It’s not hyperbole to say that India and Oli’s wedding will go down in history as the definitive Christmas wedding, thanks to its incredible blend of style and festivity. This is in no small part down to the gorgeous bride, India, who (as co-founder of cult modern bridesmaids’ brand Maids To Measure) pulled together an amazing team of suppliers to bring the WOW to winter in Wiltshire. I was lucky enough to be included in that team of suppliers, and had the best time shooting a day with such vision…
India absolutely adores Christmas, so knew she wanted their day to be festive-themed; but as a style-savvy woman, she wanted to avoid twee or cliche. To mix the traditional with the contemporary, she worked with Lo & Behold Bespoke to fill the church with candles – and when I say fill, I mean fill. It was very Romeo & Juliet-esque in the best way, regal and romantic and intimate and incredible all at the same time! Heading through a floral arch studded with pomegranates as a nod to the season, India & Oli then headed to the local pub – led by a brass band dressed as Santas – where they treated guests to a pre-drinks reception featuring a Frank Sinatra impersonator singing olde worlde Christmas tunes.
Then, guests headed into the marquee, which was bedecked with fairy lights and looked like a winter wonderland. The top table was flanked by two giant Christmas trees, and the tables were piled high with beautiful greenery, more candles, and assorted lamps that made a big marquee feel super close and cosy. India and Oli had chosen swans as their motif, so they sat behind two stone swans on the top table, and had embroidered napkins featuring their bespoke design as well as placemats designed by the uber-talented Bee Davies Illustration. The namecards were tied with a (jingle) bell and green velvet ribbon, which featured prominently in another part too…
OKAY, LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FASHION. I know you’re dying to know more and I don’t blame you – Indi was a style queen from start to finish. Her bespoke Andrea Hawkes dress featured a high neck and long sleeves, which she accessorised with heavy gold cross earrings from Nikki Witt and white pearly-heeled boots from Freya Rose. Her 10 bridesmaids echoed her slicked-back high-fashion pony, tied with deep green velvet ribbon to match their gorgeous Maids To Measure gowns – it was so much fun to shoot India and her crew in a more editorial setting in the morning!
For the evening reception India changed into an equally stunning second outfit, featuring a silky jumpsuit from The Mews Bridal alongside a Lele Sadoughi headband. Following a surprise appearance from an ABBA tribute band – Oli’s favourite music, bar none – they had their first dance to (of course!) Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You. (Did I even need to tell you who sang that?!)
Check out the rest of this modern Christmas wedding below!
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