I’m super thrilled to be sharing this gorgeous wedding today. Michelle and Rakesh (Ricky) are stunning, their day was a whirlwind of creativity, colour, joy and love, with amazing moments and surprises thrown in! The attention to detail from this lovely couple makes for especially exciting reading, but it’s the photos of their day that won my heart. Everything was captured so beautifully by Yorkshire wedding photographer Fabio Photography, based in Leeds. (Fabio covers weddings throughout the UK.) The venue: Ilkley’s King’s Hall and Winter Garden
Wedding photographer’s website
https://www.fabiophotography.co.uk
Wedding photographer review
A fantastic photographer who truly listened to our wishes while also bringing in creative ideas from his experience. We trusted his vision, and the final photographs turned out stunning. He even stayed longer than planned to capture as much of our fusion wedding as possible, and so many of our guests commented on how brilliant he was.
Your best wedding moment or memory
At first, we both said the exchange of vows was the best moment. Then we thought about the speeches, the dinner, and later, we agreed the evening was incredible. Ultimately, what made it so special was being surrounded by the people we love and getting to share our joy with them. That, for us, is the best memory.
Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)
We incorporated several unique touches into our wedding:
- Our venue was a working theatre, so we designed official-looking tickets with our wedding date and times. These were stamped with a unique mark as a keepsake for our guests.
- Our little family members took on the role of “ring security”, which, while not entirely new, was a fun surprise for many of our guests.
- In the evening, we changed from our English wedding attire into traditional Punjabi clothing and made a grand entrance dancing to live dhol drummers.
- We played traditional Punjabi wedding games to determine who would “rule” the relationship—Michelle won!
- We included the Mangalsutra ceremony, where the groom gives the bride a traditional necklace as a symbol of their marriage.
- As a surprise, we announced and celebrated the birthdays of six guests, presenting them with cakes featuring their photos and singing “Happy Birthday” to them.
- Our evening reception had a mix of English and Indian cuisine, along with roulette tables, a caricaturist, a face painter, a selfie mirror, and a cocktail mixologist serving a custom menu of autumn-themed drinks we selected.
Videographer name + review
Martin at Valley Visual Films
Martin was brilliant—professional yet unobtrusive, giving us space while still capturing all the intimate moments. The film was delivered quickly but with incredible care and quality. We, along with our family and friends, continue to enjoy looking back on it with fond memories.
Venue name + review
Kings Hall and Winter Gardens, Ilkley
A beautiful venue rich in history, set in the charming village of Ilkley. The large, naturally lit Victorian ceremony room perfectly complemented our autumnal theme. With ample space for our 200+ guests, it was both grand and intimate. The theatre setting was spectacular for our wedding breakfast and evening celebration—truly a hidden gem in the Yorkshire Moors.
Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!
Michelle: For the ceremony, I wore a simple long white dress with long sleeves and a split detail, featuring a cowl back, tiara, and a long veil from Must Be Love Bridal in Nottinghamshire. My mid-heel shoes were from Irregular Choice. For traditions, I wore:
- Something old & borrowed: My grandad’s wedding ring
- Something new & blue: A necklace gifted by my mum
- I also had mehndi (henna) on both hands
In the evening, I changed into a burnt orange and antique gold Punjabi lehenga, with matching antique gold Punjabi bridal jewelry, designed by a bespoke wedding clothing designer at Bradford Plaza.
Ricky: For the ceremony, I wore a burgundy tweed suit, paired with a cream shirt and a burnt orange tie — the same tie was gifted to distinguished family members to wear, tying into our autumnal theme. In the evening, I changed into a traditional Shivani, a northern Indian wedding outfit, in orange, burgundy, with hints of blue and gold.
Dress or suit shop name + review
Groom’s ceremony attire – Suit, shirt, and tie from Slater Menswear, Nottingham.
Groom’s evening attire – Tailor-made and sent to Kashmir for a six-week turnaround, designed by a bespoke wedding clothing specialist at Bradford Plaza.
Florist name + review
Shindig Event Styling did a fantastic job dressing our ceremony and reception with beautiful autumnal trees, drapes, and florals, including a stunning floral archway and table arrangements.
