Your London Wedding - September/October 2022 (Issue 85)

Visit online at county.wedding and countyweddingevents.com

Exciting plans

I’m writing this with a month of celebrations on the horizon. September is the month of my next milestone birthday – the big 4-0 (or 39 plus one as I like to say when I’m feeling in denial!).

In all seriousness I’m quite looking forward to it – although I don’t feel 40 years old, it feels like I’m officially entering adulthood and I’m good with that, I’m ready for it (I think). But the main thing I’m looking forward to is all the events that are planned. From meals out with numerous bunches of friends to weekends away and a couple of holidays abroad too, it’s all so exciting. If you’re like me and you love to have things to look forward to, planning your wedding’s just that! A huge event on the horizon where you get to call the shots, create the day of your dreams, and throw one heck of a party. So right now, I’m with you in the buzz of excitement and planning and I’m loving every minute – hope you are too!

For some, planning big events doesn’t come with as much enjoyment and it can feel overwhelming, but fear not, we’re here to help. For venue inspiration, head to page 21 for our selection of top dreamy and waterside settings. We have four stunning real weddings from page 33 as well as two local shoots on pages 69 and 85, all brimming with ideas and beautiful love stories. Say yes to the dress at one of our bridal boutiques over on page 57 and if you’re not hungry, you will be once you’ve read the A-Z guide of all things catering and sweet treats on page 63.

The planning part of your big day is the start of something special, this is where you get the wheels in motion and start to make the magic happen in readiness for the grand spectacle – so whether you’re loving it or feeling a little under pressure, take a moment to breathe, own it, embrace it and love it… it’ll only happen the once (hopefully!) so make it count!

Happy planning!

Sarah Gallivan,

I headed to the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel a night indulgence. all about it

Your London Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your London Wedding is published six times a year.

I autumnal

Millie and revisited where

Liz and Mitch told their story through photos of them over the years and it looked fantastic. backdrop of Lizzie and Sam’s ceremony was romantic.

Based in Clapham for 45 years, Gee Brothers uses traditional and modern processes to create beautiful stationery of the highest quality.

Choose between engraving, letter pressing, thermography, blind embossing, foiling and digital printing. For those requiring a bespoke service, book an appointment with our experienced consultants to design your perfect wedding suite.

Visit our website and find a wealth of inspiration and over 40 designs available to order online. Start by ordering your sample pack today!

BESPOKE BRIDE

The philosophy behind dressmaker Coral Turner’s couture readyto-wear collection is the creation of timeless pieces that you’ll want to wear again and again, outdoing fashion trends and each being the only one handmade. This ideology has now been extended to include bespoke non-traditional bridal wear for those brides wanting something different. The allure, made-to- measure garments can be worn long after the festivities of your special day. Fabrics of distinction and quality, the artisan craft of couture sewing and attention to detail are a pre-exquisite for this work. The journey starts with a consultation with Coral at her atelier in East Greenwich where ideas can be shared, and styles and designs looked at. “I’ve designed and made garments that are non-traditional for weddings, and yet they say ‘bride’ perfectly,” says Coral. “The wedding coat pictured is in silk zibeline, with a liquid silk satin blue sapphire lining; accompanied by a couture handmade ivory coloured wrap-over top and was worn with trousers to match – the bride looked sensational,” she adds. To start your bespoke creation head to the website https://coralturner.com

Nearlywed

All the latest from the city

NEW WEDDING PACKAGES AT THE CADOGAN ARMS

The Cadogan Arms located in the heart of Chelsea’s bustling King’s Road is delighted to launch its new wedding packages. Couples can opt for a range of offerings, including a stand-up private canapé and cocktail reception in the iconic private dining room or a seated meal in the cosy dining room of the pub.

The Rose Room can be hired for up to 50 guests and the bar area is available for group bookings, with cocktail and canapé receptions available seven days a week between 9am and 7pm. The Dining Room can be reserved for private use and can accommodate up to 35 seated guests, and 50 seated and standing. For larger wedding parties, The Cadogan Arms is also available for exclusive hire.

DISTINCTIVE DÉCOR

Your wedding signage is the perfect opportunity to bring your personality into the decor of your big day. Itchy&Sketchy, lead by Charlotte Donnelley-Davids, will take your ideas and inspiration and combine that with her love for calligraphy, producing stunning signage and decor. Her products are totally bespoke, because who wants something everybody else has on an occasion as special as Itchy&Sketchy’sthis?

new wedding collection gives you the chance to bring your ideas to life, and includes a top table scroll, table plans, personalised hangers, and table numbers. Charlotte has a genuine passion for calligraphy, and nothing makes her smile more than helping happy couples make their day a truly unforgettable experience with distinctive decor and signage. To view the wedding collection and find out more, visit www.itchyxsketchy.com

The venue’s infamous Feast Menu has been designed specifically for large groups, and a Best of British menu is on offer, with Two Michelin-starred chef James Knappett appointed as Culinary Director and Alex Harper formerly of The Ledbury and The Harwood Arms as Executive Chef.

