Today’s real wedding is such an inspiring affair. This is a bride who totally went her own way… and absolutely killed it. I adore her bridal style, so terribly chic! Her bespoke wedding is just stunning – and the Grecian inspired accessories? Pure bridal perfection!
Despite the grisly, rainy British weather their talented wedding photographer captured some amazing editorial style shots of the gorgeous couple.
Congrats Angelina & Kevin – just loving your Grecian style wedding with modern gold accents.
Words by Angelina. Images by Francesca Secolonovo.
We chose to marry in Cardiff as I am originally from Haverfordwest in West Wales but lived in Cardiff for 7 years and loved every minute of it – it was my home.
Most of my family are from Wales and so it was the ideal location. We originally married in Canada (August 2014) and my Dad was the only family member who could fly out to attend, so the Wales wedding was a celebration for the Welsh family and friends – all 90 of them! The St. David’s Hotel and Spa was the perfect choice – classy and modern.
Kevin and I love a room with a view, especially the water/ocean. The Roald Dahl Suite has panoramic views of the marina and Cardiff bay. You can also see the fantastic millennium centre and Norwegian church. In summary it was a combination of ease for family, modern style and a room with a water view.
I designed my own wedding dress and had it made in Toronto, Canada by the lovely Elizabeth Oliveira at Labl.
I loved it because it was made for me! I like to be unique in all that I wear and I didn’t want to be a traditional bride with veil, bouquet and strapless gown. I wanted to break some rules – be sexy, classy and modern.
After lots of research and countless bridal store visits I realised that my taste required either a huge designer budget or I had to compromise on my dream dress, as the local stores just didn’t have what I was looking for. My Dad was actually the person who suggested a custom gown and I didn’t think it would be possible to make within 3 months (that’s all the planning time we had).
Elizabeth made it possible and within my budget. My favourite feature had to be the split, which when it draped open revealed a flash of fabric used for the top of my gown too. It actually looked like a mini-dress underneath the chiffon skirt.
I love GOLD so wanted elements of Grecian Goddess with a modern twist throughout the wedding.
I wore a gold mirror belt and jewellery – my bridesmaids wore Grecian style dresses with gold cuffs and a gold rope that we entwined around their belts.
For my own dress, I used chiffon for movement and to create a Grecian Goddess feel.
The bridesmaid dresses were in dusty pink and a champagne colour and they held small bunches of baby’s breath.
My accessories were a pair gladiator style sandals, a simple necklace with the initial K, a beautiful ring Kevin bought me that said LOVE, as well as the mirror gold belt.
My Stepfather, Graham walked me down the aisle to Let’s Stay Together by Al Green. My Dad gave me away in Canada last August.
Kevin and I met on a dating website in London, UK whilst he was there on a project with his work.
The proposal was simple, over a cup of tea! – typical Kevin.
As mentioned previously, we married in Canada on August 2014 – none of my family and friends could attend aside from my Dad, so although I was marrying the man of my dreams and I couldn’t be happier, it was a sad day as I couldn’t share it with my nearest and dearest – specially my Mum, Step Dad and brothers.
For the reception decor we draped tulle on the chairs, had peach roses, gypsophila and lots of gold accents (table runners, chairs, a bird cage for the cards and a gold seating plan frame).
For the flowers we went for a very simple, pretty design – bunches of Gypsophila with peach roses.
I’d seen the design of these centerpieces on various websites and thought it looked elegant and classy without being over the top.
I also wanted a soft pastel colour splash rather than bold so peach was perfect.
Our wedding cake was made by my Step-Grandmother, the lovely Jeannette Peach.
We chose a red-velvet sponge, as it’s our favourite with a simple, rustic-look buttercream and peach roses to match the centerpieces.
I wanted the cake to look ‘pretty’ and ‘chic’. Jeanette did an amazing job!
Our wedding photographer Francesca Secolonovo understood our want for non-traditional pictures with a modern twist.
Unfortunately we were hindered by weather on the day so we couldn’t get many outside shots. Francesca managed to use our bridal suite to create some really magical images.
If you could impart any words of wisdom to future brides planning their wedding days, what would they be?
Anything is possible and dare to be different! If you have a vision, don’t change it for anyone and don’t settle for the norm just because everyone else is doing it.
I planned this wedding in 3 months – with a custom made gown, so time shouldn’t be your reason for compromising on your dream. Enjoy every moment – as stressful as it is!
Wow! Love, love, love this wedding. Angelina girl, you got style!
Massive congrats and big thanks to Francesca Secolonovo for sharing this fabulous wedding with WTW.
Ladies and gents, do please leave some love.
wedding credits / photographer: francesca secolonovo wedding photography / wedding venue: st david’s hotel & spa / brides dress: bespoke by elizabeth oliveira at labl / brides shoes: steve madden / grooms suit: maxwell’s custom made in blue / bridesmaid dresses: Jojobride/ hair system & makeup: hairbro/ florist: spirals florist – haverfordwest / wedding cake: family
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so cool and classy, i love the slightly overexposed style, makes the photos so clean