Cake maker name + review
Our cake was made by Michelle’s sister Selina as our wedding gift, a three tiered cake decorated in our theme
Stationery maker’s name + review
Michelle’s Man of Honour and best friend created our place settings as a gift. All other stationery, signage, and imagery were handmade by Michelle, Ricky, and Ricky’s children, Erin and Bennett.
Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?
Our wedding was full of DIY elements, including:
- Handmade bouquets and buttonholes (Michelle & her mum). • Custom “ring security” accessories (Michelle & Ricky).
- Wedding favours & kids’ activity packs (Michelle, Ricky, family & friends).
- Fusion-themed activity packs for children, blending English and Indian games.
- Homemade confetti (Michelle & Emma).
- A unique guest book/well wishes activity, created by Michelle’s friend Emma, which we opened on our 1-year anniversary.
- A diamond art picture in our wedding colours, crafted by Michelle’s sister Alana, displayed alongside a memorial table for loved ones who had passed.
Wedding readings?
- We had three readings, starting from long to short:
“Love’s Eternal Dance” – An old Punjabi poem adapted to reflect the union of East and West, read by Lash Lal, a family relative of the groom, chosen for her fluency in Punjabi. - “Blessing of the Hands” – A reflection on the balance and tenderness of a relationship, read by Rekha Dulai.
- “Here and Now” – A short, sweet reading by Michelle’s close friend, Emma Sinnet.
Wedding planner name + review
Emma at Embie Events was fantastic. She supported us throughout the planning process and ensured everything ran seamlessly on the day. She even came to where I was getting ready to steam my wedding dress! With a huge task ahead of her, she managed it all effortlessly while also serving as our MC for the day.
Hair + makeup name + review
Styled by Armani
Armani was brilliant—she listened to what I liked (and didn’t like!) and made me feel perfect on the day. She also did the hair and makeup for some of my bridesmaids, and they all looked stunning.
Live music
Ray’s Piano
Ray’s Piano played for us from the ceremony right through to the end of the wedding breakfast, and he was absolutely fabulous. We gave him some tricky songs to play, but he did them justice, and his performance added such a beautiful, elegant touch to the day. He was a joy to collaborate with, and we couldn’t have asked for a better musician to set the perfect atmosphere.
Here’s something amazing to go with your sunshine today! A colourful, crazy beautiful whirlwind of a wedding full of joy, laughter and love. Rike and Sachin spent two days at Château du Feÿ in France, surrounded by all their best people. As their award-winning wedding photographers York Place Studios put it, “Day one was a colourful Indian celebration, announcing itself with plenty of fanfare, whilst day two presented a characterful and emotional wedding reception.”
This is everything we love at English Wedding. Authentic, joyful, exciting weddings where traditions are what you choose to celebrate your cultures (rather than rules to be adhered to!) The joy in Rike and Sachin’s eyes, and shining from their guests’ grins, is so fabulously real.
“This wonderful pair wanted their wedding to be a true expression of who they are and what they love and, in turn, we worked hard to draw on the ideas that come easiest to us and shape them into images that we hope reveal as much in us as they do in the wonderful Rike & Sachin.” ~ York Place Studios.
Château du Feÿ is a 400 year old castle in the Burgundy region, a designated Historical Monument of France which has been lovingly preserved to maintain its historical charm while embracing modern principles of design. Sustainability and creativity are the heart and soul of this romantic wedding venue, with its breathtaking views and rural French charm.
York Place have inspired English Wedding over the years to really champion documentary wedding photography. This style is a dream for me after 15 years of publishing real weddings on our blog. While trends come and go, and photography aesthetics change with the seasons, these images which capture every couple’s wedding as it unfolds, naturally and authentically, stand the test of time. If you’re new to wedding planning and curious about this wedding photography style, you might find the answers to your burning wedding photography questions here.
We’re proud to have been working with York Place Studios for quite a few years on English Wedding. Their work as London, UK and destination wedding photographers is always exciting, fresh, and fascinating – they truly stand out for their talent and expertise, and are sought after as leaders in their field by other wedding photographers, speaking at photography events worldwide.
