Steph + Tom | June 2024
“She just got us. She felt like a friend there on the day bringing our story to life.”
Steph and Tom’s was a back garden wedding that truly felt like a family party, if you’ve ever been to a family party with a teepee and champagne on ice. The bride and groom got ready at the house, spent time together before the ceremony, and then walked into (below left) and out (below right) of the ceremony together, as a team.
And just feast your eyes on the joy and colour of this day!
Photos by my talented pal and pro Steve Fanstone Photography
Steph and Tom chose a civil partnership over a marriage and so I honed my words to honour that modernity - the fact that they came out of the french doors and down the stairs to the ceremony together felt very them. And Steph - being an eco babe - opted for a hot pink dress that she could wear again and again. That pink pops in every picture and I think she looked FABULOUS.
And she didn’t just look cool, calm and collected - both she and Tom really were. When the heavens opened (within 45 minutes we were treated to a triple threat of British summertime weather: sun, wind and rain) Steph remained chatting outside to her best friends, just casually adding a denim jacket over her dress. I could never, my frizzy hair wouldn’t allow me to be such a chilled bride…but I respected it!
This wedding was especially fun for me - and not just cos the couple were chilled-out legends and not just cos we were in such a gorgeous, sprawling back garden - but because I got to team up with my friend and photographer Steve Fanstone. Steve who I’d worked with in radio for six years, and Steve who’d been the photographer at my own wedding. A true babe, it was great to gossip and giggle with him, both getting there early and excited.
I made a joke of the guests bearing with me as the wind ripped my script sheets from side to side and my hair into my mouth
Guests took part in a ring warming during the ceremony - pouring their love and best wishes into the bands - and both the mother of the groom and mother of the bride did readings. There were plenty of mentions of the couple’s beloved dog Duck (which my twins thought was a BRILLIANT name for a dog and started a whole game about hedgehogs called Mouse and cats called Turtle).
When I picture Steph and Tom’s big day I will picture fat raindrops and hot pink and beaming smiles…and all that garden magic will conjure up how relaxed it all felt. How right they clearly are together.
In all weather.
“She coached us through stress and made us feel comfortable. She engaged all the guests and her ceremony was a perfect balance of light and funny with deep and heartfelt.”