Following the ambitious renovation, the restoration of The Cadogan Arms recreated the lost early Georgian architectural details and ornate timber panelling of the original building, which are softened with warm velvets and floralpatterned fabrics.

Find out more by visiting

SHOP ‘TILL YOU DROP

Calling all fashionistas on the lookout for hen party ideas! To mark London Fashion Week, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane will partner with Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge to bring guests Fashion Fusion, a luxury dining and private shopping experience to run throughout September and October.

Guests will kick-start their shopping spree with a glass of champagne and a delicious two course lunch for two at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane’s elegant Amaranto Restaurant. They can then take their pick from dishes including a decadent lobster linguine in a spicy shellfish sauce; New Forest venison with porcini mushrooms, parsnips, and celeriac; or aubergine steak with smoked willcoffee,bydessert,fashion-inspiredasweetthenalmondtomatoes,cheese,Scamorzasundriedandflakes.Theywillfinishonanotewithlimited-editionfollowedateaorwhichbesuretogive

them a caffeine fix before they hit the shops.

Once they’ve had their fill, they will be transported by private transfer to Harvey Nichols and met by the store’s expert shopping team. Matching exceptional service with styling expertise, they’ll be whisked away to their own intimate shopping suite where the team will present an edit of looks selected especially for the guest. Dedicated to finding the perfect fit and making guests front-row ready, they can pick their new glamorous garments and enjoy up to £200 off the purchase.

The Fashion Fusion dine and shop experience is priced at £175 and will be available from 1st September to 31st October, 2022. What are you waiting for? Gather your best girls and be ready to shop ‘till you drop. Find out more by visiting www.fourseasons.com/london or email concierge.london@fourseasons.com to book.

COLOUR POP HEADPIECES

Michelle Krausz is an experienced fine jeweller with a passion for vintage and is proud to run Krausz Jewellery, an Islington based femaleledDelvingbusiness.into

the magic of bygone eras, Michelle creates one off headpieces, earrings and hair combs using the most exquisite vintage jewellery from 1930’s – 1960’s.

Sourced from many eclectic people and places, telling a contemporary story by remodelling jewellery pieces from the past.

Her latest collection, Colour Pop Headpieces has just launched for Autumn 2022. This collection’s inspired by strong floral hues, using bright cornflower blue, pink, purple and rich greens paired with gold, silver and sparkle to create a statement. The perfect combination of pearl and gold and are also a strong feature.

These stunning hair accessories make a perfect finishing touch for a Gatsby or Bridgerton-themed wedding.

Check out the collection at www.krauszjewellery.co.uk

NEW STATIONERY RANGE ON OFFER

Gee Brothers have been creating stunning, traditionally printed wedding stationery for 40 years. Along with classic styles, they create elegant, modern designs that showcase the beauty of traditional print processes.

The ever-popular Riviera Style invitation has been given an update with a fresh, new lavender card colour and an extended choice of foil tones, including white, matt gold and silver. Purple and pink tones have been everywhere this year, and Gee Brothers are embracing the trend further, with the new plum ink – a fruity pink-purple, available to order on the Bevel Blue and Julia invitation styles.

This beautiful range of wedding stationery is available to order online at www.geebrothers.co.uk. However, if you have something unique in mind, you can use the online bespoke invitation pricing tool to get a cost. This is a great way to plan your wedding budget, allowing you to price different print processes and finishing methods before you place your order.

FUEL GOOD TIMES

Pink Diesel, from the iconic Rosé region of Provence, France, is proud to announce the launch of a bespoke label offering to help transform the wine selection on your big day. Personalised with a beautiful illustration these bottles will create a memory that can be cherished and shared with your family and friends. This one-of-akind service is designed to help couples #FuelGoodTimes with magnum bottles of expertly crafted light rosé that serve 10 generous glasses for only £32.95 per bottle, plus a £70 design fee.

With accessible instructions available on the Pink Diesel website, couples can follow a simple four-step process to design and create their own bespoke label, inspired and drawn from personal photos that’s guaranteed to delight your loved ones! Customers can select a photo from any occasion to allow them to relive a special memory on their happy day.

Crafted in the iconic region of Provence, Pink Diesel’s a beautiful blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah grapes, all hand-picked from the family-run vineyard in Bandol. The light, crisp and dry wine with notes of honey, peach and citrus will perfectly compliment any wedding menu.

