Becci & Ben

I'm not going to lie bride Becci's pixie hair cut and headband is making me want to cut off all my hair it's that pretty. As is her dried flower bouquet and lace Justin Alexander wedding dress. Groom Ben scrubs up pretty well too in a tweed Ben Sherman suit, and together they are the perfect duo of country chic and effortless cool. I'm also equally in love with their working brewery, The Dancing Man, reception venue, decorated with industrial lighting, succulents and bottles of Kraken run instead of centrepieces. And to capture all this deliciousness was the fabulous Jason Williams Photography. His sultry style and artistic angles make this an absolute treat and a half to view.

The Wedding

Jason the Photographer: When I first met Becci and Ben, they were very clear from the start what they wanted their day to be. Relaxed with alternative style elements all tied together with their love of music. From the outset music would play a large part in their day, from the morning bridal prep, through to the evening knees up, music was a primary thought.

Dresses

Becci’s dress was a gorgeous Justin Alexander strapless affair, set off perfectly with a Joyce Jackson headpiece. It was truly elegant ensemble, with beautiful yet subtle details and embellishments and all finished off with a dried flower bouquet from Artisan Dried Flowers Co. Her bridesmaids wore lilac/blue/white floral print dresses from ASOS.

Bridal Prep

Becci and her bridesmaids Natalie and Sam, along with Ben’s mum Yvonne chose a Pig in the Wall hotel in Southampton for bridal prep. Part of “ e Pig” chain, the hotel again fit perfectly with Becci and Ben’s taste. Alternative and quirky yet undoubtably stylish. e 2 huge windows, pouring light into the bridal prep room just topped it off for me.

Groomsmen

I met up with Ben and the boys just around the corner from the hotel Becci was in (this whole day was all contained within a half mile radius - bonus). Ben wore a grey, wool blend Ben Sherman suit. A classic look finished off with his dried flower button hole. Again, a perfect fit for their style. Ben’s groomsmen all wore their own suits. A very laid back group, with button holes tying the groups together.

Ceremony

The ceremony took place at Westgate Hall in Southampton, a quirky little place with exposed beams all along one side with beautiful windows.

Reception

After the ceremony and a few portraits, it was off to the reception venue. What drew them to the Dancing Man Brewery is plain to see. Slightly offbeat, with more than a touch of the vintage about it, the reception venue was simply awesome. All decorations in the venue - the cacti, table runners etc, were supplied by the Dancing Man. Becci and Ben had found a place that needed no dressing up at all for it to fit their plan. It was a perfect match. No real colour scheme to speak of, more a collection of style and theme which all blended perfectly into one. Add to that a naked cake supplied by the guys at Wonderberry’s and it all just worked. e reception even had the added bonus of a special cocktail bar which was made use of by all (even I had a cheeky one).

Favours & Entertainment

As favours for the guests, Becci and Ben opted for an idea which again matched the overall flavour of their reception - Kraken rum miniatures, along with miniature yankee candles to mix it up a little. Music for the evening was a DJ, under strict instructions to play awesome music. For their first dance they chose Baby I Love You, covered by the Ramones. I mean, come on, if that isn't cool I don’t know what is.