Good morning,
Picture the scene…
It's a grey day in Liverpool. A stylish bride and groom stand on a rooftop overlooking the city, surrounded by their closest friends and family, some who have travelled all the way from Australia, the US and Singapore. They enjoy good food and good company then slip away for a stroll around the city streets as newlywed husband and wife. It may be a grey day in Liverpool but Ralene and Neil are positively radiating happiness and love.
Claire Penn was on hand to capture the beauty of their intimate, city chic wedding.
A Speedy Wedding ~ We were engaged in late May 2011 and decided that we would get married later that year. So we arranged the wedding in 2 ½ months!
The Dress ~ I wanted a floaty dress that was elegant but not too ‘wedding like’ which is not easy to find! I didn’t want to look particularly ‘bridal’ so I didn’t have any accessories and I almost didn’t even have a bouquet, but changed my mind in the last week before the wedding! The wedding party was free to choose whatever they wanted to wear as this was not just my day.
The Flowers ~ I had white calla lilies and antique purple roses, purely because I love purple flowers. My bridesmaid had white calla lilies – simple and stylish. Button holes were calla lilies to match.
Photography ~ Claire was recommended to us and when we met before the wedding, we realized she was very easy to get along with, which is important and the photos are great.
Décor & Details ~ The hotel completely organized the décor and it was lovely – the room décor was all white and the flowers were white with a little green. Very understated and beautiful. We didn’t have any favors to keep things simple and also as I am not accustomed to that tradition, being Australian.
The Refreshments ~ The food was from the London Carriage Works (restaurant of Hope Street Hotel). Halloumi starter, pork main and sticky toffee pudding dessert. The cake was our favourite carrot cake (Mum’s recipe), made by mum and decorated with Australian native flowers.
The Wedding Music & Entertainment ~ Pianist – Ben Gordon, followed by DJ. We prepared a video slideshow of photographs of me growing up and Neil growing up, and then some photos of us together to give the guests something to giggle at. Our first dance was to “Have I told you lately” by Van Morrison
Wow. Raelene's dress complete with sparkly straps is pure, understated chic.
Congratulations Raelene and Neil, wishing you all the best for your future together.
Thanks to the lovely Claire of Claire Penn Photography for sharing these gorgeous, tender images with us. I'm besotted with her rich, black and white shots!
Are you planning a speedy wedding? How long to go till the big day?
Whatever kind of wedding you're planning and however long you've got left my thoughts are with you. Please do get in touch if you need any help or advice from an old married with a wedding blog habit! I'd be happy to help.
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