Join me as we delve into the charming wedding of Fiona and Michael, who exchanged vows on July 28th, 2018 at Stour Space in Hackney Wick, London. I’m utterly smitten with their effortless industrial-chic aesthetic, which radiated joy and love throughout. A thoughtful green colour palette was woven throughout the details, from the bridesmaids’ flowing tulle skirts to the groomsmen’s subtle ties, Fiona’s romantic gown adorned with a delicate green ribbon, and the lush decorations that dotted the space. The handmade décor was truly exceptional, with the ribbon rag bunting and moon gate ceremony backdrop standing out in particular. The brilliant stationery design was another highlight. As for the ceremony itself, it took place on the picturesque pontoon overlooking the river, with a dear friend serving as officiant. Having tied the knot legally the day prior gave them the freedom to craft a deeply personal and meaningful ceremony surrounded by loved ones. After exchanging vows, they celebrated in the vibrant gallery space, and I must say their portraits taken amidst the surrounding area are simply stunning. From the gorgeous greenery bouquets to the unique barge transport and their first dance under the stars, there’s so much to love about this special celebration! A huge thank you goes out to Anne Schwarz Photography for sharing these incredible moments with us.
The Proposal
For over a decade, my partner and I have been inseparable since our school days. The journey towards matrimony began when Fiona embarked on a few months-long adventure abroad. That period of physical distance served as a poignant reminder of the significance we hold in each other’s lives. A profound conversation ensued upon her return, marking a turning point in our relationship. Shortly after, we collectively realized that we wanted to formalize our commitment to one another, surrounded by loved ones, and so our decision to get married was made.
The Vision
To maintain an atmosphere of informality at our special day, we aimed for a setting that would allow our loved ones to unwind and enjoy themselves without pretenses. Fiona had always been enamored with the idea of exchanging vows in a picturesque outdoor setting, where the beauty of nature could serve as the perfect backdrop for our celebration.
The Planning Process
As our discussions remained vague and unproductive, we decided to take a different approach. We began scheduling regular ‘wedding club’ meetings, dedicating a few hours each week to making key decisions together. This way, every aspect of the wedding would truly feel like a collaborative effort, shared equally between both partners.
Budget
Our goal wasn’t to pin down a specific number or plan, but we did know one thing for certain: we didn’t want to get overwhelmed. What mattered most to us was gathering our closest friends in one spot with plenty of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and room to let loose. Everything else fell into place once those basics were taken care of, leaving us open to compromise on the finer details – like handmade decorations – as long as they added to the overall atmosphere.
The Venue
As we embarked on planning our special day, my partner Fiona, an architect by trade, brought a unique perspective to the search for the perfect venue. Her design sensibilities led us to Stour Space in Hackney Wick, where the abundance of natural light, industrial chic ambiance, and picturesque pontoon overlooking the water collectively won her over. The combination of these elements ultimately sealed our decision to host our celebration at this unconventional yet captivating spot.
The Details & Décor
By incorporating lush greenery into the industrial gallery space, we successfully brought the outdoors in. Our friends and family lent a helping hand once more, with Fiona’s mum dedicating hours to crafting an exquisite 50-meter-long garland by tying ribbons. Michael’s mum also contributed her skills, creating a stunning willow hoop adorned with verdant foliage, which served as the picturesque backdrop for our ceremony. To further enhance the ambiance, we designed cohesive menus, place settings, and welcome signs that mirrored our green-themed invites, complete with whimsical illustrations of our own faces inspired by Wes Anderson’s signature style.
The Cake
In lieu of investing in an elaborate cake, we opted for a more collaborative approach. We reached out to our loved ones and invited them to join in on the celebration by bringing their favorite sweet treats to share. This not only allowed us to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures but also fostered a sense of community and connection among our guests.
The Flowers
To harmonize with the industrial chic of the venue, we chose a nature-inspired aesthetic featuring lush green foliage. Fiona took this theme to heart, selecting bouquets and buttonholes that matched the décor perfectly. The centrepieces, crafted by Fiona and her mum, were made up of plants grown by family members over several months. These all-green arrangements were nestled in large recycled containers, adding a touch of sustainability to the overall design.
The Readings & Music
We opted for an intimate registry-office wedding the day before, ensuring we had complete creative control over our ceremony. A close friend took on the role of officiant and led a beautifully personalized service, featuring three moving readings. The atmosphere was warm and heartfelt, with our chosen readers doing an outstanding job alongside our friend’s excellent leadership. In terms of readings, we selected ‘Marriage’ by Anon, ‘Advice from Married Family & Friends’, and a poignant history of Fiona and Michael’s journey together. The music was equally special, with Etta James’ soulful rendition of ‘At Last’ serving as the perfect entrance tune. As the ceremony drew to a close, Sixpence None the Richer’s ‘Kiss Me’ filled the air, setting the tone for the joyous celebration that followed. Later in the day, we were treated to an impromptu performance by our alma mater’s Barbershop Quartet, featuring one of our groomsmen, which added a delightful touch of nostalgia. The evening capped off with our first dance as newlyweds, swaying to David Bowie’s timeless classic ‘Let’s Dance’.
