Mr & Mrs Smith {Andrew & Jessica}

If ever there were a couple to make you believe in love, this one would be it. They have such care of each other, such respect, and such a great deal of fun together. It’s an infectious sort of feeling, that sort of joy, and we felt very privileged to have got to know them well over the last year since their wonderful Brighton Pier engagement shoot – the day that Jess, much in shock, won a wooly mammoth on one of those pier claw machines. With the great attention to detail that Jess pays to everything, Piers (the wooly mammoth) came to the wedding, stationed in front of their signing board with images from that moment.

The day on which they married, only 10 days before Christmas, was always going to be some type of spectacular. In fact, it struck that incredible balance between magical and real. Every detail had been carefully thought about, collected by Jess over the last year an a half, for she was the mastermind, beautifully orchestrating their wedding (look out at the bottom of this post for some personal recommendations from the bride herself!). Andy was blown away, and gave one of the most beautiful speeches I have heard.

The ceremony took place at the breathtaking All Saints Church in Little Bookham, Surrey, where a choir made up of their friends and family sung. That was impressive. After Glühwein and Christmas cookies we set off on a half hour journey through beautiful country roads to the splendid Wentworth Club, in Virginia Water, where the ballroom was transformed into a wonderland.

To tell the story of Jess and Andy and the day they became Mr & Mrs Smith, I have put together a premiere of two parts: a video story of stills and stop motion followed by a series of images. They contain, on the whole, different moments from the day.

Two ways, two perspectives, to tell the most magical of stories.

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Mr & Mrs Smith, we wish you every happiness, we feel blessed by your friendship.

Jess kindly gave me some recommendations of the suppliers she worked with to create their wedding day. She particularly recommends Jay Archer Flower Design, in Jess’s words ‘Best Florist on the planet – she is truly amazing and the loveliest person to work with’. The flower girls dresses and details were bespoke by Sue Hill, Jess says ’AMAZING designer, cannot recommend her highly enough’. The reception featured Ken McCarthy on Piano and the spectacular lighting of Firebird Events. Their beautiful rings, including Jess’s engagement ring are all from Gold Arts in Brighton.

Jess created the amazing sweetie bar and reception decor from details all sourced individually, but she has mentioned just a few of the suppliers for those who interested in creating their own atmosphere:
– Table numbers: designed by the bride, brought to life by Sunshine & Ravioli via Etsy,
– Sweets on sweetie table courtesy of The Old Sweet House, Horsham,
– Happily Ever After book centerpiece  – LoveAndFound via Etsy