Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Bride works in technical marketing for a semiconductor company. Nick is a patent attorney. We love to travel, ski, run, drink and be merry, be with family.
What’s unique? We’re totally independent and don’t rely on one another to make each other happy… and as a result, we make each other very happy.
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…
Château de Sannes might be one of those most magical places on earth. That plus the amazing Provence light at that time of year made for a dream-like setting. The château manages to be both grand and understated at the same time so we wanted to keep the theme of the wedding in keeping with that. Simple and not over-done. Lots of greenery to fit in with the surrounding, as it was all outside. Antique pots with herbs on the table and clean white tablecloths. 2 large earns filled with soft coloured flowers for the ceremony and olive branches on the backs of chairs. Good wine and food and different genres of music for each part of the wedding. Our wedding planner, Jennifer, orchestrated the most perfect atmosphere and she just has an eye for this sort of thing.
Tell us about your main outfits:
My dress was designed and made by Noor Al-Rahim (Nara Niro), a friend of a friend. It was made from a beautiful handmade lace sourced from a supplier in Soho. Nick’s suit was made at Trotter & Dean in Cambridge and was navy linen. I had to branch out on my shoes because normal wedding shoes are just not me. I knew I was going to splash out a bit on them and I wanted to make sure I bought something I was 100% going to wear again. Enter gold sequined Jimmy Choo’s!
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
Drinking champagne after the ceremony with all of our favourite people (I was so nervous before this point), while some awesome tunes played. Entering dinner to Fleetwood Mac (Everywhere) and all the guests standing and waving their napkins above their heads (amazing moment)! The speeches, which give me goosebumps to this day, because they were so moving and poignant (I knew my Dad could write but I didn’t know my husband could too. Nothing gushy, just heart-warming, entirely personal to us and deeply authentic… can’t ask for anything more.)
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
I’m not sure whether this question relates to relationship advice or short-term wedding advice, so I’ll give you both.
Short-term: I didn’t have my heart set on a marriage or a wedding. We’d been together 10 years (since we were 18 years-old) when we got married, bought a house, and made a commitment to one another long ago. However, celebrating that commitment with the people we love the most couldn’t have been a better decision. Making that memory was worth the stress of planning, and I thank my Dad for highlighting that point to me. Before we embarked on our wedding plans, he asked me how I was thinking about the whole wedding thing – he said, “if I offered you the money instead of this wedding, would you go for that option or is this about creating a memory?” My answer didn’t require a response because, for us, the answer was clear… it’s about creating the memory… a memory I wish I could go back and relive. It can seem like a bit of a mountain when you’re planning but don’t lose sight of why you’re doing it. You’ll never (hopefully) do this again so don’t sweat the small stuff. Details are important but they’re really not worth falling out over. Sometimes, good enough is enough. Practical advice: stay organised and on-top of things when planning (spreadsheets are great), that way you avoid unnecessary freak-outs and stress at home.
Most of the grooms I know (including my own) don’t care as much about the wedding details… this can translate as a complete lack of proactivity around wedding planning. To avoid feeling like you’re doing everything alone (and subsequently feeling resentment or frustration), give them jobs to do with clear deadlines and don’t get upset about having to do so. It’s just the way it is. Last thing… try to avoid the weird expectation that everything has to be perfect on and around your wedding day. It’s unrealistic and it’s very likely that some things won’t go to plan and that’s ok (and normal); removing the expectation allows you to truly enjoy the time for what it is rather than what it should be. That was the best advice I ever received and it applies to everything in life, not just your wedding day.
Long-term: Communicate calmly – even when you don’t want to.
Photography: Divine Day Photography | Ceremony and Reception location: Château de Sannes, Provence | Celebrant: Father David Barrow | Bride’s outfit: Nara Niro | Groom’s suit: Trotter & Dean | Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo | Groom’s shoes: Crockett & Jones | Hair and Makeup: Camille Bonardi | Fragrance: DKNY Be Delicious | Styling: Camille Bonardi | Planner: Jennifer Fox Weddings | Hire: Be Lounge | Flora: Wild Blossom | Catering and Beverages: Roland Paix | Cake: Made in Cake
