When we came across this amazing Vintage Rock n Roll themed wedding, we had to get in touch with beautiful bride Helen to find out more.
Their Spring wedding was held at the stunning, industrial themed West Mill in Derby. Here Helen tells us all about it…
We met on a night out in Lincoln in the smoking area of a nightclub, despite neither of us being smokers. He was laid back and entertaining - everything my past boyfriends hadn’t been! He gave me a love heart that night with ‘Marry me’ written on it, and as they say the rest is history. We were then together for 4 years and I was pregnant with our daughter when he proposed on holiday in Santorini.
For me, the planning was both fun and stressful, trying to ensure everything was very ‘us’ and not compromising or conforming to what others wanted or expected. It was important to us that the wedding was modern, fun and different as everyone has been to lots of weddings and I wanted ours to be memorable and unique. I did a bit of research on Pinterest but didn’t bother with wedding fairs or magazines.
The theme was vintage, rock n roll. We had an amazing band who I found busking and went up and asked if they would play at my wedding. We had drinks outside in the venue’s courtyard, a friend playing acoustic guitar and singing, graffiti artists doing our portraits and décor that incorporated skulls and feathers which fascinate me.
The dress I chose was by Veni Infantino for Ronald Joyce. I had seen it years ago and always knew it was the one for me. It was everything I wanted vintage, elegant and understated, yet had something ‘Hollywood glamour’ about it. I knew I didn’t want anything bright white, princess or sparkly. I did try on a few other dresses, but it always came back to this one and it was perfect. The style number is Ronald Joyce 68024.
My favourite part of the wedding was straight after the vows chatting to all my loved ones and feeling amazing. We had our photos in the same courtyard where everyone was mingling so we didn’t feel apart from the celebrations. Here we also had canapes brought round, one of them being sushi my favourite food from my travels to Japan – another personal touch.
One thing that turned out better than expected was the first dance which I really didn’t want to do as I felt it would be awkward, but photographer talked me in to it saying I might regret it. So, the DJ remixed Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit and everyone joined in at the end – it was so joyful!
I must give a mention to Bethany Jayne Davies who did mine and my bridesmaids AMAZING hair! It was exactly what I wanted and if I could wear my hair like that everyday I would. I also had a hair piece by Donna Crain and flowers by Nadia Di Tullio. A lovely touch was that my friend and colleague Elizbeth made our perfect cake.
My top tip for brides would be to have the best photographer and videographer you can afford always! It’s the only thing you can keep. Also, if you can afford it don’t stress about money, you won’t be thinking a year after your wedding about what you spent but you might regret not getting something you really wanted.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Helen, you look amazing! We wish you and Jonny all the very best for the future.
Photography by Natalie J Watts _Natlie J Weddings.