Imagine being swept away by a wedding that defies tradition and celebrates individuality. Helen and Shaun’s special day, held on March 2nd, 2018, at Orleans House Gallery, followed by a boat ride to The Wharf Teddington in London, is a masterclass in creating an unforgettable experience for guests. Gone are the conventional elements; instead, the couple opted for a donut-filled reception and a focus on delighting their loved ones.Helen’s style was on full display as she stunningly wore a House of Ollichon bridal jumpsuit, complete with wide leg trousers and lace sleeves that perfectly captured her beauty. Shaun complemented her look with a smart suit, burnt orange tie, and a modern succulent buttonhole. The absence of flowers allowed the lush greenery and foliage to take center stage, resulting in a breathtakingly beautiful atmosphere.As if the scenery wasn’t enchanting enough, the snowfall added an extra layer of magic to their photographs, captured by the talented My Beautiful Bride. We’re thrilled to share these incredible images with you today.
The Proposal
As our nine-year milestone approached, we began discussing the idea of marriage without formally proposing. It wasn’t until a casual evening out at Byron Burger in Richmond that the decision was made to take the next step. The atmosphere was relaxed, with the savory aroma of fried chicken burgers and the tangy taste of guacamole lingering – a perfect setting for us to seal our commitment.
The Vision
Our goal was to create a day that would bring joy and simplicity to everyone involved. We aimed for a low-key celebration with a few surprises thrown in. And boy, did the snowstorm ever add an extra layer of excitement to the mix! The unpredictable weather added a thrilling dimension to what would have been a straightforward gathering.
The Planning Process
In our experience, planning for the big day was unexpectedly seamless and enjoyable. With both partners equally invested, neither one felt burdened by an excessive workload. To streamline the process, we created spreadsheets to track costs and timelines, allowing us to monitor our progress and make adjustments as needed. The relaxed atmosphere, free from external pressures, enabled us to engage in open and honest conversations about our goals and priorities. This collaborative approach allowed us to maintain a sense of calm and focus on what truly mattered.
Budget
We set out to plan a beautiful wedding without exceeding our budget. Our priorities were clear: exceptional photography, delicious food and wine, and memorable attire for the big day. In contrast, we opted to cut back on many other aspects of the celebration. Throughout the planning process, our guiding principle was simple yet effective: ‘do we truly adore it; can we live without it?’ It’s all too easy to get caught up in the latest trends or allow external opinions to dictate your decisions. Instead, focus on investing in things that bring you joy – after all, it’s your special day and your money.
The Venue
As we exchanged our vows at Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham, we were pioneers of sorts – our nuptials marked the first celebration to take place in the newly refurbished building after a massive renovation. Initially, the sight of scaffolding everywhere during our pre-wedding visits sent our nerves tingling, but ultimately, it all came together beautifully. Following the ceremony, we boarded a boat bound for Teddington’s Wharf Restaurant, where we hosted our wedding reception. With roots in the area ourselves, we opted to keep things local and intimate.
Your Outfits & Accessories
The perfect attire for the special occasion came from House of Ollichon, where I donned a stunning wide-legged jumpsuit featuring intricate lace details at the back and arms. This was more than I could have hoped for – far removed from traditional wedding dress fare that wouldn’t suit my personal style. The jumpsuit exuded my personality, and everyone couldn’t help but adore it. To complete the look, I paired it with Carvella’s studded nude open-toed sandals, although I did experience a bit of numbness in my toes due to the snowfall. Meanwhile, Shaun opted for a stylish suit from Suit Supply, complemented by a bold burnt orange patterned tie that drew rave reviews all day long – its retro 60s flair was particularly noteworthy.
Beauty
My hair is incredibly easy to manage on an everyday basis, thanks to its short and straight style. Apart from ensuring it was recently coloured, I didn’t need to do much else. For my bridesmaids, Sam and Sophie from Toni and Guy Teddington, I opted for a relaxed, wavy look that complemented their features beautifully. It was wonderful having them join us on the morning of the wedding, as we’ve developed a rapport with the hairdressers over time.
