Simone & Matt’s Alternative Wedding at The Canary Shed

When it comes to weddings, there’s a trend that’s been gaining momentum over the past few years – the alternative wedding. Gone are the days of traditional ceremonies and cookie-cutter receptions.

Couples are now opting for unique, unconventional celebrations that truly reflect their personalities and love stories! And that’s exactly what I had the pleasure of capturing at Simone & Matt’s alternative wedding at The Canary Shed.

Alternative Wedding at The Canary Shed

• The Vibe – More Party, Less Formality
• Personal Touches and Nostalgic Trips
• The Music – A Drummer’s Dream Wedding Band
• Capturing the Fun and the Love
• Why This Wedding Stands Out

The Vibe – More Party, Less Formality

Diving straight into Simone and Matt’s alternative wedding in Essex, you could feel the shift from the get-go – this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill, walk down the aisle, say your vows, and let’s all have a sit-down meal kind of day. Nope. The air was charged with a ‘let’s get this party started’ vibe, and formalities were checked at the door.

From the word go, it was evident that this duo was here to throw a celebration that screamed fun over formal, with every moment planned to max out on enjoyment and minimise any stiffness that sometimes shadows weddings.

You could see it in the way guests interacted, laughing and sharing stories, not segregated by traditional seating plans but mingling, making new friends, and catching up with old ones. 

It felt more like a gathering of close friends than a formal event, with an atmosphere that encouraged everyone to let their hair down and enjoy the day.

Simone and Matt were at the centre of it all, not just as the bride and groom but as the heart and soul of the party, setting the tone with their easy-going nature and genuine smiles!

What really dialled up the ‘party over formality’ vibe was how every element of the day invited guests to engage and reminisce. Whether it was through the ’90s and ’00s hits that had everyone singing along or the carefully chosen memorabilia that sparked conversations and laughter, the day was crafted to be an experience rather than an event.

It was about creating an alternative wedding that felt like a true celebration of Simone and Matt’s journey, with their personalities shining through every choice they made.

And let me tell you, as someone there to capture it all, the vibe was infectious, making it impossible not to get swept up in the fun and festivities!

Personal Touches and Nostalgic Trips

Diving into the heart of Simone & Matt’s alternative wedding was like stepping into a time machine – straight back to the glory days of the ’90s and early ’00s. This wasn’t just a few themed decorations dotted around; this was a full-on nostalgia fest.

Every corner you turned, there was something that tugged at the heartstrings of our collective youth. Think about those classic TV shows we all binged before Netflix was even a thing, and tunes that had you instinctively reaching for an imaginary microphone – they had it all.

The couple’s personal journey was mapped out not just through photos, but through a collection of memorabilia that told their story in the most heartwarming way. There were mementoes from their travels – little keepsakes that each held a story, a laugh, or a memory that was special just to them.

It felt like being invited into a private viewing of their lives, with each item sparking curiosity and conversation among the guests.

And the music, oh, the music! It wasn’t just background noise; it was a carefully curated soundtrack of their relationship. Each song seemed to hold a significance, a moment in time that was special to Simone and Matt.

This personal touch turned the dance floor into a space where every guest, regardless of age, found a beat that resonated, a melody that took them back!

The Music – A Drummer’s Dream Wedding Band

Imagine this – a wedding where the groom, a passionate drummer, doesn’t just curate a playlist but forms a band with 8 of his mates to deliver a live performance that would rival any concert tour of the late ’90s and early ’00s.

That’s exactly what Matt did, turning their alternative wedding into an epic gig that felt more like a festival headline act than a wedding band. This wasn’t your usual wedding background music; this was a showstopper, an absolute blast from the past, with a set list that could easily double as a “Now That’s What I Call Music” from the golden era of pop-punk and indie anthems.

Seeing Matt behind the drums, completely in his element, and his friends, each one oozing talent and enthusiasm, was nothing short of spectacular. They were reliving every riff and drum beat of those nostalgic hits with an energy that was contagious, drawing every guest onto the dance floor.

