£3.55 MAY/JUN 2023 HONEYMOONS, BEAUTY, GROOMS, FREEBIES, FASHION AND MUCH MORE... www.yourlondon.wedding WIN! KEEP IT LOCAL A diamond and pearl necklace worth £1,100 Dress to impress Top looks for your bridal party Where to tie the knot in Central London Venues with a twist Real weddings in the capital SURROUNDINGS sLt o roi ve se MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Your big-day entertainment guide Unusual
THE FLOWER PRESERVATION WORKSHOP SPECIALISTS IN WEDDING BOUQUET PRESERVATION FLOWERPRESERVATIONWORKSHOP@GMAIL.COM WWW.FLOWERPRESERVATIONWORKSHOP.CO.UK PAPERWEIGHTS | JEWELLERY NATIONWIDE SERVICE Limited availability for 2023 bookings BOOK NOW! 07825 653308 | 01458 274325 ENGRAVING & PLAQUES AVAILABLE THE PERFECT WEDDING KEEPSAKE CAPTURING YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS FOREVER Throw me or keep me? What will you choose?
REGULARS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER Sarah Gallivan highlights this issue 8 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the city 11 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs 80 HOT TOPIC Step into spring with this expert advice 75 COMPETITION Win a diamond and pearl necklace worth £1,100 CONTENTSMAY/JUNE 2023 VENUES 17 KEEP IT LOCAL Where to tie the knot in Central London 21 UNUSUAL SURROUNDINGS Venues with a twist On the cover This issue’s cover was shot by The Kensington Photographer and is taken from one of our gorgeous real weddings on page 33 www.thekensingtonphotographer.co.uk 39 21 FEATURES 39 DRESS TO IMPRESS Top looks for your bridal party 43 MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Your big-day entertainment guide 49 ALL ON BOARD Be inspired by this romantically nautical shoot 65 PRECIOUS LOVE The Natural History Museum set the scene for this luxurious elopement shoot 77 UPCYCLE IN STYLE Sustainable weddings can still be beautiful, and this shoot shows you how 3
REAL WEDDINGS 24 WRITTEN IN THE STARS University sweethearts Rachael and Sam shared their floral-themed nuptials with loved ones in Hackney 28 YOU’VE GOT THE LOVE Autumnal vibes pop against Core Clapton’s backdrop for Liz and Henry’s fun-filled day 33 FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS Full of character and quirkiness, Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell set the scene for Egle and Jason’s intimate celebration HONEYMOONS 86 HONEYMOON NEWS The newest openings and honeymoon destinations 88 THE CITY OF LOVE Discover why Paris is the perfect honeymoon destination GROOMS 83 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 84 GREEN WITH ENVY We’ve rounded up some of the latest on-trend products for the groom-to-be FASHION & BEAUTY 52 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches 53 DESERT ROSE Your honeymoon suitcase shouldn’t take off without these summery staples 55 I’M A BARBIE GIRL Take inspiration from summer’s most anticipated movie release with fun, flirty styles 61 SHORT AND SWEET The thigh’s the limit with this chic selection of shorter-length bridal dresses 68 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with the must-haves for the bride-to-be 70 SKIN DEEP We caught up with Angela Langford whose eponymous brand offers a wide range of skin care designed to make you feel great 72 BRIGHTEN UP YOUR LIFE Celebrity hair stylist Michael Douglas, talks wedding dos and tells us about OGX’s new Colour Retention range 73 KEEP CALM AND MARRY ON Professional nutritionists at Wedding Wellness share their stress-beating tips 74 BEAUTY Q&A Our local professionals solve your problems 55 24 86 33 68 4
The Orangery, Holland Park A hidden gem, located in one of London’s most beautiful parks Chelsea Old Town Hall An award-winning wedding venue located on the iconic Kings Road Weddings steeped in character, history and charm 020 7361 2220 | venues@rbkc.gov.uk | www.rbkc.gov.uk/venues Images courtesy of Lloyd Dobbie Photography, Lara Arnott Photography, Nigel John and Nicole Demetriou John
This shot of Egle was one of my favourites from their day – stunning! I make no secret of the fact that I live for the summer months, so you won’t be surprised to hear that I just love this time of the year. As I’m writing this, the clocks have just changed and already we’re getting a hint of my favourite season being on the horizon with lighter evenings, longer days, and warmer climes. It’s the perfect time of year for getting outdoors and I can’t wait to get my walking boots on and get out into the countryside to blow away the cobwebs. I’ve also signed up to a 20-mile charity hike in July, so I don’t really have much choice but to get out and start training – must start that soon… very soon! I find being out in the fresh air is the best time to unwind and get creative too. If you’ve got some planning decisions to make or need some inspiration, try it out – get outdoors and get your mind working; whether it’s a walk around the block, a stroll in the local park or a drive to the country, trust me, you’ll come up with all sorts. This issue is sure to get you inspired too. With three stunning shoots on pages 49, 65 and 77 and three real weddings from page 24, you won’t be short of ideas. We share a variety of top looks for your bridal party over on page 39 and head to page 43 for the lowdown on big-day entertainment options. I’ve loved creating this issue for you. It’s brimming with springtime vibes and I hope you enjoy reading it just as much! Sarah x Sarah Gallivan, Editor Brighter days are coming Tie the knot in the heart of the capital in one of these gorgeous venues. This Natural History Museum shoot is like something out of a fairytale – I love it! 65 17 33 49 ISSN 1757-7810 ADVERTISING Account Manager Simon Hirst | 01376 538 564 simon.hirst@county.wedding Your London Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Events & Publishing Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your London Wedding is published six times a year. cwe COUNTY WEDDING EVENTS http://markbothwell.com EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Gallivan | 01376 535 611 sarah.gallivan@county.wedding @CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarah.ellis@county.wedding All aboard! Ever thought of tying the knot on the Thames? This shoot shows how it’s done in style.
