I met my lovely friends Jim and Vicki whilst working in a pub in London. A very special place where I not only found friends for life but found myself.
Behind the bar I remember these two flirting, and stories of turkey dinosaur and potato alfabite dinner dates, and recall Vic's Mum Sarah, glass of wine in hand, giving her approval and comparing Jim to a young James Dean.
The couple where inseparable, time flew by and after seven years together, Jim, now a professional beer brewer for Gipsy Hill Brewery, proposed to Vicki at Meat Loaf the musical. The brewery released a beer announcing their proposal with JIM N VIC 4EVA stamped on the bottom of all the beers canned that day.
Their day was beautifully relaxed, set in Jim's Aunty and Uncle's never ending secret garden in the pretty town of Coggeshall in Essex. Vic and the girls took a nervous but excited short walk from a nearby hotel through the quaint high street, entering the garden ceremony where the couple read their own vows and were married by Jim's Uncle, Matt. With friends, family and familiar faces from pub times seated, I did what I love and snapped away hiding in the garden's greenery. After the ceremony, everyone helped carry benches to the bottom of the garden where the celebrations continued.
With an array of talented friends contributing to the day, florist friend Millie made Vicki and her Bridesmaids stunning wild flower bouquets and displayed flowers in cute vases on outside tables with copper pots Jim and Vic had made from piping from the brewery. Amongst the apple trees, guests mingled, admired the bespoke wedding rings made by friend Ella, and sipped delicious cocktails from the legendary cockney barman, Big Al.
Storm clouds hovered over the day and we all cosily huddled into the tipi when the rain poured down. We sheltered under shared umbrellas with new friends, and tucked into the scrummy bbq.
Vic's proud Mum Sarah, led the speeches with moving and adoring words for her daughter, and love for her new son-in-law Jim. This was followed by warm words from Vic's brother, Chris. Ben and Harry (Jim's brothers) then did a double act with plenty of stories and laughs.
Brewer, Groom Jim, of course had a well stocked bar and his Mum Bridget made not one, not two but three cakes! Fed and well watered everyone hit the dance floor following the couples first dance to Prince, I would die for you.
It was so lovely both of see and photograph my friends get hitched, a beautiful moody romantic day to remember. Massive congratulations lovelies. Lots and lots of love. Laura xx
Suppliers Credits:
Bridesmaid Dresses: Nice Things Paloma
Flowers: Millie Easton
Rings: Ella Bull
Tipi: 3 Diamond Tipi Hire
Food: BBQ Beer Brothers