Your London Wedding - Page number 37 - September/October 2021 (Issue 79)

D evon McDaniel and Rob Newman met while they both worked at the same company for many years. “When I relocated from the U.S. to London in 2014, we started working closely together and had an immediate connection,” recalls Devon. “Our friendship developed easily over team lunches and after-work pub trips, and we began dating in 2015.” Fast-forward three years later and Rob proposed while the couple were on holiday in Oslo, Norway in December, 2018. “We were on a winter walk next to a frozen river and when we got to a secluded section of the trail, Rob knelt on one knee in the snow and pulled out a ring (after a bit of fumbling around trying to find it in his thick winter coat). It was heartfelt, simple, and perfect,” shares Devon. The big date was set, 27 th July 2019, with the Fisherman’s Hut at WWT London Wetland Centre providing the ceremony setting, followed by a reception in The Drawing Room at The Old Ship, Hammersmith, London. Here, Devon tells us more about their day... SETTING THE SCENE With thoughts of a small intimate wedding, Devon and Rob wanted a venue that was natural and helped create the atmosphere they desired. “On a visit to the London Wetland Centre shortly after getting engaged, I instantly fell in love with the Fisherman’s Hut, with its thatched roof and picturesque setting in a field of grasses and wildflowers,” shares Devon. “We didn’t know it was available as a wedding venue at the time, and were overjoyed to discover that it could be booked for the ceremony.” The couple hosted a cocktail hour in the centre’s Observatory after the ceremony, where guests were able to mingle while the couple had their newlywed shots. “For the reception, we wanted a simple pub lunch, and looked at several venues close to London Wetland Centre,” recalls Devon. “The Drawing Room at The Old Ship was a perfect choice, with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere and a terrace overlooking the Thames.” The meadow setting of the Fisherman’s Hut, inspired Devon’s choice of flowers and decorations, opting for a natural and unfussy look. The wedding party’s flowers were made by The Artisan Dried Flower Co and included an assortment of blue and purple flowers, tied with twine. “The bouquets were gorgeous and because they were dried, they could be delivered weeks in advance, saving some stress nearer the wedding day,” reveals Devon. The Fisherman’s Hut didn’t need much decoration, due to the lovely setting and rustic interior of the REAL WEDDINGS 37