Charlotte & Illack’s Authentic, Cherished, and Personal Wedding
Three words to describe the day: Authentic, Cherished & Personal ✨
Charlotte and Illack’s wedding was the perfect reflection of who they are – a heartfelt celebration blending two cultures, filled with family, laughter, and quiet elegance. Every detail, from the date they chose to the way they spent their first moments as newlyweds, carried deep meaning and emotion.
A Date Written in the Stars
Charlotte, ever the planner, had done her research – ten years’ worth of weather history, in fact – to find a summer date that promised sunshine. She settled on 7th August 2025, thinking it was purely practical. But when she shared the date with her parents, she learned something truly special: it was the exact date her late grandparents had married, 82 years earlier in 1943. A beautiful coincidence that made the day feel destined.
A Proposal Full of Laughter (and Lobsters!)
When Illack proposed, it was in true Charlotte-and-Illack style – thoughtful, heartfelt, and with a dash of humour. He whisked her away glamping for her birthday, complete with a private wood-fired hot tub overlooking a peaceful lake. After enthusiastically adding logs to heat it up, they discovered the water had turned boiling hot and ended up hopping in and out, laughing uncontrollably. Amidst the steam, the laughter, and the glowing red cheeks, Illack asked Charlotte to marry him – a perfectly imperfect, utterly memorable moment.
A Celebration of Two Worlds
The couple wanted their wedding to be a blend of British and Zambian cultures, a reflection of their story and the people who shaped them. They envisioned a day that was authentic and family-oriented, with an understated elegance that let their personalities shine through. Every detail, from the ceremony to the reception at Charlotte’s family home, carried that effortless warmth – a true celebration of love, heritage, and togetherness.
Moments to Remember
After their ceremony, Charlotte and Illack shared a quiet moment together in their wedding car before joining the celebrations. Sitting side by side, they took a deep breath and soaked it all in- just the two of them, reflecting on the incredible journey that had brought them there.
Their personal vows were another deeply emotional highlight, shared in what felt like their own private world, even in a room full of loved ones.
And of course, there were moments of laughter too- like their drive in the old family 2CV, decorated with the traditional cans on the bumper. The joy was cut short (and the noise too!) when they realised the cans had all fallen off into potholes along the country roads. Cue multiple pit stops and a very funny photo opportunity collecting them from the grass verges!
Later in the evening, as the celebrations wound down, Illack shared one of his favourite moments – impromptu photos with his sisters and friends. What began as formal portraits quickly turned into a lively, laughter-filled session of jumping, silly poses, and pure joy – a reminder of his childhood growing up surrounded by his four sisters.
Choosing the Perfect Photographer
Charlotte discovered Jess after doing plenty of research online and stumbling across a wedding captured just down the road from where they live. The photos instantly resonated with her – full of warmth, storytelling, and natural emotion. She knew right away that Jess could bring their vision to life, capturing their day exactly as it unfolded: authentically and beautifully.
The Soundtrack to Their Love
Their first dance was to “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green, covered by Maroon 5 – a soulful, romantic song that perfectly reflected their connection and the promise of forever.
Honeymoon Adventures
The day after the wedding, Illack surprised Charlotte with a spontaneous mini-moon to Paris, where they spent a long weekend soaking up the romance of the city. Later in the month, they’ll enjoy their official honeymoon in Rhodes, Greece, for some well-deserved sunshine and relaxation.
Words of Wisdom
“Our families played a massive part in the preparation for our wedding – soak up every moment you spend with them, as they’ll form core memories for you both.”
Charlotte and Illack’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that love is best celebrated in its most authentic form – surrounded by family, laughter, and the memories that will last a lifetime.
