Elegant, relaxed and a touch of rustic wedding – Holli & Richard

Holli & Richard

Bride’s Maiden Name: Wilson
Occupation: Retail Logistics Manager
Groom’s Full Name: Richard Suddes
Occupation: Physiotherapist

Contact Email: holliwilson27@gmail.com

Wedding Date: 23.06.18
How many guests? 96 day 190 evening
Wedding Budget (Optional):

The Team

Wedding feature thanks to: Adorn https://www.adorninvitations.co.uk/
Wedding Invitations: Dandelion Stationary
Dress: Badley Mischka http://badgleymischka.com/
Veil: The Bridal Collection Harrogate
Makeup: Megan Bulmer
Hair: Laura Collett-Bradley
Shoes: Kurt Geiger
Bridesmaids Dresses: Ted Baker https://www.tedbaker.com/
Groom’s Suit: Paul Smith
Groomsmen Suit: Ted Baker
Cake: Made by a family friend!
Food: Taste Cuisine
Flowers: Leafy Couture
Photographer: Lumiere Photographic https://lumierephotographic.com/
Ceremony Venue: Priory Cottages
Reception Venue: Priory Cottages http://www.priorycottages.co.uk/
Entertainment: Jonny Ross Music + Simply Strings + Marcus Songs
Celebrant: Harrogate registrars
Transport: None
Wedding Favours: Krispy Kerme Doughnuts
Any Other Vendors: Balloons by Funky Muppet

The Details

How did you and your partner meet?
We met working together at Ted Baker when Rich was at university and I was just out of school.

How did he propose?
We were on holiday in Costa Rica. He had set up with the hotel that we won a romantic meal for two on the beach so I didn’t suspect! It ended up raining so they moved in into a wine cellar in one of restaurants. He had chosen my favorite food and I thought it was strange how the hotel had known! Little did I know he was about to propose

Length of Engagement?
2 years

What do you love most about your partner?
His humor

How would you describe your wedding in one or two words?
Perfect

Tell us about your wedding gown and how you chose it.
It was the last dress I tried on at The Bridal Collection in Harrogate – it was the first time I had ever tried on dresses and I knew I wasn’t going to be one of those people who went from shop to shop! When I first put it on a wasn’t 100% but my bridesmaid said why don’t I try a belt and it completely changed the dress and I loved it! I felt so comfortable which is something I really wanted to make sure of and I felt amazing in it

Did you do a ‘first look’ before the ceremony?
No – it was all a surprise!

What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
We didn’t want to make it too formal. We wanted everyone to feel as relaxed as possible so kept things quite simple but with a touch of elegance. I didn’t want it to become to country themed with it been in a barn so made sure the flowers and the decoration didn’t fall into that and brought out a little bit of glamour!

How did you come to choose the location and venue?
It was the first and only venue we looked at. I loved that we could all stay at the venue and has access to the whole site for 2 days and the amazing courtyard! This made the wedding as all our friends and family could enjoy the run up and be together to celebrate with us for as long as possible! The day ended up been really warm so our singer and string quartet ended up been outside in the courtyard and it was amazing. We are both very laid back so as soon as we went to look we knew it was the one so went for it!

Can you describe what type of ceremony you had and how you were able to personalise it.

Any readings? Yes we had both our sisters do a reading each.
Vows – did you write your own vows, if so, would you be willing to share them in the feature. If you didn’t write your own vows, can you share what you said or were asked by your officiant? We didn’t write our own we stuck to the standard ceremony
Were any of your guests involved in the ceremony in any way? No but my flower girl (my niece) decided half way through that she wanted to come up and hold my hand so we had a little guest stand with us for part, which was very cute!
How did you enter your wedding ceremony? (Accompanied? Together? Solo?)
I walked down the aisle with my dad
What made you choose the type of ceremony that you had? We wanted it to be simple and short. It’s a lot of pressure to stand in front of everyone saying your vows, so we wanted to make sure we both felt as relaxed as possible, but not putting too much pressure on ourselves
Do please share any other thoughts or feelings that you have about your ceremony, which might help inspire others. We had an amazing string quartet who were playing at the ceremony.

Describe the cake (including the flavors) and cake topper.
We had cupcakes and then just a small cake at the top! The small cake was made by Richs mum. They love fruit cake and this was a really nice touch for her to be involved with the making of the cake! The cupcakes where made by a family friend. I didn’t want a huge cake that no one would eat, so went for cupcakes and I didn’t even manage to get one as they all got eaten that quick! We had white chocolate and lemon flavor with a few different icing designs, it was really affective and looked amazing!