Rike and Sachin’s Indian wedding is one of my absolute favourites and I hope you’ll forgive me for sharing so many of their stunning images! More, as always on instagram @englishweddingblog
Today’s destination wedding is like a dream – or perhaps, three dreams in one! Iphin and Sanjay look incredible, the love around them is tangible, and the images are out of this world. Combining Thai, Chinese and Hindu elements made their wedding truly unique and a beauty to behold. There’s craftsmanship, joy and colour in this wedding, which has a relaxed vibe and details to fall head over heels in love with. Scroll slowly, enjoy the moments and then head over to our insta @englishweddingblog for more from our favourites.
Wedding photographer’s website
Liam & Stam – www.liamcollard.com
Wedding photographer review
We found Liam and Stam online and were immediately drawn to their wedding photography style. We wanted photos that felt natural and unposed, capturing the overall ambiance, setting, and the emotions of not just the bride and groom, but also our guests. For our original pre-COVID wedding plans, we envisioned two events: one in Huahin, Thailand, and another in London, where Sanjay and I live. It felt like serendipity when we discovered that Liam and Stam were based in both Thailand and the UK, making them the perfect choice for both celebrations.
When COVID hit, they were very understanding of the situation and willing to wait and see how things unfolded. In 2022, when we reached out again, they were incredibly accommodating, and we were relieved that they were still available. Fast forward to November 2023, and Liam and Stam made us feel so at ease throughout the wedding. Neither of us is used to being in the spotlight, but instead of feeling self-conscious, we were able to relax and enjoy the moments thanks to their calming presence.
Their connection with us went beyond just photography. They took the time to understand the significance of each cultural ceremony—whether it was the Hindu wedding, Chinese tea ceremony, or Thai water blessing—and this made the photos feel even more meaningful. They truly captured the spirit of each tradition, as well as those in-between moments, like the emotional exchange during the tea ceremony or the laughter shared with friends during the door games. Not only are they true professionals, but they also helped pace the day by coordinating with vendors to keep everything on schedule. When things got a bit hectic, they even whisked us away for some much-needed breaks, which we were so grateful for.
By the end of the wedding, we had complete trust in their ability to deliver stunning photos. Their dedication continued during the post-production process. Stam carefully curated the best photos for the album, but still made sure we were involved by asking for our input to ensure it captured our favorite memories. The results were incredible. When we saw the digital photos, we were blown away, and the hard-cover photo album was even more impressive. We love sharing it with anyone who visits. Since we opted not to have a videographer, these photos are even more precious to us, as they beautifully encapsulate the memories of our special day.
Your best wedding moment or memory
Our favorite memory has to be the finale to Saturday’s dinner. After a long day of traditional ceremonies, teary speeches, and champagne toasts, the night culminated in a moment that felt like pure magic. As we prepared to walk out from the dinner lawn, The Palayana’s beautifully landscaped path stretched out before us, leading from the beach to the hotel lobby.
Our guests—family and friends who had traveled from every corner of the world—lined the path, each holding a sparkler, their faces lit up with joy and love. As the opening notes of Banners’ ‘Someone to You’ played, Sanjay and I began our walk, hand in hand, up that sparkling pathway. It felt like time stood still. We took in every familiar face, overwhelmed with gratitude for each person who had come so far to be with us. Many of them we don’t get to see often, as life has scattered us across different cities and countries, yet here they were, united for us, in this beautiful place.
The air was filled with a mix of celebration and deep emotion, and we were flooded with the realisation of just how loved we are. Each step up the path felt like a reminder of the incredible support system we have, and how truly lucky we were to share this moment surrounded by the people who have shaped our lives. It was a moment of pure joy and gratitude—a feeling we will cherish forever.
Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)
Our wedding was different in so many ways! We had the challenge — and joy — of blending three distinct cultures into a single celebration, so our guests essentially got a 3-in-1 experience.
With an Indian, Chinese, and Thai background between us, we aimed to honor each culture while keeping the day manageable. For instance, our Hindu wedding was much more concise than the traditional multi-day affair.
We were a bit apprehensive about this part since the rituals can often feel long and drawn out, but our Bangkok-based priest, Pandit Lalit, made it light-hearted and engaging, which turned it into a really fun experience.
