The playsuit is named after you as well, how did that come about?
It was recently designed by the shop owner Karen and I was the first bride to buy it. It was the last thing I tried on and I totally fell for it and felt honoured to have it named after me which they updated me about in an email a few days later. I dropped my phone immediately in shock and screamed for joy! Such a cool experience and made it all the more memorable and special.
Laura’s jumpsuit is from Rock the Frock Bridal by The Couture Co
How was planning your wedding during the first, second and third lockdowns? Any advice for other couples?
It was definitely an experience! My advice would be to avoid dependencies on decisions from the government, assume the rules will be stringent and make your peace with having low numbers and restrictions if restrictions lift then you can invite more people. Build-in flexibility!
We set all contracts with suppliers and venues up in a flexible way so that we had a number of viable scenarios ranging from full ceremony and party on the day to very small service and deferred party. All our suppliers were amazing (including yourself Lottie, thank you!) and we found that upfront and open conversations to ensure both parties were comfortable with the flexibility prior to agreeing to work together was key.
Now you’re planning your second wedding celebration further through the pandemic, how’s it going? Has it seemed any different?
We are certainly more confident that there won’t be any restrictions (he says optimistically, haha!) We actually managed to have way more of a party at our first wedding than we expected, I think because of that we feel more like this is a celebration and a great excuse to bring a larger number of our favourite people together which is wonderful after the years we have all had, especially those who couldn’t travel at the time like Laura’s family in Ireland.
What were your favourite moments?
Speeches, our personal vows that we didn’t hear until the day, walking down the aisle and our dance-off at the end of the night (so pretty much all of it!).
One thing you wish you knew before your wedding?
What the covid restrictions would actually be on the day. We also did not expect such a level reaction from people as we had photos taken in Notting Hill before the ceremony, that was such a lovely way to start the day and we would highly recommend doing photos beforehand if you are not so up for a traditional style of wedding. There is something special about strangers being happy for you and sharing in your joy.
Not to toot my own horn, but how did I do?
Honestly Lottie you were absolutely awesome, I guess I should mention the photos first because that’s kind of the point! They are stunning and we love them all and are so happy not only with how they turned out but the speed at which you shared them and how easy you made it on the day and in the lead-up to the day.
Beyond the photos, we really appreciated how easy it was to discuss with you our thinking about splitting the day into two separate days if restrictions weren’t lifted, your understanding, flexibility and no-nonsense approach removed any stress for us. It was great hanging out with you on the day because we did the day together scouting the venues for good photo spots by the time the wedding day arrived we considered you a friend and that’s how it felt on the day.
Memories of us eating jerk chicken in our car when it was pouring with rain outside on the scouting day and you enjoying a well-deserved pint at the end of the night, putting down your very heavy camera and staying to party with us.