Creative Halloween Wedding with Plentiful Pumpkins

Happy Halloween eve! I am so excited to get into the Halloween spirit today, courtesy of Chris and Gillian with their Halloween wedding, which was held on the 31^st October 2018 at Davenport House in Shropshire. They booked their date after falling in love with the venue and decided to go all out with a Halloween theme. What I love about their day is how they stylishly incorporated the festivities into their wedding, by incorporating plentiful wedding pumpkins, face painting and sweets of course.

One of the elements I love most though has to be their seasonal autumnal florals, Gillian’s bouquet in particular was stunning, I just love the use of the orange leaves. Then there were the outfits, which were just awesome! Gillian looked stunning in her 50s style gown with blue petticoat and a nod to their cat was included on her belt. Chris meanwhile looked very dashing in his blue check suit and vibrant tie, pocket square and hat combo.

Nicola Casey Photography, thank you ever so much for sharing with us these fantastic images of a really wonderful celebration.

The Proposal

May 2006, with a letter in the middle of a power-cut, we were both working different shifts at a pub at the time. But the time was never right, hadn’t even looked at a venue until we looked at Davenport house.

The Vision

We found our perfect venue in the first we looked at, with us both being lecturers we knew it had to be in a school holiday. We didn’t originally look at Halloween, but the Monday before. But this was already booked when we asked. When we were offered the 30^th or 31^st we decided to go with Halloween and make it themed. We knew we wanted Pumpkins to feature in almost everything, so the menu had pumpkin soup as a started, vegetarians had stuffed pumpkins as a main, there was even mini pumpkin pies on the desert.

We also knew as both being art teachers, that we wanted to do some of the ‘stuff’ ourselves.

The Planning Process

We had 10 months, well just under to plan it. We found the venue on 7^th January 2018. I had already decided that I was going to get my dress made and contacted Jo at The Couture Company to see if I could get an appointment once I knew this could be done, it was full steam ahead.

We struggled to find a band and that came really last minute as we were very specific about our music taste and didn’t want to please everyone else, but us really.

Also we decided very last minute to use a florist, we had seen some before but didn’t feel they were very excepting of our requirements, until we met Judith from Pollen Floral Joy. As we wanted to make our own centrepieces and wanted someone who was willing to work with us to help bring our ideas together.

We had very specific requirements and knew sourcing things weren’t going to be easy. We did use places like Home-sense, near Halloween to get the extra bits of décor. Pumpkins we had to buy near to the time as once carved they had about a week in them before they rotted.

Because we did a lot of the stuff ourselves it was reasonably relaxed as we could get little bits done when here and there rather than running about last minute.

Time is really important, if you can organise everything that needs doing in advance then it makes life easier, pick bits up at the supermarket with the food shop. Whatever is easy!

The Venue

Davenport House, Shropshire

Beauty

Hair done by Russell Hickenbotham, who always does my hair. Make-up done by me!

Your Outfits & Accessories

My dress was custom made from The Couture Company. I knew I wanted a 50’s style dress as I own a few of these already. I had seen what she had made already, so I had a rough idea what I liked. I am not overly fussy and knew I wanted a fairly plain dress with a focus point. Chris had already said our cat wasn’t invited so I thought let’s put her on my dress!

Irregular choice for my day shoes.

Doc Martens for the night.

Groom’s suit was from Empire outlet, shoes from Un-dandy.

The Readings & Music

Reading from the Amber Spyglass by Phillip Pullman

White Rabbit – evening band

The lead singer of the same band was used during the day.

Bridesmaids

Dolly and Dotty (older girls)

Young bridesmaid dress – made by the groom

Shoes from New look (heels)

Flats from Debenhams

As was their jewellery

Groomsmen

Empire outlet

The Cake

Godminster Cheddar Wedding Cheese cake and M&S’ Caterpillar bride and groom cakes. Piece of wood underneath the cheese was sourced by us (Country Basket).

Your Photographer

Nicola Casey Photography

The Flowers

Pollen Floral Joy, I didn’t really want ‘flowers’, but foliage that fitted the time of year. The buttonholes fitted with the venue and time of year, using orange shades to fit with the Halloween theme. As my mum gave me away she even made a lady version for her to wear.

The Details & Décor

Pumpkins were carved by us and friends and family members the days before.

Centrepieces, place cards, table plan and other paper items designed and printed by the groom.

The centrepieces for the tables were done by us and the wreath for the surround was produced by Judith (Pollen floral joy).

Candles were provided by the venue.

The Honeymoon

Reykjavik, Iceland in December.

Memorable Moments

Face-painting, more adults than kids had their faces painted.

Us both crying during the service

Advice For Other Couples

Make-it your day, don’t worry about anyone else, it’s yours to remember so don’t try to please everyone because you won’t.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

Amazing! I really love all the Halloween vibes.

Chris and Gillian, a very happy 1st wedding anniversary to you both for tomorrow and thank you so much for sharing your story with us xo Lou