A nautical wedding conjures certain imagery: blue and white stripes, seashells, and sailor’s knots to name a few. Emily and Stephen’s seaside celebration took a sophisticated styling alternative using white and gold and relying on the beauty of their uniquely modern venue De La Warr Pavilion. Ann-Kathrin Koch photographed the understated and classic details beautifully, and we especially love how the bridal portraits show off Emily’s stunning gold Lila headpiece!

The Couple:

Emily and Stephen

The Wedding:

De La Warr Pavilion, East Sussex, England

The Inspiration:

The De La Warr is a modernist building. I wanted to reflect its clean lines and keep aspects like the flowers all white. The venue was built in the 1930s and I suppose there was a hint of that in the styling — we included some embellishment in the bridesmaid’s dresses and added a period touch by hiring champagne coupes and jazz/swing band.

I wanted a seaside feel but didn’t feel like doing the blue / white nautical thing. Instead we had gold-sprayed plastic sea creatures as escort cards (I did start to doubt my sanity whilst DIYing these) and origami boats as place names on the tables (my sister doubted my sanity as she spent HOURS making these). Strings of festoon lights gave everything a bit of a pier/cruise liner feel (at least that was my intention, they may have just created a lovely glow).

Stephen‘s uncle made us a moon which we hung as a backdrop during the ceremony, it then transformed into a Paper Moon Photo Booth in the evening.

The Moments:

I loved being announced as husband and wife before we took our seats in the reception room. It was overwhelming (and actually kind of surreal) to see everyone we loved in one room.

The Couple Recommends:

Our suppliers were a standout bunch who made our day better than we could have imagined. Our photographer, Ann Kathrin Koch was a huge part of our day. We felt as though we had a close friend with us. Her work is beautiful – our photographs are now some of our most treasured possessions. We also love our wedding video – created by the lovely boys at Tuff Yak. Finally, planning our wedding with Lucy at the De La Warr Pavilion was fun, creative and very relaxed. I can’t recommend her or the venue highly enough.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Ann-Kathrin Koch
Venue – De La Warr Pavilion
Floral Design – Astilbe & Sorrel
Videography – Tuff Yak
Hair Styling – Emma Hellier
Wedding Dress – Charlie Brear via Frou Frou Bridal Boutique
Bridal Accessories – Lila
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Miss Selfridge
Rentals – STL Production Group
Champagne Coupes – Rosehip Sussex

Emily and Stephen’s white and gold take on nautical wedding style might be our all-time favorite! For more of Ann-Kathrin Koch‘s stellar photography, be sure to check out Emma and Mike’s coral and sage wedding at the Babington House.