Imagine Venice Beach in the ’70s — everyone rolling down the boardwalk rocking the grooviest skater outfits, rad music on the radio — come to think of it, it’s not unlike Venice Beach today! But there’s something special about that California ’70s vibe. And while everyone seems to be jumping on the nostalgia train with a fresh pair of inline skates, Zuza Mcken of Whole Lotta Love Weddings is taking the trend and rolling with it! She designed a whole day around a simple story: girl asks guy, guy says YES.
I wanted to steer away from the usual ‘guy supprises the girl with the proposal and arranges a secret elopement wedding.’ Instead, we reversed the role to show how strong independent women can totally pull off (and should) if they wanted to.
Peggy decides to propose to her love Tommy. She uses their joined passion for skating as an inspiration for the proposal. She books the registry office, grabs her besties to help her out, and then sets off to meet Tommy on the Brighton promenade. Of course, it’s a YES, and the day unfolds exactly to plan. I do’s were spoken at the registry office, the wedding breakfast is set up at their local (and first date) café, and the celebration goes off with a bang!
SO FUN! And it was all captured by Caroline Opacic Photography who focused on unposed movement and capturing the free-spirited vibe of the day.
Proposal on the Promenade
Peggy, head roller girl and bride-to-be, is accompanied by her wing women, Tabs and Fran! The ladies helped pop the question with rad flags created by Tanya of The Daydreamer Studios.
How could you say no?!
Roller Skate Outfits with a Bridal Twist
The ladies needed to look fierce and Bowen Dryden knew exactly what to do! They rocked three sequined bridal hot pants and tops in white, lilac, and gold.
Hair and make-up were done to perfection by Lydia Pankhurst and her assistant Natalie Fowle. The day called for big, glittery eyes and hair to match!
Carousel
Carousel
He said yes!
Rollin’ to the Courthouse
Bouquet by Lex Hamilton Floral Studio in hand, the vows were next on the itinerary! And a bridal cape was absolutely necessary.
Newlyweds on a Roll
The day’s design was all about ice-cream California pastels and the bride’s lilac floral statement crown by Bombini Studio was the showstopper!
Retro Reception
Stationery by Sundown Paper set the scene with retro fonts and the perfect color palette!
Welcome to the party! Zuza and the team created a California sunset vibe at Red Roaster Café with elements like a plush yellow vintage tablecloth, aqua plates, pink napkins and ice-cream bowls, gold cutlery, and pink cocktail coupes.
Cheers to the groovy couple!
Kathryn of Streamadelica adorned an extra-large arch with colorful streamers to frame the setting and the sunset backdrop and pillars were made especially for this shoot by women at Rock The Props!
And for the final detail, artisan cake baker Bronya of Daisy Cake Company created a super-fun modern cake!
We’re obsessed! More weddings on wheels and bridal hotpants and ladies poppin’ the question, please!
photography: Caroline Opacic Photography // venue name: Red Roaster Cafe, Brighton, Sussex, England // event design: Whole Lotta Love Weddings // planning: Whole Lotta Love Weddings // florals: Lex Hamilton Floral Studio // hairpiece: Bombini Studio // hair stylist: Lydia Pankhurst // makeup artist: Lydia Pankhurst // videography: Jay Anderson Weddings // paper goods: Sundown Paper // cake: Daisy Cake Company // models: Peggy Pollock, Tabby Camburn, Daisy Quinn and Tommy Hardman // bride + bridesmaid attire: Bowen Dryden // backdrop + plinths : Rock The Props // banners: Daydreamer Creative Studio // streamers: Streamadelica UK // assistant hair + makeup artist: Natalie Fowle
I am so absolutely 100% here for couples in 2021 doing engagement and marriage exactly the way they want to do it. We’ve been constrained by this traditional idea of ‘the way it’s supposed to be done’ for so long that it takes some real fortitude to say ‘hey I’m doing this in roller skates, watch me.’ I love everything about this!