Liz looked amazing in her House of Ollichon two-piece and don’t you just love this styling too! 28 This season is all about the blooms and the backdrop of Rachael and Sam’s day transports you to a world of springtime vibes. Rachael’s daisy accessories complemented her floral Self Portrait dress perfectly. 24 24 Bridal party inspo incoming! Head over to page 39 for all the top looks. 11 Who doesn’t love a discount? We’ve teamed up with London’s Simply Irresistible Cakes to offer a helping hand towards your big-day bake. Check it out on page 11. 39 43 Give your guests a day to remember with these entertainment options. 28 33 The bride and her bridesmaids – these shots always make me smile! 33 EDITOR’S LETTER 7 Egle and Jason’s stationery and décor screams romance.
All the latest from the city CREATE YOUR OWN BLOOMS Floristry is hugely rewarding and calming so Philippa Craddock’s Create Your Own Wedding Flowers Masterclass is the perfect excuse to take time out and get creative with friends and family before your special day to extend your celebrations. Colour palettes are completely flexible to suit your theme and sustainable methods are shared, so anyone can create Philippa’s natural designs and make them their own. Timings are easy to follow, plus costings and budgets are managed clearly and simply. For those who want truly bespoke flowers and to share their creativity and individualism, it’s an easy choice. “Flowers are such a creative, evocative, and beautiful part of every wedding. Many people would love to create their own arrangements but are too nervous – they want someone to hold their hand, and I am thrilled I can do that to enable you to create with confidence. I will teach you everything I know, to ensure you create the most beautiful wedding flowers and gain incredible lifelong skills,” says Philippa. Philippa has designed for hundreds of weddings around the world. She has an intuitive gift for design, has simplified all the mechanics and is passionate about sustainable floristry. Her huge portfolio has made her a logistical expert and she’s a positive, trusted and well-loved teacher. For £495 per person, the masterclass can be purchased and joined throughout the year and includes nine filmed tutorials (one for each sustainable design, for you to watch and re-watch as many times as you wish) as well as nine how-to guides, including a step-by-step visual summary, stem counts, ingredient list, tool kit and costs. Available to purchase at https://school.philippacraddock.com/ create-your-own-wedding-flowers PLAY BACK YOUR LOVE STORY The Visual Book has launched its latest product – a luxury video book that creates the perfect, personalisable present for the happy couple. Designed to revive life’s precious moments, simply sit back, press play and relax as you play back your love story and watch your selected images and videos roll through to showcase memories shared. Choose from a linen, leather or suede fabric finish, with a selected gold foil stamping labelled ‘Always & Forever’, ‘I Love You’ or ‘Congratulations’ and select a 7 inch or 10.1 inch screen and two to four hours of memories (4GB - 8GB). What’s even better about this beautiful digital photo book, is the ease of updating with new moments as life moves forward. Thanks to the USB port and cable, simply upload your slideshow of images and video via your own computer; let your creativity run wild and create a slideshow on any editing app of your choice. You can also send through your content to The Visual Book team to upload and set up the content for you. All books come ready with a QR code, leading to an easy guide to hassle-free video and image uploading. Head to https://thevisualbook.com to order your gorgeous gift and start uploading your memories. FEEL YOUR BIG-DAY BEST London’s Bodyism has launched a wedding package for couples wanting to feel their best on their special day. The bride and groom will be able to train side by side in preparation for their nuptials at the members-only wellness studio and café in the heart of Westbourne Grove. Based on Bodyism’s expert methodology your journey will begin with a body oracle consultation to assess overall health and wellbeing. Training will take place with a team of specialists who’ll create a personalised movement programme based on your specific needs to achieve sustainable results. As part of the wedding package, clients will receive a three-month Bodyism membership, eight private personal training sessions per month, unlimited access to classes and a skincare consultation with Tarryn Bespoke Skincare – a leading skincare specialist. Tarryn fuses holistic, scienti c and medical research to create treatments that meet physical and emotional needs, including advanced facials, facial massage and body shaping. Outside the gym Bodyism will offer access to luxury brands such as Emilia Westwick and Gemima Diamonds. Offering brides, a private consultation at both luxury houses to browse dresses and wedding bands. Bodyism, Notting Hill is open daily from 7am to 8pm and offers 10 different types of membership to choose from starting at £130 per month. For those wanting to embark on the wedding package, the couple price is £4,000 per person. Head to https://bodyism.com to find out more. NEWS Nearlywed 8
MINIMOON AT TOWN HALL HOTEL Town Hall Hotel has launched its evergreen Romance Package. This carefully curated offering includes a one-night stay with breakfast, champagne upon arrival and in-suite treats such as local favourite Land chocolates, assorted snacks and a romantic couples massage by beauty concierge service Ruuby. Couples also have access to the 15-metre indoor swimming pool and pelotonequipped gym. Located in the heart of East London, Town Hall Hotel consists of 97 rooms, made up of 10 double bedrooms and 87 suites with fully fitted kitchens. Each room contains one-off vintage pieces of furniture and guests can enjoy baristaquality coffee and luxury toiletries from Holm. The Romance Package starts from £680 and further details can be found on the website www.townhallhotel.com PERMISSION TO SHINE Those wanting to get their glam on will love this new ethically-minded brand – Llaria Lashes. This gorgeous lash brand inspired by butterflies, an iconic symbol for beauty and change, puts an emphasis on providing quality faux mink products at accessible prices. Working as a beauty consultant on cosmetic and fragrance counters for years, Llaria Lashes’ founder loves everything to do with the beauty industry; it fills her with joy and confidence and that’s what she wanted to give to others. Give yourself permission to shine! Llaria Lashes