Simone & Matt’s Alternative Wedding at The Canary Shed

Simone & Matt didn’t want another normal wedding, opting instead for an alternative wedding at the Canary Shed.
When it comes to weddings, the alternative wedding is a trend that’s been gaining momentum over the past few years. 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 into Simone and Matt’s alternative wedding in Essex, you could feel the change immediately. This wasn’t your typical wedding day. The vibe was full of energy—formalities were left behind.
From the start, it was clear: this duo was here for a celebration that prioritised fun over formal. Every moment was planned to maximise enjoyment and minimise stiffness.
Guests mingled, laughed, and shared stories. They weren’t stuck in traditional seating plans but made new friends and caught up with old ones.
The atmosphere felt more like a gathering of close friends than a formal event. Everyone could relax and enjoy the day.

Power Couple Vibes
Simone and Matt were at the heart of it all, not just as the bride and groom, but as the true soul of the party. Their easy-going nature and genuine smiles set the tone from the start!
What really amped up the “party over formality” vibe was how every element encouraged guests to engage and reminisce. Whether it was the ’90s and ’00s hits that had everyone singing along or the carefully chosen memorabilia that sparked conversations, the day was crafted to be an experience, not just an event.
It was about creating an alternative wedding that truly reflected Simone and Matt’s journey, with their personalities shining through every detail.
And, let me tell you, as someone capturing it all, the vibe was so infectious that it was impossible not to get swept up in the fun!
Personal Touches and Nostalgic Trips
Diving into the heart of Simone & Matt’s alternative wedding felt 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 scattered around; rather, it was a full-on nostalgia fest.
Every corner you turned, something tugged at the heartstrings of our collective youth. Think about those classic TV shows we all binge-watched before Netflix existed, and the 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—each keepsake holding a special story, a laugh, or a memory that was uniquely theirs.
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 meaningful 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 Alternative Wedding Band
Imagine this: the groom, a passionate drummer, doesn’t just pick a playlist. Instead, he forms a band with 8 mates to deliver a live performance worthy of any ’90s or ’00s concert tour.
Matt turned their alternative wedding into an epic gig, feeling more like a festival headline than a wedding band. This wasn’t background music; it was a showstopper, packed with pop-punk and indie anthems.
Seeing Matt behind the drums, surrounded by talented friends, was spectacular. The energy was infectious, pulling guests onto the dance floor.
The playlist was a perfect mix, with songs for everyone. This musical celebration showcased Matt’s love for music and the strong bond he shares with his friends.
The band’s performance underscored the wedding’s theme of authenticity and fun. Every detail felt personal and meaningful. Capturing these electrifying moments reminded me 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 Alternative 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 Alternative 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
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