Happy Monday! Who could be glum when we get to swoon over beautiful weddings and sweet love stories all day long?
Today's real wedding, is Lyndsey & James' elegant English celebration, with a traditional church wedding, and a refined barn reception in Staffordshire.
And it was photographed so beautifully, by Canada-meets-UK-based wedding photographer, Steve Gerrard.
Making the most gorgeous bride, Lyndsey took centre stage on her wedding day, in not one, but two, stunning Pronovias wedding dresses. While James was the perfect English gentleman in his top hat and tales.
Their barn bash was far from a hoedown-style rustic affair, with dreamy ruffled chair decor, classically beautiful rose centrepieces, and cool boozy wedding favours – just the right blend of charm and elegance.
Oh and if you're not sure about your wedding day timeline, why not borrow Lyndsey's? Though be warned, this early bird bride, is one organised lady!
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Love Story
Sparks flew at the gym back in 2009!
James actually proposed to me naked on one knee at home, he claims the moment felt right and couldn’t wait any longer!
To that day we had never been to a wedding together, the first was our own!
Our Wedding
No strict theme, just a combination of everything we loved and a wish for it to come together on the day, and it did!
We made it as personal as we could, with personal messages on everyone's name tag, and messages to our friends and families dotted around the venue. We chose neutral and blush tones with a touch of vintage!
The Attire
My wedding dress was Ugalde by Pronovias, and my evening dress was Embrujo by Manual Mota for Pronovias, that one was altered quite a bit though, I took out the full skirt at the bottom, removed feathers from shoulders and shorted the train) Both purchased at Rococo Bridal in Melbourne, Derbyshire.
The veil was also by Pronovias, from Rococo and the shoes were ‘Lance’ by Jimmy Choo. A bespoke diamond necklace was gift from James on the day, my earrings were a gift from my bridesmaids from Carat.
For the groom and groomsmen's attire, traditional morning suits and top hats were from from Peter Posh.
Each of the bridesmaids wore a different dye to order dress from Ghost. ‘Chelsea’ ‘Gabriella’ ‘Monique’ and ‘Novella all in Pink Boudoir.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was held at Christ Church in Lichfield Staffordshire. We chose traditional vows, personal hymns including, ‘I Vow to Thee my Country', (my husband is a rugby lover and my father gave me away in his military uniform for the last time before he retired), ‘Jerusalem' and ‘Love Devine all Love Excelling'.
Our readings were ‘The One’ Author Unknown and ‘An Excerpt from Union' by Robert Fulghum.
The Music
Processional: Cannon in D Major by Pachabel.
Recessional: Ho Hey by The Lumineers.
First Dance : All of me by John Legend
The Budget
Splashed out on photographer, venue, food, alcohol, band and transport for our guests from the church to reception (British red bus) and flowers.
What was most important to us was a combination of the things we loved, making sure our friends and family had a great time and that our day was captured perfectly.
Advice for Other Couples
Don’t let others' opinions influence your decisions, make your day of everything you love. Don’t stress, enjoy the special experience of the planning.
James and I sent each other special letters on the morning of our wedding and it just set the day up to be incredibly emotional.
Take time out when possible with your new husband/wife to take in the day so far – it slows everything down for just a few moments.
We would also recommend ANY of our vendors!
The Photography
We came across his Steve looking at another wedding venue, we then realized he was recommended in our choice of venue's literature.
Once we found his blog, we were sold, we booked our wedding date around his availability, as we didn’t want anyone else to shoot our big day.
The Decor & Details
Our favours were the personal favourite family of Gin and Whiskey (Hendricks, Gordons and Bombay) and (Jack Daniel, Gentleman Jack and Single Barrel).
The chair back covers from The Midland Events Company. Flowers and candlelight were key to dress what was already, a beautiful venue, all the candles and dressing etc were arranged by the bride. And the top table had individual favours for everyone.
The Flowers
Mainly Hydrangeas and Roses- (Vandela/ Grand Ohara/ Austin/ Akito roses) in neutrals and soft blush tones.
We also had gypsophilia and small roses in bridesmaids hair and roses for the button holes.
The Refreshments
Pimms and prosecco to arrive, to-die-for canapés, and a formal sit-down three course meal (scotch egg/ beef or chicken/ trio of our favorite desserts- syrup sponge, chocolate brownie, shortbread cream and strawberries.)
We also had sausage sandwiches and a cheese board in the evening.
Favourite Moments
My favourite moment was seeing my soon to be husband melt with tears when I walked into church.
And sitting together at the end of the night on the cottage floor wrapped in a blanket eating cheese and biscuits trying to take in just how incredible and perfect the day went, we were so in awe of each other and the whole day at that moment- very special.
One of James' memorable moments was when I got changed in the evening as it was a surprise.
Speeches were also a highlight for most, emotional and hilarious so a win-win.
Can you believe this is the first wedding James and Lyndsey ever went to together – what a one to start with! We're always fans of a big red bus, and I love that Lyndsey's dad wore his dress uniform one last time for her wedding. Such a sweet touch.
Thanks so much to Steve Gerrard Photography, and of course, Lyndsey and James for sharing their elegant English wedding with us.
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