Could there be a more lush setting for a wedding than a long lunch with you nearest and dearest? For Theresa and Joe, who planned their wedding in just three months, that’s exactly how their day unfolded. Important to these two to honour their faith, they married in a traditional church ceremony, before cocktails and good food flowed at a favourite restaurant – all in beautiful monochrome style.

“To be honest, wedding planning was a bit too stressful for us” admits Theresa. “We would have eloped to avoid planning. But we are happy we went through all this to be able to share the day with our parents and friends.” With just 44 guests and only their nearest and dearest in attendance, it was exactly the “simple and intimate” dream these two asked for, as evidenced by every beautiful moment captured by Brendan Woods.

It was definitely not love at first sight for these two, who met at work. Theresa fills us in. “It’s a cliche story of we met at work with a twist. We both had no interest in each other when we first met, we both saw each other as the “oh a new employee” I have not met. We did not get along in the beginning however Joseph would always offer Theresa lunch which turned into a friendship then blossomed into something so much more. He won my heart with food.

As for the proposal? “I’m sorry I don’t have a Hollywood styled narrative” laughs Theresa, “I was doing house chores and he just came up to me on one knee and asked me to marry him. He thought this would be the best way without me catching on!”

Joe found his classic black tuxedo at MJ Bale and paired it with old black buckle shoes.

Theresa found her stunning long sleeve wedding gown at Perfect Day Bridal. She tells “I had three months to find a dress. I bought a dress off the rack in the first store we went to. Shared the experience with mum and sister. I opted for a long-sleeve gown with a small v open back. I wanted to keep it traditional for the church ceremony”. She finished the look with pointed white Jimmy Choo shoes, her grandmother’s ring and a bracelet gifted from her parents.

Theresa and Joe say that choosing their photographer, was the piece of wedding planning that made it all come together. “Brendan honestly was one of the final pieces that completed this special day for us. His work is literally an everlasting memory in our lives. He was so down to earth, casual and so himself it felt like one of our friends was taking the photos for us. Without Brendan, our day would not have been as special as it was.

All our photos are amazing, Bren kept it raw and timeless. He made everything very easy for us.”

Theresa walked down the aisle on the arm of her father to Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”.

Theresa and Joe wanted a traditional ceremony, choosing St Judes Anglican Church. Theresa noting “We kept the venue bare as the church itself was beautiful. There were only two flower arrangements at the front which were provided by the church. We really wanted the beauty of the church to be shown on its own.

The ceremony in the church was the most important part for us. Being able to be married under Christ. Saying our vows and commitment to one another and our witnesses.”

“We wanted white flowers with greenery,” tells Therese of the fresh floral arrangements, which were styled by Summer Florals. “We wanted timeless and simple.”

To celebrate the newlyweds, guests gathered for a luncheon reception at Chiswick.

Theresa shares this advice “Breathe and take in the moment. The day will go so fast, so do not fuss about the smallest things. Remember to give yourself enough time to take photos with your parents.”

Congratulations to you Theresa and Joe! What an honour it was to be able to share your beautiful day. Thank you both, and thank you to Brendan Woods for sharing the big day with us!