About a year and a half ago, Sian (ESC Events planner extraordinaire and past bride) came to me with a suggestion; a competition. One lucky bride would get the chance to win ESC wedding planning services and a full day's photography. This lucky lady was Amy Chung. I only met her about a month before her wedding to Joachim and suddenly I became the lucky lady. Let's be honest, it could have been difficult. I could have ended up with a Bridezilla (do they still exist?). I have lived in a bubble of wonderful, easy-going couples since my wedding lark began and I have never encountered a scary couple so I feared my luck may have run out. But lady luck has a soft spot for me and gave me the lovely Amy & Joachim.
So there I was last Sunday, up at the crack of a very foggy dawn and driving into New Malden. Oddly, my boyfriend was also driving into New Malden to play golf. He chose to be up at 6.30am on a Sunday. Dear God, the call of Golf is strong in that one.
I kept thinking "the fog will clear. It will clear. Not a problem." It didn't. But what it did do is something misty and romantic and moody and I liked it a lot.
As always, the getting-ready-venue (family home) = chaos, excitement, pretty things, stunning dresses, cake, great hospitality and not one camera shy individual. Even the little ones positively relished posing whilst still maintaining that air of nonchalance that kids do so well.
Make-up artist Sam Sharm really did a wonderful job with Amy's hair and makeup. She looked incredible..like a beautiful porcelain doll. And while everyone was running around her, she remained the epitome of calm throughout. I was very impressed.
As Registry offices go, Merton is really quite beautiful. It's pretty old and positioned right by Morden Park, so it's perfect for the personal shots. And on this occasion the mist and fog gave it such a wistful, romantic ambience that it was the perfect setting for such a special wedding. Maid of Honour Kim, was on hand to help and came fully prepared for assisting in potential adverse weather conditions; Coat, boots, scarf, gloves, a trooper maid of honour indeed.
Oddly enough, I think this was the first wedding I have done where there has been a harpist, so heads up to Maria Beattie who played beautifully.
The reception was held upstairs at the London Hong Kong restaurant near Heathrow. I normally sneak off for something to eat whilst the guests are themselves tucking in, but this time I learnt a little bit about Chinese hospitality as Amy's Uncle insisted I join one of the tables and enjoy the 10 course banquet and there was absolutely no arguing with him. The food was amazing and I actually ate shark for the first time (it was nice to get my own back on Jaws for scaring the hell out of me as a child). I must thank the guests at the table as they were great company and very happy for me to join them.
I loved the Chinese tea ceremony. The bowing and exchanging of tea for gifts and good wishes between the newlyweds and the older family relatives was lovely.
As with all weddings I could go on and on, but to round off I would just like to thank Amy & Joachim and their friends and family for being so friendly and fun to work with. I think the day was an enormous success and they truly deserved to win the competition.
I wish them all the wonderful goodies that life has to offer and I hope their Swedish wedding will be as enjoyable as their Chinese one. xx
So there I was last Sunday, up at the crack of a very foggy dawn and driving into New Malden. Oddly, my boyfriend was also driving into New Malden to play golf. He chose to be up at 6.30am on a Sunday. Dear God, the call of Golf is strong in that one.
I kept thinking "the fog will clear. It will clear. Not a problem." It didn't. But what it did do is something misty and romantic and moody and I liked it a lot.
As always, the getting-ready-venue (family home) = chaos, excitement, pretty things, stunning dresses, cake, great hospitality and not one camera shy individual. Even the little ones positively relished posing whilst still maintaining that air of nonchalance that kids do so well.
Make-up artist Sam Sharm really did a wonderful job with Amy's hair and makeup. She looked incredible..like a beautiful porcelain doll. And while everyone was running around her, she remained the epitome of calm throughout. I was very impressed.
As Registry offices go, Merton is really quite beautiful. It's pretty old and positioned right by Morden Park, so it's perfect for the personal shots. And on this occasion the mist and fog gave it such a wistful, romantic ambience that it was the perfect setting for such a special wedding. Maid of Honour Kim, was on hand to help and came fully prepared for assisting in potential adverse weather conditions; Coat, boots, scarf, gloves, a trooper maid of honour indeed.
Oddly enough, I think this was the first wedding I have done where there has been a harpist, so heads up to Maria Beattie who played beautifully.
The reception was held upstairs at the London Hong Kong restaurant near Heathrow. I normally sneak off for something to eat whilst the guests are themselves tucking in, but this time I learnt a little bit about Chinese hospitality as Amy's Uncle insisted I join one of the tables and enjoy the 10 course banquet and there was absolutely no arguing with him. The food was amazing and I actually ate shark for the first time (it was nice to get my own back on Jaws for scaring the hell out of me as a child). I must thank the guests at the table as they were great company and very happy for me to join them.
I loved the Chinese tea ceremony. The bowing and exchanging of tea for gifts and good wishes between the newlyweds and the older family relatives was lovely.
As with all weddings I could go on and on, but to round off I would just like to thank Amy & Joachim and their friends and family for being so friendly and fun to work with. I think the day was an enormous success and they truly deserved to win the competition.
I wish them all the wonderful goodies that life has to offer and I hope their Swedish wedding will be as enjoyable as their Chinese one. xx
