Prepare to be blown away by the most epic two-day extravaganza, including a boat party wedding on the Thames. This wasn’t your typical run-of-the-mill affair. Oh no, it was a non-stop 2 day wedding extravaganza, packed with modern flair, cool vibes, and unforgettable moments
On day one the bar was set pretty high, so I knew we were in for a great weekend. The bride and Groom said their vows at the registry office, all hyped up on excitement and anticipation. Their guests were there to cheer them on and give them some much needed support. Traditional to an extent, but full of modern vibes that perfectly suited the bride and Groom. But hold on tight because things were just getting started! After a confetti shot and a few group shots we strolled on down to the river. We hopped on a gorgeous boat, equipped with wedding decor and of course a bar.
Boat party wedding -Hampton Court
None of the other guests really knew they were in for a boat party wedding so there were a few surprised faces. We sailed down the iconic River Thames, making our way to the legendary Hampton Court. The scenery was straight out of a postcard, and the couple looked like they were plucked right out of a fashion magazine. The final stop was Browns in Kingston where the party continued with cocktails and beautiful food.
Day two took us to the heart of Cambridge, where we found ourselves in the trendiest pub in town (obviously it was, we were all there) , managed by none other than the bride’s dad. The place was buzzing with electric energy as friends and family gathered to celebrate. The marquee was dressed with a slightly more traditional wedding feel however there were no formal speeches, cake cutting or a first dance. They had bigger plans. After a little ride round the block in a vintage Morgan they handed out pre loaded headsets…
Turning the pub garden it to a rave like no other with their very own silent disco. I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed as much in such a short space of time. My face actually hurt. For anyone who has been to one before, the words ‘What colour am I on?’ will bring it all back right? Having no headset meant I was free to listen to the singing (I’m not sure we can even call it singing, sorry Mr and Mrs G) and it was brilliantly hilarious. Not the singing that was awful, but the energy, the dancing and the atmosphere . I would HIGHLY recommend for any party.
I’ll let the couple share their thoughts on the day.
Mr and Mrs Goodman Boat party Wedding and Silent Disco
We met through our best friends. We were friends and realised how well we got on and thought why not give it a go and see what happens, turns out it was the best thing we ever did.
We wanted a wedding whereby everyone had a good time. Not a lot of the formalities of a wedding so we didn’t do full speeches, a wedding cake, a first dance. The aim was to feel relaxed and for no one to feel any pressure over the 2 days.
We did it over 4 in the end. A small dinner the night before our ceremony, our ceremony and small reception on Thursday, planning on Friday and testing the silent disco and setting up and reception on Saturday. Of course we were lucky to have amazing people help us set up. Our wedding turned out exactly how we wanted it to be and we managed to keep the surprises a surprise.
Did you have a budget? Did you stick to it?
We kind of had a budget but nothing that we stuck to. We tried to do things ourselves and knew the things that were a must and the things we could give up. It turns out that the advice of keeping things minimalistic was great advice.
One thing said to be by a couple of good friends who are married was ‘only you guys will know how it should have been. Noone will notice some of the little things you wanted and didn’t happen’ and its so true.
What made you choose 2 wedding days?
We wanted a small intimate ceremony and then a big party. I didnt want to walk down the aisle to lots of people, it filled me with dread. We wanted imediate family and a couple of close friends at the ceremony on the Thursday and on the boat etc and then Saturday to be all about the people we love the most. And it was exactly that.
I missed out on my 30th because of covid and our reception was how I wanted my 30th to be. The people we love the most around us, all together and having the best time.
Was this harder to plan than you first thought?
The planning only started on the 1 January 2023. I had no dress, Vaughan had no suit and no real idea of what we wanted. We did lots of searching as we knew the big things we wanted. We started there first so we had no disappointments and worked backwards. It was more stressful than we thought it would be but we would do it all again tomorrow if we could. It’s all about working as a team and communicating.
What was the highlight of your days/ favourite moment?
The boat and everyone being together was amazing ,both of us had time to pause and take time to take in the moment of both of our families socialising and enjoying themselves and we were so lucky with the weather and the silent disco on the Saturday. We had pretty much everyone up at some point dancing and it went down so much better than we ever could have imagined.
It genuinely was the best few days ever.
Any advice for future couples planning their wedding?
Listen to advice from people who have been there and done it and most importantly do what you want to do.
We hit a few hurdles along the way but we planned it with some help from close friends.
Don’t try to please everyone because you never will
Have no regrets and just enjoy every moment because before you know it, it’s come and gone and you’re husband and wife excited to see the photos and looking back on the memories.
For the bride – one thing I learnt very quickly not really wearing make up or having my hair different, have trials and see what you like. My bestie did my make up and it was the best decision I could have made.
Keep a level head when/if things go wrong. People will be there to help you out and learn to delegate.
Look at all of your options and weigh things up. We wanted something to remember entertainment wise and the silent disco was really affordable and it meant the whole wedding party joined in the fun and everyone had a dance. So many people have said to us after they never would have got up and danced if we’d had a band or something similar. Memories forever.
Suppliers
Catheys flowers https://www.facebook.com/people/Catheys-Flowers/100057835141693/
The spitting pighttps://www.spittingpig.co.uk
The Silent disco company https://thesilentdiscocompany.co.uk
Hackett – suit https://www.hackett.com/gb/sale/men/suits/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwzdOlBhCNARIsAPMwjbzXCF5hM5gPiPpUwv81ynqVqbjINEWrVyGgYqAxIevJ4gn1B8uEGQkaAj-vEALw_wcB
Shannon Maton – hair
Browns Brasserie- Kingston https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/southeast/kingston#/
Turks launches boat trips https://www.turks.co.uk
The Navigator, little shelford https://www.thenavigator-thai.co.uk
For more wedding inso and past weddings check put my blogs here https://www.sarahcarterphotography.co.uk/blog/