Before these lovebirds met, Ian knew they would hit it off after their conversations on the dating app Hinge. Both had spent much time during lockdown reflecting on what they truly wanted, which set a positive tone for their first date. Ian shared, “I loved that we could have fun talking nonsense because Lou is curious, hilarious, kind and mischievous. Then, when we met in person, I think my eyes popped out of my head!” Fast forward time, the couple set off for a country walk, with Ian secretly carrying a ring in his pocket. Unfortunately, a yellow weather warning was in effect, and they were decked out in waterproof gear. To top it off, the train they needed to catch was cancelled! Despite the not-so-ideal circumstances, they still ventured out, and even though everything wasn’t perfect, Ian wouldn’t change a thing. Lou was utterly surprised when he popped the question; there were tears of joy from both of them, especially when she said “Yes!” SETTING THE SCENE What was their number one goal when planning their wedding? It was about creating a sense of connection, ensuring their friends and family were present to celebrate. Ian envisioned a community feel with local support and the involvement of their loved ones. Ian’s sister created the cake, while Lou’s aunt crafted beautiful handmade sugar flowers to adorn it. Ian’s dad rolled up his sleeves to prepare hundreds of canapés, and friends pitched in with readings and music. Another friend even hand-painted the menus and order-of-service, adding a personal touch. It truly felt like a village effort, something the couple cherished deeply. Ian and Lou dreamed of having their wedding in South London, where they first met. They stumbled upon Kingswood Arts, a hidden gem they hadn’t even known existed. The enchanting old building was once the home of the Bovril inventor. Nestled in the heart of the Kingswood Estate, this venue has transformed into a vibrant local arts centre, offering a delightful array of free arts activities for young people and families. The couple was instantly drawn to the concept that every wedding and event supports the community. During their visits, they often found themselves enchanted by the sight of children participating in ballet or breakdancing classes. The Golden Room, where they held most of their wedding festivities, truly won them over. With its stunning teal, yellow and gold décor, coupled with large windows that flooded the space with natural light and offered views of the surrounding neighbourhood, it felt just right. As for the decorative touches that made their day special, the couple went all out with thoughtful details that reflected their vibrant theme. Each table was adorned with beautiful centrepieces made from propagated devil’s ivy, adding a touch of greenery throughout the venue. The flowers, sourced from their beloved local florist, were stunning. The couple’s friend created the order-of-the-day and table plan by hand, using acrylic orange paint on a blue card, complete with acrylic stickers that represented their cherished bus numbers and the iconic overground tube roundel. They playfully named the table plan “Find Your Stop!” to echo their theme of local transport. They named each table after their favourite local buses, with the top table proudly labelled “The Overground” as a nod to their South London roots. The venue was enhanced with charming décor that brought their vision to life. Transport to the venue was a whimsical touch, featuring a 27 REAL WEDDINGS
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