Suzanne and Alex tied the knot on April 28th, 2019, at their local church, with a roaring twenties-inspired reception following at Ollerton’s Pumping House. The couple poured their heart and soul into every detail of the decor and special touches, which we think you’ll truly adore.
Jo Greenfield Photographer was entrusted with capturing the day’s magic, and we’re thrilled to share these stunning images with you today, courtesy of Jo.
The ceremony’s elegant atmosphere was complemented by dapper attire, particularly the groomsmen’s burgundy suits. We also love that Suzanne opted for an outfit change as the evening celebrations got underway – it adds a touch of glamour to the proceedings.
The Proposal
From the moment Alex and I started dating, I knew that my birthday would always be a special occasion for us. Every year, he goes above and beyond to make sure I have an unforgettable celebration. In the first year together, we jetted off to Amsterdam for a romantic getaway. The following year, we embarked on a thrilling West Coast US adventure, culminating in a vibrant Las Vegas birthday bash. So, when my special day rolled around again, I had no doubt that Alex would plan something extraordinary. And indeed he did – whisking me away to London for a whirlwind weekend escape. We spent an unforgettable day exploring the iconic Tower Bridge, followed by a visit to the sleek and modern Gherkin. But little did I know, this was just the beginning of an even more memorable experience. In the heart of Four Seasons’ Mei Ume, Alex dropped down to one knee and proposed – a surprise that left me breathless and forever changed.
The Vision
As a lifelong fan of the glamourous Roaring Twenties and Old Hollywood’s golden age, it was only natural that my ideal wedding would draw inspiration from this iconic era. I envisioned an unforgettable celebration that incorporated the opulence and sophistication of the time, complete with lavish details like feathers, pearls, and a healthy dose of sparkle.
The Planning Process
As we began planning our special day, we found ourselves drawn to the Pumping House in Ollerton, which ultimately sealed the deal for us. We shifted our original April 2020 date forward by a year, excited to start anew. The venue was secured mid-June, and shortly after, I discovered photographer Jo Greenfield – fortunate enough that she still had availability.Our desire for a live reggae band to perform at our first dance and entertain the evening crowd drove our next quest. We didn’t yet know which song would be Alex’s choice for our special moment, leaving it in his capable hands. Meanwhile, my mom, who was abroad in the Philippines during this time, proved invaluable with her input on decorations, while Alex’s mom lent a hand in envisioning the table settings and collaborating with Save The Date Event Stylist.In the midst of planning, I found solace in regularly browsing Instagram (at least five times a week) and Pinterest for inspiration and creative ideas to bring our wedding vision to life.
Budget
The Venue
As we planned our special day, it was only natural that we’d want to celebrate it in a place that held significant meaning for us. Our family has a strong connection with The Good Shepherd, where Alex, Harper (our daughter), and I have all had the privilege of experiencing sacred moments – including their baptisms. Every Sunday, you can find me attending mass at this beloved institution. Initially, we had another venue in mind for our April 2020 wedding reception, but fate intervened when I stumbled upon The Pumping House in Ollerton. We hastily booked a viewing and, as soon as we stepped inside, Alex and I knew we’d found the perfect spot. This unique gem boasts quirky charm, stylish elegance, and functional spaces. Each room is like a mini studio apartment, while the grounds are nothing short of breathtaking. It was love at first sight!
Your Outfits & Accessories
I’m thrilled to share that I had not one, but two stunning wedding gowns – yes, you read that right! My main dress was an all-satin sweetheart neckline mermaid gown by Essense of Australia, which I deliberately chose to be plain so I could add my personal touch. The surprise came when my mom gifted me a beautiful cathedral veil from the Philippines, perfectly matching the one we used during our traditional Filipino wedding’s ‘veil ceremony’.
As we transitioned into the wedding breakfast, I swapped out my veil for a handmade cape that my mom and I crafted together. This stunning piece of art was made up of four meters of soft sparkly tulle, adorned with embellishments on the straps, appliqués to add weight to the ends, and 2000 crystals – each one painstakingly attached by hand by my mom. To complete the look, we added a Catherine Deane embellished sash that matched not only my cape but also my headpiece, beautifully designed by Melancholy Magpie.
For footwear, I opted for Sophia Webster’s Chiara shoes in Nude and Rose Gold to match our color theme and those of my three flower girls. As the evening unfolded, I changed into a simple high-neck Vera Wang evening dress, paired with the same belt from Catherine Deane, and finished off the look with Guiseppe Zanotti glittered blush and rose gold pumps.
