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Back in April this year I had the amazing experience of photographing Charlotte & Alex’s wedding at Brighton College, and recently I asked them a few questions about their wedding preparation and any tips for future brides.
Please tell me about the proposal:
It was at home and we were decorating the Christmas tree, I was putting the star on the top and when I turned around, Alex was down on one knee. It was so lovely for it to happen at home.
What drew you to Brighton College and made it your dream wedding?
We met in Brighton, while I was at Brighton Uni and Alex was at BIMM, my parents are also from Sussex and we needed to have the wedding local to them. We were impressed with both the grounds of the college and the interior of the rooms we would be using. The service from the events team and the fact that the whole day could take place in one location were other major factors.
Did it take you a long time to find your 'perfect venue'?
We only viewed three venues, I didn't want a typical venue such as a hotel or a converted barn which narrowed down our options (especially in Sussex). I think it was only a month between seeing the first & last venue and most of that time was due to having to organise visits from Bedford.
What was the most challenging part of organising your big day?
The most challenging part was sorting out guests, as it was something we had to rely on other people to do (respond to our invites). We also sent a lot of invites out digitally so had to keep track of emails & messages for their responses.
How did you know your wedding dress was 'the one'?
I didn't go to a wedding dress shop and do the usual wedding dress try on. I always knew I wanted a pink dress with a vintage twist and someone I follow on instagram had a dress made in the style I wanted but in blue. I contacted the maker, Emma from Oh Sew Vintage, and asked if she could make the same dress but in pink. When I finally tried the dress on, I knew the risk was worth it, the colour and style were perfect, I felt like a princess.
Who supplied the Groom and Groomsmen's suits and was there a particular style you were looking for?
The Groom's suit was custom made by Moss Bros. Alex wanted a three piece suit in blue and while choosing the suit options he decided to opt for a pink waistcoat to tie in with the wedding colour theme. As there were quite a few groomsmen, they all sorted their own suits, either hiring or wearing their own.
Did you always want to get married?
No, when we were first together we weren't fussed about marriage. However as we got older and more of our friends got married, and I convinced Alex, we decided it was something we wanted to do. Also the tax benefits are always a good thing.
What were your standout moments of the day and memories you'll cherish forever?
Charlotte - My standout moment of the day was walking up the aisle and seeing Alex so emotional. It was also amazing to see all of the people we love in one place.
Alex - Having members of two of my old bands and my current band with us on the day, and knowing how much effort people went to, to celebrate with us.
Tell me about your first dance, which song did you dance to and why you chose it?Brown eyed girl, it has been a favourite of ours since we've been together. We didn't want a traditional first dance song, and also wanted something that most people would know.
Do you have any tips for couples planning their wedding day?
Communication and don't sweat the small things, because those aren't the parts of the day that you'll remember.
If you would like to speak in a bit more detail, then please feel free to send me an email to info@darrengrittonphotography.com or give me a text on 07538 135722.
I look forward to capturing your magical day!
If you are planning your wedding here are some helpful wedding tips for you to read:
From Jitters to Joy: Mastering Your Wedding First Dance
5 Reasons Why Rain On Your Wedding Day Won’t Spoil Your Big Day