Rachel + Becky
20th October 2018 | Prohibition Cabaret Bar, Newcastle upon Tyne
Rachel and Becky opted for a low-key vintage style wedding with a civil partnership at Durham Register Office, followed by a reception at 1920s cabaret bar in Newcastle. Their wedding incorporated elements of classic literature; books, theatre and poetry. The bouquets were made by Becky's mum using second hand copies of the bridal party's favourite books (how lovely!), while Rachel's dad made the stationery inspired by penguin books. Rachel tells us all about their special day...
How did you meet?
I came across Becky's artwork online back in 2011, we bonded over a shared interest in history, art and music and we became close friends. A couple of years on, we started dating, and Becky proposed on Halloween 2015.
Tell us about your wedding theme...
Our theme was a mix of 1920s, mid-century and classic literature themes. We both love those periods of history, along with books, theatre and poetry and so we wanted to incorporate all of this into our wedding. Our colour scheme was based around the classic penguin book orange, the olive green of my wedding dress and complimentary autumnal colours which fit with the season and the decor of our reception venue.
How would you describe your bridal style?
Really low-key, vintage style with a nod to modern trends. I hate being the centre of attention and opted to wear a green 1950s style dress I already owned, like many people did at that time! My accessories were a mixture of modern and vintage themes, with celestial jewellery and a birdcage veil I made myself using authentic materials from the 1920s and 40s.
Any advice for future brides?
Go with your gut on what you want, stand your ground and don't feel pressured to have a big white dress or lots of makeup if that isn't you. Don't change huge aspects about yourself just for your wedding. It's one day, and your partner is marrying you because they love who YOU are!
What kind of ceremony did you have and did you have any readings?
We had a civil partnership ceremony at Aykley Heads Register Office in Durham. Our wonderful friend Carol gave a beautiful reading from Endymion by John Keats.
- Bridal Entrance: The Atlas March (from the film Cloud Atlas) composed by Tom Tykwer
- Ceremony songs (performed by the Vitamin String Quartet): Birdhouse in Your Soul - They Might be Giants and Anyone Else But You - Moldy Peaches
- Bridal Exit: Warmth - Bastille
Any surprises on the day?
Our parents had secretly arranged a VW campervan to drive the entire bridal party around. It was so much fun!
What food did you have at your wedding?
We had the most delicious burgers from Fat Hippo. They have restaurants across Northern England and a fleet of food trucks that cater festivals and private events. They let us rename our chosen burgers to fit with our theme too! We also had gorgeous vegan doughnuts from Proven Goods Co. as well as cookies, popcorn and of course our amazing lemon wedding cake from The Lookout Café in Seaham.
Best Wedding Splurge?
My shoes! I adore Irregular Choice and saw the perfect pair on Pinterest. Sadly they were from several seasons ago and impossible to find anywhere, but eventually I found a pair in my size on eBay. They cost more than my dress and accessories, but they were so worth it and I can wear them again...
Is there anything you wish you'd done differently?
It's an obvious one, but I do wish we had hired a videographer. If only just to have the big moments on video and to capture things we didn't see on the day. I work as a video editor and a huge part of my work is within the wedding industry. I would have struggled to choose just one of my amazing videographer clients to film my own wedding, but I wish I had.
What did you do for your hen do?
The evening before our wedding we went to Catpawcino cat café in Newcastle to hang out with the cats, followed by a cheeky Nando's and a LOT of wine! It was a great evening spent catching up with our closest friends.
Did you make any Wedding DIYs?
So many things were DIY. I made my veil, did my own make up on the day, we created our own guest book and gift bags for the bridal party using rubber stamps and ink. We used Spotify to create our own playlists for every minute of the ceremony and reception and put the best man in charge of making sure they played on time. Becky's mum made all of our bouquets using second hand copies of each person's favourite books, and my dad worked with us to design our penguin book inspired invitations and stationery.
Where did you find all of your inspiration?
Pinterest was an absolute godsend, but working in the wedding industry myself gave me lots of great ideas we could put our own twist on.
Who was your fave wedding supplier?
Our photographer! I cannot stress how important it is to love the work of the photographer you book, and that you are compatible with them. Before we were even engaged, I wanted Emily to photograph our wedding. It was a privilege to have her there with us.
What was your first dance song?
Wings by Birdy. We have both loved the song since it came out and having spent the beginning of our relationship in long-distance, it felt like a fitting choice for our first dance finally married!
Venue: Prohibition Cabaret Bar, Newcastle upon Tyne.Dress: Lindy BopSuits: Master DebonairPhotographer: Emily Hannah PhotographyStationery: Vistaprint, Designs by the bride and father of the bride.MUA: Brides did their ownHair: Maid of honourShoes: Irregular ChoiceWedding Rings: Ernest JonesBridesmaids dresses: ASOS, TK MaxxDécor: Mother of the brideBand/DJ: Best man & SpotifyCake: The Lookout café, Seaham MarinaFlorist: Mother of the bride
Post a Comment