Imagine a wedding that perfectly blends rustic charm with vibrant flair. Meet Jenny and Richard, who recently tied the knot at Wylam Brewery in Newcastle, surrounded by friends, family, and a sense of effortless cool. Their love story began with a romantic full moon proposal in Italy, which set the tone for their stress-free celebration. With a whimsical theme emerging from their priorities, every detail was crafted to create an unforgettable experience. Think multicoloured ribbons adorning wooden chairs, wildflowers bursting from bottles, and a playful photobooth backdrop that’s sure to delight. And then there are the thoughtful touches that make this wedding truly special – like meaningful readings, heartfelt favours, and even Jenny’s elegant manicure. Dive into their report to uncover all the sweet details. The stylish attire is also worth noting: Richard and his groomsmen looked dapper in suits from WWW Supplier Love members Master Debonair, while Jenny stunned in Fleur by Naomi Neoh, and her bridesmaids made a statement in mismatched pastel dresses. Don’t miss the breathtaking bouquets that add to the wedding’s visual feast. We’re grateful to Amy Lou Photography for sharing these stunning images with us.
The Proposal
As we celebrated our belated birthdays in the picturesque town of Verona, Italy, Richard took me by surprise with a romantic proposal. Amidst the charming streets and romantic atmosphere, we shared a leisurely lunch featuring red wine, marking another special occasion. As the sun began to set, we strolled through the hotel gardens, gazing up at the full moon casting its serene glow over Lake Garda. It was there that Richard got down on one knee, popping the question under the stars. To this day, every full moon serves as a poignant reminder of that magical moment, and we’ve adopted it as our own unit of time to measure the passage of time since our wedding day.
The Vision
As we embarked on planning our special day, our vision gradually took shape. Initially, we were driven by a singular desire: to keep things stress-free. My love for all things vibrant and colourful was also evident, and I knew that incorporating these elements would be essential. As we solidified the venue and dress choices, our carefree yet lively wedding theme began to crystallize.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on wedding planning, my partner Richard, an engineer, and I, a teacher, drew parallels with our professional experiences. In our fields, prioritization is key, so we applied this approach to tackle the task at hand. We began by identifying the essential elements that would make our special day truly memorable: fun, relaxation, and cherished moments. This framework served as our starting point, guiding us in making decisions about entertainment, venue, and photography. By focusing on the most important aspects first, we were able to systematically tackle the smaller details, allowing them to fall into place with ease.
The Readings & Music
Selecting the readings was an exhilarating experience that allowed us to infuse our special day with personal touches. We meticulously curated three passages that not only represented our individual selves and relationship, but also resonated with the guests who would be listening. The readings we chose were: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Relativity by Albert Einstein, and The Amber Spyglass by Phillip Pullman. These words now hold a special place above our fireplace, framed and displayed for all to see. To set the tone for the ceremony, we opted for Seasons of Love, covered by Vitamin String Quartet, a nod to my past in musical theatre clubs. As we departed the church, Sweet Child of Mine, another Vitamin String Quartet cover, served as a fitting tribute to Richard’s beloved song. Our first dance, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles, beautifully captured the promise and optimism that defines our life together.
Budget
We opted out of lavish wedding expenditures, instead prioritizing meaningful experiences. Our unconventional approach included swapping a traditional wedding car for a minibus filled with our closest friends and opting for an ice cream van instead of elaborate canapés. This deliberate choice allowed us to focus on what truly matters – creating lasting memories that bring joy to both of us. As we faced significant financial decisions, we found comfort in rationalizing each expense, asking ourselves if it would be a worthwhile investment for our special day. When the answer was yes, the uncertainty dissipated, replaced by a sense of excitement and anticipation.
The Venue
As we planned our ceremony, it was crucial for us to maintain a sense of tradition and continuity with Richard’s family history. St. Peter’s Church in Bywell held great significance as it was the venue where his parents and grandparents exchanged vows, making it an emotional and meaningful choice for both of us. My profession at a Church of England school also enabled me to work closely with Rev. McCartan, who kindly agreed to conduct our ceremony. Her personal touches and insights added a unique layer of depth to the proceedings that would have been impossible for anyone else to replicate.In search of the perfect venue, we initially booked several viewings but ultimately cancelled them all after visiting Wylam Brewery at The Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park, Newcastle city centre. The serene lake and impressive domed roof created a breathtaking atmosphere, while the exposed brickwork and industrial aesthetic appealed to Richard’s engineering sensibilities. To make it an even more memorable experience for our guests, they offered brewery tours as part of their package. It was as if fate had brought us together – we first met at the pub when Richard was sipping on a pint of Wylam ale, after all!
