Your London Wedding - May/June 2020 (Issue 71)

80 Inspired by the stately elegance of Watermen’s Hall, this crack team of suppliers created a look worthy of a period drama Images courtesy of Reflections Photography I nspired by the stately elegance of Watermen’s Hall, this team of local creatives put their heads together to create a look that would be at home with the historic feel of the venue and its surrounds. As photographer Natalie Crouch explains, “There’s nowhere else like it in the City of London. It’s an 18th-century Georgian hall and just screams ‘old fashioned classical romance from a bygone era’. It’s an intimate venue packed full of the proud history of the Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames.” The sea mist-esque, grey dress was chosen to reflect that naval heritage. A sophisticated, fairy tale gown with a sweetheart neckline reminiscent of royalty, it’s guaranteed to make an impression, especially when offset with the crystal and pearl necklace and earrings from the Oliver Weber Collection chosen by the team. Make-up artist Clare Lake then picked out soft, romantic shades for the model to chime with the period feel: “Warm caramels and rose gold from Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk collection allowed Maddie’s natural beauty to shine through, against the regal background of this fantastic venue,” she explains. As for the hair, romance just begs for curls, does it not? “I wanted to create some classic voluminous curls for Maddie to complement the princess feel of the dress,” says hairdresser Nicoll Moss. “I added some clip-in extensions to add length and volume, then quickly converted these curls into a textured, soft updo. This style is ideal for brides who just can’t decide on the eternal question of hair up or hair down!” From the elegant spiral staircase to the impressive oak-panelled rooms, chandeliers, magnificent fireplaces and stained-glass windows – there’s backdrops aplenty throughout the venue, which can cater for some 80 guests. “Every room has its own feel and is a treasure trove of fascinating artefacts; backboards, oars, carvings, model boats, uniforms and badges. It’s a striking setting for wedding portraits,” continues Natalie. And that setting was enhanced by catering firm The Cook and The Butler who decorated the table in the Freemen’s Room picking up the soft grey tones from the dress and pairing them with complementary shades of blue, silver and cream. romance OLD FASHIONED