A Modern Seaside Wedding at Turner Contemporary In Margate

Written by Helen-Louise Dudney

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Holly and David met at university when Holly was dancing on the bar dressed as a robot of course, and the rest as they say is history.

For David and Holly grand gestures are not how they usually show their love, but after 12 years of being together Holly was blown away by what David pulled off!

The Proposal

Whilst they were on holiday in Menorca, one evening as they overlooked the city surrounded by flowers from a local florist, David managed to surprise Holly with a ring. Not just a ring, but a ring that he had been designing along with Holly’s most admired jewellery brand.

Theme

Holly and David opted out of a specific theme but were driven by a clear vision for their wedding day. What Holly and David really wanted was a big party with all their loved ones with great food, incredible music and for the day and night to reflect them.

When it came to styling, Holly was inspired by MiaSylvia and the couple were confident in the “genius” of their florist Mahal Kite to be able to pull the whole space together, along with as Holly said, “using as many disco balls as The little Wedding Warehouse owned!”

The execution of the inspiration is perfection

The Planning

A seaside disco bash was the inspiration behind Holly and David’s wedding which took them roughly 9 months to plan. There was very intentionally no theme, but instead they used the Turner Contemporary’s clean space and stunning architecture as the ultimate backdrop to their inspirational mood board which then popped when it was bought to life by the incredible suppliers they purposefully and carefully chose.

Inspiring venue backdrop at every angle.

Holly and David kept their friends and family in mind throughout their planning and wanted their wedding to be a full seaside escape to make the most out of being with everyone they loved.

From sharing fish and chips after setting up, to a pre-wedding party and a post wedding brunch, every moment spent together allowed their guests to truly bond and create unforgettable memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

The Outfits

Holly and David’s commitment to style goes above and beyond, extending even to how their outfits harmonised with the venue. David's selection of a custom cream, double-breasted suit was outstanding, effortlessly complementing Holly's elegant, simpler silhouette. The bespoke bowtie he sported added a sophisticated flair to his overall look. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, David adeptly manoeuvred through the event without any mishaps involving Guinness, bagels, or espresso martinis.

Stylish groomsmen, with the groom leading the way.

As for what Holly wore, let’s start by saying Holly bought TWO of the SAME dress, but not incase of a mishap, but instead to get a bow! Ok that wasn’t the only reason - not that you need a better reason than that alone, however it was also so they would have more material to play with in creating the look that she wanted. Holly had the original dress reworked, changing the skirt, and adding the pearl button’s from her Mum’s wedding dress and her grandmother’s before that! And the rest of the material….an outfit change for the evening so that Holly, in her words could “tear up the dance floor” which she did in a top, including a shoulder bow (of course) and mini skirt.

Those heels! That dress! The complete look.

Details

After all the emails and decisions, Holly and David loved seeing their suppliers’ creative visions materialise. As for the food, not only did it exceeded expectations, but every detail was perfected, with the caterers driving all the way from Kent to Brick Lane, to bring the couple's beloved bagels back for them and their guests to enjoy in the evening.

The couple left their ceremony to ‘No Letting Go’ by Wayne Wonder which set the tone for the party. As music is so important to the couple, and with the groom being an insane DJ, it was an obvious, yet pinnacle moment when David took over the decks. Like a scene straight out of a movie - David, in his element behind the decks, spinning their favourite tunes as everyone danced without a care in the world.

Making Their Own Traditions

Holly and David set the tone for their day by trashing the formal ceremony and instead had one filled with giggles and tears. No sides to sit, just everyone together.

In the best way, the Mother of the Bride made one tradition very cool and cleverly ticked off something old, new, borrowed and blue when she surprised Holly with her Great-Grandmother’s engagement ring on the day, which was an art deco piece with criss-cross diamonds and sapphires.

Eye contact captured perfectly by Lisa Jane Photography

Favourite Part Of The Day

A moment of calm that Holly and David will remember forever was when they took a moment out on the balcony, just the two of them, as the sunset over Margate’s Harbour Arm before the party started.

In how Holly and David had planned their day it’s no surprise to find out that their favourite part of the day was looking around and seeing all their loved ones having the best time, dancing and chatting, laughing and crying, eating and drinking and in one of their most favourite spots. The couple loved the joy that planning their wedding gave not only them, but their family and friends too and built in contingencies, such as filming their ceremony and speeches so that those who unfortunately weren’t able to attend could still enjoy their day and be a part of it.

The light at sunset on your wedding day when you take a moment.

Advice

Holly and David budgeted as best they could, however Holly’s most practical advice is to “build in AT LEAST a 10% contingency, that you’re not allowed to touch until a month out from your wedding date! As you’re always going to overspend!”

Other than that, “annoyingly cliche but true - leave anything that doesn’t bring you BOTH joy - it’s your day, so try to plan what will make you happy as best you can - your nearest and dearest should have your backs on that”.

The bright, colourful windows at the wedding venue provide the perfect backdrop as the wedding photographer Lisa Jane Photography captures a moment shared by the bride and groom.

Holly also shared valuable insights from their photographer, our Book Of Love babe Lisa Jane Photography, who she described as “a wonder - kind, considered, talented, cool and a genius photographer! And the gem of advice from Lisa Jane “you set the tone” which Holly said she did “I started the day on cloud 9 and didn’t leave it - my face hurt on the day after from all the smiling and enjoying it helped to calm all our nerves (funny that!)” This recommendation emphasises the importance of choosing vendors who not only excel in their craft but also bring a positive energy to your special day.