Laura and Andrew celebrated their nuptials with plenty of offbeat vintage details and attire. Vintage weddings are so fun, I think in part because there is so much history in the antique objects, as they are all the while being used to make new history – take Laura’s dress for example. Her dress was sourced from the States where it had been found in a dusty trunk that hadn’t been opened since circa 1940’s. What a great find! They began their day at Laura and Andrew’s Bristol home where the bridal party preparations were underway…read below for more details from Charlene Morton Photography!
From Charlene:
Hair and make-up artists had set up camp in the kitchen with boxes of rollers, brushes pots and powders. As we arrived the bridesmaids had their hair set and were all in colored hairnets which held their curled and pinned hair-dos in place. The bridesmaids’ dresses were all vintage, and had been painstakingly sourced by Laura. Four long laced prom-style dresses (some of which had been hand-dyed pastel tones) were all authentic vintage, absolutely beautiful and were as if they were made to suit each of the girls. The addition of handmade flower corsages tied the bridesmaids together seamlessly. Laura also sourced matching colored vintage costume jewelry for each of her bridesmaids which was presented as gifts in dainty handbags she had hand sewn!
We headed off to Leigh Court ahead of the Bridal Party. Guests had arrived and convened on the entrance steps, framed against vast sandstone pillars, and soaked themselves in the sun awaiting the arrival of the bride.
The groomsmen arrived, each with flashes of 1940’s inspiration with contrast brogues and black braces. Even the guests joined in on the fun, with 1950’s style prom dresses, red lipstick and feathered hats. This wedding really was vintage done well.
Vintage cars transported the bridal party to Leigh Court and they were whisked away to an upstairs room to prepare for the ceremony. (Elements of the day like this created a really traditional feel to the proceedings, and including a greeting line after the ceremony.) The sun was well and truly shining and remained bright well into the evening, allowing guests the pleasure of sitting outside and enjoying their pimms – probably for the first time this year!
The details were magnificent and the 1940’s inspired theme ran throughout the day, with vintage silk scarves adorning the sweeping staircase in the main hall. The long double staircase provided the perfect setting for the bridal entrance. With bridesmaids starting first, descending the stairs gracefully in a staggered line, followed shortly after by Laura and her father.
After the ceremony we took the opportunity to line the guests up outside for the confetti throwing, the newlyweds walked through a long tunnel of their guests whilst being showered in pastel petals. Pimms was served on the back lawn, and we swept the bride groom and their nearest and dearest away for some group shots.
The group shots soon turned into a pose-off, with the ushers and groom attempting out pose the modelesque bride and her bridesmaids. The boys flashed their brogues, and emulated the suave gentlemen of the 1940’s era. Whilst the girls undertook a very editorial look and showed the boys how it’s done!
Thanks to the Vintage China Hire, the dining room had been transformed into a tea party fit for a queen (and her king!). Delicate vintage teacups, mismatched with ornate teapots, floral doilies and china cake stands provided the basis of the table set up. It was the intricate details and personal touches which really made the difference, female guests were gifted with hand knitted cupcakes, created by Laura’s mother, whilst the male guests were treated to personalized handkerchiefs. Miniature crackers provided an ingenious icebreaker around the tables, and wild pastel toned seasonal flowers were scattered in glass vases.
High tea was served in a rush of tea leaves, miniature sandwiches and fresh cream cakes whilst a Rockabilly band set up in the adjoining room.
In order to dance the night away in style Laura slipped into something a little more comfortable, a shorter 1950’s vintage dress with sage green satin sash. With an abundance of petticoats and delicate lace sleeves she relaxed into her outfit change in order to enjoy the rest of her night. The sun shone for the entire evening allowing some beautiful shots with dreamlike sun-glare.
Photographer: Charlene Morton Photography / Reception Venue: Leigh Court / Floral Designer: Greenfields Florist / Hair Stylist: Bridal Styling / Dress Store: Luxe Bridal / Dress Designer: Susan Gibly (vintage dress alterations) / Rentals Etc: The Vintage Hire / Transportation: Kens Kars