These lovebirds first crossed paths at a mutual friend’s birthday bash and instantly clicked! Abi was drawn to Chris’s witty humour and charming Irish accent, while he couldn’t resist her vibrant red hair and the way she laughed at his jokes. Fast forward 10 years, Chris popped the question to Abi during a beachfront dinner in the Maldives, which was very romantic and a huge surprise. They scheduled their wedding for July 2023, hoping to craft a flawless day for their cherished guests. SETTING THE SCENE The couple’s initial residence was in Greenwich, which holds a special place in their hearts. This made finding a nearby venue that could reflect their personal journey essential. Opting for the Queen’s House, a place not explicitly designed for weddings, was a perfect fit. The stunning architecture, both inside and out, and its proximity to their favourite Greenwich locations, like Greenwich Park and The Royal Naval College, made it the perfect choice, resonating with their personal history. Having low-lying centrepieces for the reception was important, allowing guests to engage in conversations effortlessly. The couple opted for a minimalist approach, using black vases and white flowers to complement the black and white theme. Throughout the day, white flowers with minimal foliage adorned the venue, while black accents were tastefully added through ribbons and styling. The couple’s attention to detail was evident in every aspect of their wedding. They purchased glass boxes of different sizes for each table. Using white markers, they wrote the names of all the guests on them, adding a personal touch. The florist filled the boxes with stunning white and black flowers to complete the look, creating beautiful centrepieces. As the couple adores their rescue cat, Jasper, they wanted to include him in their special day. They selected their favourite photos of him and printed them in black and white, along with different table numbers. These photos were then placed on the various tables, adding special touch. A small Etsy company crafted laser-cut acrylic place names for all the guests, creating perfect keepsakes. The white acrylic on our black napkins perfectly matched the theme, showcasing the couple’s meticulous planning and attention to detail. The pair’s decision to forgo a traditional wedding cake in favour of a dessert station was a testament to their consideration of all their guests’ tastes. The station, filled with pastel de nata and cookies, the couple’s favourite treates, was a sweet reflection of their individual preferences. The jars of different sweets, catering to kids and adults, added a fun and interactive element to the reception. The transport was certainly memorable. All conveniently staying nearby, the bridal party had pre-booked a couple of cars to take them to the venue. However, fate had other plans, and the cars never showed up. In a moment of panic, the lovebirds swiftly turned to their smartphones and managed to secure a black six-seater car via Uber and a black cab to transport the bridal party. This impromptu solution not only saved the day but also added a unique touch to the wedding, with the sleek black vehicles mirroring the urban charm of London. As Greenwich residents, one of the couple’s favourite weekend activities is to have lunch at the Greenwich market. They wanted to incorporate the delicious flavours and diverse cuisines they enjoyed there into their wedding. They believed that street food vendors were experts at mass catering, so they chose fantastic London-based companies that offered mouthwatering food. These vendors provided a perfect informal touch to their traditional wedding day. Since the groom is from Northern Ireland, they wanted to include some nods to his heritage. Instead of serving formal canapés during the drinks reception, they offered pub snacks like Tayto crisps, a popular brand from Northern Ireland. To make the day even more special, they hired Flight Cases to bring their unique mobile draught systems, which were cleverly built into rolling flight cases. This allowed their guests to enjoy draught Guinness because, let’s face it, Guinness from a can wouldn’t cut it in Ireland. It also added fun to the day, as the supplier allowed the guests to pour their own pints. LOOKING THE PART The bride was absolutely stunning in her Ivy Skirt and Okotan Corset top from Halfpenny London. She chose this designer because they offered a more modern and fashion-forward design while maintaining the luxurious bridal aesthetic. What she loved most about the separates was the ability to mix and match different skirt and top combinations, allowing her to create a unique and individual look. The fringed skirt gave her a nostalgic 1920s flapper vibe, which she enhanced by accessorising with ivory elbow-length gloves to add a touch of formality to the 27 REAL WEDDINGS
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