The playlist was a crafted mix, ensuring there was a song for everyone, from the die-hard rock fans to the pop enthusiasts. It was a celebration within a celebration, showcasing not just Matt’s love for music, but also the bond he shares with his friends.

This musical marvel provided by the groom and his band underscored the entire alternative wedding theme of authenticity and fun. It was clear that for Simone and Matt, every detail of their wedding was a chance to share something personal and meaningful with their guests. 

And for me, capturing these electrifying moments of raw, musical joy was a vivid reminder of why I love what I do!

Capturing the Fun and the Love

Rolling up to Simone & Matt’s big day with my camera gear in tow, I knew I was in for something far from ordinary. My mission? To bottle up all the fun, the laughter, and those fleeting, love-filled glances in a way that photos just can’t.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been behind the lens at more alternative weddings than I can count, but there was something electric about this one that made you want to ditch the tripod and join the dancefloor.

From the get-go, it was clear this wasn’t your standard ‘stand here, smile there’ gig. It was all about catching those genuine moments – like Matt’s face lighting up as he watched Simone belt out the lyrics to their song, or the couple sneaking those ‘just married’ grins when they thought no one was watching.

The groom’s dad, the bride’s stepdad, and some of their friends did DJ sets, which added an extra layer of personal touch and kept the energy high throughout the night.

It’s gigs like these where you realise it’s not just about pointing and shooting. It’s about storytelling. Each laugh, each tear, each dodgy dance move – they’re chapters in Simone & Matt’s story, and I was there to catch it all.

No need for posed shots or stiff formalities here; the real magic happened in the unscripted joy, the spontaneous outbreaks of dance, and those quiet moments amidst the chaos where love spoke louder than words.

So yeah, capturing the fun and the love at Simone & Matt’s alternative wedding? It was more than just a job. It was a front-row ticket to the best show in town, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Why This Wedding Stands Out

In the sea of weddings I’ve had the joy of capturing through my lens, Simone & Matt’s bash was a standout, a gem that gleamed with uniqueness.

It wasn’t your textbook wedding – far from it. This couple tore up the rulebook and threw a party that was all them, no holds barred. It’s rare to find a celebration that so perfectly mirrors a couple’s essence, but this one did just that, and then some.

The charm wasn’t just in the quirky nods to the ’90s and ’00s or the personal bits that gave us a peek into their adventures. It was in the genuine atmosphere of joy and individuality that filled the air, making it clear this was no cookie-cutter alternative wedding.

What made this wedding a standout wasn’t just the distinctive theme or the cracking live band setup by the groom and his mates. It was the vibe, the palpable sense of authenticity and the bold departure from wedding conventions.

Here, fun was the priority, and love was celebrated in a way that was uniquely theirs. No stiff poses or forced smiles; just pure, unadulterated happiness and a couple who stayed true to themselves and their story.

In a world where weddings often blur into one, Simone & Matt’s day was a breath of fresh air. It was a vibrant, living proof that weddings could be whatever you dream them to be. It was a day that didn’t just stand out; it danced, it laughed, and it rocked out in a league of its own! 

And as a videographer, capturing this one-of-a-kind celebration was an absolute blast – a highlight in my reel and a reminder of why I love this gig.

Ready For Your Wedding Film in the UK or Beyond?

Simone & Matt’s alternative wedding at The Canary Shed was nothing short of extraordinary. It broke the mold of traditional weddings, showcasing a celebration that was as unique and vibrant as the couple themselves.

From the electric party atmosphere to the heartfelt personal touches and the incredible live music, every element of the day reflected their personalities and love story.

As I captured the fun and the love and put it into an alternative wedding video, it was clear that this wedding at The Canary Shed was a true celebration of their journey together. Here’s to Simone and Matt, and to all couples daring to make their big day uniquely their own. Cheers to love, laughter, and the beautifully unconventional!

Get in touch with me to discuss your alternative wedding videography.

Simone & Matts Suppliers:

Venue: The Canary Shed
Photo: George Wood
MUA: Libby Macmillan
Florist: The Copper Cacti
Food: Feast Co & Lot 33 Pizza
Cake: Lam Lam Cakes