The way I’m crying looking at these photos!

Is testament to three things - the way Alison and Jon have nailed what a wedding should be about, love, family, togetherness, celebration, milestones, LIFE. That photographer Wolf & Co is jaw droopingly good, that he knows how to capture all of the above things (with banging use of light). And that it hits different to see a wedding, rituals, love and joy in families that look a little like yours and how much that matters.

So yeah enjoy this chic, laid back, pared back, city wedding that is distilled and curated to be about what is important in a super simply stylish package, with indie suppliers at its core. Getting ready together at The Hoxton , ceremony at The Asylum and reception, meal, Lily Vanilli cake and tea ceremony back at The Hoxton.

Who are you both and what do you do?

I am a graphic designer and Jon is a stock manager

How did you meet?

Old school! We met in an old fashioned club 15 years ago.

Fave thing about each other

Jons kind and caring nature, and the fact that he knows everything (he is basically a walking encyclopedia) and he always makes sure I have a cup of tea in my hand.

Alison is patient, generous and the best Mum our kids could wish for. She's the sensible, organised, spreadsheets and budgets one, I dread to think where I'd be if I'd stayed at home that Friday night 15 years ago.

Is there a Corona rollercoaster back story to this?

Yes of course, although it kind of worked in our favour. We have always wanted a small intimate wedding and with covid limiting numbers it gave us the excuse to go ahead without feeling bad we didn't invite our all nearest and dearest (there are a lot of these!) We only had to move our date once but it was from a winter wedding to a summer one so all our outfits were winter based! We just felt lucky to have been able to do it and in the way we would've wanted to covid or not.

What was the inspirations references/ aesthetic / feel you wanted for your day?

We wanted the wedding to be about us and our family so there was no real definitive aesthetic we were aiming for, just a lovely atmosphere after all this time for us to spend some quality time together. Although having said that I am a creative so naturally gravitate to beautiful design, style and things that make us feel good and happy. One of the big factors at the forefront was we wanted to use small independent businesses where we could, after the year the wedding industry has had it was super important for me to support them as much as we could.

What was your main priority, what took up the most energy, what was the most challenging and rewarding?

We had the Ayslum Chapel booked before we even started wedding planning so it was a big part of the day sorted and having the move the date was pretty straightforward. The biggest headache was the reception, with covid playing havoc and many businesses not knowing the rules, what post lockdown hospitality would look like it was super tricky nailing down what we could do. At one point we thought it would be just a ceremony then we'd have to postpone the reception/party for another day. Thankfully it worked out. Our amazing photographer Osman at Wolf & Co, gave us focus and pretty much walked us through the entire process so for that I will be forever grateful.

Suppliers details:

Ceremony: Asylum Chapel – this was just the dreamiest location, we couldn't not go for it after we visited in the summer.

Reception: Hoxton Hotel

My outfit: Dress: Mother of Pearl (have always loved this sustainable brand, a dream to wear)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo (after deliberating for almost a year I gave in and purchased my first ever pair!)

Jewellery: Ring and Earrings: Otiumberg, Necklace: Cartier (gift from my mum!)

Makeup&hair: myself

His outfit: Suit: Reiss

Trainers: Axel Arigato

Ring: Late Grandads

Boys: Repose Ams

Flowers: Laboos flowers and Ronnie Colbie for the bouquet (it was a dream to work with both these florists, both seeming to read my mind and gave me the most amazing flowers)

Cake: Lili Vanilli

Photographer: Osman at Wolf and co. The nicest guy you will ever meet with a magical talent to boot. He is one to watch, and thank our lucky stars we found him. Everything we bought extra for the day from confetti to doughnuts, kids party bits to paper plates came from independent small businesses.

Anything else you would like to shout out?

Shout out to the ladies at O Pioneers for making me the most beautiful face mask with a couple of days to go after I had left it too late and my favourite was sold out. It arrived the day we left for the hotel was one of the nicest moments of the weekend.

Favourite or most special part of the day?

Walking down the aisle, I was fighting back tears which took me by surprise...so utterly grateful to our thoughtful guests who recorded this moment so I could relive it over and over! And for both of us celebrating with our families especially our parents, it was a long time coming for them!

One more shout out to Jen at Hop Burns & Black for going above and beyond and delivering us the best doughnuts ever to the chapel on the morning of the wedding so they would be at their best. These details and how much people care just made our day!

What have you learnt about married life so far?!

Married life is not so different (as we expected) but in the same breath different. We tied the knot after many of our big milestones, 15 years together, 2 new homes, countless jobs, 2 kids and realised life is fast and furious and short. To stop for a moment and celebrate how far we've come and our achievements is something that is so special and we will never forget. It also marks the beginnings of new adventures so for that I am grateful.