Written by Becci Clubb

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Long distance lovers

Adam and Nicole grew up in neighbouring villages and met at a party as teenagers.

“Although we met at secondary school, we didn’t start dating until we had both moved away to different universities,” Nicole explains. “Adam was studying in Bristol and I had

moved to London. We went on our first date in 2016 and then spent a small fortune on the Megabus while we were long distance.”

Bride enjoying getting ready in the morning.

On Top of the World

Distance really did make the heart grow fonder. Adam and Nicole had been together for over five years when the big question was popped. Adam’s original proposal plans had beenscarpered when the pandemic put a stop to the couple’s far-flung summer holiday plans. Instead, they embarked on a road trip in Scotland, starting in Edinburgh.

“Our first ever trip together was to Edinburgh and we decided to return to the city for the start of our Scotland trip,” Nicole smiles.

“Somehow Adam convinced me to wake up early, get ready and climb up to the top of Arthur’s Seat before 7:30 am! He proposed at the summit, which we had all to ourselves.”

The couple spent the entire descent having a post-engagement debrief, chatting and giggling the whole journey down.

They kept their engagement a secret for the rest of their Scottish trip, spending the entire week in a giddy engagement bubble. Once they returned home they surprised their friends and family.

Sailing into the Sunset

Adam and Nicole had their wedding ceremony in The Lantern Room at The Old Council House in Bristol. The ceremony space boasts a beautiful interior with regency decor and an ornate oculus ceiling dome. The couple had an intimate guest list of their closest friends and family.

After the ‘I do’s’, the couple and their wedding guests made their way to the Grain Barge, a refurbished barge permanently docked in Bristol harbour, for the wedding reception.

“We weren't specifically looking for a boat venue, but Grain Barge had such a unique and beautiful setting, a really cool bar and dance floor, and an excellent events team,” Nicole tells us.

“We then discovered we could book a mini river cruise and dance party with Bristol Packet Boat Tours, on their historic Tower Belle boat. We booked the tour during the cocktail hour, showcasing the city from the boat while our wedding breakfast was being prepared.”

Ready for the wedding guests on the Grain Barge

Back on board the Grain Barge, everyone tucked into seasonal sharing boards washed down with bottomless Margaritas – the couple’s favourite cocktail.

Sharing platters laid out for wedding guests to help themselves to.

Wedding Wardrobe

Nicole stunned in an Essence of Australia dress. The gown featured a square neckline and a high thigh split. She paired her dress with orange suede shoes, a pearl-encrusted, cathedral-length veil and peal jewellery with a sentimental story.

Nicole tells us, “My pearl earrings were borrowed from my mum, who received them as a gift from my Grandparents for her own wedding day.”

In the evening, Nicole took off her veil and heels in place of a pearl-embellished cape and white Converse adorned with embroidered stars.

The bride holding her bright bridal bouquet, filled with sunflowers, is walking down the stairs with the train of her dress behind her..

One thing the couple were certain of from the very beginning of their wedding planning was that Adam would definitely be waiting at the end of the aisle in a pair of very nice shoes. “Adam had spent the last six years working at Crockett and Jones, a royally accredited UK shoemaker. We both knew he would wear a great pair of shoes,” laughs Nicole.

Adam looked sashing in a dark green suit, a crisp white shirt and a floral tie. Of course, he wore the all-important shoes, selecting a pair of high-grade Audley Oxfords from the factory. He finished his look with a dried flower pocket square buttonhole and cufflinks in an oak leaf design that were gifted to him by Nicole's parents on the morning of the wedding.

The newlyweds stood outside, holding hands and smiling.

Buoyant and Bright

The main inspiration for this couple’s wedding celebration was enjoying good food, great company and a relaxed atmosphere.

“We both love attending gigs and music festivals and had already had a joint stag and hen do at Boardmaster’s Festival, so a live band was a must-have,” reveals Nicole. “We chose the band 8 Ball after spending hours searching online and they didn't disappoint! They smashed a set of indie bangers, keeping the dance floor full all night and our friends still talk about how great they were.”

At the start of their wedding planning, Nicola and Adam didn’t set a strict colour scheme, but with a love of bright, autumnal colours a running theme started to take shape. The floral arrangements and decorations were all created by the couple and their closest friends. Even the cake was homemade, it was a funky ‘shag’ style cake made with buttercream piping in retro disco colours.

In the evening, guests were kept busy with a temporary tattoo stand and an audio guest book.

The couple included lots of personal touches throughout their details, including a handwritten note to each wedding guest displayed at their place setting. The notes shared a story of how they met and a favourite memory the couple had of each guest. They asked each guest to return a note and have a set of postcards full of lovely stories from friends and family to cherish.

“Our inspiration was wanting to make sure our guests felt the love and knew how much we appreciate them all,” says Nicole. “But we accidentally set a boat theme through our choice of venue and entertainment.”

Adam & Nicole’s Favourite People seating plan.

Tossing out Tradition

While this couple did keep some wedding traditions like Nicole’s Father walking her down the aisle and a formal first dance, they also chose to ditch the traditions that didn’t feel right to them.

“We stayed together the night before our wedding. It helped keep things nice and calm, and meant we had a special evening the two of us sharing a Nando's and getting excited for the big day,” Nicole reminisces.

Adam and Nicole’s advice to couples amid planning is, “Decide on your must-have guests early in your planning. This will steer your choice of venue, budgeting ideas and personal touches throughout the day.”