What flowers did you use in the bouquet and at the venue?
We opted for an all-white colour theme with touches of blush and ivory for contrast and to tie in with my dress and the bridesmaids. My bouquet was white roses, peonies and blush colored stocks with some tiny eucalyptus, we had two amazing floral columns at the ceremony made from white lisianthus, big white roses, white peonies, green bell and white hydrangea.

How did you choose your table décor?
We decide to go for half the tables decorated with an arrangement of candles which we did ourselves and the other half with big floral center pieces that where high and had floating candles to tie in with the other tables.

What was the menu for the reception?
We had an informal BBQ type menu. We didn’t have starters and we increased the number of canapés. For main we had the taste surf & turf grand skewer which included, smoked rib eye steak, Giant Szechuan king prawns and Butter grilled chicken with Chunky hand cut chips, Classic Caesar salad and garlic and tomato herb breads. For dessert, we had sticky toffee pudding and a cheese board.

What were your favorite moments from the day?
The speeches. They were all amazing and I don’t think these was a dry eye in the room!

Name your wedding soundtrack (aisle entrance & exit, reception entry, first dance songs):

Aisle entrance: Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley (played on the string quartet)
Exit:Think I Want To Marry You – Bruno Mars (played on the string quartet)
First dance: Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran

Any DIY décor elements?
We decorated part of the ceremony room ourselves. There was a large opening which we wanted to fill so thought what’s better than flowers. My mum loves flowers so we ordered from a wholesaler and got some vases and it looked amazing! We also did half the table decorations ourselves which were simple but affective

Any sentimental personal touches?
My bridesmaids were my cousins who are my best friends. We have grown up together so for their gift we got them a picture of when we were younger and framed into a lovely frame with a nice message at the bottom.

How did you save on costs?
By doing some of the decoration ourselves. I have a very creative family which helps but where able to make it look like it was done by a professional by just keeping it simple and setting it all up at home until it looked perfect!

In hindsight, anything you would have done differently?
Absolutely nothing

Where did you go on honeymoon?
Mexico – we spend the first week on our own and then family and friends came to join us for the second week to extend the celebrations!

Any tips that you can give to future brides?
Don’t overthink it! The little things that you stress about are not worth the stress! It was all work out perfectly

If you could sum up your wedding in one sentence, how would you describe it?
Best day of our lives!

An Elegant Morning Routine for Brides

[box] Content goes here[/box] So you have found the perfect dress, venue, and of course, the perfect partner. All the detailed planning has led up to this moment – your wedding day. This is your special day to enjoy and cherish.

The morning of the wedding does not have to be stressful. All the planning is done, now it is time to sit back, relax and savor the moment. This gorgeous styled shoot brings inspiration to the bride-to-be on her morning of elegance. This shoot embodies a new era for graceful brides, reflecting how the morning of the wedding can be a relaxing time of pampering and self-care.

Set the mood for the morning with a relaxing bath. Fill the bath with beautifully scented flower petals, aromatic oils and your favorite bath salts. Light some candles, sit back and enjoy the champagne.

Now this is no ordinary day, enjoy breakfast of your choice by ordering some extraordinary room service. Spoil yourself and order a treat!

Ladies, take inspiration to feel your best on your special day:

The Location

This elegant shoot was taken at the luxury and heritage Windsor Hotel. Choose a hotel to enjoy your ideal morning of elegance, whether that be a country cottage, modern chic or luxurious heritage room.

Colour Palette

The breathtakingly styled shoot is based on the timeless palette of classic beige and gold with subtle greenery. Keeping it classic and simple, you can also add a pop of colour with rich tones. In this shoot, we styled with tones of rich teal and pale blush envelopes. Invitations are transparent with elegant white font keeping the theme of simple elegance, whilst adding a modern fresh twist.

Pamper

There are endless ways to pamper yourself on that special day. Get your nails done, have a morning massage or facial. Here we have the beautiful bride-to-be enjoying some bubbly in an aromatic bath filled with flower petals and making the most of room service!

Styling and Dresses

The glowing bride’s first dress is by Galia Lahav with modern sheer lace, styled with oversized gold earrings and a half updo. Her second dress is a flattering, perfectly body-fitted mermaid gown by Cassandra Renee. Her hair is styled in a natural voluminous updo, crowned with Viktoria Novak’s handmade Grecian inspired headband.

Ashley + Justin’s Elegant Winter Soiree in Philly

We’re kicking off this Monday with a super gorgeous Philadelphia soiree from BG Productions Photography and Videography. This late Fall/early Winter wedding just oozes sophistication and elegance, with help from the presence of the historical venue, The German Society of Pennsylvania. Using main colors black, white, and gold for the palette and lots of lace, Ashley + Justin pulled off one awe-inspiring wedding with gorgeous details!

