Real Weddings: Amy and Andrew’s style-infused London celebration

THE PROPOSAL
We got engaged on a trip to Paris during a love-filled conversation over a couple of (many) drinks. Even though we had been together for seven years, we still both woke up wondering if the other remembered that we decided to get married. We kept it a secret for the first week and announced it to everyone at Andy’s 30th the following week.

THE WEDDING ATTIRE
Andy’s outfit was a traditional formal Scottish kilt in Black Watch tartan, which we hired from Kinloch Anderson. His jacket was made bespoke in navy velvet with black buttons. The groomsmen, father of the groom and father of the bride all wore kilts too.

I chose to wear vibrant red as it is one of my favourite colours. The dress was designed and made by my stepmother, fashion designer Helen Cody. Helen designs and makes beautiful pieces in her studio in Harold’s Cross, Dublin. The whole process was a dream, and Helen and her team are spectacular! The dress was a two-piece corset and skirt with detachable bow sleeves, and a simple red veil. I really wanted something that I could wear again.

My bridesmaids were given a range of colour options and could choose a dress that they liked best. My sister, who did the ceremony, wore a beautiful blue sequin dress that was also designed and made by Helen (Cody).

THE CEREMONY
The ceremony took place in a local heritage centre within an old church, within walking distance from our first home together. We wanted a space that was bright, airy and local. It was great to have it somewhere that felt traditional in ways, but allowed us to include aspects like a bar afterwards. The ceremony was carried out by my sister and our friend Aoife. We had gotten legally married the month before, so this was just the ceremony.

THE RECEPTION
After the ceremony, we had drinks and light food in the same location for a couple of hours. For dinner, we arranged two London buses for everyone to be moved to Village Underground, a nightclub in Shoreditch where we had dinner and dancing.

THE ENTERTAINMENT
We had music from my best friend, Aoife, who is a DJ and from another friend, Leanne. It was great!

THE DECOR
Luckily, I have friends from creative fields who helped with flowers and graphics, and they were amazing sounding boards. The flowers were done by Keelin and Aoife, and the graphics by Kevin Gunning.

THEIR TOP TIPS 
Try not to get wrapped up in details on the day. While a lot of thought goes into that beforehand, it is important to let it go on the day. There may be things that are different to how you imagined, but being able to feel nothing but love and joy is the best part and only real aim. We were both happy and relaxed throughout the day, and it really showed – even though there were some things that were adjusted or not quite as expected.