Making memories

Sam and Laura ‘s minimalistic and modern wedding featured a neutral colour scheme Images courtesy of Lynn Shapiro Photography

Theselovebirds first met at work in 2017, and it was definitely love at first sight.

Sam proposed to Laura at the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Garden back in 2018 before Laura left to start work as an art consultant on a cruise ship. She says, “We got engaged quite quickly as we really wanted to get married, although it was difficult as it meant we had to spend the next few months apart.”

The couple set the wedding for August 2022 and created the perfect day surrounded by loved ones.

Setting The Scene

The pair spent a long time planning their wedding and initially wanted to marry on a beach in Barbados. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they decided to plan a citychic wedding with their closest family and friends instead.

The weather was beautiful, which allowed the pair to have a first look in Regents Park, followed by a ceremony at The Old Marylebone Town Hall. As the pair had a very intimate London wedding with only their closest family present, they had a beautiful table in the Winter Garden Restaurant in The Landmark London Hotel surrounded by palm trees and under the impressive eight-storey glass ceiling. The team’s attention to detail and setting was beautiful – plus the food was delicious! White roses made up the centrepieces to keep with the elegant and minimalistic theme. The bride says, “Incredibly, a flash of lightning lit up the sky as we sat down to eat and the rain started pouring onto the roof. We both felt so grateful and blessed at that moment.”

For favours, guests received personalised handwritten letters to read individually on the day. The personal touch made their day extra special and thanked their loved ones.

Looking The Part

The bride looked stunning in a bespoke wedding gown made by Ellie Lowe Wedding Dresses, a beautiful studio in the Cotswolds. Laura comments, “Me and Ellie designed the dress to have a back slit to show off my Christian Louboutin shoes and a sparkly detachable train.” The bride finished her look with her late grandmother’s golden broach pinned onto her wedding bouquet ribbon as her something old

Sam wore a tailored navy merino wool suit, accessorised with a Christopher Ward Tide Watch that was a wedding present from Laura due to their mutual love of the ocean and marine conservation. He finished his look with his late grandfather’s gold chain. Sam’s brother was the best man, and he wore a navy suit to complement the groom’s attire. Laura’s sister was the maid-of-honour and wore a champagne-coloured slip-style dress.

Memorable Moments

The couple were so emotional on their wedding day. They really wanted to spend as much time together as possible, so they organised the day accordingly. The bride says, “We started with a beautiful first look in Regents Park and then hopped in a London black cab to Bond Street, where we had some chic photos outside Cartier and Tiffany & Co. The day felt like a dream and ran so smoothly, thanks to the professionalism of Lynn Shapiro, Lauren Irwin and the teams at both venues. Our photographer was incredible on the day, and she made us both feel completely at ease as she completely understood our vision.

“As well as handwriting letters for our family, we also wrote personalised wedding vows to each other. Our main focus for the day was connection and being present in the moment.”

Honeymoon

The day after the wedding, the couple flew to Paris for a romantic trip to the beautiful city. The bride says, “We work on board a cruise ship as fine jewellery specialists and have just completed a three-month world voyage travelling through America, Australia, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. We both love to travel and wildlife conservation – this is something we want to make our main focus moving forward.”

Time To Celebrate

Laura’s mum Sarah organised a beautiful rustic garden celebration with all their friends and family to celebrate the marriage the week after the wedding back home in the Cotswolds. The attention to detail was beautiful, and the event was complete with string bulb lights, sparklers and a bonfire for toasting marshmallows. Laura says, “We will both forever be eternally grateful for this as it allowed us to have our first dance and cut our wedding cake.”

LAURA AND SAM’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Ceremony, www.adaytoremember.london/old-marylebone-town-hall | Reception venue, catering and cake, www.landmarklondon.co.uk

Photographer, https://lynnshapiro.co | Dresses, www.ellielowe.co.uk | Jewellery and accessories, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co. and Selfridges London | Hair stylist and make-up artist, www.laurenirwin.co.uk | Suits, Next | Wedding rings, www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk Wedding accommodation, www.royallancaster.com | Location for morning preparations, www.melia.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/london/melia-white-house in love with four stylish event spaces plus 15 luxury bedrooms to host a wedding with serious wow factor. Available for wedding ceremonies, breakfasts, receptions and your first night as a married couple. Suitable for parties from 40–200 people. Late licence until