THE MOST UNIQUE AND FABULOUS WEDDING SHIPHAM VILLAGE HALL HAS EVER SEEN
Welcome to another instalment of Queer Love Stories, where we shine a much-needed spotlight on Queer love. In an industry that is currently so black and white, we're proud to add a fuck-load of colour. So, buckle up and let's jump right into another unique and beautiful LGBTQ+ wedding!
What do Doctor Who, High School Musical and Renee Rapp have in common? Well, they're all part of Sarah (She/Her) & Imogen's (She/Her) love story of course! This week’s Queer Love Story was submitted by Zoe at Bys Vyken Bridal, making to-be-weds feel fun and fabulous in her unique wedding dress designs.
Let's start at the beginning. How long have you been together and how did you meet?
We met six and a half years ago on Tinder.
Can you paint us a picture of your proposal?
It was the 18th December 2024 and we were cosied up on the sofa watching a Christmas film with the Christmas tree lights sparkling next to us. Sarah got down on one knee and asked the question with a pair of handmade Mickey Mouse ears which read “Will you marry me?”
How magical! Let's get on to the big day. Where did you get married?
Our local Village Hall in Shipham.
Was there an overall vibe you were going for?
Colourful, joyful, and unapologetically us.
Sounds like the perfect vibe. Were there any traditions you put your own twist on?
Old, new, borrowed, blue - Sarah had a TARDIS charm on her dress representing all of the above.
Got ready together and arrived together.
Walked ourselves down the aisle.
Did a bubble walk instead of confetti.
Did you have any elements that were unique to your love story?
We walked down the aisle to the Jurassic Park theme song (Sarah’s favourite film).
Sang-a-long to 'What I’ve Been Looking For' (from High School Music).
Our bubble walk song was 'Send Me On My Way' (we both love Matilda).
We had duck-themed table plans and table names (Sarah’s autistic special interests).
There were lots of Disney references as we both love Disney.
We had a musical theatre hour in the disco.
There were lots of Renee Rapp towards the end of the disco as we have both seen her twice.
We had Colin the Caterpillar cakes in place of a wedding cake.
Our first dance was to 'When I Kissed the Teacher' (as Imogen is a teacher).
Wow, loads of unique elements then. Tell us about the suppliers you chose from the Rebel Love Directory...
We found Harri (Heck Yeah Ceremonies). She was fantastic, we couldn’t have chosen anyone better. She really took her time to get to know us, made our love story beautiful even though our questionnaires were a mess and, on the day it was even better than expected! Everyone had only positive things to say!
If you could live one moment from your wedding on repeat, what would it be?
The ceremony (we can’t whittle it down further than that) but seeing all the people we love, hearing our love story, doing our vows, our sing a long and being fully unapologetically us was unlike any experience we have ever had. I hope we remember it forever!
You absolutely will. And finally, what advice would you give to LGBTQ+ to-be-weds currently planning their wedding?
Support small businesses where you can, just because someone may not have much experience doesn’t mean they aren’t fantastic. Also don’t be scared to search for vendors you connect with, many people will offer free consultations, use that to judge whether you feel you can be yourself. Finally, don’t let anyone else dictate your day! Do what you want, when you want and how you want to. It’s your day, be you!
All photos in the gallery by Steph at Photoomey Photography
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