believes in empowering you with amazing products that help express your inner beauty and glam up any look. Products include: •The Pretty Face Collection - £10. Five beautiful styles that replicate natural lash extensions that’ll give you a hybrid appearance in minutes. Enjoy an effortless lash lift without breaking the bank. •Llaria Lashes - £8.99. Make any look go from everyday to glam in an instant. The OG lash is a perfect combination of boldness and wispy texture that adds just the right amount of drama without taking over your face. •The Ezra Lashes - £8.99. Upgrade your look to queen status. These ultra-luxe faux mink cat eye falsies add just the right amount of drama that won’t overwhelm. Unlock your self-expression and explore some fabulous lash looks by visiting https://llarialashes.com INVEST IN YOURSELF AT THESE TOP SPAS Rena Spa at Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel has been revealed as London’s most booked spa in findings revealed by Europe’s leading spa experience and booking agency Spabreaks.com, which totalled 12.7% of all bookings made in London this year. Rena Spa at Leonardo Royal St Paul’s Hotel comes in at second place and Rena Spa at Leonardo Royal City Hotel placing fourth. London’s third most popular spa hotel is W London, Away Spa in Soho, with The Spa at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel leading the way for the rest of the hotels on the list, followed by NYX Hotel London Holborn by Leonardo Hotels, Heavenly Spa at The Westin London City, Bokeh by Montcalm East, Paddington Spa at The Chilworth Hotel and St Pancras Spa. With more than 700 spa destinations in the UK and overseas to choose from, Spabreaks.com has narrowed down the top ten most-worthy spa visits in the capital city. “Londoners and the city’s tourists are embracing the return of spa breaks after appreciating its importance during the pandemic,” says Spabreaks.com founder Abi Selby. Spa days aren’t only the perfect retreat for a special occasion, but also a way to improve mental and physical health. Spabreaks.com also offers visitors the opportunity to book half day packages for flexibility when it comes to accessing the spa for those at work or restricted by the school run. “Invest in yourself by prioritising your wellbeing and it’ll be the best decision ever made,” Abi says. “Our unbeatable selection of top-quality spa hotels across the country means you’re never too far away from a day or night of luxury. Invest in prioritising your self-care and see the results come back in spades.” Book your time out at www.spabreaks.com A TASTE OF SPRING To celebrate its 10th anniversary, award-winning Soho restaurant, 10 Greek Street, has announced the launch of 10GS Events, a full-service catering company designed to deliver the same high-quality, seasonally-led food as the restaurant, across the UK. 10GS Events can cater to any existing event set-up, a home kitchen or via their bespoke airstream trailer featuring a wood fired oven – perfect for your spring/ summer wedding. Ensuring the restaurant’s much-loved customer service remains at its heart, everything has been carefully designed to make sure that the guest experience known and loved at 10 Greek Street can be replicated at any venue. All menus are largely based around skilfully prepared sharing plates, allowing seemingly humble ingredients to shine through. Designed to be eaten family-style, the elegant sharing plates are placed around the table for all guests to indulge. The buffet menu is similarly seasonally-inspired, whilst for those looking for a food truck vibe, the festival menu is the perfect choice. With an extensive drinks offering, couples will have access to the team’s excellent supply of wines to create the perfect pairings for their chosen dishes. Kegs or bottles of beer from Braybrooke Beer Co, including the classic Keller Lager and the refreshing Session Lager, can also be supplied. 10GS Events works closely with sister brewery Braybrooke Beer Co. which is located on a farm in a picturesque countryside setting near Market Harborough. Guests can rent the grounds, complete with its own barn and farmland, as a fabulous wedding setting. For an extra special touch, Braybrooke Beer Co. can also create keepsake custom labels (min. 200) for any of their onsite brews, making sure it’s a day to remember. Check out www.10greekstreet.com to view the menus and see what’s on offer for your big-day banquet. 9 NEWS
London’s Wedding Florist WWW.BLOOMSBURYFLOWERS.CO.UK 29 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5BB | +44 (0) 207 242 2840 | info@bloomsburyflowers.co.uk We are Chelsea’s hidden secret. Buckleigh suits,morning coats, evening tails and dinner suits are renowned for their top quality fabric. FORMAL WEAR HIRE | BESPOKE TAILORING | LADIES AND GENTLEMENS ALTERATIONS T: 020 7730 0770 | www.buckleighoflondon.com | info@buckleighoflondon.com 83 Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea, London SW1W 8DA
ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.YOURLONDON.WEDDING BEFORE 30TH JUNE 2023. NEW SEASON BLOOMS With the weather heating up and the sun starting to make an appearance, it can only mean one thing – wedding season is here! And to celebrate, luxury florist, Bloomsbury Flowers are offering our readers 15% off all orders placed throughout May and June by quoting Your London Wedding when booking. There are thousands of things to consider when planning your wedding so why not take advantage of this exclusive offer and tick something off your to-do-list. Based in Covent Garden, Bloomsbury Flowers continues to serve some of London and the UK’s most stylish venues with their sophisticated and elegant designs and scents. The premium and bespoke flower arrangements are tailored to each customer, ensuring the upmost quality and care, no matter the season or occasion. Visit the Bloomsbury Flowers store on Great Queen Street, call 0207 242 2840 or visit www.bloomsburyflowers.co.uk to find out more. Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs DELICIOUS BAKES London’s Simply Irresistible Cakes prides itself on creating beautiful, elegant cakes that taste delicious. The aim is for you and your guests to have a lasting memory of it, long after the day’s passed. There’s a menu of flavours to choose from that have been tested, tasted, and refined to make sure that your cake tastes as good as it looks. The team will also work with you to create your bespoke design, taking every detail of your day and story into consideration. We’ve teamed up with Simply Irresistible Cakes to offer a 10% discount when placing an order to the value of £1,000 or more by 5pm on 30th June 2023. Just quote Your London Wedding when ordering to receive this offer. For more information call 07971 506199 or visit www.simplyirresistiblecakes.com WIN A £250 VOUCHER TO SPEND WITH COEUR DE LION The hunt for the perfect bridal jewellery stops here, with a chance to win £250 worth of jewels from COEUR DE LION – celebrating 35 years in business this year! Handmade in Germany, each piece is lovingly crafted by a team of artisans from the finest materials at its Stuttgart workshop, genuine natural stones, shimmering crystals and freshwater pearls give each piece individuality. The brand’s new freshwater pearl collection offers the ideal bridal jewellery, or you could choose to spend your winning voucher on lovely gifts for all your bridesmaids. Visit www.coeur-de-lion.org to view the entire range. County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with COEUR DE LION to offer readers the chance to win a £250 voucher. Enter via our website. Terms and Conditions apply. Freebies & OFFERS www.hannahduffy.com FREEBIES & OFFERS 11
WEDDING SHOWS AUTUMN 2023 ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM unless otherwise stated /CountyWeddingEvents @CountyWedEvent @countyweddingevents At County Wedding Events each show is professionally and meticulously run to ensure a variety of suppliers are on hand to help you plan your big day and are hosted by some of the loveliest premier venues in your area. All our shows offer you free entry and parking, a goody bag each containing gifts, and useful local information to plan your wedding. You will also have the opportunity to enter prize draw competitions and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on the day. SUN 24 SEP | RACKLEY’S CHILTERN HILLS Marlow Road, Cadmore End, Bucks, HP14 3PP SUN 10 SEP | CHENIES MANOR HOUSE Chenies, Rickmansworth, Bucks, WD3 6ER SUN 1 OCT | NUTFIELD PRIORY Nutfield Road, Nutfield, Redbridge, RH1 4EL BERKS, BUCKS & OXON SURREY
As part of KD Events and Publishing Ltd, County Wedding Events (CWE) is ideally placed to offer you a wealth of experience organising events in the wedding industry. If you would like more information about either holding a wedding show at your venue or exhibiting at any of our shows, please contact us at info@countyweddingevents. com, call 01376 514000 or visit our website countyweddingevents.com. WORK WITH US ESSEX KENT EAST MIDLANDS SUN 8 OCT | LAYER MARNEY TOWER Layer Marney, Colchester, CO5 9US SUN 12 NOV | PENSHURST PLACE Penshurst, TN11 8DG SUN 29 OCT | HOUCHINS WEDDING VENUE Houchin’s Lane, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1RT SUN 1 OCT | MULBERRY HOUSE Chelmsford Road, High Ongar, CM5 9NL SUN 22 OCT | BRAXTED PARK Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN SUN 15 OCT | RUSHTON HALL Desborough Road, Rushton, Kettering, NN14 1RR SUN 15 OCT | BRADBOURNE HOUSE New Road, East Malling, ME19 6DZ 12PM-4PM
• Free entry • First 100 couples receive a free wedding journal keepsake • Goody bag for each couple • Up to 200 stands • Bridal fashion shows • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Demonstration areas • Competitions • Entertainment • Refreshments • And more... Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of Pre-register at www.countyweddingevents.com/registration London, HA9 0WS SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 4PM WEMBLEY STADIUM Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 3:30PM MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 3.30PM ASCOT RACECOURSE
Pre-register for all of our events at www.countyweddingevents.com ASCOT RACECOURSE, 1ST OCTOBER, 2023 WEMBLEY STADIUM, 8TH OCTOBER, 2023 MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, 29TH OCTOBER, 2023 X Sarah Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to kickstarting our Spring 2023 wedding show season – perfect for all those couples that got engaged over the festive period. From must-visit local fairs in some of the region’s best wedding venues to our larger Signature Wedding Shows, we can’t wait to welcome nearlyweds to our events and help plan their wedding day. Each event will boast a huge range of specialists who will be on hand to talk through your planning ideas and requirements; venues, bridal boutiques, photographers, florists, cake makers and more, there’s everything you could need to plan your wedding under one roof. On the day refreshments will be available to purchase from each of the venue’s on-site restaurants, bars and cafés. Couples will need to pre-register in advance for an allocated arrival time, although on the day visitors are always welcome, and attending our shows are free! For more information, visit County Wedding Events’ website. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events. Sarah Ellis, Sales and Events Director County Wedding Events. Psst! Our pre-registered Signature Wedding Show visitors will have the chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of Spabreaks.com A date for your diary... GREAT EXPECTATIONS
£99 Get married on Wandsworth Common in a fairytale castle, all reception drinks, 3 courses, wine with meal and Champagne toast. Le Gothique | The Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, John Archer Way, Wandsworth Common, SW18 3SX | legothique.co.uk Le Gothique
local Where to tie the knot in Central London RAFFLES LONDON AT THE OWO 020 3397 5800 | www.theowo.london The launch of Raffles London at The OWO this summer will bring a oneof-a-kind venue with remarkable history at every turn. Sitting pride of place in the heart of Whitehall, the Old War Office – now reborn as The OWO – is one of London’s most fascinating landmarks. The site has evolved from the former Palace of Whitehall when it was home to King Henry VIII and other monarchs to the main base of Britain’s Ministry of Defence in 1906 where Lord Haldane and Sir Winston Churchill held office. As a Grade II*-listed building, The OWO’s grand dimensions and design make it a fabulous example of Edwardian Baroque architecture. One of the most notable transformations in the building is The Whitehall Ballroom, perfect for large celebrations of up to 600 guests. Other event spaces consist of The Lawrence, a dramatic pre-function space for your drinks reception, the Morse & Code Rooms and more intimate gatherings can be held in the hotel’s historic Heritage Suites. For something truly spectacular, book a range of interconnecting suites on the Whitehallfacing side of the building with panoramic views of London’s most famous buildings. In addition to these spaces, The OWO boasts nine restaurants and three bars and The Guerlain Spa