A DIY Village Fete Wedding: Charlie & Jo

October 3, 2011

“Our inspiration came from our wish to have a wedding that was different to any we had been to and our main focus for the day was to try and make it as fun as possible for all the guests,” newlywed Jo wrote. “We wanted to have an informal day that just felt like a party. We both like antique decorations and I have always wanted a vintage dress because I wanted something different and not something that you might see someone else wearing at another wedding.  I also loved the idea of my dress having a history and making someone else day special before mine. In the same way as I love the fact that the diamond in my engagement ring belonged to Charlie’s Great-Grandmother.”

“We didn’t want a ‘theme’ as I don’t like things that match but the village fete idea with the games, sweetie table and the hay bales etc grew as we started to put everything together.  We did almost everything we could ourselves which was great but did mean late nights making orders of services, invitations place cards, menus etc.  The night before the wedding Charlie and his best men were at the marquee until 10pm and I was up with my bridesmaid) finishing the Pimms flags (of us and our two dogs) until gone midnight!”

Jo wore a vintage wedding dress from 1954 which she bought from Elizabeth Avey in London. She also added vintage jewellery from Lovely & Vintage and Ted Baker shoes.

Thanks to Charlie & Jo and their photographer Neil for sharing this with us today.

Photography Credit: Mulu Photography
Ceremony Venue: St Helens Church, St Albans, Hertfordshire
Reception Venue: Marquee in a field in Sandridgebury, Hertfordshire
Bride’s Dress: Elizabeth Avey
Bride’s Shoes: Ted Baker
Bride’s Headpiece: something borrowed
Bride’s Jewellery: Lovely & Vintage
Groom’s Outfit: Hugo Boss
Cake: Marks & Spencer
Flowers: Flowers Talk
Hair & Make Up: