Wednesday 6 July 2022

Charlotte and Dan - Babies, old cars, old ruins, BIG hair, guitars, loud music and more pretty than Pretty in Pink

Charlotte and Dan, plucked from the 50’s, possibly the 80’s, maybe a little 90’s and bundled up into a musical-heaven of cool, 50’s-cool. Maybe a little 00’s-cool too with so many tats. But either way. They cool! Not too cool for school though because that was where we were on June 4th, we were all at school. Battle Abbey School. Learning lessons! Yup, lessons such as equipment sometimes fails, babies don’t like weddings, the sun will always GLARE down when you neither want it nor expect it, it gets windy sometimes, and as mums… we make sacrifices! Even on our wedding day. Every. Flipping. Marvellous. Day we make sacrifices. BUT we also learned that regardless of squinty eyes, crying babes (not the ones at the end of a good wedding, but actual babies) there is always (and I mean ALWAYS) more beauty than you can shake a dream-stick at, magical get-you-up-off your-feet-music, LOVE and… ta da…family and friendship! Super!

This wedding brought all these marvellous elements together in a big elaborate perfectly poised bow. Charlotte and Dan left nothing out, their attention to detail was en-pointe. 

Their choice of venue, the tables – so beautifully put together – romantically-dreamy flowers, handwritten favours and place names; I don’t know how they did it with a 9 month old in tow, but kudos to them because I’ve been there, organising a wedding whilst rocking a kid is no small feat. Big bad bravos chaps, you did a remarkable job. And as a quiet (ninja-esque) observer, your guests had a truly incredible day. Joy and fun in abundance. You should be utterly proud. 


There were so many wonderful moments too, from a sweet poem lovingly read by Lucie, Charlotte’s sister, to the cutest cake made by her niece Leila. And of course the hilarious tales retold by Best Man, James… something about a nipple tassel (?) I don’t quite recall but it was super funny. Seriously incredible musicians, music and performances (and even by some none-musicianie people - WOW you lot! Simply WOW! Dancing, delicious food, one of the loveliest venue coordinators and registrars known to man… And the most beautiful ceremony under the watchful eye of a ginormous Battle of Hastings painting. Bloody, and full of carnage to be honest, but what a backdrop! Lordy, what else can I say, it was nothing short of AMAZE & BALLS.


Charlotte looked breathtakingly beautiful. Her hair, coifed to perfection and with gorgeous streaks of pinky/red, her make-up was picture perfect (bigs-up must go to the make-up lady, it’s not easy perfecting black eye-liner when you’re contending with a baby on a lap and a camera in y’face. Steady! Steady does it!) I was seriously impressed! And let’s be honest, THAT DRESS, what a dress to photograph, especially from the back. So floaty and gorgeous but totally in the realm of cool and utterly Charlotte. BOOM! 


And to Dan…. Awww DAN! This gorgeous and most talented groom wore pink DM’s. Never seen it, likely won’t again, and I’m so pleased because it’s just him and them. With the world’s biggest smile emblazoned across his face, his eyes lit up like lighters at a party when Charlotte walked down the aisle with Mum Linda, who was proudly donning the honour that otherwise would’ve been Charlotte’s much missed and much loved late-father. It was too many kinds of wonderful! Anyone can see that this couple are so in love and simply perfect for each other and with little Lola in tow, they’re a family. I believe it always makes a marriage that little bit more meaningful. Ooh… brings a tear to the old watering cans.  


My only wish, if I could make a little wish, would’ve been to have more time, but I think that’s just my general wish for life generally so no point in wishing. Only thing to do is bask in what was and enjoy every moment. Charlotte and Dan, I hope this little blog and the pics will help you to do just that. Bask in your day! You made one of life’s biggest commitments and it was beautiful and I felt unbelievably honoured to be part of it. 


And on Lola’s wedding day, CRY THE WHOLE TIME. It’s payback time. Let's be honest though, you probably will anyway. Oh the sacrifices we make as mum’s…it doesn’t stop at eyeliner! 


So you two lovelies… my love and congratulations to you both. You have the most wonderful little family and larger extended family and some pretty fabulous friends to boot so I think you’re gonna be juuuuust fine as you venuture on through this crazy life together. Go forth, conquer, stay cool and by the way, the 50’s called and they want their car back! 


I hope you love the pics and still love me. 


Loukie xx



The Fab Suppliers:

The Venue: Battle Abbey, Hastings
Priest/Registrar: Ceremonies in East Sussex
Wedding Coordinator: Debbie Grant 
The DressWhyte Weddings, Worthing
The SuitJump the Gun, Brighton
Hair and Make-upGemma Souter / Louise Medhurst
The Caterers: Battle Abbey
The Cake: Leila Dawes
The FlowersBeau K, Battle
The Music: Dan, his mates and a fair few guests!