Lewis & Laura’s The West Mill Wedding

Can’t think of a better way to kick-start this week!

Over to Lewis & Laura…

We didn’t really have any specific ideas about what we wanted when it came to the venue, other than the fact that we didn’t want a church wedding. We viewed half a dozen places varying in size and cost but none of them felt quite right. An Instagram friend actually worked at The West Mill so we went along for a viewing. I knew as soon as we pulled into the car park it was for us. It’s a former 18th century cotton mill on the bank of the River Derwent and it was perfect in every way; size, location, décor, feel. We both loved it.

I struggled to find the right dress in some traditional bridal shops. Lots of them were lovely but just not me. I came across Lucy Can’t Dance and was blown away with her modern designs and dip-dyed dresses. So I went all the way down to Essex (with Mum and 2 out of 3 bridesmaids) to try on the dress I was convinced was for me (long sleeves, covered back) – I actually chose a totally different one, called the Ziggy Stardust, with the most amazing tropical modern lace, an open back, full circle silk skirt and a soft grey dip dye. I went for the made to measure option and it fit like a glove. Instead of feeling like I was in fancy dress as a bride, I just felt like the best version of myself.

I used Shoes of Prey to design my shoes online – an amazing service and because they’re not traditional bridal courts I can wear them time and again!

My jewellery was mostly from Bloody Mary Metal – a bespoke ‘backlace’ which I commissioned to sit within the V-back of my dress, some Indian-inspired filigree earrings and a signet ring embossed with my new initials. I also wore a silver gemstone ring gifted by my mother in law and a Links of London bracelet that my Mum gave me on the morning of the wedding. My wedding band was custom made by Gavin Mack Jewellery to fit around my engagement ring.

My biker jacket was custom made in vegan leather by Painted by Lucky, with the back bearing my new initials, cacti and the date of the wedding

Lewis wore a Hugo Boss tux and shoes, with jewellery from The Great Frog and The Crazy Pig.

The bridesmaids wore silver tulle and sequin dresses from Maya at ASOS and bracelets gifted by me. The groomsmen wore black tuxedoes from Slaters Menswear.

Makeup was done by Sarah Lyth, who had done a friend’s wedding make up a few years prior and she was AMAZING! My regular hairdresser Gabrielle from Studio M Hair & Beauty did our hair – I wouldn’t have trusted anyone else!

The Mill has so much character built into it as it has been restored by the wonders with a lot of care and sympathy to its history. We just added candles and flowers here and there, copper accents on the tables, a few photos of nearest and dearest that couldn’t be with us, and beautiful watercolor botanical stationery made by Lovely J Lettering. In lieu of wedding favour we donated to an independent hospice who gave palliative care to my Auntie, and we placed donation boxed around the venue to raise some more funds on the day.

Nadia di Tullio Flowers was our florist – Nadia did the just most incredible job. She knew exactly what I wanted, even though I couldn’t quite verbalise it. Loads of green, lush botanicals, eucalyptus and succulents. I wanted something modern but in classic green and white. The hanging arrangement and table pieces she made were so perfect. The bouquets were just beautiful. I know flowers are low priority for some couples, and each to their own, but it was honestly the best money I have ever spent!

Our cake was made by Emma at Hello Cake, an amazing local business – it was semi-naked with copper drips and florals provided by Nadia. The tiers were sticky toffee pudding, chocolate orange and cherry bakewell and it was a VERY popular! There was barely any left! Emma also kindly made a separate vegan and gluten free cake so nobody missed out.

Catering was undertaken by the venue’s approved supplier Jenkinsons, who provided canapés at the reception, a 4-course wedding breakfast and brisket/pulled pork rolls in the evening. Everything was delicious and the service was impeccable.

Sally was the obvious choice for us – she is an amazing photographer and a friend as well! We love her relaxed approach and most of our favorite photos are the candid, documentary style ones. Her photos are colourful and playful and we absolutely love the memories she captured for us.

We didn’t really think about having the wedding filmed, in fact the idea made me cringe, until I saw the Costa Sisters and their mind-blowing wedding movies. And I do mean movies because they’re like Quentin Tarantino trailers!! We couldn’t resist being in our own little movie and we are SO GLAD we went for it because it is something we will cherish forever! Elena and Sofia really put us at ease, they are so passionate about what they do and their enthusiasm pours out of them.

I am so grateful that we had this trio of badass babes capture the day forever.

Best part of the day

Our friends and family are spread far and wide so just having all of our favourite people together for one big party was such a special thing for us.

From one couple to another

Literally nobody will care about how many candles there are, the colour of the pegs for the table plan or any other tiny detail so don’t waste your energy freaking out about the small stuff. Trust your gut and don’t compromise on your tastes. Take a few moments during the day for yourselves as a couple and drink it all in. The day passes in the blink of an eye; it’s a cliché because it’s true.

Venue The West Mill

Photography Weddings by Sally Rose

Film  Costa Sisters

Bride’s Dress Lucy Can’t Dance

Biker Jacket Painted by Lucky

Make Up Sarah Lyth

Hair Gabrielle at Studio M Hair & Beauty

Bride & Groom’s Jewellery Bloody Mary Metal, The Great Frog The Crazy Pig and Gavin Mack Jewellery

Groom’s Attire Hugo Boss Hugo Boss

Groomsmen Slaters Menswear 

Bridesmaids Maya at ASOS

Flowers Nadia di Tullio Flowers

Stationery Lovely J Lettering

Cake Hello Cake

Décor Nordic House, Melody Maison and Lights 4 Fun