Today, we’re celebrating the joy and vibrancy of Tilly and Russell’s Portsmouth wedding in every hue imaginable! The couple tied the knot on September 10th, 2020, at Portsmouth Registry Office, followed by a lively reception at The Canteen. But before they exchanged vows, they treated their guests to an unforgettable adventure – a visit to the funfair for whimsical and colorful portraits that perfectly captured the essence of their special day. As you’d expect from this carefree couple, their wedding was a relaxed and laid-back affair, complete with goofy face masks for added laughter and bright, beautiful blooms adding pops of color everywhere. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – an epic confetti toss that will leave you grinning from ear to ear! Throughout the day, beaming smiles spread like wildfire as loved ones celebrated with heart and soul. The samba band’s arrival only added to the festive atmosphere, making this a truly unforgettable wedding celebration. We’re forever grateful to Angela Ward-Brown Photography for sharing these incredible moments with us.
Portsmouth Wedding
The Proposal
As fate would have it, Russell stumbled upon a stunning 1920s vintage ring while exploring Brighton’s charming Lanes district in 2018. The serendipitous discovery led him to propose to Tilly on Christmas Eve of that year. With their loyal companion Gus, the French Bulldog, by their side, Russell took Tilly on a scenic stroll along Southsea beach near their home, where he got down on one knee and popped the question. Adding an extra layer of significance to the romantic moment was the fact that Tilly’s father resided in the Midlands, necessitating Russell to wait for his arrival to formally seek permission. Despite the chilly and foggy conditions, the atmosphere remained enchanting as they shared the life-changing news with their loved ones on Christmas morning.
The Planning Process
We initially envisioned a small legal ceremony, followed by a larger, more informal celebration a few days later. The goal was to minimize formalities and simply enjoy the company of our loved ones. However, when COVID-19 swept the nation and forced us to cancel our 80-guest wedding, we were left with only the smaller ceremony as an option for this year. In response, we decided to incorporate elements that we had initially planned to leave out, such as flowers, cake, vintage transportation, and a makeup artist, in order to make the day feel more special. To add a sense of continuity, we worked with the same suppliers who were originally booked for the larger event, ensuring that they still had an opportunity to showcase their talents despite the pandemic’s impact on the industry. Given Russell’s background as a wedding videographer, it was particularly meaningful to be able to support these hardworking professionals in a year marked by unprecedented challenges.
The Venue
We exchanged vows at the historic Portsmouth Registry Office, a Grade II Listed Building that was once part of the Royal Engineers barracks. The ceremony took place in a picturesque setting, surrounded by charming architecture. Following the nuptials, we paid a visit to Clarence Pier on Southsea seafront, where we were granted special permission to capture some memorable photos on the fairground rides, despite being outside of peak season. As an added bonus, the pier was closed during the week, ensuring our exclusive access. Our reception, however, was held at The Canteen’s Deck in Old Portsmouth, a trendy waterfront cafe that prides itself on serving locally sourced produce. With its stunning views of the Solent, we celebrated as boats and ferries passed by, earning us waves and toots from enthusiastic passengers.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I opted for an ASOS dress that exuded a sense of sophistication while still boasting a vintage charm. The midi length struck the perfect balance, avoiding any overly wedding-like connotations yet still radiating a special aura thanks to its heavy embellishments in sequins. Meanwhile, my beloved Steve Madden shoes stole the show with their iridescent finish, subtly shifting hues in the sunlight. I couldn’t help but feel like Audrey Hepburn herself! On the other hand, Russell donned a crisp three-piece navy suit from Next, injecting pops of colour courtesy of a stunning floral print tie by Catkin Jane and a bright yellow pocket square from ASOS.
Beauty
I discovered the talented Lauren from ID Hair & Make Up on Instagram, and her work had caught my attention. It wasn’t long before we realized we lived mere minutes apart, which made it convenient for her to come by for a trial. During the session, she expertly transformed me with radiant skin, a classic winged eyeliner look, and a pop of pink lip color. Given my short hair, styling was relatively straightforward, and I handled that aspect myself – kudos to Sam Gunn Hairdressing for the cut that made it all possible.
The Readings & Music
As the doors opened to reveal the bride, Hans Zimmer’s ‘You’re So Cool’ from True Romance played, a song that held a special place in both of their hearts. This lively tune set the tone for the celebration to come, with Peter Gabriel’s upbeat ‘Solsbury Hill’ marking the start of the signing of the register and the official beginning of the festivities.
But the real pièce de résistance was yet to come – a surprise performance by Batala Portsmouth, a Samba Reggae group that Tilly plays with. Arranged by Tilly’s mum, who is also part of the band, this impromptu concert brought the house down with its infectious rhythms and vibrant energy. The drummers had taken it upon themselves to add an extra layer of excitement, covering their drums in colourful powder that exploded into a haze of ‘holi-like’ smoke with each beat. It was as if the very essence of joy had been distilled into this moment, leaving everyone in attendance feeling uplifted and elated.
The Flowers
To create a vibrant atmosphere, we enlisted the help of two local florists, seeking their expertise to achieve our desired aesthetic. Megan from Thistle & Ivy crafted the buttonholes, while Jo McNamara from Florish Studio added an injection of colour and vitality to the bouquet.
The Cake
The personal touch that Russell’s sister Laura brought to our crazy colorful cake was immense. With each layer boasting a unique flavor, the ginger one stood out as a clear favorite – it was absolutely delicious! Laura had spent an entire day preparing and baking, putting in an incredible amount of effort that we were all deeply grateful for. As a brilliant baker, she rose to the challenge of creating something truly special, and we’re thankful for her hard work.
Your Photographer
As we began planning our wedding, Russell, our videographer, worked with numerous photographers to find the perfect match for us. His experience led him to recommend Angela Ward-Brown, whose offbeat style and quirky eye resonated with us. Our rapport with Ang was instant, making the entire process feel effortless and enjoyable. On the day of our wedding, she captured the essence of the celebration – its spirit, joy, and laughter – with remarkable ease. Her vibrant approach to photography brought our photos to life, just as we had envisioned, with every moment popping with colour.
The Details & Décor
From Amazon, we acquired a fantastic assortment of guest facemasks that left everyone in fits of laughter, as well as vibrant coloured confetti from Proper Confetti – a lesson learned that you can never have too much confetti! Meanwhile, our laser-cut place names, cake topper, and favors were meticulously crafted by the talented team at South East Design Company.
The Honeymoon
Our post-wedding getaway took us to the breathtakingly beautiful Santorini, Greece for a week-long honeymoon. We stumbled upon an incredible Airbnb in Amoudi Bay, a picturesque fishing port near Oia, famous for its iconic white buildings. This charming abode provided the perfect setting to unwind, reflect on our wedding celebrations, and rejuvenate. From there, we took a ferry to Naxos, where we reunited with our closest friends David and Natalie at their stunning villa. Our time in Naxos allowed us to delve deeper into Greek culture and indulge in the island’s stunning beaches.
Memorable Moments
Tilly’s experience was made even more unforgettable with her dad, Allan, by her side at home and during their Registry Office trip. Although they don’t get to spend as much time together as they’d like due to his Midlands residence, their bond is incredibly strong. This special moment meant a great deal to both of them, as evident in the cherished photos. Russell’s day was filled with surprises, including seeing Tilly in her dress for the first time – a memory that will stay with me forever. The Samba band’s impromptu serenade added an extra layer of magic to their celebration.