and Pillar Wellbeing will offer wellbeing and fitness, as well as hair and make-up services on the day in the Guerlain Atelier. The hotel’s legendary Heritage Suites and Corner Suites, named after famous female spies, make for an opulent retreat at the end of the night. KEEP IT PIAZZA ITALIANA 020 7256 7223 | www.piazzaitaliana.co.uk Housed in a historic Grade-II listed building, the former home of the British Linen Bank, lies Piazza Italiana. The backdrop of high ornate ceilings, exquisite chandeliers, Neoclassical Corinthian columns and floor-to-ceiling arched windows, provide a modern setting in the heart of the city. Couples can exclusively hire the whole venue, or opt for something more intimate by booking one of the chic and characterful event spaces. With decor inspired by Venetian palaces, The Ante Chamber seats groups of 14 around a show-stopping marble table, with a huge arched window providing natural light. Upstairs, The Mezzanine PDR accommodates up to 18 guests with its own private bar, panelled floorto-ceiling walls, and a rare whisky collection adding a special touch. The Mezzanine seats 48 guests or 60 standing, with its own private bar and arched windows providing views across the garden. The entire venue can be yours for the day, accommodating up to 180 guests. The Banking Hall main dining space is a stunning spot to say your vows and then transition from day to night with plenty of room for a dancefloor. Doubling up as a highly regarded luxury Italian restaurant, the venue boasts exquisite menus for the wedding breakfast, made up of classic dishes from all over Italy. Whether you’re looking for a formal sit-down dinner or sharing cicchetti and bowl food, the venue can offer up a range of options. 17 LOCAL VENUES
100 QUEEN’S GATE HOTEL 020 7373 7878 | www.100queensgate.com The former home of Victorian aristocrat and explorer, William Alexander, 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel is steeped in an eclectic and fascinating history where no two rooms are the same. With the hotel’s unrivalled South Kensington location, it’s the perfect spot for a city wedding. Botanica is the jewel in the hotel’s crown. Its elegant glass atrium adorned with cherry blossom and lavish greeneries is a true reflection of South Kensington’s calm and leafy Victorian heritage. The space seats 30 for your ceremony and 24 for your wedding breakfast. Alternatively, The Knightsbridge and The Kensington rooms are both stunning choices for intimate gatherings of up to 10 guests. Cento is a light and spacious room with its own bar. Featuring its own private entrance, this room can seat up to 80 guests for your wedding dinner. Discovered on the lower ground floor, ESQ is perfect for an after party and with its own piano, it’s a relaxed, luxury venue that can host up to 80 guests. For a night of complete luxury, the happy couple can spend the night in The Queen’s Gate Suite. The most luxurious suite at 100 Queen’s Gate, visitors will have access to a Champagne mini bar with a plush and comfortable living room. With an idyllic location overlooking Queen’s Gate and Old Brompton Road, the Queen’s Gate Suite boasts its own exclusive entrance. SPRING AT SOMERSET HOUSE 020 3011 0115 | https://springrestaurant.co.uk/ Situated in the arts and cultural centre of London, Spring is housed in a restored 19th-century drawing room within Somerset House. Home to the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, which is centered around the iconic dancing fountains and surrounded on all sides by glorious 18th-century architecture, this Grade I-listed building is filled with natural light and high ceilings, creating a grand backdrop for your day. The garden dining room, known as The Salon, sits in an enclosed interior atrium cloaked with flora and fauna designs by acclaimed landscape designer Jinny Blom. This space is perfect for an intimate wedding of up to 36 guests. For larger celebrations of up to 116 seated guests or 150 standing, you can exclusively hire the main dining room, Spring. Couples choosing the main dining room for their big-day setting are offered a complimentary food and wine tasting for the wedding party, the room will be dressed in linen and the venue’s team will happily write place setting cards for your guests. 18
WAGTAIL LONDON 020 8161 4442 | https://wagtaillondon.com Promising an unforgettable experience, atop a stunning 1920s building in the heart of the City of London, Wagtail Rooftop Bar and Restaurant not only provides an incredibly stunning location, but a late licence until 1.30am to keep the party going with a fully heated rooftop terrace bar. Views are unparalleled, with iconic London landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie building feeling just a stone’s throw away. The Restaurant accommodates 60 guests for a sit-down meal and up to 180 for your reception. Adjacent to the main restaurant, the ninth-floor terraces can be hired out individually for events with up to 60 guests standing or 30 seated, or together with the main restaurant as a drinks reception before your meal. The seating on the terraces is heated, and blankets are available for chilly evenings. The tenth floor fully heated and covered terrace is a stunning space with unbeatable 360 degree views of the capital. Feel like you’re on top of the world as you marvel at the iconic London skyline. The terrace can accommodate up to 120 guests, and comes with a private bar, your own sound system, bespoke heated seating and dedicated servers. The majestic Cupola crowning the building is home to the exclusive private dining room, which is perfect for up to 10 guests. The entire venue can be hired and tailored to your requirements and combined, the spaces can cater for up to 180 standing guests. PAN PACIFIC LONDON 020 7118 6888 | www.panpacific.com Nestled in the heart of the city in Bishopsgate and moments away from Liverpool Street station, Pan Pacific London is surrounded by 800-year old history and numerous iconic landmarks that are perfect for those all-important photo opportunities. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, it stylish interiors boast a fusion of south-east Asian vibrancy and the refined elegance of the area’s local history. From the sophisticated gardenthemed rooms to tropical rainforest and green woodland public areas, the tranquil surroundings are accompanied by contemporary pop of colour finishes. With exclusive access from Bishopsgate Plaza via an impressive glass escalator and lift, the majestic double-height Pacific Ballroom features a neutral colour palette, Swarovski crystal chandeliers and state of the art technology. Ideal for larger gatherings, this room accommodates 250 for your ceremony and 400 guests for the evening reception. Located on the fifth floor and offering magnificent views over Bishopsgate Plaza through floor to ceiling windows, Green Dragon, which represents good fortune, is perfect for more intimate nuptials of up to 50 guests. Located next to the Pacific Ballroom, the VIP Bridal Suite comes complimentary with any Pacific Ballroom booking. Equipped with a private washroom, vanity station and relaxing lounge this suite provides a sanctuary for pre-wedding jitters, or a place to take a breath as newlyweds. 19 LOCAL VENUES