As for makeup, my mum and I were treated to a stunning job by Kristina Gasperas in Richmond. We wanted a sun-kissed smoky eye paired with a natural, radiant complexion. Our trial session with her several months prior left us thoroughly impressed, and she did an equally fantastic job on the day itself. Her positivity and calm demeanor even in the face of unexpected snow showers were truly remarkable.
The Readings & Music
As I stepped into Orleans House Gallery, the warm atmosphere was set to the tune of Incubus’ acoustic version of ‘Stellar’. The pre-ceremony playlist had already got the guests in high spirits with Arctic Monkeys and Last Shadow Puppets tracks. Sara, one of my trusted bridesmaids, took her cue to read an edited rendition of Dr John Cooper Clarke’s ‘I wanna be yours’, adding a touch of poetry to the proceedings. Meanwhile, our register signing was accompanied by the energetic beats of Arctic Monkeys’ ‘Stop the World I Wanna Get Off With You’. As we made our way out of the gallery, the iconic Dave Clark Five got us grooving with their classic hit ‘Glad All Over’. The boat ride to Wharf Restaurant was where things really got lively – a carefully curated Beatles vs. Rolling Stones playlist had everyone alternating between the two legendary bands’ hits. And as the night wore on and we transitioned into the disco, it was all about embracing the cheesy pop and rock vibes of the 90s and early 2000s. Just the way I liked it!
Groomsmen
While attire consistency is often emphasized in wedding planning, our wedding party took a unique approach. Despite having different suit styles, each of Shaun’s groomsmen, along with his father and my own father, shared a matching tie. This thoughtful touch effectively tied the whole group together, visually showcasing their camaraderie and shared purpose.
Bridesmaids
My closest friends, Sara and Sian, played the roles of my two bridesmaids. Initially, we considered dressing them in different attire, but our search was hindered by the challenge of finding dresses that complemented each other. We eventually found two similar yet distinct outfits: Sara wore a dusky pink dress from Amelia Rose, while Sian opted for a pale blue/gray dress from Needle and Thread. To add a cohesive touch, they donned matching grey suede-look biker jackets from Boohoo. I worked with a tailor to modify the dresses, removing belts to create a more streamlined, structured look that accentuated their figures.
The Flowers
We opted to work with our trusted local florist, Gardenia, who have two beautiful shops in Teddington and Wimbledon. Their team was an absolute joy to collaborate with, and their final creation truly exceeded our expectations. As enthusiasts of foliage and green house plants, Shaun and I were determined to focus on the natural beauty of greens for our special day. Our vision was a flower-less wedding that would celebrate the elegance of ferns, ivy, eucalyptus, and other lush greenery. My bouquet was a stunning arrangement of all-green flora, which I adored. I wanted it to be large, unruly, and perfectly imperfect – and that’s exactly what I got.The long tables at our wedding breakfast provided the perfect canvas for our unique decor. We asked Gardenia to create a beautiful greenery runner down each table, complemented by an assortment of white dinner candles in varying heights. The result was a breathtakingly elegant atmosphere. To further enhance the ambiance, we requested small jars and bottles scattered throughout the restaurant, each containing a sprig of green foliage. These charming accents added a touch of whimsy against the venue’s crisp whites and warm woods.
Your Photographer
Michael Clement, affectionately known as My Beautiful Bride, was the photographer who captured our special moments. His dedication to his work began long before the big day, as evidenced by his decision to brave a snowstorm overnight to ensure his presence at our meeting. This set the tone for an exceptional experience, and we were thrilled to have him on board. As we exchanged vows, Michael’s friendly demeanor and unobtrusive nature allowed our guests to feel at ease in front of the camera. Many of them commented on how pleasant he was to work with, making the entire process a joy.
