Like most great love stories, Holly and Chris’s began at a rather seedy nightclub. After meeting by chance by tagging along as respective wingman/wingwoman for their friends, the pair shares a love for one another (and gin and tonics, too) seven years on. “We’ve been pretty lucky to have experienced a lot of adventures and fun in the last seven years, from holidaying around the world to being parents to our eccentric dog Loui, it’s been pretty wonderful doing life with Chris,” says Holly, who loved the idea of finding a venue which they could revisit post-wedding.
“By chance I walked past Padbury’s in Guilford who had just reopened after renovating their interiors. Taken aback by the old world charm and preservation of the historic building, I ducked in to ask if they did weddings. My heart sank when one of the waitresses said they didn’t but then – after a few minutes of somewhat undignified begging – I was introduced to the owner, Helena, who was thrilled at the idea of us being their first wedding,” she explains, adding that they never really landed on one theme in particular.
“We just pulled together everything that we loved as a couple and kept our fingers crossed it worked on the day! We handpicked each element with purpose, from the pork crackling on our menu, right through to the biodegradable flower confetti.”
With superb styling, all of their loved ones and a crazy-cool crew of vendors behind them (one notable being Carly Williams from CJ Williams Photography with her beautifully soft, romantic focus), there’s no denying that Holly and Chris’s celebration was brimming with good times. Taking the cake as the comedic highlight for the event was Holly’s bride tribe. “The bridesmaid dresses that we had picked were a lovely but very delicate silk, we got ready at my parents’ house which was an hour away from the ceremony location…but when the bridesmaids arrived at my house to get changed, they couldn’t unlock my front door! Already flustered that they may be late, it was decided that now was no time to be conservative and so they all stripped in my driveway down to their beige Spanx (in front of all the neighbours and local tradies) to get changed into their dresses – leaving a pile of PJs on my front step.”
Reflecting on a stand-out memory from the day where she was dressed in a custom Harriette Gordon gown and veil, Holly says, “Having my dad walk me down the aisle was really special, it was a moment that I felt so privileged to have him by my side. I know it’s a moment that a lot of people don’t get to share in and it meant a lot to have his arm around me as I walked into the new chapter of my life. As we walked down to the church, we shared some special words and it’s something I will hold onto and remember when I look back at my wedding.”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Carly Williams Cinematographer Story One Stylist Butcher Baker Stylist Florist Plumm Wood Stationery The bride & father of the bride Printing Peterkin & Discus Ceremony All Saints Church, Henley Brook Reception Padbury’s Restaurant Catering Padbury’s Restaurant Ceremony Donuts Darringtons Pastry Cake The bride Silk Runners Feathers and Stone Flower Confetti Everland Favours Prop / Furniture Hire Society & Tailored Table Entertainment Ash Keog Celebrant Rev’d Stuart Fenner Bride’s rings Tiffany & Co Groom’s ring Solid Gold Transport Belle Classic Limousines THE BRIDE Bridal gown designer Harriette Gordon Veil Harriette Gordon Hair piece ‘Celestial Coronet’ by Jennifer Behr purchased from One Day Bridal Bride’s PJs Peter Alexander Lingerie Cosabella Shoes Chloe Reception sneakers RED Valentino Hair Flawless Hair & Essentials Makeup Jacqui Bradfield Bridesmaid dresses Zimmerman Bridesmaid shoes Atmos & Here THE GROOM Suit Politix Shirt MJ Bale Bow tie Politix Pocket square Calibre Cufflinks Ties N Cuffs Shoes Florsheim Socks Aquila Barber Brooklyn Barbershop Groomsmen suits Politix Groomsmen gifts Knotty Tie