Ashley + Justin incorporated DIY touches where they can. For example, Ashley ordered bulk flowers from
Falls Flowers to put flower arrangements together herself. Ashley’s mom and aunt made amazingly beautiful handmade snowflake ornaments as favors for guests. And I’m in complete awe of how neat and clean their chalkboard signs were.

I love Ashley + Justin’s use of lace as table runners, which show up especially well against the black table cloths. I also love Ashley’s bold choice of using black lace dresses to dress her bridal party, which they all look amazing and romantic. I also just can’t stop adoring over their First Looks with BG Productions Photography and Videography, featuring scenes from all over their favorite spots in Philly (e.g. Race Street Pier, where they got engaged; Painted Bride, which is down the street from their house; and of course their super adorable dog and the Philly skyscrapers as background).

Much congratulations to Ashley + Justin for their beautiful wedding and pulling off this super classy wedding!

Photographer: BG Productions Photography and Videography//Wedding Date:11.23.2013//Photo Booth Equipment:BG Productions Photography & Videography//Cake Designer:Classic Cake//Location:Loews Hotel//DJ: No Macarena DJ//Caterer:Blue Monkey Catering//Floral Designer: Falls Flowers//Reception Venue: The German Society of PA//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

A Royal Garden Affair Styled Shoot

We’re bringing you another magical styled shoot from Samantha Bonpensiero Photography today. She stunned us again with her vision of a glamorous wedding without all the bling. In this styled shoot, it is ALL about the delicate details… the petite desserts, the white-lace fingerless gloves, the chandeliers, textured flowers, and the unexpected pampas grass (dyed lavender)… will make any girl feel like a princess getting married in her private English garden.

The breathtaking centerpiece and matching bouquet are filled with all sorts of soft pastel colors and textures. Notice the centerpiece is hung by small chandeliers? I can totally just picture how it lights up the table as the day gets darker. Multi-colored hydrangea at the base of the vase adds more color and texture to this English garden on the table.

From the photographer:

“At one point or another every girl wants to be a princess. For some, that point is their wedding day and this styled shoot is a little glimpse into a tasteful (rhinestone-less) way to feel like royalty on your big day. Delicate details like dripping chandeliers, cut crystal, simple china, colored depression glass, and satin & sheer ribbons brought out the sophistication for this scene. Playful desserts, highly textural pastel flowers, and an incredibly lovely rose garden lighten the seriousness of being a princess. Our favorite flowers of the day were a toss up between the giant pampas grass (dyed lavender), graceful ballerina-like tulips, and luscious multicolored hydrangeas. Our royal garden affair menu was a mix of petite treats and elegantly decorated (albeit faux) cakes. Above All Catering also helped set us up with Signature Party Rentals who provided us with the beautiful table linens as well as a giant round table that fit perfectly into the center of the rose garden. Our model Taylor was a perfectly regal bride, with her sassy attitude, hair piled high with jewels and curls. She was dripping with jewels and two decadent dresses – one in pale pink complete with tulle and floral details and one in a rich and heavy silky satin with a gorgeous lace up back and tiny jewels.”

Photographer: Samantha Bonpensiero Photography//Date: September 19, 2013//Caterer: Above All Catering//Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Friar Tux Shop//Dress Designer: Hope Stanley Bridal Stylist//Dress Store:Marry Me Bridal//DIY or Handmade Goods Designer: Marry Me Rosie//Linens and Coverings: Signature Party Rentals//Makeup Artist:Vibrant One Make-up by Alexis Steeley//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Molly + Rodrigo’s Elegant Purple Wedding

Trust me when I tell you that today’s wedding is nothing short of perfection. I just seriously can’t stop staring at this fabulous flamenco inspired fete! Infused with pops of bright color, this pretty purple palette has combined all things elegant with the lovingly captured photography from Sarah at Ampersand Photography. Molly + Rodrigo’s wedding just blends all things intimate, elegant, cultural, and just down right BE-YOU-TI-FUL so perfectly, you simply have to find some Monday morning downtime to stop and stare yourselves.

Molly + Rodrigo were not only lucky enough to have some seriously amazing vendors within their reach the DC area, they also had one heck of planner/ coordinotor/ decorator right in the family. Rodrigo’s sister Ana was the mastermind behind the amazing floral gorgeousness and the decor of the day. This is truly one of the most elegant candy bars I’ve ever seen! When you add in this dreamy location, a couple that looks like movie stars, and an Uh-Maz-Ing BHLDN gown, just stick a fork in me ‘cuz I’m done. (Preferably one of the forks of off the super elegant purple and gilded place settings, please.)