Situated in Greenwich World Heritage Site, The Fan Museum is the only museum dedicated entirely to the history, culture and craft of the fan. Our Grade II* listed buildings are the perfect site for our internationally significant collections, and our Orangery is the perfect venue for your special day. To arrange a viewing, please get in touch. The Fan Museum 12 Crooms Hill London SElO 8ER 020 8305 1441 info@thefanmuseum.org.uk thefanmuseum.org.uk
Unusual Venues with a twist BARBICAN 020 7382 7246| www.barbican.org.uk Set in one of London’s most admired buildings in the heart of the City, the Barbican Centre provides an incredible backdrop for your big day. Your hire will include the famous oasis of the Conservatory, the Conservatory Terrace, and the elegant Garden Room with views of St Paul’s and St Giles. Surrounded by the contrasting iconic Brutalist architecture and lush tropical foliage, you’re sure to have an unforgettable celebration. The Conservatory Terrace is the perfect place for your ceremony. Open to the sky whilst protected from the weather, you will walk down the aisle with the foliage-adorned fly tower as your dramatic backdrop. Following your ceremony, guests will be welcomed into the main Conservatory where they can enjoy champagne and canapé s surrounded by the oasis. They can wander through the tropical paradise, passing over the wooden bridge and fishponds with colourful Koi Carp, accompanied by acoustic romantic music. The celebration flows seamlessly into the adjoining Garden Room for the wedding breakfast. Flanked by stunning views of St. Giles Church and St. Paul’s Cathedral on one side and the iconic Conservatory on the other, the Garden Room offers a memorable setting. From making your entrance at the largest Conservatory in the City to dancing the night away at the Barbican you can be sure that your day will be one to remember. HAM YARD HOTEL 020 7287 4434 | www.firmdalehotels.com In the midst of Soho and moments from Mayfair, Ham Yard Hotel has an urban village feel. Revolving around a tree-filled garden with a bronze sculpture by Tony Cragg, the central location has plenty of world-class attractions on its doorstep. The fourth floor of the hotel boasts a large, leafy rooftop garden with sweeping views of London’s skyline. Scattered with Whitman benches, and boasting a bar and barbecue, it’s overlooked by trees and a garden that blooms year round with seasonal flowers. The interiors are beautifully designed by Kit Kemp in her award-winning luxurious modern-British style. Guests will love the sumptuous drawing room, library and orangery. Couples have a choice of seven ceremony spaces in all sizes for up to 250 loved ones. After the formalities, there are two reception spaces. The Roof Terrace seats 100 guests and is a wonderful spot to enjoy canap s and a barbecue. The Croc Bowling Alley accommodates 250 guests and is an original 1950s bowling alley imported from Texas, complete with bowling-style menus, private bar, karaoke and a dancefloor for a party to remember. The hotel is home to the luxurious Soholistic Spa, the perfect space to enjoy a range of treatments and pre-wedding pampering and guests can stay in a choice of 91 bedrooms and suites, each individually designed, generously sized and featuring floor-to ceiling-length windows overlooking the leafy courtyard or across the London skyline. SURROUNDINGS www.lauramarthaphotography.com www.simonbrown.london www.simonbrown.london 21 QUIRKY VENUES
AVIARY 020 3873 4060 | https://aviarylondon.com Situated on the tenth floor of Montcalm Royal London House, Aviary Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace Bar, which is part of ETM Weddings, showcases spectacular views with a vibrant rooftop and terrace in the heart of London’s city centre. Sip on specially concocted cocktails and celebrate in style with tailored dining packages for up to 120 guests, including a range of exclusive rooms depending on your requirements. Take in the spectacular view from The Glass Box at Aviary. This is an ideal space to host your drinks and canapé reception. Enjoy the sumptuous cocktails in Aviary Lounge. This area can accommodate semiprivate hires for 150 guests standing and you’ll also have a section of the terrace so your guests can enjoy the spectacular views of the London skyline. Tucked away on the ninth floor, Aviary’s Palm Rooms and Terrace are the ultimate party spots, and best-kept secret. With a gorgeous terraced standing area that can hold up to 100 guests, it’s the perfect space for a one-of-a-kind party. Inside, the Palm Rooms can seat up to 14 people and 20 standing, and there are three rooms leading out to the terrace that can be rented separately or combined. For those occasions that are so grand that everyone simply has to come, Aviary is available for exclusive hires. SWINGERS LONDON 020 3030 4111 | https://swingers.club/uk/ Those wanting a quirky setting for their big day should look no further than London’s Swingers West End. This uber-fun, high-end crazy golf venue located in the centre of the capital, offers guaranteed fun, a relaxed setting and spectacular food and drink. The new wedding packages will function on its newest course, The Meteorite, helping newlyweds tee off to a winning start. Taking inspiration from 1920s English fair grounds and the seaside riviera, The Meteorite provides the perfect backdrop for those memorable snaps. This course is the ultimate event space, with a private entrance offering exclusivity for the nuptials. Located on the roof-top terrace, an expansive al-fresco space, it boasts botanical d cor, smart banquet seating and a retractable roof ensuring the space is perfect in all weather. There are two packages to choose from. The Perfect Set is ideal for intimate gatherings of 20 guests or more and includes a reserved area where friends and family can enjoy a glass of bubbles and delicious nibbles on arrival, two drinks per person and two rounds of London’s finest street-food. Guests can enjoy an evening of unlimited crazy golf on the course, too. The Forever Set is the option for guest lists of more than 50. This package offers all the above plus a cocktail on arrival alongside three hours of unlimited drinks. This package is also inclusive of a private room, ensuring the party can get into full swing. Both packages come with a wedding co-ordinator, a DJ, a glass of complimentary bubbles to toast the happy couple and a Crosstown Donut tower - the perfect centrepiece and a great cake alternative. 22
