Globetrotters Return Home to Organise Their Dream Industrial Boho COVID Friendly Wedding

Matt and Jess’ (@mrandmrstetstall) insatiable love for travelling and exploring every corner of our world has been a theme throughout their relationship of three and a half years. Their most recent trip in 2019 saw them exploring the country of Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia. Ending up island-hopping across the Philippines in March 2020 when COVID hit and consequently got stuck there for over 2 months when world travel came to a standstill.

Changing Plans
Their original plan was to end up in Australia to live indefinitely which they had worked really hard to achieve their permanent residency for. But with Australian borders closed for the medium term, and most other countries in the region following suit. 

They made the decision to head back home and stick out the rest of lockdown, and see what the world looked like in a few months. They also originally had plans to get married in Thailand in 2022 where close family and friends could join them for the celebrations on a white sandy beach with the sun on their faces. But being forced to come home and re-evaluate their life plans, they took the opportunity as the free spirits they are, and start planning their wedding for the same year!

Wedding Planning
Due to the world coming to a halt, it was rather tricky to get a confirmed slot with the Registry Office, but they persevered and finally got a confirmed date on 18th August 2020 from the registry office, to get married on the 26th September 2020 with only 5.5 weeks to prepare! But this didn’t phase Matt and Jess, they took it all in their stride and picked one wedding planning aspect off at a time and it all came together nicely!

The Budget
From the very moment I started working with Matt and Jess, planning their flowers and assisting with wedding planning. It was clear to me the emphasis was on bringing together close family and friends to celebrate the love they have for one another, and having a damn good time.

They had a strict budget of between £5-7k to stick to, and as Jess was used to taking control of the budgeting on their trips around the world, she had this covered. Each aspect of the day was itemised and Jess was clear on exactly what it costed and how she wanted the end result to look like.

The COVID Friendly Ceremony 

They were lucky enough to get a slot with the Registrar at The Old Municipal Buildings, a stunning Grade II listed, Tudor Hall in the heart of Taunton, Somerset. The fabulous venue was then perfect for outdoor photos taken either on the grand staircase leading up to the hall, or on the Castle Green just behind to celebrate the newly wed couple. 

The staff their were very organised and struck a good balance between abiding by clear COVID guidance and welcoming guests and completing the marriage ceremony with the happy vibes of the day.

The Dress 

---

As soon as Matt and Jess decided they were going to tie the knot in the UK, Jess began her wedding dress search. However, being in the middle of the first UK lockdown, this proved rather challenging She was certain she didn’t want to attend a bridal boutique as they were not within the price range she wanted to spend, and therefore opted to search online. 

Jess scoured every online bridal outlet there was, ordered several to try but they were not quite right. Time was ticking, so we sat down and decided to order a number of dresses to try, even ones that Jess wasn’t 100% on. Well, as soon as Jess put on her chosen dress from ASOS, she instantly knew this was the one, and I’m sure you can see why! With its kimono sleeves, fitted deep plunge neckline and elegant cut out back. Covered top to toe in delicate tiny sequins that captured the light beautifully, the dress was sure to be a showstopper and made Jess feel sensational on the morning of her wedding.

Grooms Attire
Being a Brummy, there was only one place that Matt wanted to go to choose his wedding day suit, Slaters in Birmingham. Matt opted for a beautifully fitted mid-grey 3 piece suit with fine white check detailing and a double breasted waistcoat. He chose an orange paisley tie and crisp white shirt to complete his look and accompany some of the rusty tones of the chosen florals, and felt totally ‘dapper’ in his suave outfit!

Parker & Peony Flowers

Flowers
From the very start of the planning process, Jess was clear on the type of floral look she wanted for her bridal bouquet and the venue styling. Very ‘desert boho’, with lots of pampas, other neutral coloured grasses as the backdrop, no greenery. 