The Details & Décor
At our wedding, we opted for a minimalist approach to décor, allowing the stunning venues to take center stage. Orleans House Gallery, in particular, boasted a fresh new look that didn’t require any additional embellishments from us. The Wharf was equally impressive, with its beautiful interior enhanced only by the subtle additions of foliage, candles, and fairy lights provided by a local company for the dance floor pillars and mezzanine surround. Those twinkling lights were one of my favorite elements – they added a touch of magic to the space.Our table names paid tribute to our beloved pets, both past and present, from our family’s furry friends to those we’ve shared our lives with. Each table featured a cherished photo of each pet, bringing joy and a sense of nostalgia to the celebration. For some family members, it was an emotional reminder of their departed pets, making their presence at the wedding even more meaningful.As guests sat down, they were treated to a special surprise: temporary tattoos from an Australian company, featuring silly designs that held personal significance for us as a couple. It was hilarious to see where these little gems ended up on people throughout the evening and even more amusing when they reappeared the next morning.The mezzanine level at the restaurant played host to a trio of delights: doughnuts, a kids’ activity station, and a photobooth from the Photobooth Guys, set against a lush hedge backdrop that was an absolute blast. It was the perfect blend of whimsy and fun.
The Honeymoon
After years of sharing a passion for surfing, my partner and I decided to treat ourselves to a 5-day getaway in Cornwall, opting for an Airbnb rental to avoid the exhaustion of long-haul travel after a recent wedding celebration. With our surfboards strapped to the roof of the car, we packed up and hit the road, leaving behind the stress of flight planning and embracing the freedom of a spontaneous road trip.
The Cake
When it came to the wedding cake, we didn’t place much importance on it, deeming it an unnecessary detail. In hindsight, it’s not like anyone misses its absence when there are other sweet treats available. We opted for a more unique dessert alternative – vegan doughnuts from Crosstown Doughnuts. Our selection included jam-filled, vanilla ring, and chocolate ring varieties. The vanilla ring stood out with its custom icing design featuring ‘Wardmac,’ a playful combination of our surnames, Wardman and McCormack.
Memorable Moments
As we exchanged our vows, the morning’s serene beauty was suddenly replaced by a whimsical wonderland. The snowfall intensified, transforming into a mesmerizing spectacle that left us awestruck. I’ll never forget the surreal moment standing before the Naked Ladies Fountain in Twickenham, braving the blizzard alongside Shaun, the photographer, and his best man Tom, as we laughed and reveled in the magic of it all.
Another cherished memory is the unexpected phone call from my dear friend Nicola, her voice trembling with tears as she shared that the treacherous weather had made her journey from the East Midlands impossible. I was heartbroken at first, but upon stepping outside for photos, a surprise reunion with Nicola in the crowd left me utterly stunned. Despite her earlier despair and the arduous drive she’d undertaken to reach us, she’d battled through the snowstorm alone, leaving her young son with his father. Her triumphant appearance made my day, and I’m forever grateful.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace your individuality by making deliberate choices that align with your personality. Avoid doing things simply because they’re ‘traditional’ or ‘expected’ in a wedding setting. Challenge the status quo and ask yourself questions like: What makes this tradition meaningful? Can I substitute it with something that feels more authentic to me? Who says I need to follow these norms, anyway?
Credit Where Credit Is Due
In a deliberate effort to support local businesses, we prioritized sourcing from suppliers based in Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, and the surrounding area. This approach not only helped to stimulate the regional economy but also allowed us to build strong relationships with our vendors. For instance, Photographer My Beautiful Bride, who captured Helen and Shaun’s special day, is a Wedding Directory member specializing in wedding photography. Meanwhile, Jumpsuit House of Ollichon provided stylish attire for the occasion, while Lighting at The Wharf and Twickenham Party Lights ensured the venue was aglow with a warm ambiance. Vegan treats were courtesy of Crosstown Doughnuts, which offered delectable doughnut delights. The reception took place at The Wharf Teddington, where a boat and Turks added to the unique atmosphere. The ceremony, on the other hand, was held at Orleans House Gallery. For a touch of elegance, Toni and Guy styled the bridesmaids’ hair, while Kristina Gasperas handled makeup duties. A memorable photo booth experience was provided by The Photobooth Guys. Fresh flowers were arranged by Gardenia, and Pepper Ink created enchanting favors that added to the whimsical charm of Helen and Shaun’s minimalist wedding.