Your London Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 67)

SCENT AND STATIONERY London-based bespoke stationery designer, Ananya Cards has ushered in an added dimension to its stationery collections: the power of scent in collaboration with Jane Helliwell, founder of Champagne and Flamingos, an expert at scent-styling for weddings and special events.  The limited-edition scented paper flowers are made from artisanal handmade paper from India. Scented with bergamot, jasmine, white florals, amber and musk, these are ideal as favours or as a first anniversary gift. No trees are cut to make this paper and, in keeping with the company’s philosophy of supporting traditional crafts, the paper is printed by hand, using carved wooden blocks. For more information, visit the website ananyacards.com Picture this Showbolt is an interactive camera robot that has been making waves at the biggest A-list events in the world, including the Oscars, Baftas and the Grammy Awards, and could soon land at a wedding near you. Give your guests the red-carpet experience as they strut and pose with the Showbolt and into your reception. Taking the photo booth to the next level with fast, sweeping camera moves and cool slow-motion action, it gives everyone’s best moves the full music video treatment. Interactive, original and fun, the Showbolt brings a touch of glamour and excitement to any event, creating lasting memories that will elevate your guests’ experience.  CEO Assaff Rawner said: “We’re thrilled to be able to unveil the Showbolt. We believe that it will soon become the must-have attraction for every event, giving guests fun and shareable video experiences. Showbolt creates an instant talking point and puts the host right at the forefront of entertainment and event innovation.” To find out more, visit showbolt.com OUT AND ABOUT This issue, Claire Ridley climbs on board the MV Erasmus, the first dedicated private-hire vessel from City Cruises. My love affair with our great capital city started as a child when my parents used to regularly take my brother and me for days out in London, and it has never faltered. So, I jumped at the chance to set sail down the Thames on this new, 38-metre alternative wedding venue that can cater for up to 300 passengers. Spread across three decks, the venue has space aplenty for all the key elements of a wedding, with the larger, lower one ideal for a wedding breakfast for 126 guests, and the middle deck accommodating up to 300 loved ones for dancing and an evening buffet. The smaller area at the rear is the perfect spot for Insta-worthy wedding photographs. As I boarded and was handed a glass of champagne (all events hosted here include a glass of sparkling wine), I headed straight outside to capture an uninterrupted view of the London Eye, closely followed by Tower Bridge as we set sail. This is my favourite bridge and, to my amazement, the trip had been perfectly timed to see this incredible landmark open. As dusk settled, I headed inside to enjoy canapés prepared by the Erasmus kitchen team on the lower deck, which features large panoramic windows and comfortable, booth-style seating. It’s from here I watched as the boat glided down to Greenwich Pier, marvelling at the iconic sights along this famous waterway. I pictured this opening party as a wedding, one filled with romance, laughter and fun that I’d definitely want an invite to. The state-of-the-art sound and lighting system created a lively party atmosphere, and the experienced private hire team left no detail ito chance. It’s worth noting that this vessel is heated, making it ideal for winter weddings and not just summer celebrations, and those who suffer from sea legs needn’t worry as the boat doesn’t travel at great speed. To book, call 020 7740 0411 or visit citycruises.com 10