Fiona and Ross’s wedding day was nothing short of magical, taking place on a picturesque Spring morning in March at The Bluebell Railway in West Sussex. The vintage charm of their chosen venue perfectly complemented their unique celebration, which had been 17 years in the making – they exchanged vows in the waiting room, a poignant nod to their long-standing relationship. Following the ceremony, they embarked on a romantic journey aboard the steam train, where they enjoyed a leisurely breakfast amidst the nostalgic atmosphere. As the sun set, the couple’s joyous celebration continued in a village hall, elevated by the soulful sounds of a live jazz performance. Fiona’s enchanting vintage-inspired aesthetic, complete with delicate hanging jars of flowers and soft candlelight, added to the whimsical ambiance. The talented team at Light Trick Photography has kindly shared their captivating imagery, allowing us to relive this unforgettable day in all its glory.
Steam Railway Wedding
Names
Wedding Date
The Vision
The selection of venues played a significant role in shaping our decisions on attire, entertainment, and overall atmosphere. The setting in which we gathered greatly influenced our choices, from the styles we opted for to the melodies that filled the air.
The Venue
The wedding ceremony took place in the charming Waiting Room on Platform 1 of The Bluebell Railway, situated in Horsted Keynes, West Sussex. This was followed by a sumptuous three-course, silver service wedding breakfast served aboard The Golden Arrow Pullman as it chugged through the picturesque Mid-Sussex countryside. In the evening, we made our way to Highbrook Village Hall, a quaint Victorian school house-turned-event-space, just a couple of miles away from The Bluebell. This unique venue, recommended by Julia, perfectly captured the essence of our special day and complemented the Bluebell’s rustic charm. Ross and I have been together for 17 years, and it took him a little time to come around to the idea of marriage – so getting married in a Waiting Room was a delightful irony. We wanted our wedding to be an intimate and fun celebration with close family and friends, a true day out. The Bluebell Railway’s Horsted Keynes station, with its lovely Victorian atmosphere and charm, proved to be the perfect setting for our special day. With many permutations possible to suit all budgets, we had the best time and were thoroughly relaxed throughout. Julia Piqué, the Bluebell Railway’s wedding planner, was instrumental in making our dreams come true. She expertly guided us through every detail, from organizing a table-top magician and bouquet to hiring cars and finding a bagpiper – even ensuring a puff of steam at the perfect moment for photos! When my original evening caterer had to pull out due to family reasons, Julia and her team at The Bluebell Bell stepped in to help us plan the evening, putting us firmly in safe hands.
The Dress + Accessories
I walked down the aisle in a bespoke wedding dress designed by Miranda Mather. The ivory French corded lace masterpiece featured a satin underdress, exuding elegance and sophistication. To complement my dress, I chose Diane Hassall’s ‘Treasure Trove’ shoes.Initially, I struggled to find the perfect hairpiece with marcasite stones online. However, by chance, I stumbled upon Jo Tomlin’s shop, ‘The Big Bead Boutique’, in Brighton. Amidst her treasure trove of jewelry and beads, she also had a collection of bridal hairpieces that she had created herself. Her style resonated with my vision, and she worked her magic to craft a stunning 1920s-inspired hairpiece around the marcasite brooch I had previously purchased from eBay.The final product featured a thin metal band, allowing the piece to sit low on the side of my head. Although one curl did come loose during photoshoot, it added a whimsical touch and perfectly finished off the look.To complete my ensemble, Jo also designed and created a beautiful necklace matching my hairpiece using the marcasite pendant I gave her. My earrings were marcasite/pearl flower studs from eBay, while my cream marabou feather shrug was courtesy of Jasper Conran at Debenhams – an incredible last-minute find that perfectly captured the essence of the evening’s theme.From the onset, I recognized the need for a custom-made dress as I’m not comfortable with backless, strapless, or sleeveless designs. Moreover, I wanted to pay homage to the Bluebell Railway era and the evening venue without being too over-the-top. Thankfully, Miranda Mather lives nearby, allowing me to pop across the road for fittings.I shared my favorite dress inspirations with her, and she skillfully combined elements from each design to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that fit me like a glove. I was utterly thrilled with the final product – it was everything I had envisioned and more.
Hair + Make-Up
As my wedding date approached, I scheduled consultations with both my hairdresser Anna Lewis and makeup artist Clare Parker of Marvellous Make-up to discuss my vision for vintage-inspired beauty. With Anna’s expertise in vintage hairstyles, we worked together to develop a classic bob that would suit my curly locks. For the color aspect, I left it entirely up to Anna, trusting her to choose hues that would complement my skin tone.Meanwhile, Clare’s exceptional skills and passion for creating period-perfect looks led me to try out her signature pin curling technique, which gave my hair a stunningly natural Hollywood vintage curl. The end result was nothing short of breathtaking, perfectly pairing with the colors Anna had selected.For makeup, I aimed for a soft, understated look that would maintain my natural English rose complexion. Clare delivered exactly what I desired, leaving me feeling confident and radiant on my special day.
Groom’s Attire
Ross commissioned a bespoke three-piece suit to evoke the era of the Bluebell Railway, as he was unable to find a suitable off-the-rack option. He turned to Mark Jenkins of Hugo Morris, who proved to be an invaluable resource due to his expertise and willingness to offer guidance on cut and style. Mark’s understanding of Ross’s desired aesthetic allowed him to provide informed suggestions and advice.For the suit itself, Ross selected a grey herringbone Yorkshire tweed from Dugdale. The final product was a perfect blend of style and fit, with Ross feeling confident and well-dressed. To complete his ensemble, he added a gold pocket watch sourced from eBay, paired with dark brown brogues from Clarkes and a shirt from Charles Tyrwhitt. A Wool tweed tie from Malford of London rounded out the outfit, drawing on the company’s impressive selection of ties.