Both families were also very involved in the Chinese and Thai ceremonies, which added to the sense of connection and unity. It was incredibly special to see everyone learning about each other’s cultures—many for the first time.
Our wedding didn’t just celebrate our love; it also became a celebration of the blending of our traditions, creating something truly unique and meaningful for all of us.
Venue name + review
We chose Hua Hin because it’s where Iphin’s parents live, offering a laid-back, chilled beach vibe compared to the more popular wedding destinations like Koh Samui or Phuket.
Iphin’s parents scouted several venues for us, and when we saw photos of The Palayana, we fell in love instantly. The lush landscaping, individual chalets, and charming Thai touches—like the Sala overlooking the beautiful pool—made it stand out.
When we arrived in Thailand for a tour and tasting in December 2019, it exceeded our expectations. The food was incredible. Shaun and his talented team are culinary magicians, blending innovative Indian and Thai flavors—perfect for our multicultural wedding. Our guests raved about the delicious cuisine throughout the celebration.
Sumeet, the owner, and his team were invaluable throughout the planning process. Despite hosting numerous weddings every year, they always made time for us and offered fantastic advice that helped shape our special day. We felt confident that our guests would be well taken care of, and they certainly were. From the service to the attention to detail, The Palayana made our wedding unforgettable.
Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!
Where to start? We had quite a few outfit changes!
For the Hindu Ceremony: Sanjay wore a white embroidered kurta paired with gold trousers, embracing a traditional yet elegant look. Iphin wore a mint green lengha with pink accents, complete with a matching dupatta gifted by Sanjay’s grandmother. The outfit was complemented by gold jewelry, including necklaces and earrings gifted by Sanjay’s parents. The lengha and kurta were purchased in Brickfields, Bangsar, as a nod to our Malaysian roots.
For the Chinese Ceremony: Sanjay donned a traditional gold silk Chinese shirt and jacket that we found in Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat), perfectly suited for the occasion. Iphin wore her grandmother’s treasured silk bridal gown from the late 1950s, which was remarkably well-preserved. It needed only a few delicate repairs to the silk but no alterations. Wearing such a precious heirloom required extra care, especially since Iphin is known for being a bit accident-prone when it comes to clothing!
For the Thai Ceremony: Sanjay opted for a refined sand-colored linen-blend suit from Hawes & Curtis, giving a modern touch to the traditional setting. Iphin wore a beautiful ivory Thai dress with gold embellishments, custom-made by Alta Bridal at The Old Siam Plaza in Bangkok. The look was completed with a peacock brooch, a sentimental piece gifted by Iphin’s grandmother.
Dress or suit shop name + review
Rajwaada Royal Collections, Bangkok
Praveen Aunty and her team truly worked miracles for us! Due to a miscommunication, we realised just a week before the wedding that Iphin’s lengha wasn’t finished when she arrived in Bangkok. With no time to spare, we were in a mad rush to find a tailor who could complete the alterations in just 48 hours. Thankfully, we found Praveen Aunty, and the relief was palpable! Not only did her team expertly finish the lengha, but they also completed the blouse and added beautiful complementary adornments. Iphin’s sense of relief and gratitude at the end of it all cannot be understated; she was overjoyed with the final result, which truly captured her vision for the day.
Alta Bridal, Bangkok
Since Iphin lived in London, all her mom could provide Alta Bridal were some basic measurements. When we arrived for the fitting just a week before the wedding, we were holding our breath, hoping everything would fit. To our delight, it fit perfectly! The dress was absolutely breathtaking, with exquisite detailing that left us all in awe. Even Iphin’s dad, who isn’t one for compliments, was blown away and said Iphin should wear it every day! The craftsmanship and attention to detail from Alta Bridal made this dress not just fitting for the occasion but a cherished piece for years to come.
Stationery maker’s name + review
We didn’t have a separate stationery maker for our wedding, as Iphin designed all the cards herself. She created various pieces, including welcome cards and informational cards explaining each ceremony and its cultural significance. This approach allowed us to personalise our wedding materials while effectively communicating the different traditions to our guests.
Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?
