Today we are sharing Kate and Peter’s micro wedding that took place at the incredible St Paul’s Cathedral in London, captured by our very own Unique Rebels Union supplier Paul from Ginger Beard Weddings.
Kate and Peter had initially invited 120 people to their wedding, but due to 2020 pandemic restrictions they had to changed their plans numerous times; ending with an intimate wedding alongside 15 of their closest family and friends… And what a day it was! #LOVEISNOTCANCELLED!!
Peter + Kate…
How did you meet and get engaged?
We met at university back in 2007 at a party. Pete popped the question just after Christmas whilst snowboarding down a mountain at called Sunshine in Banff, Canada.
How would you describe your day?
Not as original planned due to Covid but we had an amazing day. It was very intimate and we got to spend quality time with everyone there who were made up of our close friends at family.
How long were you planning it for?
18 months initially but due to Covid our plans changed a few times. Initially we had invited 120 people, we cut this down to 30, then had to cut it down to 15. We even got a call the day before limiting the numbers in the Chapel at St. Pauls to include the Vicar and organist, so a couple of people had to sit outside and watch through the door. The plans were constantly changing due to the ever changing restrictions.
How was your day unique to you?
It was super special having the privilege to use the Chapel at St. Pauls thanks to Petes Mum being awarded an MBE some years ago. Pete’s studio has a great roof terrace in Shoreditch which worked perfectly for the drinks reception, before popping round the corner to The Boundary. Due to the restrictions we were limited on where we could have the reception, but this all worked perfectly.
Who was your wedding photographer and why did you chose them?
Paul Williams (Ginger Beard), we were initially recommended a number of photographers by our wedding planner, Chris from The Wedding Arrangers. We looked through all of them and instantly fell in love with Pauls style of shooting. We didn’t want the classic style, Paul has an edgy, cool style and after talking to him we knew he would be perfect, and as you can see, he was.
Your outfits! Tell us more about them! Was there any special details, accessories, or reasons behind your choices?
Kate went to a number of dress shops before finding the one at Blackburn Bridal Couture in Blackheath. It was a super simple slip dress accessorised with a lace t-shirt.
Pete wanted a tweed style suit, especially for this time of year and the guys at The Grooms Room in Colchester had the perfect ones.
Tell us about your wedding flowers?
We wanted an autumnal theme to the flowers, burnt oranges and reds with lots of foliage. The flowers bouquets and button holes were stunning, Emma, The Urban Flower Farmer did an amazing job.
Let’s talk food!
As it was a last minute reshuffle we chose from The Boundary’s private dining menu. Most people had steak and it was fantastic. Burrata to start which was actually what we originally had planned.
Cake! Who created your wedding cake and what theme did you go for?
We weren’t planning on having a cake but we had a last minute change when we saw the cakes at our local coffee shop. Gray in Leytonstone made us a beautiful lemon and pistachio cake.
Tell us about your wedding stationery – who designed them for you and what style did you go for?
We created the invites ourselves, although most people didn’t end up needing them due to the reduction in numbers. We decided to make our place names for the table too. We bought a range of small succulents from Columbia Road as well as some small pots and planted each one, Pete engraved each pot with the persons name. They were then the wedding favours too.
Tell us more about your hair & make-up for your wedding.
I wanted my hair down with lose waves, Emily did a great job at creating this look. I wanted to keep it simple as the dress was very simple, I accessorised with a Simone Rocha hair pin. I actually did my own makeup, creating a smokey eye look.
How did you entertain your guests throughout the day?
Booze and the best man speech.
Looking back, what was the stand out moments of your day?
Having our close friends and family there, it was so nice to spend time with them. And the best man speech!
Do you have any advice for couples currently planning their wedding, for either the planning or the lead-up?
The uncertainty of getting married during Covid was pretty stressful as we the restrictions were continuously changing and we were never 100% sure we would be able to go ahead. If you are now having to have a smaller wedding than you initially planned, make sure you have the people who mean the most to you there. All of our friends and family were so understanding and supportive when we had to reduce the numbers, just take some time for yourselves to during the day and really take it all in.
**HUGE THANKS to Peter and Kate for sharing your day with us! And to Paul at Ginger Beard Weddings for the photography. To visit his website you can do so HERE
Leave a Reply