The Flowers
Amy from Muscari Events truly outdid herself in crafting a breathtaking floral display for our special day. We had simply asked for ‘colour’, but she exceeded our wildest expectations with an stunning array of wildflowers that perfectly captured the essence of our celebration.
The flower crowns, in particular, stole the show, with Amy’s ingenious use of eucalyptus leaves creating a beautiful asymmetrical accent. The flowing ribbons from the bridesmaid’s crowns also caught the attention of a curious young girl who exclaimed, ‘Look mummy, those girls are princesses!’ as we arrived at the brewery.
To add an extra layer of personal touch to our church ceremony, my mum grew all the flowers in her back garden. It was a labour of love that saw us spend hours filling over 50 jars with freshly cut blooms on the day before the wedding.
The Details & Décor
As we exchanged vows, my classmates’ heartfelt notes on blackboards at the church beautifully encapsulated the essence of love, marriage, and commitment. Months of meticulous planning went into creating our confetti bar using dried petals, which added a whimsical touch to our celebration. Every foil-lined baking tray overflowing with flowers was a testament to our dedication.My sister’s creativity shone through in her upcycled mirror signs, transforming the charity shop finds into stunning pieces that perfectly captured the day’s atmosphere. Amy from Muscari Events brought everything together with her meticulous attention to detail. Chair backs adorned with flowing ribbons and delicate glass containers filled with flowers and candles created a warm ambiance. Her thoughtful touches were evident throughout the venue, making our special day truly unforgettable.A unique touch that stole the show for me was our wedding favors – temporary tattoos featuring the geographical coordinates of our altar! It was a clever way to commemorate our special moment.In the lead-up to our big day, we had to get creative with naming our tables and creating our table plan. We drew inspiration from local beers and used their names as titles. A row of bottles filled with wildflowers, complete with printed tags indicating where guests should sit, added a charming touch. Each table then featured the corresponding beer label, beautifully framed and nestled among the votives.
Bridesmaids
As the bridesmaids dresses took shape, my vibrant imagination was finally brought to life! Initially, many people were hesitant about my unconventional approach, but the final result far surpassed my expectations. With seven unique personalities and body types among the group, I knew that finding one dress that would make everyone feel confident and beautiful was a near impossible task. So, we took matters into our own hands, scouring ASOS and creating our very own personal fashion show! Clothing racks filled my sister’s house as we sipped Prosecco and expertly mixed and matched to create a stunning array of styles. Even now, when I look back at the photos, I’m still blown away by just how amazing they all looked.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I embarked on my dress shopping journey, I had a clear vision in mind: no lace, no bling, an A-line design, and vibrant colors. Marrime Bridal in Jesmond was the first and only stop on my quest. Upon entering the store, I spotted my dream dress – Fleur by Naomi Neoh – and added it to the pile of five dresses I tried on. However, I left it until last, fearing it might not live up to my expectations. But as soon as I put it on, I knew I had found ‘the one.’ It was essential that my grandmother, who was buying the dress for me, approved of my choice. While she loved the color, she was concerned that the strapless sweetheart design might be a bit revealing. Thankfully, Honey, the shop assistant, suggested trying on the lace jacket from the Primrose dress by Naomi Neoh – which I had initially specified no lace – and it ended up being the perfect addition. As my mum welled up with emotion, I knew I had made the right decision.I chose to wear sentimental jewelry pieces that held significance, including a necklace given to me by Richard and a set of rings purchased by my friends. To complete my look, I also bought a new pair of earrings from Etsy, which became my ‘something new.’From the start, I knew I wanted blue shoes, which ASOS kindly provided. I also invested in a pair of Kate Spade Keds to ensure I could dance the night away in comfort.Richard’s suit was courtesy of Master Debonair, a company we discovered at a local market. We were drawn to their intricate tie knots and Richard found several options that caught his eye (I’m drawn to color, while he favors navy blue – our opposing tastes make for an interesting dynamic). He opted for a light blush shirt to match my dress and a flamingo tie to add some flair.To complete his look, Richard accessorized with gold cufflinks engraved with our initials and a tie clip featuring a line from our first dance, both of which were purchased from Etsy. With a thunderstorm looming on the day of the wedding and unpredictable weather forecast, it was unclear whether we would need to use the umbrellas we had bought from Ebay or the sunglasses from River Island. Thankfully, the sun broke through the clouds just in time, rendering our sunglasses the better choice.