Iphin’s mum was the main florist for our wedding, and she took the phrase “keep it local” to a whole new level! Instead of using imported flowers, she decided to source decorations right from our community — because who needs a fancy florist when you have a pair of shears?
She spent weeks cruising around town, charmingly asking residents and shop owners if she could cut their bushes for cuttings. We like to think she became the neighborhood’s unofficial “flower thief!” A significant portion of the hand-arranged bouquets came from her own beloved garden, which made the arrangements not only beautiful but also deeply personal. Her hard work was no joke! She spent countless hours experimenting with different arrangements, creating a rough map of where to snip as the wedding date approached — because, let’s be real, those cuttings wouldn’t survive more than a few days in the tropical heat. In the late nights leading up to the wedding, she was busy preparing and arranging the bouquets, all while trying to keep them fresh in the sweltering weather. Her commitment to “keeping it local” turned out to be a labor of love that made our wedding uniquely special.
Wedding readings?
We didn’t have traditional readings at our wedding. Instead, our siblings and close friends took the stage to deliver some truly amazing speeches
First dance song? Playlist recommendations?
For our final dinner, we had the incredible jazz trio, Siam Live Music Band, who set the perfect mood for the evening.
In a classic case of “how did I let him talk me into this?” Sanjay managed to persuade Iphin to enter the dinner to the Star Wars theme song — talk about making an entrance!
After much bickering and negotiating (let’s just say there were some strong opinions on both sides), we finally settled on an acapella version of Ellie Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do” for our first dance, beautifully delivered by the jazz band. But before we could take the plunge into our first dance, Sanjay’s guitar teacher cousin, Vishaal, surprised us with an impromptu performance of Green Day’s “Time of Your Life.” It was such a touching moment that it had us on the dance floor before we even got to our song.
As for playlist recommendations, if you want to keep the vibe lively, I’d suggest mixing in some jazz classics, heartfelt ballads, and a few cheeky surprises that reflect your personalities—like the Star Wars theme for the laughs!
Wedding planner name + review
Bliss Events – www.blisseventthailand.com
From the very beginning, Chat of Bliss Events impressed us with her dedication and professionalism. She made the long nine-hour drive from Koh Samui to Hua Hin in the early hours of the morning back in December 2019 to meet us at The Palayana for our tasting and tour. At that moment, we knew she was the right fit for us, and we were never disappointed.
Being remote, it must have been challenging for Chat and her team to coordinate with us due to the time difference and our work commitments. However, they ensured we stayed on track by prompting us to make decisions and advising us on the best course of action.
Sanjay and I were adamant that we didn’t want anything lavish; we desired a laid-back, authentic wedding that truly reflected who we are. This may not be the typical dream brief for most wedding planners, who often aim for extravagant settings, but it didn’t stop Chat and Wann from delivering something absolutely magical while staying within budget.
They also had an amazing network of vendors, including our band and makeup artist, which made the planning process seamless. Throughout the wedding, they were incredibly helpful, and we knew we could trust them with every detail.
Hair + makeup name + review
Phuri Makeup
We chose Phuri Makeup based on high recommendations from Chat of Bliss Events, and we were not disappointed. Due to our tight schedule, we didn’t have time for a bridal makeup trial, so the first time Khun Phuri saw Iphin was literally the morning of the wedding. With the Hindu ceremony starting at 7 AM, Iphin was up and ready for makeup by 4 AM. Phuri and his team made the long overnight drive from Bangkok just to be there for us.
When Iphin arrived at the makeup room, she was truly overwhelmed by the professional setup—a dining table full of makeup and lights everywhere. For someone who doesn’t usually wear makeup, Khun Phuri made her feel at ease right away. He prepared three different looks for the various ceremonies and seamlessly transitioned her hair and makeup from one look to another, ensuring they were distinct yet complementary to each outfit.
Despite the long day, the team maintained a high level of professionalism throughout. Friends and family were surprised to see Iphin, who typically has a very casual style. Khun Phuri accentuated her features beautifully, and the results were stunning both in person and in photographs.
portraits
2 days, 2 looks, 2 cultures – Natasha & Jason’s wedding is out of this world. I love it! I want to see ALL the Hindu weddings on our blog – I’m not sent nearly enough and they are BEAUTIFUL! Today’s gorgeous couple chose North Cadbury Court as their venue for the weekend, and Somerset wedding photographers and videographers Smiling Tiger Studios to capture both days of their wedding. The results are amazing – as always, I had far too many stunning photos to choose from so you’ll find more of my favourites on @englishweddingblog on instagram!