Decorated with white orchids as the main feature and then white and rusty coloured florals as an addition. So with my wedding florist hat on @parkerandpeony.flowers, I selected nude Quicksand roses, rusty coloured large head Toffee Roses, White Lisianthus, Bohemian Mocha Lisianthus and white Anthurium to accompany the Orchids and Pampas to complete the uber stylish look for our uber stylish bride.

​Celebration Venue
Matt and Jess chose the super trendy venue The Red Brick Building in Glastonbury, Somerset to celebrate in style. The edgy industrial vibes of the building continue as you enter the old factory building, through to the Old Tannery Bar and Restaurant and into the celebration space. Once the home of a thriving sheepskin factory, the building is full of original features from its wooden floors, industrial metal beams and red brick façade.

The Red Brick Building was saved from demolition in 2008 by concerned local young people who had a vision for its future. Since then, it has been transformed by volunteers into a dynamic enterprise and community hub that specialises in ‘Industrial Boho’ weddings by partnering up with their in-house bar and restaurant, The Old Tannery.

The Food
I couldn't miss out mentioning the fabulous food from the special day beings as the couple are such foodies! They they wanted simple hearty food, where the guests would be full to the brim. So, working with staff from The Old Tannery Restaurant, they selected 2 options; the homemade burger and chips, with home made coleslaw or salmon, seasonal veg and mash, followed by sticky toffee pudding and ice cream. Later on in the evening guests were then treated to a bacon butty to keep bellies nice and full, my kind of grub!! 

COVID Friendly Venue Styling
The large open plan celebration space was perfect to set up for a COVID friendly wedding where we wanted plenty of space to seat the wedding party of 27 guests. 

The guests were seated on individual long tables in each of their ‘bubbles’. We decorated the centre of the tables with natural cheese cloth and covered them with masses of small clear jars and freestanding white candles. In each jar, we then placed 2-3 stems of the stunning florals and grasses to complete the look.

To surprise the newly wed couple, the Parker and Peony Flowers Team created a top table for just the 2 of them. The Bride and Groom’s Sweatheart Table was layered with flowing natural cheese cloth, full of their favourite blooms sat in more small jars. Behind them stood a tall copper frame backdrop with an explosion of pampas grass hanging from it. From which they could sit and both then enjoy the funsies of the afternoon whilst sat in their regal vintage peacock chairs.

The Details

I loved Matt and Jess' idea for their guest book, with an instant print camera, guests were able to take hilarious photos from the day and write their messages of love and naughtiness! for the newly wed couple.  

They also had a beautiful frame with 2 very special nan's that weren't able to celebrate with them in person, but were definitely there in spirit. 

For their cake, they opted for Crispy Creme Donuts all round, sat on a clear tiered cake stand, topped off with a white choc and rasberry sponge cake to complete the look, yummy!

Photography

​Adjacent to the Red Brick Building, stands another fantastic structure, The Zig Zag Building. This industrial space was originally part of the sheepskin factory, making slippers, gloves and sheepskin coats, opened in 1934 by the Morland Factory family. Now privately owned, it has now been renovated to hold exhibitions, events and workshops over its 3 floors of panoramic views of Glastonbury area. 

The light from the original metal framed windows and skylights, create a sensational space to take some unique wedding photos with the couples very talented Portrait, Commercial and Wedding Photographer Jamie Denny. Take a look at these beauties!

Matt & Jess' Suppliers

Couples Travel Blog: @mrandmrstetstall
Photographer: @jamiedennyweddings
Florals: @parkerandpeony.flowers
Planning: @thebohobrideguide
Ceremony Venue:Taunton Registry Office
Celebration Venue:@red.brick.building
Food & Bar:@theoldtanneryglastonbury
Shoot Venue:@zigzagglastonbury
Dress: @asos @asosscout
Grooms Suit: @slatermenswear
Guest Book Signage: @jody_poppy
Couples Modelling account: @mrandmrstetstall_modelcouple ​