What a lovely job Ana did designing this dazzling wedding! A super big thanks to Ampersand Photography for sharing it with us! Congratulations Molly + Rodrigo!

Vendor Information:

Date: May 12, 2012

Location: Washington, DC, United States

Photographer: Ampersand Photography

Reception Venue: Maison Biltmore

Caterer: Versatile Foods Ltd.

Musicians: DC Flemenco

Dress Designer: BHLDN

Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN

Cake Designer: Patisserie Poupon

Band: Trio Caliente

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Lisa + Heinz’s Iridescent Garden Wedding

Envision a wedding that’s soft, feminine, romantic, intimate, charming, and totally glam. I bet the picture in your head is going to be pretty close to Lisa and Heinz’s gorgeous garden party soiree! Full of iridescent pastels and the lush surroundings of a private residence near Stanford University, Shanti Duprez has captured all the pretty for you see to in this lovely little gallery of summertime goodness!

There’s just something about a garden wedding that’s the epitome of weddings for me. They are just, well, so, PRETTY!! Surrounded simply by the purest and most genuine states of nature and love, that really is the only one word to describe them. I love the birdcages and hanging votives that add just a touch of vintage whimsy and elegance to beautifully classic day!

Thank you Portrait Design by Shanti for sharing this stunning soiree! Congratulations Lisa + Heinz!

Vendor Information:

Date: July 14, 2012

Location: Palo Alto, California

Photographer: Portrait Design by Shanti

Hair Stylist: Wiyanna Rose hair & Makeup

Caterer: Schumann’s Four Seasons Caterers

Reception Venue: 12 Oaks

Cake Designer: CakeAbakin

DJ: Denon & Doyle

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Trista + Mike’s Nature Inspired Wedding

Hello gorgeous wedding, I would like to introduce you to Trista + Mike’s crazy beautiful DIY! No…Wait. I mean, hello glamorous DIY, I’d like you to meet Trista + Mike’s real gorgeous wedding. I apologize my DIY friends. I’m still spinning so much from the ridiculous natural glam and beauty of Trista + Mike’s real wedding today, I can’t quite speak right. Full of woodland romance and organic inspiration Jenny Bedard Photography has shared this wonderful indoor/outdoor wedding that will leave you tongue tied.

Trista + Mike wanted to incorporate all of their favorite things to create a day that was truly representative of their lives. A strong adoration of nature, of their dogs, and commitment to each other had to be present. And oh how beautifully they combined these elements! I’m totally smitten with the amazing florals from Wisteria Design Studio and The Woods Chapel may be one of the most beautiful outdoor ceremony venues I’ve seen; but the touches of birch bark from Mike’s family property which were brought indoors to decorate the reception to match- Whoa!

The family property not only provided the logs which created the candles, centerpiece additions, signs, and the most gorgeous rustic photobooth backdrop; it also held the antler sheds that were used as props and turned into cuff links for the groom and his bros. Trista and Mike are one seriously creative couple crafting every detail from Trista’s sweet bird cage veil and the flower dog collars to the oak lined invites and favors from their garden.

Just like when you truly look around at the simple, real, and textural beauty of nature, there is so much awe inspiring and pure goodness in the wedding that it would be a crime to skip this gallery and not take notice of the genuine and raw beauty of this special day! A big thank you to Jenny Bedard Photography who captured every sweet and naturally perfect detail in every photo that makes my love for this wedding grow like the willow Trista and Mike planted. Congratulation Trista + Mike!!!!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Jenny Bedard Photography

Ceremony Venue: The Woods Chapel

Reception Venue: Lafayette Club

Floral Designer: Wisteria Design Studio

Dress Store: Che Bella Boutique

Cake: Buttercream

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Amy + Greg’s Victorian Masquerade Wedding

Oh my! DIY lovelies, you’re in for a treat this morning! Sometimes, in a search for superlatives to describe all the gorgeousness I see I can ramble on and on about our fab DIY couples. For example, when I think “Victorian Masquerade,” I think of all things elegant, opulent, mysterious and pristine as a peacock. When I think of Amy + Greg’s amazing wedding, I think one word…. AWESOME! This wedding is just that good! Jess Cumbie Photography has captured all of those Victorian Masquerade moments and then some. With all of the personal, regal, whimsical and handcrafted touches that Amy + Greg so brilliantly added,you’ll just have to see the whole thing to believe it!

