Happy Monday Lovely People!

Hope you all had a good weekend.

I have been so looking forward to sharing today’s epic wedding with you ever since I saw it on the wonderful Cotton Candy Weddings website. I’m excited for 2 reasons………….Firstly, Gemma and Phil of Cotton Candy Weddings were my wedding photographers and rock in every sense of the word. Their photography is just beautiful and they are two of the nicest and talented girls you will ever meet. Secondly, the couple of this awesome wedding is Erika Footman, a brilliant singer and songwriter and Mark Richardson the super skilled drummer in British band Skunk Anansie. Festival Brides just got that little bit cooler!

Naturally music was a huge part of Eri and Mark’s wedding with special performances through out the day from friends and family. Skin from Skunk Anansie performed a stunning acoustic set during their ceremony which was held at a beautiful quaint little church called St Martha On The Hill. Guests then headed over to Guildford to Eri and Mark’s garden where traditional Japanese Shamisen music filled the modestly decorated Tipi which would be the home for their awesome reception. The evenings entertainment then kicked off with performances by both Eri and Mark, Skunk Anansie and more of their talented guests.

Beautifully understated, Eri and Mark’s wedding was a mis-match of everything they loved with elements from their background. A mish mash of Japan, Yorkshire, countryside, Autumn, vintage and boho!! Full of so many smiles, their wedding in my eyes is what every wedding should be – a relaxed and fun day that is full of laughter from start to finish.

Enjoy this one guys – it’s a keeper!

Over too Erika….

Two Gigs worth of sweat

Mark and I met at my music college, but we were both with different partners at the time but kept in touch for work. Then about 4 years after we met, we bumped into each other at a rubbish Festival where I had 2 gigs worth of sweat on me and was a right state!! But he obviously didn’t care as he asked me on a date that same week………8 years later we got married!!

 

400 origami cranes, wild flowers and fairy lights

The tipi was decorated with 400 origami cranes that I made using hula hoops, origami cranes, thin wire and friends!! We also used hops and lavender which was scattered throughout the floor and walkways to add a lovely smell!! Hops were also used to dress the frame of the tipi and fairy lights and oil lamps were used throughout the garden. Bunting made by Mark’s sister, Sam, Mum and Penny was also used throughout the garden.

I was lucky enough that my mum did the flower center pieces.  She  picked some wild flowers and I bought the pumpkins – we carved them out with our friends and my mum filled them with gorgeous wild flowers and leaves that she collected. Also because we were doing everything out of season and because I haggled hard to get everything down – I think I managed to save about £10,000 but it was really because I did a huge amount of research and had all the prices!! Also thanks to Mark’s family alot of the decorations were hand made – home made bunting and I managed to get an early bird deal on the hops!!

a band full of friends……

All our friends are musicians – so I just mailed out who would be up for playing and luckily everyone said yes! I sent out the songs and divvied up friends into bands and they came and played – no rehearsal – just rocked up! We had all the gear and instruments – the wedding band I play for, 29 Fingers lent me the PA and off we went!

Favourite Moment of Your Day…..

Getting married to my wonderful husband – dancing & singing with him, my friends and family.  I really enjoyed just stopping and watching everyone enjoying themselves. I was so happy people had said to me to just take a moment out of the craziness just to take it all in and I am so happy I did. I have never smiled so much or seen so many people smile and laugh.

It was such a special day, just having everyone there to share in our special day and to have all the love and support given to us. WE just couldn’t define our wedding with one story – it was a complete day from start to end!!

 Cotton Candy and CineReportage

Phil & Gemma from Cotton Candy Weddings and Will & Caroline from CineReportage were amazing all day and evening. After all was done I realised that I had barely seen them and yet, when we got the photos and footage back they had captured every special moment. It’s so important to have great people who are talented and understand who you are as people to shoot you and to capture these precious moments that you will keep forever.

Mark and Eri’s Wedding Highlights from Erika & Mark on Vimeo.

Any Advice…….

If there is one thing I can pass on to any bride & groom if they want a kick ass party… it’s to have the bar in the same room as the reception. It makes such a difference.

The Line Up Photography: Cotton Candy Wedding
Video: Ciné Reportage  Wedding Planner: Erika and MGN Events  Ceremony Venue: St. Martha’s on the Hill, Chilworth Reception Venue: Tipi in Mark & Erika’s back garden from Tipi4Hire  Bride’s Dress: 1920′s vintage dress from Jane Bourvis  Bride’s Shoes: Bottega Veneta Bride’s Headpiece: Ring-a-Roses and vintage french veil from Jane Bourvis. Bride’s Jewellery: Simple aqua necklace handed down by Erika’s mother. Hair: Manuel Garcia Make Up: Zoe Jacobs  Groom’s Attire: Temple Bespoke Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Miki – Givenchy Couture – hand me down from Mother (peach); Hanako wore vintage 1930s – Zoe Lem (dusty pink); Sophie wore – Lucy in Disguise (hot pink); Alice wore 2 vintage chiffon dresses, made into 1 dress by her mother, Sam. (pale pink) Bridesmaid’s Accessories: Necklaces gift from E & M – from OtisBWeddings on etsy. Cake: DIY  Flowers: Local florist, Ring-a-Roses Stationery: www.weddingteatowels.co.uk  Caterers: Charlotte Roskill - www.charlotteroskillcatering.com/  Band: Friends  DJ: Friends  Other Entertainment: Hibiki – japanese Shamisen Player 

Thank you so much to Eri and Mark for sharing your wedding with us – this post had me smiling from ear to ear as I was putting it together! Such a beautiful wedding.

How amazing are those girls from Cotton Candy Weddings! You can see why I booked them for my wedding – in love with their photography.

Eri and Mark’s first dance will be featured in Independent Love Song this afternoon so don’t be a stranger!

Big Love

Festival Brides xx