniably romantic about Marc and Jess’ wedding story. As someone who loves featuring elopements, this couple’s special day resonated deeply with me. It’s a celebration of love, marriage, and the intimacy that comes with sharing such an experience with those closest to you.
The Proposal
It was Marc who popped the question on a picturesque park bench in Newington Green, a spot that held special meaning as it was located just below our cozy little attic flat that we shared. His proposal was all the more romantic because he brought with him a stunning handmade ring, which ultimately inspired us to design a one-of-a-kind engagement ring featuring my late grandmother’s treasured diamond.
The Vision
As we envisioned our special day, we craved a deeply personal celebration that would uniquely reflect our bond and personalities. Our affinity for London during the winter season sparked an irresistible desire to tie the knot on the Winter Solstice, December’s most enchanting moment.
The Planning Process
As newly engaged teachers, our weekends were consumed by work commitments, making it challenging to squeeze in time for meticulous wedding planning. Instead, we carved out moments during Saturday breakfasts or Sunday evening unwinds to tackle the daunting task of planning our special day. We’d sit down, savoring our morning coffee or relaxing with a glass of wine, and delve into the intricacies of wedding organization.
Budget
With a strictly limited budget, we made a calculated decision to prioritize exploring Europe over planning an extravagant wedding. Given our time constraints, we knew every penny counted, and we wanted to make the most of our adventure. In fact, we went as far as to take public transportation – the trusty 21 bus – to arrive at the ceremony, a testament to our commitment to making memories over material possessions.
The Venue
We exchanged vows at The Asylum in Southwark, and it was love at first sight – not just for us, but for the venue itself. After considering other options around our flat and where we initially met in Hackney, we were swept away by The Asylum’s unique charm. It’s a truly breathtaking space that feels plucked straight from a Shakespearean romance. Following the ceremony, we hailed a black cab and headed to The Old Dairy in North London. We returned to the very table where our first drinks together took place after meeting at my primary school teaching post in Hackney.
The Music
Patrick Watson’s soulful melodies set the tone for our special day, perfectly capturing the essence of our wedding celebration as they played throughout the ceremony. His music held immense significance for us, resonating deeply with the intimate atmosphere and emotions of the venue.
Beauty
As a self-proclaimed beauty DIY enthusiast, I opted for a makeup-free morning at home. This allowed Marc and me to share a leisurely breakfast at the café below our apartment, followed by a joint grooming session upstairs. By taking care of my appearance myself, we could prioritize quality time together, savoring the quiet moments before embarking on our day.
Your Outfits & Accessories
For my special day, I chose an outfit that was both stylish and budget-friendly. A skirt and top combination from French designer Laure De Sagazan, originally sourced as second-hand pieces – a thrifted find from a bridal shop for the skirt, and an online purchase for the top. However, they were significantly oversized, prompting me to seek the expertise of Perfect Stitch in Islington. Adrian’s alterations skills are truly impressive, earning him our highest recommendation. To ensure I stayed warm and cozy throughout the celebration, I also wore a spacious coat that provided the perfect layering solution. Meanwhile, Marc opted for a dashing navy suit from Alexandre of London, paired with dark brown Ted Baker shoes and a woollen tie by Frederick Thomas.
The Details & Décor
The decision to leave The Asylum untouched was an easy one for us. The unique charm of the venue, with its twinkling fairy lights, warm candlelight and soft teal-green hues on the walls, was a key part of its appeal. We wanted to preserve the raw, unpolished atmosphere that made it so special.
The Flowers
As fate would have it, we found ourselves teaching at a school in Stoke Newington, flanked by a charming florist. Prior to our visit, we had discussed our requirements with Pip, the florist, and then collected the bouquet and buttonhole on our way back from school the day before the wedding. Our goal was to create a vibrant arrangement that would stand out against the bleak winter backdrop. We settled on a stunning combination of Icelandic poppies, mauve roses, ranunculus, anemones, and a rare wax flower native to Western Australia, perfectly capturing the essence of a bright and cheerful celebration.
Your Photographer
When searching for the perfect photographer to capture their special day, newlyweds opted for Lee from Robbins Photographic, drawn to his unique style and natural approach. Unlike traditional posed shoots, Lee’s method focused on preserving the authenticity of the couple’s wedding experience. By allowing them to be themselves, he was able to capture the joy, laughter, and love shared between them, resulting in cherished memories and beautiful photos that truly reflected their special day.
The Honeymoon
As the festive season came to a close, we embarked on an adventure to Iceland, where we spent New Year’s Eve enveloped in the tranquility of the Blue Lagoon before returning to Reykjavik for a thrilling experience. With the firework ban lifted, the local community took advantage of the opportunity to showcase their skills at Hallgrimskirkja Church, with a spectacular display that lasted from 4pm until the early hours of the morning, a true celebration to mark the start of a new year.
Memorable Moments
Our day got off to an unconventional start when I woke up to find my skirt had been ravaged by its hanger, now a crumpled mess on the bedroom floor. With time ticking away, we hastily bundled it into the car and sped off to the local high street dry cleaner, parting with £5 in the process. However, this minor mishap was soon overshadowed by an even more unforgettable experience that awaited us back at The Old Dairy. Upon our return, we were left stunned when neither of us could produce the keys to our flat – a careless oversight resulting from leaving them in our photographer’s backpack. As we frantically tried to reach him on his tube ride, we decided to take a momentary pause and drown our woes with champagne at our local pub, where the kindly Lee kindly obliged by sending an Uber to retrieve our keys, finally restoring order to our day.
Advice For Other Couples
One of the most important takeaways from our experience is to make your special day truly reflective of you and your partner’s unique personality, relationship, and style. Initially, we had planned a low-key afternoon affair, but things took an unexpected turn when we decided to have our wedding momentously captured on camera. The result was a day that perfectly embodied our love story, with all its quirks and imperfections. And who would’ve thought that getting locked out of our flat in the middle of winter would be one of the most memorable moments? It turned out to be an impromptu celebration at the pub, complete with champagne toasts and well-wishing from the locals, which we cherish as a treasured memory. So, don’t stress about things not going according to plan – it’s often these unexpected twists that make the day truly special.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the lens of our camera captures the essence of a perfect day, we are thrilled to revisit the enchanting wedding story of Marc and Jess. Their special moment was made even more unforgettable by the masterful photography skills of Robbins Photographic. The beautiful bouquet, courtesy of Pip from Botanique Workshop (now at The Flower Folk), added a touch of elegance to the proceedings. The venue, The Asylum, provided a unique backdrop for this memorable celebration. Meanwhile, the stunning attire was carefully curated, with Laure de Sagazan crafting an exquisite dress, complemented by Rachel Simpson’s elegant shoes and Alexandre of London’s stylish suit. A dashing tie, courtesy of Frederick Thomas, brought everything together. And as Marc and Jess exchanged their vows, they were also treated to a pair of Ted Baker shoes that added the perfect finishing touch to their special day. It was an absolute honour for Lou to share this love story with the world.