Wedding photographer’s website
Somerset wedding photographers Smiling Tiger Studios
Wedding photographer review
Linus and Tom were brilliant from the get go! They captured both of our ceremonies beautifully, including the intricate details of our Hindu ceremony.
Your best wedding moment or memory
Walking into the ballroom for our wedding breakfast with the hundreds of balloons hanging across the ceiling was beautiful.
Venue name + review
North Cadbury Court – their reputation precedes them. Beautiful venue, amazing staff, and wedding planning. As it was dry hire we were able to tailor and creat our wedding exactly to how we wanted to. From the styles of both ceremonies to ordering our wines for both events. They took the stress and hassle away from us and made our guests feel welcomed and taken care of.
We had two ceremonies. A traditional Hindu Bengali wedding, where ceremonial head pieces are worn by the bride and groom. Followed by civil ceremony the next day.
Dress or suit shop name + review
Civil ceremony wedding dress: Grace Loves Lace
Cake maker name + review
Cake Design by Holly. Communicated with us throughout the planning and made a beautiful wedding cake. Best flavour .. raspberry and elderflower, delicious!
Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?
Creative Collections brought our idea to life to fill the ballon ceiling with balloons for the wedding breakfast and were able to source sustainable balloons.
Wedding readings?
This will be our year – The Zombies
First dance song? Playlist recommendations?
Jamie Lawson – I wasn’t expecting that.
Dorset wedding photographers Smiling Tiger Studios are members of English Wedding
Web: https://smilingtigerstudios.co.uk
It was almost impossible to choose a feature photo for today’s blog – there are SO many gorgeous moments in Rika & Alex’s day! Not to mention all the colourful and eclectic elements and styles – and the stunning couple themselves. I have absolutely adored poring over the richness of this wedding, and I hope you love it as much as I do! The photographer is amazing: Cambridge wedding photographer Damien Vickers. The venue is breathtaking and different and a paradise all of its own: can you imagine getting wed at Kew Gardens? Congratulations to lovely Rika & Alex – your wedding is out of this world!
Wedding photographer’s website
Damien Vickers https://www.damienvickersphotography.co.uk
Wedding photographer review
Damien was amazing from beginning to end as our wedding photographer. He dealt with the complexities of our fusion wedding, going between floors and rooms prior to the ceremony to capture all the details and lovely candid photos. He then followed us around Kew Gardens and shot beautiful couple photos for us that we will cherish for years to come.
Right down to ceremony and dancefloor photos, we couldn’t fault him, including shooting many family and friend group photos in record time but ensuring they were amazing quality.
Additionally, he catered to my many demands for photo retouching and editing due to a hair malfunction I had on the day, for which I am eternally grateful. I would recommend him to any couple wishing for a dedicated, discreet and talented photographer for their big day.
Your best wedding moment or memory
Saying my vows to my husband and hearing his, I felt we were the only ones in the room and the reason behind all the efforts to make this day happen was encapsulated in this moment.
Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)
We did both Bengali traditions (such as covering the bride and groom’s head with a red scarf and having the groom look in a mirror to see his bride’s face and announcing what he sees to the guests, as well as placing flower garlands on each other) and Japanese traditions (such as the sake ceremony which is a complicated back and forth of pouring and drinking sips of sake between the bride and groom). And we had many British traditions, such as writing our own vows, having a first dance, a cake cutting, and speeches from our best man and bridesmaids.
Videographer name + review
Robert Price (Redbeard Film Co). Rob was an amazing videographer, making the long journey from his base to London, and having a lovely rapport with our photographer and with all the wedding party. He really captured what we wanted, setting it to beautiful music, and eternalising those moments. He blended in the background as much as possible, and got the footage we had asked for through the day and night with no fuss and no extra time required. I would highly recommend this warm, professional videographer for your wedding.