In the midst of the busy morning, I forgot to put on all my jewelry – talk about wedding jitters! Luckily, my MOH came to the rescue and lent me a pair of diamond stud earrings as my ‘something borrowed’. I wore an old diamond floral ring from my mom on my right hand and paired it with a Chinese gold bangle and a matching back necklace that I had kept aside as part of the ‘thank you gift’ for my bridesmaids.
As for my husband, he chose a slim-fit burgundy suit from Zara, which all the groomsmen wore to match. He complemented it with a Marc Darcy grey waistcoat and textured necktie. For his wedding shoes, I gifted him matching burgundy Prada shoes as one of his wedding presents.
Beauty
I stumbled upon Suzy’s work on Instagram after she collaborated on a London-based photoshoot, and I knew instantly that her aesthetic was exactly what I had been searching for. As a regular date-night ritual, Alex and I always pair our evenings with a bold red lip color, so when it came time to transform my look for the special day, I ensured I was wearing my signature shade. Suzy joined forces with me to craft a flawless makeup ensemble that perfectly complemented my overall style.
As I changed into my outfit and shifted gears to match the new vibe, I opted for a low-key updo for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, before switching things up with Suzy’s expert touch. She returned just in time to reapply my makeup for the first dance and let my locks down for the evening’s festivities.
The Readings & Music
Our wedding ceremony was a unique blend of traditional Catholic and Filipino customs. To honor my cultural heritage, we incorporated a veil, cord, and candle ritual into the service. The local church organist and solo singer added to the ceremony’s beauty with their performances. They played Pachelbel’s Canon in D as I walked down the aisle, accompanied by Morning Has Broken and Amazing Grace during our hymns, and Ave Maria as we signed the register.
Your Photographer
The mention of Jo Greenfield brings a smile to many faces. Renowned for her unwavering honesty and exceptional talent, she stands out as one of the most accomplished wedding photographers in the industry.
The Cake
I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Cuppa Kaykes for eight years now, and they played a crucial role in designing our three wedding cakes. The final products perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic of our special day, incorporating elements such as pearls, feathers, and flowers, all tied together by our primary colors – dusky pink, burgundy, and rose gold. The main cake consisted of three layers of Victoria sponge, lemon, and a faux top tier that we kept as a memento and served during the evening reception. We also had two single-tiered cakes, which just happened to be my favorite Red Velvet (with its stunning burgundy hue) and Alex’s beloved salted caramel cake, featuring beautiful copper/rose gold tones.
The Flowers
When it came to creating our own wedding decorations, I initially wanted to use locally grown flowers for the centrepieces and buttonholes. However, due to the unpredictability of flower availability, I had to prepare contingency plans for these time-consuming elements. Fortunately, Rachel Petherham kindly agreed to supply me with her fresh blooms for our bouquets. The morning before the big day, I collected a stunning assortment of double-headed tulips, ranunculus and other wedding flowers. With great care, I hand-tied each bouquet individually using the same fabric as my bridesmaids’ dresses, securing them with a copper wire that matched the buttonholes and napkin rings.
The Details & Décor
To achieve the desired aesthetic, I collaborated with Save The Date to curate the overall look of our special day. While they handled the main event elements – chiavari chairs, tablecloths, candles, etc. – I focused on incorporating DIY projects that added a personal touch. I selected dusky pink and burgundy tablecloths as the foundation colour palette, then built upon it by planning the table arrangements around those hues. To add some glamour, I chose sparkly charger plates, dusky pink embossed glasses, and pink table napkins that complemented the colours. I also created handmade napkins with burgundy, ivory, and dusky pink flowers tied with copper wire, and interspersed them with burgundy feathers to evoke a 1920s vibe. For the chair adornments, my mum and I crafted each pearl swag using ivory, rose gold, and burgundy pearls that harmonized with the colour scheme. To complete the look, I opted for a simple yet striking centrepiece designed by Rebecca Newell of Flowers by Rebecca. Meanwhile, Alex helped me craft handmade place names on pink gradient parchment paper with foil designs and elegant writing. Each guest’s menu choices were cleverly encoded in their respective place names, accompanied by cute logos that added a playful touch.
Groomsmen
Alex’s companions, donning identical attire, opted to personalize their look by swapping out the footwear for their own unique styles, a subtle yet distinct departure from their leader’s ensemble.
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids all wore identical dusky pink Charlotte dresses from Maids to Measure, showcasing a sense of unity and cohesion. To add a personal touch, I allowed them to select their own hairpieces from Jenny Packham, giving them the freedom to express themselves through their hairstyles. While they were given the option to choose their shoes, they all opted for gold and rose gold tones, tying in with the overall aesthetic. My maid of honor, who resides in Singapore, had her dress altered to a stunning backless design after we discovered it was too small. This creative solution ensured that she still looked radiant while maintaining the same style as the other bridesmaids, making her feel like the special individual she is.
