Our Brides – Rachel

Who’s been a good bridegroom then? Say hello to my latest real-bride-girl-crush Rachel. And her other half Ollie, who she’s clearly ever so proud of. Not that I’m jealous or anything… Rachel rocked the Rembo Styling Bjork dress at their music-lovers wedding at Sheffield gig venue Yellow Arch Studios just before Christmas.

Alternative wedding venue? Check. Street food catering? Yum. Black diamond ring? Very cool. All started with a treasure-hunt-based proposal around Sheffield? What else were you expecting??

Loved your style, Rachel and Ollie – I think that photo says it all!

Jess x

THE LOW-DOWN

How would you sum up the style of your wedding?

Our wedding was relaxed and informal. We just wanted a big party where we could celebrate with our friends!

Where and when did you tie the knot?

At Yellow Arch Studios in Sheffield on 22nd December 2018.

And what was your wedding dress?

Bjork by Rembo Styling.

THE LEAD-UP

How did you two first meet?

I’d just moved to Sheffield to run a club night and needed to find places to sell tickets for us. Ollie was working in a men’s clothing shop at the time and agreed to stock the tickets. I left my phone number on the ticket book just in case he needed to contact me... and he did!

What about the proposal? When, where, how?

He proposed on our 8 year anniversary! Using the periodic table (I’m a science teacher!) he created a treasure hunt around Sheffield. We went to all the places that were special to us, and eventually ended up back at our new house that we’d just bought together. He popped the question with our cat, Big Suze!

THE DRESS

Did you have an idea of what you wanted when you first started looking for your wedding dress? And did you stick to it?

I initially went to a sample sale at a shop in Harrogate to get a feel for different styles, as I didn’t have a clue what I wanted. Within 2 minutes of being in the shop I realised that I hated everything, but my helpful sister convinced me to try on some funny dresses anyway. Whilst stood dressed head to toe in purple flowers I realised I was going to have to change tactics!

After some internet research, I discovered the Rembo Styling brand and actually ended up buying the first dress that caught my eye.

How did you find the whole experience of searching for the right dress?

Quite enjoyable actually! Most of my searching experience involved sitting on the sofa drinking tea whilst scrolling through Instagram!

What was it about your dress that made it ‘the one’?

The Bjork dress by Rembo Styling is unique and not like anything I’ve ever seen anyone wear. It was relaxed and extremely comfortable, but at the same time it was elegant and eye-catching.

How did you feel once you’d made the big decision?

Over the moon as I knew we could crack open some bubbles!

Do you have any top tips for other brides out there shopping for their bridal gown?

Take someone with you who will tell you the truth! There was another dress I really liked but my sister said it made me look innocent, and that’s not me at all!

THE BIG DAY

Tell us more about your outfit on the day. How did you complete your look?

The dress didn’t need many accessories at all. I had some mid-height block heels, and a crystal flower in my hair. I had a faux fur wrap to arrive in but lost it quite quickly! My bridesmaids also bought me a beautiful bracelet that counted as my something blue and new!

And your bridesmaids?

Both bridesmaids wore navy blue maxi dresses from Asos. They both looked beautiful. My best friend Louise had given birth 6 weeks earlier and still looked like a supermodel!

What do you remember about the morning of the wedding?

I had the best time with my amazing bridesmaids. My sister Lauren and I tried to go for a swim in the hotel pool but realised it might wash off our fake tans so ended up walking around the edge of it instead! We spent the rest of the morning beautifying ourselves and drinking fizz!

Who did your hair and makeup?

My sister Lauren did my makeup, and I went up the road to Wigs and Warpaint to get my hair done.

Who took your wedding photos?

Tom Biddle. He’s an absolutely fantastic photographer who I can’t recommend highly enough.

Did you follow any traditions? Or was there anything unusual about the ceremony?

We didn’t really follow many traditions and kept things simple. I ended up doing a speech, which I hadn’t planned... but probably should have because it would have reduced the number of bad jokes that I made!

How did your dress feel when you were walking down the aisle?

It just felt like me. Jess at Alexandra Anne ensured that it fitted me perfectly. It’s just a shame that I can’t wear it every day!

THE MEMORIES

What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?

It’s too hard to choose, we loved it every minute of it.

What gave you the biggest laugh?

Watching my science teacher friends throw some shapes on the dance floor!

What got the tears flowing?

Nothing! During the ceremony I avoided eye contact with the people who I knew would make me cry!

If there was one piece of advice you could give to a new bride-to-be, what would it be?

Make sure your shoes are comfortable!

And last but not least, where is your wedding dress now?

It’s just come back from the dry cleaners, but isn’t particular clean! Think I had too much fun in it!

THE RECAP

Dress

Bjork by Rembo Styling

Accessories

Crystal Hair Flower by Jenny Packham

Venue

Yellow Arch Studios, Sheffield

Photography

Tom Biddle

Hair and makeup

Wigs and Warpaint (hair)

Decor

We made it all ourselves!

Flowers

Provided by the venue

Table plan theme

No plan, just grab a seat!

Caterers

Wood Fired Pizza Company + Real Junk Food Project

Entertainment

DJ Danger Russ from Propaganda

First dance song

Fairytale of New York by The Pogues

Ready to rock the Rachel x Rembo look?