I’m thrilled to share the enchanting wedding of Sebastian and Charlotte with you today. This joyous celebration was captured by renowned photographer Marianne Chua, and I’m obsessed with the beautiful moments that unfolded. Thank you, Marianne, for allowing us to be a part of your stunning work!
The Proposal
As Charlotte’s 30th birthday approached in February 2017, my partner and I planned a special evening just for the two of us. Our original plan was to celebrate at a big party later that week, but we wanted to carve out some time together beforehand. Little did Charlotte know, I had been cooking up a surprise proposal. We arrived at the bar, and as we settled in with our drinks, I suddenly feigned an illness, suggesting we head back home. Meanwhile, our friend Rowan was waiting at the flat, poised to play her part in the plan. I discreetly texted her to let her know we were on our way, and she swiftly lit the 200 candles I had acquired earlier. By the time we arrived home, she had just stepped out, leaving Charlotte to walk into a stunning surprise: the room was filled with candlelight. Overcome with emotion, I got down on one knee and pointed to the box on the mantlepiece, where the ring awaited. Tears of joy flowed as Charlotte said yes, and we shared an unforgettable moment together.
The Vision
We aimed to create a wedding atmosphere that was both formal and informal at the same time – a unique blend of elegance and playfulness. Our primary objective was to ensure our guests had an unforgettable experience. To achieve this, we booked an exceptional band and made sure there was ample opportunity for everyone to let loose and have fun. Meanwhile, Charlotte focused on curating stunning ceremony and reception venues by selecting exquisite flowers and décor. As a teacher, I also involved my students in the decoration process, giving them a chance to get creative and contribute to our special day.
The Planning Process
Charlotte played the pivotal role in planning, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills. As her right-hand man, I followed her lead and contributed to various aspects of the process. Moreover, our good fortune was further bolstered by the support of several family members who lent a helping hand.
The Venue
Set amidst the serene surroundings of Dulwich College’s historic Old Library, the ceremony took place in a breathtakingly beautiful venue that offered a charming atmosphere for the special day. On the other hand, the reception party was held at Tanner Warehouse in Bermondsey, London, which presented an industrial-chic ambiance with wooden furnishings and a lively vibe. The space was further elevated by the presence of superlative food and drink options, making it an ideal setting to celebrate the union.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I opted for a chic ensemble from Reiss, consisting of a black and grey speckle jacket and waistcoat paired with black trousers. To complement my outfit, I chose brogue Doc Marten’s shoes that added a touch of sophistication. I also added some flair with a blue tie and matching socks. Charlotte stood out in a stunning two-piece dress by French designer Rime Arodaky, featuring beautiful lace panelling at the back that accentuated her lovely figure. In a nod to practicality, she opted for high street shoes from Kurt Geiger.
Bridesmaids
The ensemble was a stunning display of coordinated fashion, with the dresses’ bright blue hue perfectly complementing the boys’ ties. The garments in question hailed from Rewritten, and their wrap dress design proved to be a versatile and flattering choice for all involved.
Groomsmen
To complement the groom’s outfit, the groomsman donned a stylish ensemble that mirrored his attire. They opted for a unique black and grey speckled waistcoat, paired perfectly with black trousers from Reiss. A splash of blue was added via their tie, creating a cohesive and dashing look that exuded elegance.
Beauty
As soon as Charlotte discovered Portrait Bridal, she knew she had found the perfect team to help her get ready on her big day. Zara took charge of styling Charlotte and the bridesmaids’ hair into effortless, natural waves that perfectly captured their unique personalities. Meanwhile, Nadia worked her magic behind the scenes, crafting stunning makeovers for the entire party. What really set Charlotte’s heart racing was the opportunity to try something a little unconventional – she opted for a gorgeous rose gold eye makeup look that added an extra touch of glamour to her overall aesthetic.
The Readings & Music
As I prepared for Charlotte’s arrival, music played a significant role in setting the tone. My playlist featured a diverse range of genres and artists, from Whitney Houston to Lighthouse Family. However, little did I know that Charlotte would make her grand entrance to Eta James’ soulful rendition of At Last. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt nod to Smokey Robinson’s timeless classic, My Girl. Amidst the celebration, our dear friend Nicci brought tears of joy as she beautifully recited Sandol Stoddard Warburg’s poignant poem ‘I Like You’, leaving a lasting impression on all who were present.