The Honeymoon
After the whirlwind of our wedding weekend, we escaped to Bath for three days of relaxation and reflection. The experience was just what we needed to unwind and process everything that had happened. Looking ahead, we’re counting down the days until our upcoming trip to Seychelles, where we’ll be treating ourselves to a luxurious getaway. We’ve booked Business Class flights with British Airways, followed by an eight-day yacht cruise around the islands. The adventure will take us from Mahe Island to Silhouette Island, where we’ll enjoy a night of pampering at the Hilton Labriz and its private beach before returning home to the UK.
Memorable Moments
We’ve both had the privilege of having childhood best friends who have been with us through thick and thin. Phoebe, my Maid of Honour, has been my partner in crime for 30 years, while Alex’s friend Shane has been his right-hand man. We didn’t ask them to give a speech, but they surprised us by preparing heartfelt talks that left everyone in awe. Phoebe’s story was a masterclass in storytelling, leaving people laughing and crying in equal measure, whereas Shane’s tale had me on the edge of my seat! Between the wedding breakfast and evening reception, there was a 45-minute gap where we got to change into our evening attire, touch up our makeup, and relax with some refreshments. I managed to give Alex his wedding gift during this time, although it wasn’t exactly as planned due to a minor mishap. The personalized wooden box contained a photo of one of our engagement shoots, a customized shot glass, a mini bottle of single-barrel JD, a mini photobook from my session with Jo Greenfield, and a letter from Newcastle United. It was Alex’s reaction when he saw me walk down the aisle that made this gift truly special – just five minutes of quiet contemplation and appreciation for each other, no cameras or distractions. We cherished every moment of it.As I got ready to take my dad for our dance to ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by One Step Band, I had a change of heart and decided to do a joint mother-son and father-daughter dance instead. I wanted to include Alex’s mom in the special moment, so I asked Nick from the band to play ‘Stand By Me’, which fit perfectly with our emotional moment.Our first dance was another story altogether! Given my love for dancing, I knew I wanted a proper wedding dance – no swaying or awkward moments for me. It took Alex six months (maybe more) to decide on a song, but when he finally chose ‘Baby I Love Your Way’ from the Jumanji movie, I was thrilled. Every colleague had probably asked him to change his mind and do a routine with me, but he stuck to his guns. He even threw in a dab dance move for good measure! Luckily, Jo caught the shot. We swayed to the music, and Alex managed to make me twirl twice before the band finished playing our song. One of my favorite photos was when he kissed me during our dance – it was probably the first kiss that day without any drama or anxiety!
Advice For Other Couples
As you prepare for your special day, remember that the pace will ebb and flow – some moments may pass quickly, while others may linger. Instead of getting caught up in the uncertainty, focus on the experiences that truly matter: sharing your first glance with your partner in their wedding attire, exchanging heartfelt vows, and savoring your inaugural kiss. Allow yourself to fully immerse in these cherished moments.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
On the picturesque grounds of The Pumping House, the love-filled union of Suzanne and Alex unfolded. Behind the lens, Jo Greenfield Photographer captured every momentous glance and tender touch. As second shooter for Unfurl Photography, she ensured no detail was left untold. The bride’s vision came to life with the expertise of Event Stylist Save the Date. Fresh florals by Flowers by Rebecca, Bouquet Flowers, and Catkin Flowers added a pop of color to every arrangement. Cuppa Kaykes’ decadent confections satisfied sweet tooth cravings, while Essense of Australia and Vera Wang gowns made the bride’s fairytale moment come true. Her bespoke cape/veil was handmade with love by Susan (the bride’s mum). Sophia Webster and Guiseppe Zanotti shoes completed her ethereal ensemble. Melancholy Magpie crafted a stunning hairpiece, while Catherine Deane designed a delicate bridal belt. The bridesmaids shone in Maids to Measure gowns, their beauty enhanced by Beauty by Suzy Rose’s expert touch. Zara dressed the groom and his party, with Marc Darcy adding a dashing waistcoat flair. Prada shoes complemented their stylish attire. Next, Page boy shoes from Ted Baker completed the look. Flower girl dresses were lovingly handmade by Sharon (the groom’s mum), with Sophia Webster shoes to match. As the celebration reached its crescendo, The One Step Band brought the house down. A heartfelt thank you to Suzanne and Alex for sharing their joyous day – Rachel x