real wedding –  Modern wedding with a sequin wedding dress, colour, and the best of Edinburgh

11 March 2022

We’ve never moved as quickly as we did when Claire Fleck posted the previews of Tash and Matt, letting her know it was one of the finest things we’ve ever laid eyes on; which is why we’re thrilled to be sharing their modern wedding style today.

Tash and Matt are business partners at the locally famous sandwich shop, Alby’s, in Leith. If you know, you know; and if you don’t know, you’re about to! Alby’s are renowned for not only their delicious ‘Big Hot sandwiches’, but also for creating a lovely, warm neighbourhood hangout that celebrates the local area. They carried this ethos through to their wedding day too, using a number of independent Edinburgh businesses such as Rowanjoy, Riddle’s Court, The Free Company, The Oyster Man, and 101 Bakery.

“Most of their suppliers were friends, or became friends throughout the process which really speaks to how they value people and creativity,” their photographer (and friend!) Claire explains. “Tash and Matt are chefs and naturally hospitality is a big part of their lives. At the heart of their celebrations was a desire to spend time with their friends and family and treat them to good things and good times in that sweet spot in the pandemic when rules were relaxed. There was a lot of colour, relaxed timings and creative details that aligned with who Tash and Matt are.”

This love of colour and creativity is perhaps most evident in Tash’s incredible modern wedding dress, created bespoke by Rowanjoy Bridal. She stunned in rose gold sequins and blush tulle, accented in bold floral appliqué. This warm colour palette also extended into their flowers, which were created by the incredible Flowers Vermilion. Tash and her bridesmaids carried bouquets bursting with red, pink, and orange blooms and tied with soft, trailing ribbons. Terri had also created two huge asymmetrical displays to stand on pillars at the top of the aisle, arranged in beautiful ceramic bowls.

They chose the stunning Riddle’s Court as their ceremony venue, soundtracked by the talented Fauna String Quartet. It’s the perfect blend of historic legacy with modern wedding style, with wood-panelled walls on the inside, and a glorious courtyard outside – which they definitely made the most of for their colourful confetti throw, before coming back inside for celebratory drinks and oysters from The Oysterman.

Riddle’s Court’s city centre location made their portraits session a dream. “It was such a privilege to photograph and spend so much time with two people who are both extremely creative and fun.” Claire continues. “Wandering around the old town of Edinburgh and seeing everyone stopped in their tracks by Tash’s amazing dress before jumping in a cab to The Free Company with a bottle of champagne to swig was definitely a highlight.”

Their playful, modern wedding styling continued through to the reception, where their seating plan proudly displayed tables named after sandwiches, as an homage to Alby’s. The long trestle tables were laid with bud vases and colourful taper candles, which glowed softly throughout the hilarious speeches and delicious Greek food catered by Spitaki. Rosanna from 101 Bakery provided a beautiful 2 tier cake decorated with elegant white buttercream and finished with red and orange flowers. Then, it was time for the first dance, and to turn the dial up on the partying.

When asked for a theme, Claire offered the following. “The honest answer: “Elton John in a cabbage patch eating champagne oysters”.” Could we ask for anything more?

Check out the suppliers who made this dream of a modern wedding possible, as well as more photos of the incredible day!