This blog post is about Jo and James and their summer garden wedding photographs at Burton on Trent. It was a very unusual wedding in terms of the wedding day theme and I’m really pleased to share these photographs with you. Here is a little bit about the wedding day.
First of all, the guys organised a pagan wedding ceremony, involving lighting candles and jumping over a broomstick! The whole thing, including the rings exchange, was done at one of parents’ back garden in the presence of most of the guests! By judging how well they prepared this, you can say that this part was probably more important for the guys than the official one at the Burton’s registry office.
It was also unusual to me that most of the wedding day event were held at a private house back garden. The atmosphere was great, the garden was so beautiful and cozy and everybody enjoyed so much that I don’t think any of the guests noticed any difference compared to a proper wedding venue!
Jo kindly gave me an off line interview which, I hope, will inspire and give new ideas to the brides and grooms to be. She also shared a list of suppliers she used which may be of use as well. So, over to Jodie
Speak soon
Elena
Burton on Trent wedding photographer
How did you two meet?
We met at work, at our previous job. We didn’t really see much of each other at work but were both invited out by a mutual friend for after work drinks and then for a birthday bash – the rest is history! (Our first dance song has always been ‘our song’ – we found love in a hopeless place)
How did he pop the question?
Not very romantically! We both enjoy antiques and antique fairs, there is a jeweler at one whose rings are amazing. A few years ago, I fell in love with an art deco ring he had which James offered to buy for me. I told him I only wanted a diamond ring if it was a promise! Two years later, we were at the fair and we went and saw the same man. I thought it was weird he had so many art deco rings! I saw a ring I fell completely in love with and James again asked if I wanted it – but this time as a promise! I didn’t realize at the time, the reason Gary had so many art deco rings with him was because James had called him before hand and told him his plans, Gary remembered my love of art deco, hence all the rings!What was your favorite moment(s) from the wedding?
I really enjoyed our pagan blessing, and I must say my first dance with my dad. The boys speeches were also excellent. I loved the whole day!
How long have you been together?
4 yearsHow would you describe your overall wedding experience?
The most magical day of my lifeWhat advice would you offer to other couples planning a wedding?
Be organized! I wasn’t and it led to some last minute stresses! Also ensure you budget correctly, don’t go into debt. We paid as we went along which made it much easier on the day.Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?
I had been looking online at bohemian dresses. I really wanted a dress with long, princess medieval sleeves. This dress came up, even though it didn’t tick all the boxes and I fell in love. I found the designers website (Ian Stuart) and a list of stockists. Working from the closest, I rang them to ask if they had this dress (Midsummer Dream) to try on. The closest I found was an hour and a half drive away… so off we went. It is the only wedding dress I tried on. I have never worn any other wedding dress, and didn’t need to see anymore!How was your experience taking photos/working with us on your wedding day?
Amazing, all the guests complemented you both on your professionalism, how well you fitted in, your manner with them. Could not fault a thing!Any tips that you have about preparing your wedding party for the photos? What did you tell them, how did you get them to cooperate, what did you do or what would you have done differently?
I should have told people that I had already given you guys a list of what I wanted. I could hear people panicking that photos were being ‘missed’ but we had it all under control! I was in my own little world really, so wished I’d have paid more attention! (Didn’t realize one of the girls had forgot her flowers!)Any tips on what to bring?
I forgot my helium balloons and I still have two huge bags of very expensive confetti left over. Plan and have your bridesmaid sort these things for you!We love to hear about vendors you love. List any vendors here and feel free to share your experience. Be sure to include the name of the vendor, their profession, city/state, site or Facebook page and how your experience was!
Amy Louise Bridal, Nantwich – the most amazing, patient, lovely ladies! I enjoyed every visit to their shop (and there were quite a few)
Ian Stuart – I facebook stalked him a little, but him and his team always reply!
Shropshire Petals – beautiful confetti!
Mollys Hair and Beauty, Burton – those girls put up with so much from us on the Friday and the Saturday making us look beautiful! They did a fantastic job, if I say so myself!
Jeanette, Ruby VW hire – lovely, professional, conscientious. Can’t fault her.
Patricia – the lady who did our handfast, so friendly, so warm, really enjoyed the time spent with her.
And of course, we all loved you guys!What’s one piece of advice you would give to other couples for planning their wedding?
Marry abroad?! Ha! Do everything just the way you want it. Do not compromise!Have you had an engagement session? If so, please, describe your experience? Would you recommend to have an engagement photo shoot to other couples?
Yes! I loved it, and it prepared you for the day. Also an opportunity to get to know you better and see how to work together.What kind of food was served at your reception?
Jacket Potatoes!What was the first song you danced to as husband and wife? Father-daughter dance? Mother-son dance?
First Dance – Ed Sheeran covering Rhiannas ‘We Found Love’
Father/Daughter – Celine Dion ‘Because you Loved me’
List of suppliers
Cake Maker: Costco!
Wedding Planner: The Bride!
DJ: My nephew/the bride
First Dance Song: Ed Sheeran covering Rhiannas ‘We Found Love’
Dress Boutique: Amy Louise Bridal, Nantwich
Caterer: Buffet from Costco
Florist: The Blossom Tree, Melbourne
Limo Service: ‘Ruby’ VW Campervan