Where the love story began:
“Sometimes the late-night McDonalds craving is a good thing. We met back in 2009 whilst queuing for a burger. Let’s just say Gerard was in awe whilst I successfully polished of two large Quarter Pounder meals which I declined to share. Though I did give him one of the Cokes, probably what sealed the deal really. After much toing and froing (and driving our friends insane) we finally started going out in the September of that year. Cue many years of wackiness.
Flash forward to 16 December 2016 and it’s been a crazy long day at work. Gerard comes to pick me up from the station and is super twitchy. It’s only a 5min drive but he was being super weird. As soon as we get to the house, he legs it out of the car and straight in, leaving me to struggle with my giant gym bag (he’ll normally open my door and help me out, suspicious). I was stroppy and annoyed and come marching in the house already loudly complaining.
Every xmas light was on and nearly all the candles we owned were lit and BAM, Gerard is in the living room… on one knee. I’m sure he said something but all I can remember is asking him if this was a joke and at his reassurances that it was not, bursting into tears. He was down there for a while before prompting me for an answer. And clearly, I said yes.” – Shade (Bride)
DIY wedding touches
Gerard & Shade’s Autumnal book themed wedding at the Ferry House Inn was such a special day. Their joint love for great books was the inspiration for the decoration, which the was mostly handmade and absolutely beautiful. DIY weddings are the best!
Shade said: “We love all things geeky so have always wanted a wedding with a theme. We wanted to celebrate our interests but in a tasteful manner. It was Gerard’s idea to focus on books we love as he knows how obsessed I am with them. We decided to theme each table round a particular book and have the overall décor tie in with this. Being that we picked October we got to use beautiful autumnal colours. I have always loved making things so saw this as a chance to get stuck in and get creative.
Many months were spent crafting and there were many bad words said and glue burns acquired. Flowers and birds were made from books pages and incorporated into mobiles and displays. The paper flowers were also mixed with faux flowers and used in bouquets, buttonholes, hairpieces, table displays and anywhere else I could get them glued down. As Gerard said in his speech whilst I was running around making everything, he was making sure I was fed. And more importantly when I hated everything I was doing and wanted to bin it all he was the one talking me down and coaxing the squished items out of my hand. Without Gerard’s constant support I would never have been able to create what I did.”
The nervous energy whilst the bridal party were getting ready in the morning was fun to capture (and the tractor ride to the wedding venue was a laugh!) “My dress was an unexpected find with my Mother and Sister. Everything I hadn’t thought I wanted but luckily the stylist forced me into it. Gerard has always wanted a dark grey Ted Baker suit, so we decided that pale grey for the Bridal party would be the perfect compliment. Plus it made the bouquets and flowers really pop.” – Shade (Bride)
“The Fellowship (Bridal party) started off the day with a yoga session while the boys went for a run. Honestly best idea totally chills you out. We spent the morning dancing around and being silly. A hop on a tractor and then we were at the venue.”
Once father and bride had reached The Ferry House Inn, it was time for the ceremony!
I now pronounce you Husband and Wife
“Seeing Gerard waiting for me will be one of the most magical moments of my life. We got through the vows though I’m not sure how as I had never seen him so emotional.”
The pure joy and overwhelming love throughout the day was wonderful. The Ferry House Inn in Kent is a stunning wedding venue with breathtaking views, perfect for wedding photo backdrops! The ceremony was a tear jerker (mostly from the groom, though he would deny it!) and the crowd went wild when ‘you may kiss the bride’ was announced.
The day was filled with laughter, funny and heartfelt speeches, lots of selfies, glorious sunshine, movie theme tunes, book themed props a sunset to die for and choreographed first dance. WOW! What a day!
“We spent the day with beloved family, the truest friends, chatting, laughing, eating amazing food and dancing non-stop. I married my Best Friend and it was everything I hoped it would be and so much more.”
It was such a pleasure to photograph Shade & Gerards October book themed wedding in Kent. I had so much fun and after photographing Shade’s sisters wedding in Gosport last year, I already felt like one of the family. What an awesome couple – I wish them every happiness in their lives as Mr & Mrs!
“We have stunning photos that captured those precious moments and every time we look at them we can relive the sheer joy and madness of that day.”
Credit to all the amazing suppliers on the day, including:
Shade’s gorgeous bridal tiara is by Ivory & co.
Hair and make up by Meghan Mort.
Brides wedding dress by Martina Liana at Love Bridal.
Mother of the bride outfit from Jacque Vert.
Bridesmaids dresses from Marks and Spencer.
Father of the Bride suit from Moss Bros.
Groomsman suits from Next.
Grooms suit from Ted Baker.
Wedding rings by Chrisholm Hunter.
Film theme tunes played by Piano DJ.
Wedding cake from Hummingbird Bakery (With extra decoration by bride Shade!)
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