Beauty
I confess that the thought of being fully made up on my big day left me feeling uncertain about retaining my sense of self. To alleviate this concern, I enlisted the expertise of Molly, a talented makeup artist and sister to one of my bridesmaids. With her guidance, we worked together to perfect a fresh, summery look that exuded the carefree spirit I desired. After several trial runs, she nailed the style, giving me the confidence boost I needed to feel like myself on this momentous occasion.
Meanwhile, my hairdresser of choice was entrusted with creating my locks. Her salon was conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from my mother’s house, where we were getting ready. However, as I made my way back, carrying my veil and attempting to avoid Richard, who had popped into the barber shop nearby, the scene unfolded like a high-stakes Mission Impossible mission.
Adding an extra layer of celestial magic to our special day was the fact that it coincided with the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. As such, I opted for cosmic nails, a fitting tribute to the stars aligning in my favor on this unforgettable evening.
Your Photographer
From the moment Amy started working with my sister back in school, it was clear that she had a unique photographic style that aligned perfectly with our vision for capturing our special day. Her warm and welcoming approach instantly put us at ease, allowing her to capture the authentic essence of our celebration through her camera lens. Every image tells a story, bursting with vibrant colours, dynamic movement, and infectious laughter – a true reflection of the joyous occasion.
The Honeymoon
Our dreamy honeymoon adventure unfolded aboard a luxurious cruise ship, taking us on a picturesque journey through Europe’s most charming destinations. The memories are still etched vividly – savoring savory gyros beneath Mykonos’ iconic windmills, and standing in awe where Galileo’s legacy remains in Florence. The 12-night odyssey was nothing short of euphoric, with each day spent basking in the warm Mediterranean sun.
Groomsmen
Richard’s younger brothers shared the responsibility of being best man, a role they took on with ease. To ensure their attire complemented his own, he wanted them to wear matching suits while still incorporating distinct touches. We discovered an innovative solution – pink ties that harmonized perfectly with Richard’s shirt and my dress, a feat made all the more impressive given our find was at Next, no ordinary store.
Memorable Moments
The memory of Richard’s flirtatious wink as I arrived at the altar remains vivid, instantly dissipating any pre-ceremony jitters. A similar sense of euphoria washed over me when we entered the wedding breakfast to thunderous applause from our loved ones, a truly unforgettable experience.
The Cake
When it comes to cakes, we’re all about the taste, not just the aesthetics. Given our long-standing relationship with The Pudding Parlour, we knew exactly where to turn for a cake that would impress. With their impressive range of flavours at our fingertips, we spent no time deciding on mint Aero, custard cream, and – naturally – rainbow cake! After getting the thumbs up from the bridesmaids on the frosting colours, it was time to get down to business. The only hurdle left was finding the perfect cake stands, which proved to be a challenge until we discovered Prop Options on Etsy. Their custom-made stands were just what we needed to take our wedding dessert game to the next level.
Advice For Other Couples
Indulge in activities that bring you joy, even if they seem trivial. Prioritize experiences that genuinely excite you, as the happiness they elicit is invaluable. On the other hand, if something doesn’t resonate with you, don’t force it. Instead, focus on cultivating a stress-free environment for yourself and others involved. For instance, we arranged transportation for our guests and checked in early to alleviate last-minute worries, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in each moment.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
In the midst of capturing the magic of a special day, Amy Lou Photography played a pivotal role in preserving the memories of Jenny and Richard’s unforgettable union. With Marrime Bridal’s exquisite dresses and Muscari Events’ stunning floristry setting the tone, every element contributed to an atmosphere that was nothing short of breathtaking. The delectable cake crafted by The Pudding Parlour and the historic Wylam Brewery serving as the picturesque venue only added to the grandeur. Meanwhile, Master Debonair’s suave attire for the groom and his dashing groomsmen perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic. Special mentions must be given to The Daily Nail’s impeccable nail artistry and Cruize Hairdressing’s hair-raising styles that left everyone in awe. Rounding out the celebration was the captivating performance by The Redwings, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Thank you again to Jenny and Richard for entrusting Amy Lou Photography with their most treasured moments, and we look forward to sharing more stories from this incredible couple.