With a love for all things gothic, Cassy and John executed their own dark, alternative spin on tradition. Taking place in beautiful Midlands venue The Westgate Suites the couple knew this was the perfect setting for their big day with the grand space of the old Victorian mill building complimenting the mood. Cassy, a Swimwear designer and self confessed lover of all things antique, was quickly charmed by the lush vintage feel of the old mill, a favourite detail being the Singer sewing machines that decorate the venue. “The huge windows let in lots of beautiful light and the main wedding breakfast room was so spacious and a beautiful rustic blank canvas that we could really put our gothy, witchy wedding stamp on”.
Cassy & John wanted to do things their own way, including having a handmade coffin as the backdrop for their ceremony. Cassy’s dad created the archway himself and speaking to the couple about the day, they both recall the comical logistics of transporting a life-size coffin to the venue. “My dad drove it down on the roof rack along the M1 and got some funny looks, he is my absolute hero! He even stained it afterwards and it is now in our garden, we intend to plant some climbing roses and entwine them over it. It means the world to me because it was made by my dad”.
In addition to the handmade coffin, Cassy & John’s big day was a sentimental journey for the couple, including Cassy walking down the aisle to their favourite song and John’s sister reading from a book of poems given to her by their grandparents. The couple wrote their own vows for one another in little black books which Cassy recalls she managed to get through “..without being too weepy.. there were still plenty of happy tears though!”
Un-compromised by tradition and passionate about alternative weddings, Cassy’s dress was styled by Becky’s Foxglove and Black. Speaking about working together, Cassy raved “Becky was amazing to work with she specialises in alternative wedding styling and got our theme straight away”.
Based in Nottingham, bespoke bakery Clemie’s Vegan Cakes provided the stunning and highly detailed wedding cake.
Determined to have a day that reflected them, Cassy and John achieved a wedding that visually represented them as a couple as well as sharing all the things they love with friends and family. Looking back, Cassy recalls “We didn’t stop smiling all day, it was the most perfect day of our lives”. The couple were able to include everything they wanted to and celebrate with their loved ones, some of who they hadn’t been able to see in over two years due to Covid.
I’d like to think that being in the wedding industry as long as I have has taught me a thing or two. Not only have I discovered that I am ace at painting bridesmaids nails, delivering flowers last minute to the Church, making kids laugh as I watch them whilst their parents get ready, I am also a pretty good photographer who can overcome unforeseen challenges on the day. Speaking about our time together, Cassy said; “Having Lizzie there on our wedding day was the best! The overall planning on the run up to the day was so exciting and it was so lovely that she was excited for us too. One thing that really sticks in my mind is we were really worried about not having any greenery or a ‘nice’ place for wedding photos after the ceremony. She said you let me worry about that, that’s what you have me for to use my skills to make you wedding photos look amazing! She was not messing around she surpassed every ounce of what we could have hoped our wedding photos would be”.
Le Keux Vintage Salon created Cassy’s striking hair and make up.
Kochetova provided the beautiful bouquet and stunning floral arrangements on the day.
Despite the lead singer coming down with Covid the day before the wedding, Rockoke band – Party Hard refused to let anything stop them providing the night’s entertainment. “They even learned songs on their break so our guests could sing them.. absolute legends!”
Wedding Artwork furnished their gorgeous finishing touches
AND THAT IS NOT ALL!!! I also made a video highlight of the big day for this gorgeous pair
Video highlight is an option to include on your wedding day when I am accompanied by a second shooter. You can learn more HERE