Amy + Greg just got it right from start finish. These two just blended all the right details that fit the theme of the evening and their personalities flawlessly. From the stunning DIY brooch bouquet Amy made to compliment an equally ga-ga-gorgoeous gown to the bridesmaids peacock fan bouquets which left me simply speechless- to the little touches of steampunk for the groom and the special men in the family, the Victorian vibe worked perfectly with the old-world mansion setting at The Hilltop Club. And to top off the night what else could you ask for… but a Pac-Man cake and a little air guitar?!

Of course, you can’t forget the awe-inspiring masks that created a little extra romance an mystery to this fantastic affair! Amy, Greg and their stellar team of Florida vendors have moved this wedding to a top spot on my list. Let’s just go and “heart” this one now then we can come back and enjoy the all of the beautiful images Jess Cumbie Photography has shared with us today. Thanks Jess! Congratulations Amy + Greg!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Jess Cumbie Photography

Event Venue: Hill Top Resturant

Event Planner: Celebrating Moments Event Services

Dress Store: bridals & more

DIY or Handmade Goods Designer: Tom Banwell Designs,artisan700

Cake Designer: Sweet Moments Custom Cake

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Carrie + Mike’s Red Casino Royale Wedding

When one of our favorites Carrie Wildes Photography sent us this next wedding, I knew it would be good! When she called it a combination of “retro flare and casino royale,” I knew I was going to be great! She called my bluff, because when I saw the fabulosity of what Carrie and Mike created for their wedding day and what she captured, I lost my shirt. I’ll give you an advantage, hedge your bets and put it all on red that the King of Pop shows up at this shindig.

Carrie and Mike’s soiree was full of smooth criminal style. With a statement necklace and gown that I’m still drooling over and a classic red and black color palette, the whole day had a very sweet yet sultry vibe which Carrie captured at the Post Card Inn first look. You might remember I’m big sucker for a raw, brick, industrial space, so you can imagine my glee when I saw they combined this rustic elegance angle with a reception space at Nova 535. Mike built the amazing red and white backdrop for their outdoor ceremony and a handmade marquis for over the sweetheart table. Poker tables and caricaturist (is that a word?) completed the funky vibe. You know an invite to this wedding was big winnings!

The only thing that could possibly make it better was a special celebrity guest like your favorite artist. Perhaps…say, Michael Jackson?Owwww!!!! JACKPOT!!!!!

Make sure you take a good looksie through the whole gallery and “don’t stop til you get enough,” because Carrie and Mike’s wedding looks like that good of a time! It’s the perfect combination of all things fun, sexy, romantic, beautiful, and personal that a wedding should be. It’s sure to help you get past the Monday blues. A big thanks to Carrie Wildes Photography for capturing every entertaining moment of this special day! Congratulations Carrie and Mike!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography

Event & Reception Venue: NOVA 535

Pre-Wedding Venue: Post Card Inn

Caterer: StoneChef Caterers

Floral Designer: Mylez Edward’s X Floral Salon

Makeup Artist: Colours by Linny

Officiant: Rev Tom Greene

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Michelle and Justin’s Recipe for an Old Hollywood Wedding

Ever wonder if there is a science to DIY? Need a recipe book for a romantic DIY wedding? I think our next couple, Michelle and Justin, may have established a prize winning formula. This glammed up wedding at The Inn at Old Silk Mill in Virginia has little bit of an old Hollywood feel with a lot a bit of DIY eye candy.

From the bride: “Justin and I joke that we were born DIY’ers. There’s not a day that passes where we don’t mutter at least once, “I can do that”. So we knew a DIY wedding was in the cards for us from jump street. Mix that up with a dash of frugalness and a pinch of perfectionism and you’ve got yourself a glimpse into our DIY wedding. Everything from the centerpieces and altar, to my feather bouquet was dreamt up and put together by myself, Justin, and our amazing network of friends and family.”

From feather filled hurricanes and alternative fillers in vases, to sparkling branches and the coolest yarn escort card holder I’ve ever seen; I love that Michelle and Justin found some simple, budget savvy ways of having an event sans beautiful blooms.

And there it is folks; the formula for a fabulous DIY wedding! While I wouldn’t change a thing about this elegant event, I would have to add that a fantastic photographer like Sheaulee Ng Photography and the beautiful brick drop of the The Inn at Old Silk Mill will just add to full flavor of this delicious and delightful DIY formula. We do want to thank Michelle and Justin for sharing this sweet wedding recipe and wish you many congratulations!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Sheaulee Ng Photography

Venue: The Inn at Old Silk Mill

Submitted via Two Bright Lights