THE DEPOT 020 3218 0083 | https://thedepotn7.co.uk This converted old English bus depot, benefits from its entire exterior being made up of floor to ceiling windows that bring light into the venue no matter what time of day. The rustic and bohemian interior is the perfect backdrop for any wedding and one of the venue’s focal points is the grand-rounded bar, that was originally sourced from Royal ascot racecourse. The three open plan levels allow a party of any size to be an intimate and memorable affair. From the spacious dining and bar level to the loft and mezzanine for a drinks reception space, you can go from a refined wedding breakfast for 180 guests to a buzzing disco for 300 guests in a moment! Outside, the courtyard is embraced by two exotic plant walls that act as a beautiful entranceway for the newlyweds into a cobbled courtyard with an array of country-like picnic benches all framed by bulb-bunting lights that bring a warm glow after sundown. Couples are offered an evening of wine sampling, food tasting and cocktail tippling to experience what their wedding day has instore. SHOREDITCH STUDIOS 07824 643 133 | https://shoreditch.com Located in the heart of Shoreditch and nestled under Victorian railway arches, Shoreditch Studios is a beautifully converted and historic space that’s perfect for your East London nuptials. The warehouse-style venue consists of two interlinked studio spaces as well as a spacious outdoor area, and as one of London’s leading photographic studios for fashion shoots; benefits from crisp white infinity coves which provide a stunning and picture-perfect backdrop for your ceremony and reception. The interconnected studios offer seamless changeovers throughout your day from your ceremony and cocktail hour to your wedding breakfast and reception party. Outdoors your guests can make the most of the huge courtyard during the afternoon and early evening and you have the option of dry-hire DIY or bespoke wedding planning and catering packages so there’s something for everyone here. The largest space here can host 170 guests for your ceremony and up to 200 for your evening celebration with ample space for a dancefloor. https://jamesrichardphotography.co.uk www.beckypaynephotography.com www.beckypaynephotography.com www.beckypaynephotography.com 23 QUIRKY VENUES
Written in the stars University sweethearts Rachael and Sam shared their floral-themed big day with loved ones in Hackney Images courtesy of Heather Sham Photography Rachael and Sam met at Aberystwyth University in Wales and have been together ever since. “Our story began 11 years ago. We shared our first date night at Aberystwyth Lighthouse under the stars and that followed by a summer of dates in London’s Royal Parks,” says Rachael. “I met Sam at the end of my first year at university and I’ve never looked back!” The proposal was a complete surprise. “Although we’ve been together for so long and always knew we’d get married I had absolutely no idea it was coming. Sam proposed in our favourite place, the Lake District, on top of a mountain near Grasmere. It was just us and beautiful views, and he even sneakily carried a mini bottle of champagne for us to pop at the top. It was perfect,” she recalls. The duo lived near Hackney for over six years and love the vibe so that was the area they knew they wanted to tie the knot in. “It’ll always have a special place in our hearts. It’s so relaxed and some of our favourite places in London, such as Victoria Park and Columbia Road flower market are super close,” she says. Here Rachael tells us more about their day… 24
Throughout the venue there was gorgeous greenery hanging everywhere. It felt natural and relaxed and was exactly what we were looking for. Hackney Town hall was a perfect location for us, we wanted something intimate, not too formal with a relaxed vibe, and the wooden chamber room was just what we hoped it would be. My bouquet was a stunning mix of natural flowers. The Hackney is a super cool cocktail bar and coffee shop, with stunning natural light and décor. We’re big lovers of coffee and brunch, so celebrating in a coffee shop was heaven for us. I wore a Self Portrait dress. I always knew I wanted a mid-length design with lace or flower details. It suited the venue perfectly as it was modern and matched the chilled Hackney vibe. I accessorised with daisy earrings, a daisy bracelet, and blue shoes. Sam wore a blazer from Walker & Slater, with blue chinos, a white shirt and blue tie. His two best men wore outfits of their choice, as we wanted them to feel relaxed for the day. My sister was my maid-of-honour. She wore a stunning pale yellow mid-length Self Portrait dress, so the material was similar to mine. They looked so lovely together on the day. 25 REAL WEDDINGS
Instead of favours, we had wooden place names made for everyone to take home. Our food was created by the absolutely amazing caterers, Banquet. Food was important to us and the four-course menu was a huge hit. I made the table plan by placing handmade cards in a big plant pot of large daisies. My aunty made our cake and cupcakes and they looked and tasted amazing. We had a flower wall at the back of the room. Our florist was incredible. It was the first time we’d seen the flowers at the venue, and I couldn’t have dreamed of it looking better. For our centrepieces, flowers were placed in a range of glass and pottery bottles and they were arranged along the centre of the long tables. 26
