Paul & Jessica
Getting married during a pandemic is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Originally due to be married at Crystal Barn in the Midlands in 2020, getting Jess and Paul to the altar was no easy feat. From venue, supplier and multiple date changes to the added stress of international travel restrictions, the date was finally set for April 2022 at the magnificent Grand Exotic in Sheffield.
Designed and built by Sarah Owen, who also crafted Crystal Barn, this stunning venue is eclectic and Oriental-inspired. Adorned with imported Balinese doorways and arches, complemented by a rich tapestry of antiques and crystal chandeliers, it was the perfect canvas for Jess and Paul to splash their bold personalities all over.
When we dream in colour, we dream of the fantasy gardens created by Neil Lessick from Simply Bliss Flower Sensorium. With Jess's favourite strelitzias as our starting point, the wild, tropical florals brought the room, and our dreams, to life! If you're going for bold, go for gold! An inspiration perfectly achieved through an eclectic décor design of modern and antique, traditional and playful, silver and (of course) gold. All of which was highlighted by an array of coloured candles and LED lights that transformed the colour scheme throughout the evening.
Starting with the sumptuous Ardmore-inspired harvest table, guests were treated to a mouthwatering menu from award-winning chef Jacqui Rey of Food Matters. Jacqui's meticulous presentation ensured that every morsel was as much a feast for the eyes as for the stomach. The menu was topped off with an architectural masterpiece by baker to the stars Nicole Momogos, whose four-tier confection was bejewelled with hidden lights that illuminated the cake from within its white fondant icing.
The best celebrations are filled with magical moments that are burned into our hearts and minds for years to come, and this celebration was filled with them. From Jess's star-powered limousine entrance and the ever-popular photo booth from Photobooth Lab, our catchphrase of 'make it a moment' was capped off by hundreds of clear helium balloons, handed out to guests to release during the first dance, covering the ceiling in a canopy of glittering lights.
A rare delight to have a bride who embodies and embraces colour and (dare I say it) a love for all things OTT, Jess exceeded all expectations with her breathtaking entrance in a custom crystal and silver-thread-embellished ballgown, and later a vintage Art Deco dress that ensured Jess and Paul could dance the night away with all the fervour of the 1920s, over 100 years later.
In this case, more was definitely more!
Photography and videography by The Shank Tank.
Contributors
- Balloons
- Mad Hatters Balloons
- Catering
- Food Matters
- Creative Direction & Production
- Albizia Road
- Décor & Furniture
- M&B Events Decor
- Florals
- Simply Bliss
- Location
- Grand Exotic
- Photo Booth
- Photobooth Lab
- Photography & Videography
- The Shank Tank
- Stationery
- Handmade by Janine