As I dive into Emily and Matt’s wedding story, I’m immediately struck by the infectious energy and joy that permeates every moment of their special day. The setting – a lush garden with a majestic tipi reception – is nothing short of enchanting, and it’s the perfect backdrop for this couple’s free-spirited celebration.
Emily and Matt make a stunning pair, both in their attire and in their approach to their wedding day. Emily’s embroidered dress and statement headpiece are simply breathtaking, while her sequin jumpsuit is the epitome of glamour come evening. Matt, meanwhile, pays homage to his father’s wedding suit with a stylish twist – a batik shirt that adds a pop of color to his overall look.
What I love most about this couple’s approach to their wedding is their willingness to break with tradition and create their own unique experience. They chose to get ready together, make their entrance as one, and treat their guests to a drinks reception before the ceremony – all moves that demonstrate a refreshing lack of conformity.
Joanna Nicole Photography has done an incredible job capturing the essence of this special celebration, and I’m grateful to them for sharing these stunning images with us. It’s a true honor to be a part of Emily and Matt’s love story.
Fun Community Wedding
The Proposal
As I stood with the ring in hand, a seemingly foolproof plan to propose at the picturesque Lake District had already been set in motion. But life had other plans – we stumbled home after a lively garden party, spirits lifted by champagne and good company. In the midst of our revelry, Em posed an astute question: ‘Are you getting cold feet?’ My only response was to seize the moment, literally grabbing the ring box from my sock drawer and popping the question on the spot. To my surprise, Em met my impromptu proposal with a triumphant high-five.
The Vision
In our adopted home of Singapore, we prioritized building connections with loved ones by hosting gatherings that brought everyone together. Our goal was to create an atmosphere filled with great cuisine, refreshing libations, and uplifting tunes, thereby fostering a sense of community support and recognition for our union.
Budget
While we had a clear idea of where our budget would go – Em’s dress set us back £90, and the flowers added up to £250 – the reality was that the overall cost of the wedding came in at £31,000. And surprisingly, 80% of that total went towards just three key areas: tipis, catering, and drinks. Matt was adamant that we wouldn’t skimp on food, and it’s safe to say it was a highlight of the day – with generous helpings from both sets of parents.
The Venue
We opted for a field-based setup, giving us unparalleled freedom to shape our event as we saw fit. While this decision brought its own unique set of choices and logistical hurdles, it ultimately allowed us to create an unforgettable experience – like Matt’s impromptu dance party at 3:30 am during the silent disco, which would have been impossible in a traditional venue.
Your Outfits
Matt drew inspiration from his family’s past by donning his father’s morning suit from their wedding day in 1978, giving it a modern twist with a batik shirt from Yeo Mama Batik. As the evening progressed, he swapped into another batik shirt, paired with white jeans and vibrant Converse sneakers. Emily, on the other hand, wasn’t initially convinced about wearing a dress, but her search through Phuket old town led her to an embroidered kaftan that stole her heart – and for just £90! She complemented it with shoes from Irregular Choice and a custom-made headpiece commissioned from Luna Blue Collection. For their first dance, Emily chose an Aphrodite jumpsuit in Solar, paired with gold Converse, allowing her to let loose and enjoy the celebration.
The Ceremony & Music
We opted for an unconventional approach to our ceremony, commencing with a pre-ceremony social hour featuring mingling and drinks. Both of us were present throughout this portion, allowing us to fully engage with our loved ones. The evening’s festivities were further elevated by the bespoke cocktail menu crafted by Gimlet Bar. As we exchanged vows, Mariachi Rey provided live music, performing ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ as we walked down the aisle together and ‘I Say A Little Prayer’ as we made our way through the flower petal confetti to the bar, where we sipped on our first drink as a married couple. Our dear friend served as celebrant, expertly guiding us through the ring exchange and hand-fasting rituals. The ceremony also featured readings from friends and family members, as well as a heartfelt performance of ‘To Conquer Pain With Love’ by Mariam the Believer, courtesy of Matt’s cousin.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
We were fortunate enough to be referred to Joanna Nicole by Parrot & Pineapple, whose work we admired after learning they had captured two weddings for our close friends. What drew us to her style was the genuine warmth and authenticity of her photos, as well as her exceptional ability to capture those precious candid moments that often go unnoticed. Throughout the planning process, Joanna Nicole proved to be a consummate professional, taking the time to thoroughly brief us on what to expect and offering sage advice – namely, the value of hiring a second shooter given the large number of guests we anticipated. Ultimately, we’re thrilled with the final results, which exceeded our expectations in every way.
The Honeymoon
We’re eagerly counting down the days until our next adventure, a 14-day escapade in Oman. This destination was carefully chosen because it offered something new for both of us – an opportunity to explore a country that neither of us had previously visited and venture beyond our usual holiday horizons.
Memorable Moments
As the sun gave way to a sudden downpour, four friends sprang into action, deploying their trusty ’emergency gazebo’ across the field to provide a haven for the cocktail bar. The impromptu ceremony, far from being a disaster, surprisingly came together with charm.
nThe speeches that followed were nothing short of unforgettable.
nThe real showstopper, however, was Matt’s 90-year-old great uncle, who tore up the dance floor with his infectious moves. Meanwhile, the silent disco sparked intense head-to-head battles, fueling non-stop dancing and an atmosphere electric with fun.