The Music
As we prepared to exchange our vows, my father’s hip issues became a pressing concern. For two years prior to the wedding, he had been struggling with mobility, but after receiving a new hip replacement, he was determined to walk me down the aisle without any hindrance. To make the most of his newfound freedom, I decided it would be lovely to incorporate a Piper into our ceremony. We enlisted their services for a grand procession from the Station Entrance, across the tracks and into the Waiting Room, all while being watched by our excited guests. Meanwhile, Ross and the best man were getting ready inside the Waiting Room. For the actual walk down the aisle, we chose the traditional Scottish tune ‘Road to the Isle.’ As we signed the register, we treated our guests to a selection of jazz standards, including ‘Chattenooga Choo Choo’ and ‘In the Mood’ by Glenn Miller. After the signing, the Piper led us back out onto the Platform with the lively ‘Mairi’s Wedding.’ This marked the perfect transition into our reception, where we were greeted with Champagne and canapés on a gloriously sunny March day – a true blessing. For our first dance as a married couple, we chose Etta James’ soulful classic ‘At Last,’ which held special meaning given our 17-year journey together. Rachel Bundy’s beautiful rendition brought tears to our eyes.
The Rings
Jeremy Hoye, a talented jewellery designer based in Brighton, caught my attention with his ‘Entwine’ collection. I was drawn to the unique way the engagement and wedding rings blend together seamlessly while still maintaining their individual charm. For Ross’s special moment, he opted for a sleek 4mm platinum band from Midas Touch, conveniently located on Meeting House Lane within The Laines in Brighton.
Beautiful Bridesmaids
The styling of the photoshoot featured Miranda Mather Lilac silk dupion dresses paired with Pewter satin shoes, a perfect combination facilitated by the ease of online marketplaces like eBay. To add a touch of whimsy, the girls’ hair was adorned with delicate silk fabric flowers from C&H fabrics, exuding a vintage charm. With the intention of not over-accessorizing, I discovered beautiful marcasite necklaces at Wardrobe Antiques & Vintage Clothing, located at 51 North Street in Brighton.
Your Photographer
We were introduced to Katariina Jarvinen, a talented photographer and member of Sussex Camera Club, through mutual friends. Her work impressed us, so we decided to collaborate with her for our special day. What stood out about Katariina was her genuine passion for photography, exceptional client service, and down-to-earth approachability. As the Bluebell Railway presented a unique and challenging setting, she took the time to thoroughly research the location with us, ensuring that every moment was captured beautifully on camera. Her unobtrusive presence allowed us to fully enjoy our day, while her stunning photos have perfectly preserved the joy and happiness of that special occasion from start to finish.
The Flowers
Julia Piquè’s expertise in floral arrangement was showcased as she meticulously organized the blooms at the Bluebell Railway, crafting buttonholes and a stunning bouquet for me. To guide her creative process, we presented her with a color scheme, visual references, and a list of specific flowers to avoid – my personal dislikes, including chrysanthemums and carnations. We also suggested incorporating heather and rosemary into the arrangements to add a unique touch. Meanwhile, at Highbrook Village Hall, our event stylist Claire brought her own flair to the flower arrangement, carefully curating the blooms to create a beautiful and memorable atmosphere.
The Cake
Amy Sampson, the talented baker behind AmysVintageCupcakes, made a lasting impression on my parents when they attended a party and indulged in her delectable creations. As it turns out, Amy is based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, where she has honed her baking skills over the years. When I asked her to bake 100 cupcakes for our special day, she kindly agreed and brought our vision to life. The tower display was a stunning sight, adorned with fresh flowers that added a touch of elegance to the overall presentation. Amy’s enthusiasm and dedication to her craft were palpable, and it’s no surprise that she has since decided to turn her passion into a full-fledged business. I’m thrilled for her and wish her all the best in her entrepreneurial endeavors.
Entertainment
As per my dad’s suggestion, we arranged for a table top magician to perform on the train, courtesy of Julia at The Bluebell. The magician did an excellent job, weaving magic into the evening. Similarly, we made sure that the music at Highbrook village hall was a perfect blend of era-specific tunes and timeless classics that everyone could enjoy. We opted for Rachel Bundy, a talented jazz singer who has a network of Brighton- and Sussex-based musicians at her disposal. Her band played to perfection, transporting us back in time with their renditions of classic jazz numbers that appealed to all ages. It was an inspired choice that added to the overall nostalgia of the evening.
The Details + Decor
Last year, Ross and I embarked on a fun-filled adventure with friends, foraging for sloes and damsons to create our own homemade liqueurs – damson whisky and sloe gin. We sourced mini demijohns from Miniature Glass Bottles, who not only provided the containers but also custom-designed labels based on our creative input. After bottling the finished products, we gifted them as unique wedding favors to our loved ones. Meanwhile, we entrusted Claire of Amaryllis Events in Ditchling with the task of styling Highbrook Village Hall. Following our vision for a more relaxed and understated vintage atmosphere, Claire skillfully interpreted our ideas, transforming the hall into an intimate and cozy setting that perfectly complemented the evening’s festivities. To add a touch of elegance to the proceedings, Julia Piqué expertly arranged transportation using West Hoathly Garage, featuring a stunning 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom and a pre-war Packard – truly a sight to behold.
Advice For Other Couples
When it comes to weddings, having a skilled planner can make all the difference between a stress-free celebration and a chaotic disaster. Fiona and Ross’s special day was a perfect example of this. Their wedding was truly unforgettable, and we’re thrilled they shared their experience with us. If you’re thinking of hosting your big day at an unconventional location, take inspiration from their unique choice.