If anything is going to bring warm summer vibes to our day, it’s going to be Sian and James’ wedding!
We are completely in love with every aspect of their day, and we’re super pleased that the end of their night ended on a high, with the help of The Penny Kings! These two love-birds had a vision of their wedding with outdoor fun for all the family and bright details to bring smiles to faces. We think they went above and beyond to make their day so magnificent.
From an intimate outside ceremony to a carnival-style reception, family speeches and a full dance floor to top off the day, it’s no wonder their day felt so magical. We can’t wait for you to read about this one!
Stunning Photography by James Richard!
How did you meet?
We met through friends initially in our early twenties but it was Tinder 10 years later and James giving me a good deal on a new bathroom fit in my flat that got us together as a couple!
How did you propose?
James proposed by putting our then 7-month-old onto our bed with a bib on saying ‘Mummy will you marry Daddy?’ and my then 1.5-year-old running in with the ring!
How did you choose your venue?
We wanted outdoors as much as possible with a chilled vibe and just fun. Preston Court was basically the first place we saw!
How did your wedding reflect you as a couple?
It was relaxed, chilled and fun. We had all our friends, who mean the absolute world to us, and are our main pillars of support in life.
Getting Ready:
Bride tribe at the ready in the morning, Sian and her family and friends got ready together, with hair and make-up on hand to make them feel fabulous.
Sian’s gown was a sleek fitted full-length dress with a beaded and lacey bodice, elegant skirt and short train. With hair up, but soft curls framing her face, Sian was a picture of elegance and effortless beauty. Also, we are soooo in love with Sian’s glittery heels – it’s all in the details!
James and his groomsmen were in rich navy blue suits with bright tangerine orange ties and pocket squares. Waiting at the altar looking rather dapper, James was ready for his Bride to arrive! In a VW campervan too – a stylish arrival if we ever saw one!
The Ceremony:
An outdoor ceremony is such a lovely choice if your venue is suitable and allows it. As Sian and James said, it was a big thing for them to be out in the open, breathing in the lovely summer air.
On the venue grounds, across an idyllic period drama bridge, sheltered under a gorgeous tree, the wedding attendees patiently waited for the big moment. Sian and James exchanged vows under a stunning white gazebo whilst family and friends smiled and wiped away their happy tears.
The sun shone on the newlyweds as they paraded across the grounds as confetti fluttered through the air. Finally Mr and Mrs!
Drinks Reception:
Did you have a style or theme?
Well the venue has a carousel so we picked up on that and went for a carnival theme with bright colours and vibrancy.
How did you personalise your wedding?
We had some homemade items (We run a building firm).
Who joined you for your big day? How many guests?
Family & friends – 130 for the day and then 160 in the evening.
How did you keep the kids entertained?
We hired Carousel Creche – to look after the 10 children we had at the wedding for 4 hours for adult-only time!
The afternoon was focused on feeling free and having fun, with a summer-vibe steel band, carnival games for the young and old, plus the perfect opportunity for group photos whilst the sun was shining in the sky.
A photo booth is also a really popular wedding trend that we’re still loving. On theme, Sian and James opted for a VW Campervan photobooth – love it! As the drinks reception continued they had a selection of lovely speeches and thank you’s which had everyone giggling, plus they cut the tastiest looking cake!
Tell us about…
- The Dress – Anna Campbell Bridal – I chose the dress 3 years ago but covid put a halt to things!
- The Suits – Navy with orange floral lining and orange socks!
- The Kids – We have 3 children, Morgan 5, Henri 4 and Jack 1! They made us very proud.
- Kids Entertainment – Carousel Creche Company Ltd
- The Weather – Glorious sunshine with a light breeze –just perfect.
- Shoes and Accessories – Sparkly shoes, a veil!
- Hair and Makeup – Simple, natural and relaxed messy hair
- The Venue – Preston Court – it was perfect for us!
- The Accommodation – We were glamping at Preston Court with all our friends! It was great fun!
- The Transport – The White Van Wedding Company took the bride and bridesmaid to the wedding!
- The Flowers – Salty Carnival Kiss made 3 bouquets, 2x corsages & 6 button holes, plus the carnival games!
- The Photographer – James Richard – what a legend. Just fun and stayed into the night. Made it simple and easy.
- The Cake – Sweet Celebrations by Robyn (a friend of mine).
- The Food and drink – Tayberry Foods – simple but tasty. Lots of beer & prosecco! Cocktails post-dinner!
- Honeymoon – With 3 kids it’s pretty hard, but we had 2 nights at The Pig at Bridge Place, Canterbury – utter bliss!
Evening Reception:
We must say, the wedding reception looked like an absolute ball! Seeing a full dance floor and everyone dancing, smiling and letting loose is one of the pure joys when it comes to working in the wedding entertainment industry. You want nothing more than for guests to live in the moment, feel the music and let it soak into their memories and be a forever happy moment.
Who did you pick for your wedding entertainment?
The Penny Kings were our wedding band. They got everyone dancing!
Forever Steel Band were brilliant for the ceremony and reception!
What did your entertainment bring to the big day?
The Penny Kings – lots of smiles, dancing and good times. They really brought everyone together.
Forever Steel Band – relaxed, good vibes and linked into James’ Jamaican heritage.
What was your wedding playlist:
- Processional: Forever Steel Band – Canon Major D
- Recessional: American Authors – Best Day of My Life
- Afternoon Drinks: Forever Steel Band sets
- First Dance: Omni – Cheerleader (performed by The Penny Kings!) so we had to have a band with a sax!
The Penny Kings were an amazing choice for Sian and James’ big day. Their feel-good nature and rustic-y festival style lent themselves perfectly to Sian and James’ carnival-themed wedding full of bright colours and easy-going vibes.
A night with The Penny Kings means a night of the best tunes. From older classics like “September”, “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Johnny B. Goode” to brand new tracks like “Bad Habits”, “As It Was” and “Higher Power”, this charming band are a top choice to fill your dance floor.
Combining sublime vocals (plus effortless harmonies), guitar, bass, drums and optional saxophone, they deliver an upbeat and irresistibly toe-tapping set to please all of your guests.
Sian and James were so pleased that they opted for The Penny Kings and we think it’s pretty evident in the photos, that they had the time of their life!
Check out The Penny Kings!
Quick fire!
How was your experience, booking with Entertainment Nation?
Very easy and simple!
What was your favourite moment?
Dancing, smiling and overall fun.
Anything you’d change?
For it to go slower.
Any funny moments?
My Uncle’s rhyme about us both.
What tips do you have for other couples planning their wedding?
Just do it how you want it.
To conclude, Sian and James’ day was magical. From start to finish it was a true reflection of them as a couple and we’re so pleased that we, Entertainment Nation and The Penny Kings got to be such a big part of it.
Thank you for letting us in on the thoughts behind your big day and a huge shout-out to James Richard for the incredible photos!
Huge congratulations to you both – we wish you every happiness!
Dear reader…
If you’re interested in booking The Penny Kings for your wedding day, then head to their profile here!
For those of you who are still on the hunt for the wedding band of your dreams, you can get in touch with our marvellous team to discuss the best options for you! We are available on the phone at 0800 53 000 35 or via email at info@entertainment-nation.co.uk. OR feel free to browse through the site at your leisure, and send through an enquiry for any act that tickles your fancy.
Happy wedding planning!
