Vintage, DIY Wedding In London {Part 2}

Hello everybody, I hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday.

If you're into DIY weddings and beautiful florals it just got a whole lot of better!

Did you see Part 1 of Mat and Jennifer's gorgeous, vintage London wedding? The first look photos around the pretty, lanes of Hamstead, London are well worth a look.

I love Jennifer's write up ~ here's how she describes their wedding theme: ‘Dusky pink folksy vintage' {hence the title}. I'd like to add ‘DIYtastic' too ~ when you see the amazing DIY decor you'll see why!

Decor, Details and DIY

I spent many a long morning making big pouffy paper pompoms to string along the ceiling. Very easy to make, though fairly time consuming. I snapped a pair of scissors and a tiny bit of my sanity along the way. We bought some transparent fishing line to string them up with, which worked a treat. Sue, the florist, handmade the bunting to match the general design. We had a little contingent to help us decorate the night before and even the building supervisor helped us out, which was pretty invaluable – thanks!

We had some beautiful flowers, a gift from Mat’s dad and his wife. We knew we wanted the ‘just cut’ look – abundant, pretty and romantic – and had lots of discussions with the florist to get just the style we were after. They looked gorgeous. Our friend, Kate, made some delicious truffles for our favours. Our friend Cat made the cute table settings, helped out by other very kind friends. We had about twenty kids there on the day, so made them little place settings with drawing books to entertain them through the speeches. Judging by the squawks I’d say this only partially worked, but at least the parents appreciated it. Finally, my amazing and talented artist friend Shelley made the cake, did my hair and even bought us all a picnic breakfast on the wedding morning!

The Photographer ~ Lee Robbins

I developed a bit of a wedding blog habit while planning the day and came across Lee's photos on one of them. I really liked the light and atmosphere of his pictures. When we met in person, both Mat and I thought his general good humour and laid-back vibe would be great to have around on the day. In fact I distinctly remember us looking at each other after the meeting and then chasing him across the road to book him there and then.

I would definitely recommend Lee. He was completely unobtrusive (in a good way!) and put everyone at ease. He blended so much into the crowd that all my bridesmaids and I carried on gossiping, snacking and putting on our makeup as if he was the fifth member of the bridal party. Mat and I really love his shots and the way that he beautifully composed and captured the mood and tone of the day. We're just pleased we got him while he still had availability!

The Refreshments

We had a mainly vegetarian buffet. We’d wanted it to be fresh, colourful and delicious, and it was. Dessert was chocolate mouse, lemon tart, profiteroles and fresh fruit. We had prosecco throughout and a particularly tasty combo of prosecco and elderflower cordial for the reception. The cake was a three tier sponge cake, with strawberry, lemon and apricot fillings in each successive layer. It was hand-iced with the same flowers that the bridesmaids carried (Amnesia roses). Beautiful and yummy.

The Wedding Music & Entertainment

I walked in to Forever, and we walked out to I Can Hear Music, both by the Beach Boys. Our first dance was ‘Homesick for the Moon’ by The Dirty Urchins. We got engaged in Central Park in New York and just after the big moment we were wandering dazed around the Park and came across them busking with this song. So, we had to have it! Luckily they recorded it the month before the wedding and sent us a sneaky preview.

We had a ceildh band, which apparently was the best fun ever (according to my bridesmaid Sarah). It was pretty great to see everyone of all ages up and dancing with each other, even the previously reluctant ones – hysterical laughter all round. The band and caller were lovely and helped guide the bemused and bewildered wonderfully.

How fun are those last shots in which Mat and Jennifer incorporated the Hora {traditional Jewish chair dance}?! And I simply can't get enough of those pouffy pom poms!

Congratulations to Mat and Jennifer, thank you for sharing your beautiful wedding with us.

Thanks to Lee Robbins who captured their day so perfectly ~ it was such a pleasure featuring your stunning photography.