The Cake
The pièce de résistance, Charlotte’s Mum had selected a majestic three-tiered masterpiece from Isobel Bakes, each layer boasting a distinct flavor profile that promised to delight the senses.
The Details & Décor
The settings, in themselves, told a story that didn’t require much embellishment. A touch of greenery, some carefully placed blooms, and a sprinkle of lighting magic were all that was needed to bring the spaces to life. The Old Library’s rustic charm evoked a sense of reverence, reminiscent of a church, while Tanner Warehouse’s industrial aesthetic perfectly captured the essence of a vibrant dance party.
Your Photographer
Marianne Chua, our esteemed photographer, was a pleasure to work with. The backstory of how we met is quite amusing. You see, I used to be part of a band called I Am In Love, and Marianne captured some amazing moments during one of our performances at Y Not festival. When it came time to find a photographer for this project, I couldn’t help but think back on the excellent work she did in the past. It turned out that Marianne had honed her skills as an expert wedding photographer, making her the perfect fit for the job. Throughout the entire process, she was professional, easy-going and produced outstanding results – a true master of her craft!
Your Filmmaker
Our film project was fortunate enough to have a skilled member of our family, Lynne, take the reins and capture the day’s events on camera. Her exceptional work has been compiled into a final product that we’re thrilled to share with you. To experience the memories firsthand, simply click here.
The Flowers
A stroll through the gardens led Charlotte to a stunning selection of blooms from the esteemed Fresh Flower Company, headquartered in Dulwich. Amidst the verdant surroundings, her eyes landed on a trio of show-stoppers: luscious Peonies, majestic Delphiniums, and radiant Garden Roses – each one a testament to the company’s commitment to cultivating only the finest flora.
The Honeymoon
As we embarked on our new life together, we decided to take a momentous pause and indulge in a week-long getaway to Santorini, Greece. The picturesque island offered us the serene ambiance we yearned for after the whirlwind wedding celebrations. It was the perfect setting to recharge and reflect on our newfound love. Looking ahead, we’re already counting down the days until our next adventure – a month-long escapade along the West Coast of America in 2019, where we’ll be soaking up the sun, exploring new horizons, and making unforgettable memories together.
Memorable Moments
One of the most cherished memories for me was the first time I laid eyes on Charlotte – she radiated an undeniable glow, and her beauty left a lasting impression. For Charlotte, however, the most unforgettable moment wasn’t witnessing my grand entrance down the aisle, but rather listening to my heartfelt speech. While it may have been a bit unconventional as the most memorable part of the day, I must admit that it was indeed a remarkable experience! Throughout the entire celebration, everything fell into place seamlessly, leaving an abundance of cherished moments to treasure.
Advice For Other Couples
When embarking on a vacation planning journey, it’s essential to start early to ensure availability of desired activities and accommodations. Collaborating with family members can also enhance the experience, as they may be eager to contribute their ideas and expertise. Maintaining a calm and relaxed attitude throughout the process is crucial for a stress-free planning experience. Furthermore, once decisions have been made, it’s vital to move forward without dwelling on potential regrets or second-guessing, as this can lead to unnecessary anxiety.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Our special thanks go out to an incredible team of wedding suppliers who helped make our day truly unforgettable. Marianne, our talented photographer, captured every moment beautifully. At the reception, Miles, Gatis, and the team at Tanner Warehouse ensured everything ran smoothly, while the people at Dulwich College provided a stunning ceremony venue. The Fresh Flower Company brought our vision to life with their gorgeous florals, and Val, our wonderful registrar, guided us through the process with ease. We also want to extend our gratitude to Soul Junkies via Entertainment Nation, who got everyone dancing and had us all singing along. Additionally, we must give a shout-out to Portraits Bridal for their exceptional hair and makeup services – they worked like a well-oiled machine to ensure we looked our absolute best! A huge thank you also goes out to Isobel Bakes for the delicious cake that satisfied our sweet tooth. Lastly, we’re grateful to have shared our special day with all of our wonderful guests, including Charlotte and Sebastian, who made it such a memorable experience. Thanks again to everyone involved – your contributions didn’t go unnoticed!