PHIL AND DANIEL'S THE FAVERSHAM WEDDING

Hello! Today we are travelling to Leeds to see modern stylish wedding in The Faversham. Phil and Daniel are such a fun couple, you can really feel their amazing spirit through photos by Matt Simm (and I seriously need to hear more about that note they sent to a friend!!).

TELL US THE STORY OF HOW YOU MET

The short version is we moved next door to each other. The long version is that we knew of one another at uni but ran with different crowds. We were both dating other people too. It wasn’t till after uni that both those relationships ended around the same time and that’s when we became neighbours by chance. We bonded over sending a mutual friend a threatening note made up of newspaper cuttings (see 1992’s The Bodyguard for the reference)

YOUR OUTFITS

Both our bespoke 3 piece suits were made to measure by Beggars Run, based in Shoreditch, London. Excellent gents and a fantastic service. Dan went for a light brown flecked pattern with ted baker boots. Phil opted for a fine wool in burgundy with chestnut oxfords. In the evening we had a costume change into traditional Filipino barongs (embroided formal shirts) Phil’s was made from pineapple fibres!

NOW ABOUT THE BIG DAY! WHAT WAS THE THEME AND INSPIRATION? HOW DID THE DAY LOOK LIKE? DID YOU STYLE IT YOURSELF?

We didn’t really have a central theme, just one overriding objective, which was to bring out the best parts of ourselves. This led us to having an umbrella/fairy light installation over the dance floor, stick-on googly eyes for the guests, haphazard centerpieces made up of our own souvenirs and momentos from the 8 years we’d been together, menu options which celebrated Filipino and Yorkshire food. Noodles with slow roasted belly pork or fish & chips!

CAKE

We had three amazing cakes as we couldn’t decide on just one. Vicky sponge, lemon drizzle and a gluten free vegan chocolate one. All lovingly made by Kate Kaprowska of The Vanilla Velvet Bakery, Yorkshire. The brief we gave her was “A Great British Bake Off mid season signature cake as opposed to a final episode showstopper”.

TELL US ABOUT THE CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATIONS. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE VENUE AND WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT IT?

We chose The Faversham in Leeds because it was a really versatile space. It had a lovely conservatory where the ceremony was held, and their live music area was big enough to hold the reception. Plus it had a massive bar, a great sound system, and we were allowed to keep the party going until 4 am!

We had no flowers and most of the decorations we made and arranged ourselves.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Our photographer was Matt Sim who was highly professional, creative, skilled and an old friend who snapped our day beautifully.

ENTERTAINMENT

We couldn’t decide so we had three bands (we’re both musicians, in fairness). One was a Beach Boys tribute band called Surfs Up, the other was the After Hours Quintet (amazing electro swing band!) and third was a secret reunion performance of Phil’s former band – Dexter Dexterous & The Fingersmiths. We also had a DJ, karaoke and a lip sync performance to Witney Houston!

WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT AND MOST FUN PART FOR YOU?

It’s difficult to single out one moment! Obviously saying “I do” was the reason why we turned up. The most joyous part was seeing our dearest family and closest friends all under one roof having THE BEST TIME!

WOULD YOU HAVE ANY PIECE OF ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Forget tradition and do what you want. Try not to fixate too much on the small details. Always keep in mind the bare essentials needed for any great party: good food, lots of music, a relaxed atmosphere and dancing. Your guests have come to enjoy themselves so make it easy for them. Relish the feelings of gratitude and love you’ll get throughout the day. Remember, a wedding is over in a day, a marriage will last a lifetime.