Despite over a decade together, Joel’s proposal still took Brittany by surprise, which this bride reckons “made it all that much more special”. The groom popped the question while the couple (their beautiful baby boy in tow) visited Sydney for the National Northern Soul Weekender (an annual gathering of soul music/record super-fans which, as you’ll read below, these cool cats vow to NEVER miss).
The big day (immortalised thanks to Kinship by Kristy) was a story of retro pastels, “bedazzled delights”, and nods to Joel’s Liverpool heritage. But ultimately, for these two, it was about putting on a damn good party! Brittany’s custom Van Der Kooij frock was “the perfect balance of frou frou glamour and party casual”. Joel also went the custom route, collab-ing with Suitably. Meanwhile, B’s maids rocked a parade of pretty pastels and the groomsmen coordinated in classy M.J. Bale.
Ok you’ve heard enough from us, scroll on to see Brittany and Joel’s day for yourself.
LITTLE LOL “We had to move the original date from our anniversary weekend because the National Northern Soul Weekender that year ended up being booked on the same weekend, and we wanted to go (as did many of our guests). But I forgot to move the cake booking date! Luckily, I randomly realised about three weeks before the wedding, and Mali Bakes were amazingly accommodating.”
THE VENUE “Free to Feed had such a wide selection of wines available to us on the night (all from Jamsheed at the time) and beers (from Bodriggy). We knew their food would be exceptional with a focus on home cooking from their team’s home countries. The space was stunning and needed minimal decorating. And the nicest piece of the puzzle is supporting a non-profit business that supports people seeking asylum and refugees. A wedding is a huge expense, and it was nice to be able to have some of that money go back into something meaningful.”
THE VIBE “Our main focus was making it a good party, which we believe is good music, booze and food! The only other theme really was colour blocking, ‘60s pastels with focus on lilac, and bedazzled delights!”
FAVE DETAILS “We had a minor sub-theme of English stuff, a nod to Joel being from Liverpool. Our wishing well was a large English post letter box toy, the transport was English cabs, and we had a mirror decal made saying ‘scouse and spouse’ – a silly gag from comedian Harry Enfield.”
REFERENCES “We went to one wedding fair, LoveCats. But we mostly found that with a pretty clear idea of things we liked and didn’t like, none of that was really necessary. Then obviously a heap of Instagram scrolling. . . I only bought one magazine, and it was Hello May. Another major source of inspo and wedding prep was watching old ‘Don’t Tell The Bride’ episodes on YouTube haha”
WE’RE GLAD WE “Had our friends DJ staying true to our love of records! It was also a special way of including friends.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Kristy, our photographer, really helped to shape the day. She understood our vision and appreciated the space we’d chosen. She couldn’t wait to shoot there, and it made us so much more excited about what we had planned.”
Click this way for more ethereal, romantic imagery from Kinship by Kristy, or here to get your hands on our latest Real Wedding Special. This stylish couple got you inspired? The directory is where you’ll find our favourite frock designers. Fashionable fellas, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered too with this round-up (featuring our friends Suitably and M.J. Bale, of course).
Photographer Kinship by Kristy Stylist Jenna Clarke (Friend) Florist Susi Matovski (Friend) Wedding Website With Joy Ceremony Venue Fairfield Amphitheatre Reception Venue, Catering & Other Desserts Free to Feed Cake Mali Bakes Cake Topper Weddingstar Hire Items The Hire Co. Lighting & Sound Hire Bounce Audio Signage Custom Neon Celebrant Clare Alice Celebrant Rings Kim Victoria Transport London Taxi Weddings THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Van Der Kooij Getting Ready Outfit Adidas Hair Piece Aura Bridalwear Ireland Shoes Christian Louboutin via MyTheresa, Crocs via ASOS Accessories Cleopatra’s Bling, Lucy Folk Hair Danni Solier – LNDN Hair Makeup Jordan Hallewell Fragrance Byredo Bridesmaid Dresses Cynthia Rowley, Madeleine Simon Studio, Club L London Bridesmaid Shoes Steve Madden, Alias Mae, Dr. Martins THE GROOM Suit Suitably Shirt Trenery Tie Otaa Shoes Ben Sherman Socks Fred Perry Groomsmen Suits M.J. Bale Groomsmen Gifts Discogs
