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This wedding sings to my heart, sometimes things need to get back to basics, as this stunning wedding does. It’s so incredibly chic, timeless and very very beautiful. Kate and Mark wanted a “Contemporary & Minimal Spring London Wedding” which was perfectly achieved.

I am head over heels for Kate’s amazing architectural Vivienne Westwood dress and those fab green shoes, with her contrasting yellow bouquet.. and who can resist a kilt?! :-) hehe!!

Do take 3 beautiful minutes to watch their amazing wedding film by Simon Clarke Video Production.

Thanks so very much to the incredible Birmingham based wedding photographer, Lee Allen Photography for sharing his images today:

The Proposal….

Just over a year ago we went on holiday to Egypt and after some not so subtle hints Mark decided it was about time to pop the question. The method chosen for this was a balloon trip at sunrise over the Valley of the Kings, on the western bank of the Nile near Luxor.

Mark thought this was quite a cool setting for a proposal but I later admitted I thought it was a little cheesy. Furthermore, we had to share the ‘moment’ with 30 other people, who were also crammed into the very tight wicker basket!

The Vision for the day…

A Contemporary & Minimal Spring London Wedding

The Planning process…

The plans came together with relative ease and it was a great excuse to check out loads of uber cool venues close to where we live East London.

The Dress + Accessories….

Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Opuntia silk corset dress and emerald green platform shoes by Kurt Geiger.

The light gold silk one-shoulder asymmetric dress has Westwood’s signature corseted bodice. This couture dress has a low V-neck, one capped sleeve, full skirt with peak detailing at side.

I had never wanted a ‘wedding’ dress and the thought trawling thought in bridal shops and magazines filled me with dread. My initial plan was to treat myself to a couture dress, the sort of thing you see in Liberties or Selfridges but would never dream of trying on let alone buy!

I found my dress whilst doing a quick bit of on-line research one lunch-time at work and after a quick phone call to my Mum I bought it there and then. I particularly love the asymmetry and minimal detailing, and the knee length cut flatters my petite frame.

I was keen to avoid having my dress fitted by someone who was attached to a bridal shop. I had it altered at Nicola Donati (website below), which is a lovely little shop in Belgravia that was recommended by a friend. Madame Liliane and her assistant were so nice and helpful, and after two fittings, they kept the dress at the shop and it was steamed and ready for the big day.

The Venues…

Accommodation: The night before the wedding my parents, bridesmaids and I stayed in a landmark trust property on Princelet Street, which is just off Brick Lane and in one of my favourite areas of London.

My parents, bridesmaids and I arrived by black cab at the town hall.

Ceremony: We had a small civil ceremony at our local town hall, which is a short walk from our flat in Stoke Newington, Hackney. The stunning art deco, grade II listed building has recently reopened following a major refurbishment.

Along with 50 guests we were married in the Council Chamber’s vaulted gallery.

Celebrations:

On a London Routemaster bus, the wedding party were transported to Camden Town.

Upon discovering the Forge / Caponata we immediate knew it was the perfect venue for us.

This award winning building is home to the Forge, which is an intimate music venue that is adjoined across a glazed courtyard to Caponata Ristourante and Bar for 130 guests.

The Forge and Caponata joined force to provide an evening of Ceilidh dancing with delicious food and wine.

Groom’s attire…

As a proud Scot, it was never a question for Mark to wear anything other than his kilt! He and the grooms wore the family tartan along with all the trimmings

The Flowers…

We asked our local florist on Church Street in Stoke Newington to do the flowers. I have to confess that I’m not sure what flowers where in my bouquet! The only guidance we gave the florist was to follow the yellow – orange – green colour scheme.

Mark’s button hole included a thistle, which was suggested by the Florist to set him about from the rest of the groom party.

The Readings + Music...

Both Mums and our good friend Claire read beautiful readings at our ceremony.

When I am old!

Gervase Phinn

Read by Christine Parton

The key to love

Author unknown

Read by Judith McGechan

To love is not to possess

James Kavanaugh

Read by Claire White-Sharman

Stop by later for part 2 :-) xxx

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