Beauty
With Fiona taking the reins on her wedding day makeup, she relied on YouTube tutorials and guidance from her bridesmaids to achieve the perfect look. Meanwhile, the entire bridal party embarked on a morning excursion to a local hair salon. The goal was to ensure everyone felt at ease with their hairstyle choice for the big day. Each member of the party got creative and selected their own unique style, while Fiona opted for a stunning braided updo adorned with foliage from her parents’ garden – a brilliant decision considering the breezy conditions on the wedding day!
Your Outfits & Accessories
Fiona’s approach to finding her dream wedding dress was nothing short of efficient. With her Bridesmaid by her side, she visited a bridal shop with the intention of merely getting a feel for different styles, but her search was surprisingly brief. Within just a couple of hours, she discovered her perfect gown – a stunning combination of a halter-neck lace top and a flowing, floor-length tulle skirt that would be perfect for twirling on the dance floor alongside her bridesmaids. The dress was finished with delicate green ribbons that added a touch of whimsy.In contrast, Michael’s experience shopping for his wedding suit was decidedly more last-minute. He had initially decided on a mid-grey textured suit with matching green ties and handkerchiefs to complement Fiona’s accessories and the bridesmaid’s skirts. After a bit of a hunt, he finally found ‘the suit’ just weeks before the big day and picked it up from its final alterations the week of the wedding.
Groomsmen
The groomsman’s attire was marked by a touch of individuality, as each gentleman opted for his own grey suit. To add visual interest, they were equipped with coordinating pale green polka-dot ties and green buttonholes that tied the overall look together.
Bridesmaids
With meticulous attention to detail, Fiona carefully curated a cohesive look for the bridesmaids. She ultimately selected soft, pale green tulle floor-length skirts that would complement the wedding’s whimsical atmosphere. Building upon this foundation, each bridesmaid then added their personal touches, choosing white tops, statement jewellery and shoes that reflected their unique style.
Your Photographer
Our experience with Anne was truly exceptional. From the initial planning meeting to the engagement shoot and eventually the big day itself, we felt a strong connection with her. She demonstrated a deep understanding of what we were looking for in terms of capturing our special moments, which gave us immense confidence in her abilities. As those who are not typically comfortable in front of the camera, Anne’s guidance and expertise made the process surprisingly smooth for us. The quality of our photographs has received numerous compliments from others, further testament to her exceptional work.
Memorable Moments
As the celebration got underway, the first dance proved to be a resounding success. Fiona’s last-minute dash to choreograph the routine paid off, culminating in a breathtaking spinning lift that Anne, our talented photographer, expertly captured. The emotional impact was palpable as the guests swayed along, fully immersed in the joyous atmosphere.
The heartfelt speeches delivered by the father of the bride, the bride herself, the groom, and the two best men only added to the emotional rollercoaster. Laughter and tears flowed freely, with everyone fully invested in the special moments being shared.
The Honeymoon
As the excitement and anticipation reached a fever pitch in the days leading up to the wedding, my partner and I decided to indulge in some much-needed R&R in the stunning Seychelles. We spent a leisurely week-and-a-bit soaking up the sun and relaxing on the picturesque islands, putting our feet firmly in relaxation mode.
Advice For Other Couples
As you embark on planning your special day, take a step back and reflect on what truly matters most to you and your partner. By prioritizing these essential elements from the outset, you’ll be able to streamline decision-making and confidently eliminate less important aspects that don’t align with your vision. Open communication throughout the process is also crucial – continuous dialogue will help you stay aligned and ensure that your wedding planning journey remains a collaborative and enjoyable experience.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Anne Schwarz Photography beautifully captured the essence of Fiona and Michael’s special day, with a photographer who has an eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. The Rings ceremony took place at The Garden Workshop, Hatton Garden, a stunning venue that offers not only a picturesque backdrop but also delicious food options. Stour Space played host to the reception, where the bride and groom shared their love and joy with friends and family. The flowers, arranged by the talented team at Grace & Thorn, added a touch of elegance and romance to the proceedings. Fiona’s stunning bridal dress was designed by Love Bridal, Crystal Palace, while her bridesmaids looked radiant in custom-made skirts from Revelry. The groom’s stylish suit was provided by Paul Smith, with his party ties and handkerchiefs courtesy of Mrs Bow Tie. As for transportation, the happy couple arrived at their wedding venue in style aboard a luxurious boat from Bow Boat Company. It was truly an unforgettable day, as Fiona and Michael celebrated their love surrounded by loved ones.