Lisa and Duncan’s is a beautifully unconventional wedding, and one we’re greater than thrilled to have the ability to share with you today. The couple’s own words of wisdom are golden so we won’t waffle on, aside from to say their amazing Kent wedding photographer Benjamin Toms, who’s kindly shared his images of the comfortable pair with us today. Over to Lisa & Duncan because we LOVE their wedding story:
“We’re not big fans of the marriage hype. Covid had lots of negative impact on the marriage industry, but one good thing was enabling people to shrug off convention and never get caught up in spending money for the sake of it. Love and fun are all that matter! There may be such unnecessary pressure on couples to have the ‘perfect day’. Our advice can be to choose a few things which can be really necessary to you, and deal with those. For us it was fun, friends, food, and dancing. Don’t do anything for anyone else: nobody cares if there aren’t favours on the table, you don’t need at hand write everyone’s place name, or get fancy paper invites. Don’t invite people simply to be polite. Don’t do it because your mum/best friend/Aunty thinks it’s best to. Ask yourself, “will I remember this in 20 years time?” If the reply is not any, then smile and let it go. It’s very liberating!”
Kent wedding photographer’s website
How did you select your photographer?
We wanted relaxed, informal and fun photos, and Ben’s past wedding pics were identical to that. We had a fast chat over the phone and booked him immediately.
Were you pleased together with your Kent wedding photographer? Do tell… we love an excellent review!
Yes, we love our pics. Ben and his assistant really captured the celebration and love of our wedding day.
Videographer details if applicable – and any thoughts for other couples about having a marriage video?
https://www.wagtailproductions.co.uk/alternative-wedding-video
We wanted a video to capture the speeches, guests and dancing so we didn’t forget all those details, and to share it with individuals who couldn’t attend. Ayla makes essentially the most beautiful and unique wedding videos, and she or he was really easy to work with.
Tell us about your venue – what made this place special for you?
We desired to get married somewhere that was relevant to us; somewhere we’d visit and revel in for years to come back. Luckily we live in Margate, so we decided to get married on the beach. We walk past the spot just about day-after-day and it’s made our hometown feel much more like home. We had the marriage day across three venues, and guests paraded between them waving sticks with ribbons on as the children bashed tambourines. It was good.
Did you’re keen on wearing your outfits? How was the dress / suit shopping experience?
I got an off the rack dress from Free People for £200 after which a spangly jumpsuit from Rosa Bloom for the after party. I couldn’t bring myself to spend silly money on a white dress I’d never wear again, so these were each perfect. So cozy, fun and straightforward to wear https://www.rosabloom.com/
Did you hire a florist? Tell us about any floral amazingness
Posy Patou created essentially the most incredible floral headdress from paper flowers, with each flower carrying a special meaning for us https://www.posypatou.com/ It’s something I’ll wear to each party any longer! I loved the thought of paper flowers over fresh, as they’re more sustainable and last ceaselessly. The headpiece was so elegant, and a lot better than being lumbered with a bunch of flowers in my hand!
Did you hire a marriage planner?
Camille was essentially the most incredible wedding planner. She helped us plan the day, think through logistics and picture what we wanted it to appear to be. On the day, she prepped the beach and decorated the evening space with incredible paper art. We loved working together with her and she or he filled our day with joy, love – and no stress! https://www.instagram.com/posy_patou_weddings/
What was your first dance song? Why did you select it?
At Last, by Etta James. We had essentially the most incredible Kent wedding band. They were relaxed, skilled and had everyone dancing all night. We trawled the web for a good band who weren’t too cheesy, but who played the type of music we love – and Double Bass Dan exceeded all expectations https://www.doublebassdan.com
Favourite wedding suppliers
https://benjamintomsphotography.co.uk/
https://www.wagtailproductions.co.uk/alternative-wedding-video
https://www.rosabloom.com/
https://www.posypatou.com/
https://rebeccabrownmakeupartist.co.uk hair and make up
https://www.doublebassdan.com/ essentially the most incredible wedding band
https://jessicaleahcatering.com/ a mind blowing, family-style sharing feast from Kent wedding caterer Jessica Leah
https://carouselcreche.co.uk/ wedding creche is genius. The youngsters and fogeys each rejoice!