RACHAEL AND SAM’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venues, Hackney Town Hall, www.hackneyvenues.com; The Hackney, www.thehackney.co | Photographer, Heather Sham, https://heathersham.com | Dresses, Self Portrait, www.self-portrait.com | Jewellery and accessories, Toolally Jewellery, http://toolally.com; Shoes, LK Bennett, www.lkbennett.com | Hair and make-up artist, Lucent Hair and Make-up by Alice Maria, www.lucenthairandmakeup.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Walker & Slater, www.walkerslater.com | Flowers, Rebel Rebel, www.rebelrebel.co.uk | Transport, London Retro Bus Hire, www.londonretrobushire.co.uk | Stationery, Papier, www.papier.com | Catering, Banquet Food Design, https://banquetfooddesign.co.uk | Rings, Fenton, https://fentonand.co | Place names, Etsy, www.etsy.com We opted for an excellent Spotify playlist to fill our dancefloor. Both our favourite parts of the day were the speeches, we were crying and laughing in equal measure. Heather our photographer captured so many beautiful moments, and some that we didn’t even know had happened. We’re so grateful for our photos that we truly treasure. Our guest book was a gorgeous daisy design to match our theme. We treated guests to a sweet station that went down a storm. We transported guests to the reception on a vintage red bus. It created some great photo opportunities. REAL WEDDINGS 27
the love Autumnal vibes pop against Core Clapton’s backdrop for Liz and Henry’s fun-filled day Images courtesy of Paola de Paola YOU’VE GOT Liz and Henry first met at work and were friends for a couple of years before a crazy weekend away at a music festival sparked a relationship. “We’d always been attracted by each other’s energy, sense of humour and sense of fun, but initially just got to know each other as colleagues and mates,” Henry explains. After five and half years, they got engaged. “The proposal was very low key, as it was at the start of the third lockdown, but we had a really lovely day together,” he says. “We walked up to Walthamstow Wetlands, picked up some DIY cocktails from one of our favourite bars in Bethnal Green, then got dressed up and had dinner (takeaway) together at the flat we’d just bought. Liz was pretty surprised but remembered to say yes!” he says. When it came to planning their day, they did it their way! “We wanted to have a wedding that reflected who we are – not too traditional or ceremonial. We don’t have loads of relatives, so it was a chance to celebrate with our immediate family and a few dozen friends,” says Henry. For Liz and Henry, the best things about weddings are having a big party, celebrating with friends and family, and organizing a day that’s all about them! “Getting so many of our favourite people together in the same room at once was such a highlight, particularly with some friends having moved out of London or abroad in recent years. It was a proper reunion and an epic party.” Here Henry fills us in on all the detail… 28
Liz’s dress was from House of Ollichon. It was a gorgeous two-piece that showed off her tattoos. Later into the evening, Liz changed into a 1920s-style white dress for dancing, and I switched up my jacket to a slightly more dazzling one at the same time. Liz’s bridesmaids wore black dresses and each picked their own style to feel comfortable and her nieces were flower girls and were unbelievably cute. My groomsmen wore dark suits that weren’t identical to allow each to feel comfortable and I wore a similar style but my jacket was black velvet with subtle brocaded patterning to stand out. We accessorised with ontheme buttonholes and knitted, mustard yellow ties. Liz accessorised with a stars and moon headpiece from Honey & Ember, shoes by Terry De Havilland and her usual array of gold jewellery and piercings. We had a non-religious service and it felt super personal and relaxed. Our celebrant, Patricia, from Hackney Council was wonderful. The main upper room where the ceremony and wedding breakfast took place was flanked by six olive trees. 29 REAL WEDDINGS
During the ceremony my sister read a lovely poem and my brother played acoustic versions of our favourite songs, including Heat Waves by Glass Animals and Cosmic Love by Florence + The Machine. That made the day even more special. The decorations were minimal, but all closely thought through by Liz to match our theme. Our florist created an incredible archway flanked by beautiful dried pampas grass arrangements that created the backdrop for our ceremony. We were looking for a venue in East London, as it’s where we’ve lived for almost 10 years. We immediately loved Core Clapton because it was a great space and a blank canvas that we could turn into something that really suited us. Our bridal and bridesmaid bouquets and buttonholes all complemented the theme. The floral styling was reflected in the small centrepieces that were created by my mother who’s got an amazing eye for design and details. We had long, dark wooden tables rather than traditional circular ones and they looked great. 30
The catering was simple and informal - tapas brought out to the tables in rustic bowls for sharing and later on, we had artisanal pizzas, plus some decadent brownies and doughnuts from Crosstown Doughnuts! The speeches were all great, spaced out during the day, and each with their own energy and vibe. They all made people laugh and get slightly emotional at points too! LIZ AND HENRY’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venue, Core Clapton, www.coreclapton.org | Photographer, Paola de Paola, https://paoladepaola.com | Dress, House of Ollichon, https://houseofollichon.co.uk | Jewellery and accessories, Honey & Ember, www.honeyandember.co.uk; Terry De Havilland, https://terrydehavilland.com | Hair stylist, Hewlett Hair, www.facebook.com/people/Hewlett-Hair | Make-up artist, Maria McKenna, www.mariamckennamua.co.uk | Flowers, Dried and Tied Bouquets, www.facebook.com/Dried-and-Tied-Bouquets | Catering, Three Gents Event Catering, www.3geventcatering.com | Rings, A.R. Ullman Ltd, https://arullmann.com | Wedding co-ordinator, Foil Events, www.foil-events.co.uk For us, the best things about weddings are having a big party, celebrating with friends and family. Getting so many of our favourite people together in the same room was such a highlight. It was a proper reunion and an epic party. The table plan, table names and signage were designed by my colleague Georgie Cobbs, with a decorative floral theme and lettering. We both felt super relaxed all day, albeit excited and nervous at the start, as expected. We had so much fun all day. The cocktail bar by Crimson Mobile Bars went down a treat later on. We served espresso martinis, bee’s knees and margaritas. It felt relaxed, perfectly on-point, and was another hit with guests! Our band was incredible. We had the sax player during the drinks reception and the whole band joined for the evening, soundtracking our first dance to You’ve Got The Love, by Florence + The Machine, which is one of our favourite tracks. Our place names were on cute wine glass charms, with fun, cartoony versions of each person’s likeness (hair, eye colour, glasses etc) that our guests really loved and kept. 31 REAL WEDDINGS
www.yourlondon.weddingRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=