Venue name + review
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Kew Gardens are an iconic venue that requires no introduction. It was such a privilege and truly a once in a lifetime moment to get married to my best friend here in front of all our loved ones. The Gardens are stunning, all the different parts of it, and the organisation of the team there from stewards at the gates to our Event Coordinator was flawless. They are true professionals and almost magicians when making it all come together on the night. We had our ceremony in the Nash Conservatory, our drink reception in the Princess of Wales Conservatory and our dinner and dance in the Orangery.
Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!
Alex and I chose to wear traditional outfits to represent our Asian heritage for the first part of the event, the ceremony and Reception. We then changed for the dinner and dance in the evening into a white dress and three piece suit.
My first outfit was a traditional red Banarasi saree with gold embroidery, worn in the traditional Bengali draping style.
Alex’s first outfit was a traditional Japanese male wedding outfit called the Hakama, with his family crest custom embroidered on the chest and sleeves.
My saree was from Priya Exclusives on Green Street in Upton Park, and his Hakama was ordered from Japan and custom made.
We were very proud to uphold our heritage, and then change into our British outfits which is also part of our culture and lives. My dress was from JJ House and his suit from Ted Baker.
Florist name + review
Claudia from Montpelier Flowers took on a big project for her small company and did an amazing job. She brought to life the vision I had, of a minimalist and green circular arch for our ceremony, and small minimalist vases to line the aisle.
I then wanted to minimise wastage of flowers, and asked for all these to be reused in the Orangery for the dinner, which she did beautifully and seamlessly for the head table and the centrepieces of all our guest tables. She dealt very well with the extra insurance required and complexities of transporting flowers in the Gardens, which has very strict rules for this as a Unesco World Heritage site.
Cake maker name + review
Lola’s Cupcakes. As always, Lola’s doesn’t disappoint and they made a wonderful two tier veil cake with lemon sponge and buttercream, plus a Victoria Sponge (my husband’s favourite) and Tiramisu cake (my favourite).
Care is very important to me, and I’ve used Lola’s countless times in the past for all occasions, so it made sense to go to them again for this most important occasion. They also worked very hard to deliver all these cakes safely to Kew to the appropriate area within the Gardens.
Stationery maker’s name + review
Laguna Catering kindly provided all the menus. We handwrote place settings on plantable seeded paper, from The Mankey Monkey on Etsy. We ordered our beautiful Welcome sign from Ottie Design on Etsy, and they custom painted some of the timeline drawings, such as of a couple in traditional Japanese dress for the Sake Ceremony. Our personalised table names representing restaurants we have eaten at/had a date in/loved in the past as a couple were custom made by Wedding Lux Shop on Etsy. Our Thank You cards following the wedding were customised and ordered from Papier.
Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?
I made our cake topper in the shape of a penguin couple from coloured air dry clay, as penguins mate for life in the wild and they’re such cute animals in any case!
I also ordered origami cranes from Original by Reiko and Lavender Home London (both on Etsy) as name card holders. We created our own wedding favours, using recycled saree pouches from Etsy Handicrafts (based in India), traditional sweets and mouth fresheners (both Bengali, Japanese and British ones) and handmade candles of different scents with wooden wicks from KIKO Candles on Etsy. Our seating chart was also hand written with magic marker pens on a large mirror by my husband and his sister and mother.
Wedding readings?
No readings – but I wrote a poem as my vows and my husband wrote his own vows also.
First dance song? Playlist recommendations?
Stand By Me – Ben E King.
We had several different playlists, for the ceremony and bridal entrance, as background music for the Reception, and then again for the Japanese Sake Ceremony and some suggestions for the dance floor to our DJ.
Wedding planner name + review
I planned our wedding with my husband and mum’s help mostly, so it was truly ours and all details were of our choosing!
Hair + makeup name + review
Makeup by Sukhi. Sukhi was lovely to work with and did an amazing job of my make-up, making me look both traditional and glam but not overdone for the big day. She brought out my best features, and the make-up lasted all day through various climates within the Gardens. The hair looked fantastic at first but unfortunately did not withstand the humidity of the Conservatories, and stronger hairspray would have been welcome! Overall though I would still recommend Sukhi and lovely demeanor, and her efforts to meet a bride’s demands.
