Modern Art Deco Conservatory City Wedding

Modern Art Deco Conservatory City Wedding

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It all started in Rye for WWW readers Jenny and Chris who tied the knot on the 28th June 2014. As Chris popped the question in the quaint seaside town, a new favourite spot for me after I visited at the end of last year. So you just know that this is one super stylish pair who have a keen eye for location. This is where The Barbican comes in, with it's conservatory setting in the capital it was the perfect choice.

They had a vision of a colourful modern day with Art Deco touches. Vintage posters and Jenny's bridal look gave a fashionable nod to the era. Talking of Jenny's bridal look; it was divine. With 1920s style make up, a curled bob hair style, a striking dress by Temperley and gorgeous accessories.

Thanks so much to Story Wedding Photography for sharing such lovely images this afternoon.

THE PROPOSAL | Chris and I love Rye. We went for the weekend not long after we got together and were always going to go back. So when we finally got round to returning in September last year, there was no real cause for surprise or excitement. But there was when we got there and I realised we were staying in a windmill. I am mildly obsessed with windmills.

So overexcited about our home for the night, I wasn't expecting what was to happen next - a drink on our balcony underneath the sails, and a very beautiful diamond ring. I was so taken aback, I forgot to say "yes", although I obviously did in the end!

THE VISION | The first big hurdle was deciding on the size of the wedding. Chris was set on a small, intimate affair, while I wanted a big party to celebrate with my family and friends. We eventually agreed on a medium-sized gathering in London with the people who are very special to us.

Beyond that we knew very little about what we wanted, apart from what we like. So we just let that guide us. Once we'd picked the venue, I indulged my love of vintage style, bright colours, and transport, and Chris was able to embrace his passion for music. The result was a loose theme based around the 1920s - art deco touches and a hint of the era's bright travel posters, but with a modern edge.

THE PLANNING PROCESS | When we're planning anything we both always write lists and do lots of research, and our wedding was no different. We wrote down everything that we had to do and think about, and I bought wedding magazines and scoured the internet for inspiration. I collected it all on a Pinterest board - that's where it all really came together. We concentrated on the big things first - picked a date, chose the venue and then I began the hunt for the dress. Once those were sorted the details followed.

BUDGET | We did set a budget but ended up going over it.

THE VENUE | We both have strong opinions about what we like, so it was a relief that after seeing just a few venues we both agreed on the conservatory at the Barbican. It was nothing like any of the other places we had seen, which was why we chose it - we wanted something unconventional, but also timeless and beautiful.

The conservatory is light and bright but also covered, which is perfect for the unpredictable British weather. It proved invaluable on the day, as it rained for quite a bit of it, but you would never have known. We loved that it is a real oasis in the middle of the City and is generally very quiet at weekends. The Barbican is also near to where Chris lived when we met, so we spent a lot of time there.

THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES | I wore a geometric, art deco style, champagne coloured dress by Temperley London, with gold t-bar shoes from Dune. I added a sequinned shrug from Debenhams, a head band from Glitzy Secrets and birdcage veil from Lily Bella during the day. But took them off, and added my nan's diamanté necklace and bright red lips, for the evening.

It was complemented by era-inspired make-up. It was done by the very talented and lovely Amanda from Lipstick and Curls. I knew that I wanted a 1920s style, but I still wanted to look like me, and she did that perfectly.

FINDING THE DRESS | Although I did the customary visits to bridal shops, I soon realised a traditional dress wasn't for me. I may not have had a strong idea about what I wanted but with a penchant for all things art deco, when I stumbled across the Temperley dress at Bicester Village, it felt right. It wasn't the tearful all-embracing feeling that some people have but after trying it on, I knew it was 'me' and rather than feeling nervous about buying it, it was the thought of not getting it that made my uneasy.

GROOM'S ATTIRE | Chris wore a light grey suit with a herringbone pattern, from Suit Supply, with a white shirt from T.M. Lewin, tie from Thomas Pink and shoes from Dune.

THE READINGS & MUSIC | Out first reading was a lovely (and very funny) poem by my sister. The second was 'The Art of Marriage' by Wilfred Arlan Peterson read by Chris's brother and, finally, my uncles read 'Wedding Song' by Bob Dylan in a tribute to my late father, who was a massive Dylan fan.

I walked down the aisle to 'You bring the sun out' by Randy Crawford - it's a beautiful song and the words were perfect. We signed the register to Emeli Sandé's 'River' (we're both big fans) and we walked out to 'Planetaria by 4 Hero', Chris's favourite producers. And we had a jazz trio at the champagne reception, playing bluenote jazz.

BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS | My two younger sisters were my bridesmaids and they wore a full length dress with capped sleeves by Monki at Topshop - one in peacock blue and the other in emerald green (their favourite colours). The vivid shades were given an extra vintage touch with bejewelled necklaces from Spitalfields Market.

I was also lucky enough to have my amazing friends with me in the morning - I couldn't have done it without them.

THE FLOWERS | Lisa at Clapham Flowers was great. I went in with lots of pictures and countless ideas and she distilled them down into a perfect selection of lovely bright, modern flowers with a distinct art deco feel.

THE CAKE | My incredible mum made our cake - a Victoria sponge with butter cream icing. And the florist supplied the flowers. We also had a pork pie cake, by Boston Sausage, which was delicious!

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER | I lost count of the number of people who commented on how lovely our photographer was - and they were right. Lorna from Story Wedding Photography was more like an extra guest than anything else. She was discrete and friendly and captured our special day just the way we wanted - a creative, relaxed and unimposing way. And we love the photos.

THE DETAILS & DÉCOR | One of the many reasons we chose the Barbican conservatory was that it needed little embellishment - it's stunning as it is. The table plan was based around the underground - a vintage tube map guided people to their seats and I drew pictures of memorable tube stations for the table centre pieces. I also designed our invitations based around vintage travel posters.

Our biggest expense on the décor was the oversized letter lights from Vowed and Amazed, but they were worth every penny. They really brought the reception room to life.

We also had a wooden suitcase (with old-fashioned travel stickers from Amazon) for our cards, an instant camera and props to make our guest book more fun, and a display of family wedding photos.

THE HONEYMOON | The Monday after the wedding we went to Croatia for a much-needed relaxing week in the sun. A couple of months later we used the honeymoon opportunity to travel around Argentina - it was incredible but exhausting, and I'm glad we didn't do it straight after the wedding.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS | There were so many it's really hard to pick out just a few. The journey to the Barbican, the ceremony itself, the speeches and the party in the evening were all memorable for very different reasons, but just having our friends and family around us, and seeing everyone enjoying themselves on our special day, was what made the day so incredible.

ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES | You'll get a lot of advice but do what feels right for you. For me, making the important decisions together was key - it's a day for the two of you so should reflect both personalities. And while shopping around is important, in the end you just have to make a decision and go with it or you will go round in circles. The planning may well be stressful, in fact it probably will be, but don't let it defeat you, it will all be worth it. Finally, when the big day comes, try and take in and enjoy every minute, because it will be over in a flash.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE |

Photography | Story Wedding Photography

Flowers | Clapham Flowers

Make Up | Lipstick and Curls

Birdcage veil | Lily Bella

Headpiece | Glitzy Secrets

Catering | Searcy's at the Barbican

Pork Pie | Cake Boston Sausage

Lights | Vowed and Amazed

So stunning.

Jenny and Chris thank you both so so much for sharing your wonderful wedding with us here at WWW XOXO Lou

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