Charlotte will be marrying James on 26th August 2018 at The Brewery, in London, UK. Click here to read all Charlotte’s planning posts to date.
THREE FACTS: (1) James proposed to Charlotte in Florence…. on her parent’s 36th wedding anniversary (aaaah – we love that!) (2) They are planning a Jewish urban-rustic wedding in East London (3) They have already decided on their wedding hashtags – it’s #dropitlikeitshart !
The venue is booked, now begins the search for vendors. Having been to many weddings over the past few years you get to know what you like and just isn’t your style or taste. Do your research and look at reviews, I found that vendors Instagram feeds are really useful and really show what they can do in abundance.
Make sure you go to each vendor with a clear idea of what you want and have your questions ready. This is your wedding and the one day in your life where you get to celebrate your marriage. Make sure you stick to what is right for you both. I’m very fortunate that James has the same vision as me for our big day, and that I have very open minded parents as well.
Image: Robert Shack from Georgia & Sam’s Jewish Wedding (Catering by Tony Page)
Choosing a kosher caterer
We may look like we have had it all sorted and did it all quite easily. But we have had some interesting experiences and appointments so far. We had researched some caterers, read many menus and shortlisted it down to two. The first kosher caterer completely forgot when our appointment was, we had no way of contacting the planner at work as it was already past 6pm. James by chance knew her boyfriend (it’s a very small Jewish world!) and managed to get through to her. We were a bit disgruntled but still willing to give them a chance, we went for dinner with my parents and they eventually turned up as we were finishing. To only be told that nobody remembers the food, and everyone will leave full and drunk, plus we would have to supply our own alcohol. Not exactly what we were expecting from an up and coming caterer! Needless to say this only confirmed afterwards that we were going to use Tony Page, but it is always good to get a comparison.
Image: Robert Shack from Georgia & Sam’s Jewish Wedding (Catering by Tony Page)
Choosing a band and a photographer
Next we moved onto bands, which we feel can make or break a wedding. We are really into our music, love going to music festivals and it was really important to get it right. We had seen three bands before making a decision, and from seeing them all we knew straight away that Creation was it. We were lucky to sneak into one sound check at The Brewery and also into the background of two weddings in one evening, I would recommend doing this as you can get the true reflection on what the band’s sound like live. With Creation we felt that everyone in the room was on the dance floor, they are really incredible. They are also doing our production as well, which is really useful as at least we have one vendor that can cover both on the day.
It was a total no brainer when picking our photographer, we didn’t look at anyone else. Adam and Hannah are known for doing those shots which really capture all of the special moments. We both are not the kind of couple who are happy to stand there for hours on end, and pose looking into each other’s eyes whilst smiling with teeth! We feel it needs to look natural and this what they do best.
Image: Blake Ezra Photography from Lauren & Mark’s Jewish Wedding (with Creation Band)
Choosing a hairdresser, videographer and toastmaster
I am lucky enough to have my hairdresser Gemma Harris, who happens to be my first cousin and will be doing my hair for the wedding. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to do my hair. I could not recommend her more, I had a lot of compliments at my sister’s wedding for an up-do that we had only decided on doing two days before the wedding – she really knows what she is doing. And her three daughters as well her brother’s little girl are also my flower girls. It is a real family affair!
We have also chosen the videographer Atmotion and our toastmaster is Steven Warwick. Both are industry professionals and just know what they are doing, also my sister also used them at her wedding this year. It was really good for me and James to see them both separately at work. Being a bridesmaid at my sister’s wedding meant that I got to spend time with Steven, and he even came up to us both and said how much he was looking forward to our wedding and had the best vendors – who could ask for more of a compliment from someone who has been to a lot of weddings!
Film: AtMotion by Cher & Tim’s Jew-ish Wedding
The countdown is on!
We still have a lot left to do. I have my spreadsheet at the ready, making a list is a great way to keep organised and make sure we understand what the priorities are and what can really wait until next year. So we can at least enjoy being engaged and doing our research at the same time, making sure we are picking everything we feel is right for us. At least we can now finally say we are getting married in less than a year!
Click here to read all Charlotte’s planning posts to date.
Charlotte & James’ Wedding Vendors booked so far:
Venue – The Brewery
Photographer – Adam and Hannah
Videographer – Atmotion
Caterer – Tony Page
Florist – Funky Flowers
Band and production – Creation Showband
Toastmaster – Steven Warwick
Hair – Gemma Harris
