When I walked into the hotel room where Hannah was getting ready for her Chew Valley Weddings celebration, it was awash with curled hair and petticoats. ‘Today is going to be a good day,’ I thought to myself.
I’ve known Hannah and Kyle for a few years now and they always light up the room, especially with Hannah’s laugh and smile and their wedding day proved no different. The whole day was relaxed and laid back. So relaxed that Hannah arrived at Bristol Registry Office before Kyle and had to hide in a nearby shop when he arrived. A moment she’s sure to remember for the rest of her life.
They wanted very few formalities so they had the shortest ceremony they could in the ‘reddest’ room you can possibly imagine. The person who decorated that room hates photographers for sure.
After the ceremony they ate at the Glassboat in Bristol and then it was off to Chew Valley Weddings for a big party with all of their friends in a giant tipi. This was all Hannah and Kyle. No traditions, no standing on ceremony, simply a gathering of all the people they loved the most, partying hard.
There is more from Hannah and Kyle themselves below but here are the highlights of their day..
A Chew Valley Weddings celebration
Are you planning your own Tipi Wedding? Then please do get in touch with me to talk about having me there to photograph it.
Hannah & Kyle’s story and other suppliers
THE PROPOSAL | He proposed on our three-year anniversary. He actually did it on a bridge in the rain before we got to the restaurant, he said he was too nervous to do it in the restaurant. It took me a while to understand what he was doing.
THE VISION | Vintage, retro, 1950’s.
THE PLANNING PROCESS | Pretty stressful, we did a lot of it ourselves. I don’t think we really understood how much work it was going to take.
THE VENUE | We went for a meal for 35 guests at the Glassboat restaurant in Bristol, before going onto a big party in a Tipi at Chew Valley Weddings.
THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES | The dress was from Abbi Chapel Bridal in West Buckland, Taunton, but I had it taken up and added some colourful petticoats. My shoes were from Joe Browns.
FINDING THE DRESS | I literally bought the third dress I tried on in the first shop I went to. I hate shopping.
GROOM’S ATTIRE | He got the suit and shoes from John Lewis and he had the waistcoat made
THE READINGS & MUSIC | We had a pretty short ceremony but I walked down the aisle to Cate Le Bon- Are you with me now? Kyle sent me that song when he first asked me out.
BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS | The bridesmaids dresses came from Abbi Chapel Bridal as well. They were lilac with pink petticoats underneath. They all had victory rolls in their hair as well.
THE FLOWERS | The flowers came from a friend of a friend. Her business is the called “The Wild Bluebell”. Lots of dusky pinks and blues.
THE CAKE | We ordered the cake from M&S. We also had a vegan cake made at Earthcake on North Street, Bristol. We have a lot of vegan friends.
THE DETAILS & DÉCOR | Lots of festival flags and bunting. My mum’s friends made some amazing blankets. We had a wall of 1,000 threaded origami paper cranes because we are obsessed with Japan. We gave them to people as wedding favours.
THE HONEYMOON | We are heading to Japan for three weeks.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS | 1) Kyle’s ring didn’t fit on his finger which was pretty funny and helped diffuse some of my nerves. 2) I loved the speeches they were short, sweet and funny. I cried my eyes out. 3) I really enjoyed the band as well, loads of amazing songs from the 80’s that got everyone dancing.
ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES | Give notice of your marriage as early as possible. We completely forgot about it with all the build-up to the wedding and almost missed our chance at being legally married on the day.
A Chew Valley Wedding
Hannah & Kyle’s Other Wedding Suppliers
Tinkerbell Tent Hire – http://www.tinkerbelltenthire.co.uk
Wild and Rustic Burgers – https://www.wildandrustic.co.uk
Spicer and McCabe Ltd – http://www.popupcocktailbar.com
Abbi Chapel Bridal – http://www.abbichapel.co.uk/
Chew Valley Weddings – http://chewvalleyweddings.co.uk/