Lovely Black + White | Vintage Inspired: Real Wedding

Such a lovely low key and laid back wedding to share with you today! The bride chose a very simple black and white colour scheme for her vintage inspired vows! Inspired by an old black and white photo from the 60s, Sara and James’ big day is just lovely.

©2013 Nicola Milns Photography

I was completely inspired by a black and white photo I had in my bedroom growing up. It showed my mother in a black lace cocktail dress as a bridesmaid in the sixties. Everything came from this. I wanted vintage styling and a black and white colour scheme and I never wavered from this throughout all the planning.

We chose The Shellys as our wedding venue as it had everything we wanted – beautiful classic building and lovely gardens. We really wanted a barbecue and The Shelleys was more than happy to do this. We looked at so many venues but none ticked all the boxes. When we walked in we just knew it was the place!

My Mum wanted me to have a birdcage veil but I ran out of time to organise buying one. I went on Ebay a couple of days before the wedding and bought one! It was perfect.

I knew that I wanted a vintage theme to the wedding and was looking for a tea length dress. I went to only one shop and tried on all their shorter dresses. My dress was the fourth one I tried on and was just perfect. When I walked out of the dressing room my Dad just nodded and said “yes”. I knew this was the one.

My lovely bridesmaid Katherine made the cake. The top layer was carrot cake (James’ favourite) and the bottom layer was chocolate mud cake (my favourite). It was beautiful, with amazing lace detail icing and black ribbon.

We met through a mutual friend – I wanted to move to Brighton and James was looking for a flatmate. Our mutual friend put us in touch and although I didn’t move into James’ flat we did decide to go on a date.

I have always described our first date as “my best date ever”. James had prepared a lovely picnic for us and we ate on Brighton Beach. I think I knew instantly that James was the one and very shortly after this we decided to move in together and start a family.

We both thought that we would never get married but James proposed and I’m so glad he did. Getting married to James was the most exciting and happy day.

I wanted the bridesmaids to wear sexy black lace cocktail dresses. I found the perfect one in Monsoon. Growing up I had a photo by my bedside of my Mum as a bridesmaid in the 60s wearing a similar dress and had known for years what my bridesmaids would be wearing!

My wedding shoes were another Ebay purchase! I had a lovely pair of white satin vintage style shoes from Rocket Dog. I also bought a crazy pair of black and white polka dot shoes from Irregular Choice in Brighton to wear during the evening.

My wedding photographer Nicola of Nicola Miln Photography was just brilliant – she knew exactly the kind of vintage, quirky, non-traditional style I wanted for the photos. I didn’t want any standard, cheesy shots and she got it just perfect. The photos didn’t take hours and the whole experience was fun.

If you could impart any words of wisdom to future brides, what would they be?

Don’t be tempted to be too gimicky. I thought I wanted ice sculptures, chocolate fountains – the works. James encouraged me to keep things simple and I’m so glad I did. I had a clear colour scheme in mind from day one (black and white) and all invitations, orders of service, flowers etc stuck to this. Take your time with planning and choosing a venue. Don’t be rushed. Keep things in a folder so you don’t lose track. Be brave and enjoy every second!

And the most memorable moments of your big day?

James serenading me with “You’re just too good to be true” – amazing.

Katherine rapping to “Ice Ice Baby” while her boyfriend did breakdancing!

My Dad’s speech, it had everyone in tears!

Awww! Thanks so much James and Sara for sharing your lovely day with Want That Wedding! There are so many things to love about this wedding. Some of my favourite bits are… Sara’s style… the dress, those irregular choice shoes and her vintage styled ‘do’ errr. wow! Also totally crushing on those blace lace bridesmaid dresses, the brides bouquet and that super chic black and white cake! How about you?

Thanks you so much to Nicola Milns Photography for sharing this wedding.

image credits | photography: nicola milns photography | venue: the shelleys | wedding dress: everything but the girl | bridesmaid dresses: monsoon | hair: christine wales | make up: mikala | transport: the little white car

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