Ella and Will's Alternative Papplewick Pumping Station
A couple held a non-traditional wedding at Papplewick Pumping Station, featuring a pink dress, DIY decorations, and a documentary photographer.
Ella and Will celebrated their wedding at Papplewick Pumping Station in Nottingham, a venue they described as a unique hidden gem. They opted for a relaxed, alternative celebration with numerous personal touches, documented by photographer Simon Dewey.
The Wedding Day Details
The couple made many of their own decorations and all stationery. Ella wore a bright pink satin dress with a floral veil from The Twisted Veil, while Will chose an emerald green suit from Moss. They had a shared wedding party of close friends, humorously called 'maids and men'.
Ella's parents walked her down the aisle, and Will entered with his mother. The ceremony music included The Cure's 'Just Like Heaven,' a song Ella has tattooed on her. A memorable moment occurred when Ella's 86-year-old grandmother, who has dementia, was seen clapping and dancing in the aisle.
Supplier Reviews and Recommendations
The couple praised their suppliers in a feature for English Wedding. They highlighted the venue team, led by Ashley, for being incredibly accommodating and ensuring the day ran smoothly.
Personal Touches and Non-Traditional Elements
The night before the wedding, they hosted a BBQ at their accommodation, Fairview Farm, instead of a rehearsal dinner. They stayed together and got ready together the morning of the wedding.
The reception featured a tipi, a grazing table, and vegan hot dogs instead of a formal sit-down meal. There was no seating plan. After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a walk around the lake on the grounds. Their first dance was to 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody,' a song from their first date 8.5 years earlier.
Ella gave a four-word speech after Will. They had very limited posed photos, relying on their documentary photographer. Two of Ella's sisters independently hired the same Etsy witch to ask for no rain, which they said worked.
The Couple's Favorite Memories
Will's favorite memory was a funny, chaotic moment as Ella walked up the aisle, where she laughed and said, 'well that went awfully,' after issues with her veil and dress. Ella's favorite memory was seeing her grandmother dancing during the ceremony entrance, which led to an impromptu dance captured in a favorite photo.
Both said they enjoyed the walk around the lake mid-reception to soak in the venue they had imagined for so long. They also praised their DJ, Luna Tunes, for getting everyone dancing to emo and mashup music all night.