Find out more about this bespoke service at www.pinkdiesel.co.uk

GET CREATIVE

Zoe’s Heavenly Creations offers a range of wedding services and products including cakes, oil portraits (from your favourite big-day snap), cookery, bread and cake making classes with bubbly and art sessions. Owner Zoe Rafah also offers cream teas in her cosy courtyard and wine tasting with cheese and crackers – the perfect options for your hen party celebrations!

We’ve teamed up with Zoe to offer our readers a great deal. Brides-to-be booking their hen party at Zoe’s Cottage Industry in Peckham as well as placing a wedding cake booking by the end of November, 2022, will receive a free high quality lidded wok, £50 off an oil painting and a one-tier six-inch celebration cake.

To find out more or to make a booking, visit https://zoes-heavenly-creations.com

HAPPINESS IS BALLOONS

Making balloon creations in front of a crowd is an interactive experience with laughs a-plenty, so if you want to surprise your guests, Miss Ballooniverse is the entertainer for you!

Having trained as an actress, owner Natalie Haverstock, combines her balloon artistry with her comedy improv skills, and is described as the ‘Pixar of the balloon world’ entertaining both children and adults. “I love it when people say they’ve never seen anything like it before. Balloon art’s come a long way in recent years and the possibilities are endless. The balloons don’t last forever but the joyful memories do,” she says.

Freebies & OFFERS

Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

ACCESSORISE AND SHINE

Award-winning Danish brand Sif Jakobs Jewellery is renowned for creating modern, luxurious designs with an affordable price tag. The jewellery is made of rhodium, 18k rose gold or yellow gold plated 925 sterling silver, featuring high-quality zirconia stones that create a sophisticated and dramatic expression often featured in Sif Jakobs’ collections.

County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Sif Jakobs Jewellery to give readers the chance to win this necklace and earring set worth £158 from the coveted Belluno collection. Made with 925 sterling silver and the highest quality cubic zirconia, all jewellery is handcrafted and carefully inspected to ensure perfection.

Visit https://sifjakobs.com

If you place a booking before the end of October, 2022, for Miss Ballooniverse to entertain at your wedding, you’ll receive a set of mini-me balloon creations of the bride and groom, worth £90, for free. Just quote Your London Wedding when booking to receive this offer.

For more information, head to www.missballooniverse.co.uk

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.YOURLONDON.WEDDING Closing date 30th November, 2022, unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions apply.

BerryDeJo

Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to kickstarting our Spring wedding show season. From must-visit local fairs in some of the region’s best wedding venues, to our larger Signature Wedding Shows home to more than 100 exhibitors each, we can’t wait to welcome back our couples and help plan their wedding days.

Here’s what to expect when attending one of our events...

Whether you’re joyous that restrictions have passed, or are still a little hesitant, couples can rest assured our venues are continuing to maintain some of the government guidelines and measures to ensure everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy the day:

• Attendees will need to pre-register to attend events

• There will be allocated time slots for visitors

• All venues will also have enhanced cleaning procedures, with hand washing and sanitising facilities still available

• Spaces between exhibition booths will be maintained to ease congestion

• Optional face masks

• Anyone with symptoms must refrain from visiting

Each event will boast a huge range of specialists who will be on hand to talk through your planning ideas and requirements; venues, bridal boutiques, photographers, florists, cake makers and more, there’s everything you could need to plan your wedding under one roof.

On the day refreshments will be available to purchase from each of the venue’s on-site restaurants, bars and cafés, and attending our exhibitions is free!

For more information on any of our exhibitions visit County Wedding Events’ forward to seeing you at one of our events.

Sarah Ellis, Sales and Events Director County Wedding Events.

Psst! Our pre-registered Signature Wedding Show visitors will have the chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of Spabreaks.com

WEDDING SHOWS AUTUMN 2022 11AM

At County Wedding Events each show is professionally and meticulously run to ensure a variety of suppliers are on hand to help you plan your big day and are hosted by some of the loveliest premier venues in your area.

All our shows offer you free entry and parking, a goody bag each containing gifts, and useful local information to plan your wedding. You will also have the opportunity to enter prize draw competitions and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on the day.

Signature

•

WEDDING SHOWS

Sponsored by

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE

Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, CM15 9NN

SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER 2022 | 11AM - 3.30PM

Sponsored by

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD

Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL

SUNDAY 9 OCTOBER 2022 | 11AM - 3.30PM

Sponsored by

ASCOT RACECOURSE

High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX

SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2023 | 11AM - 3.30PM

Pre-register and attend the show to have a win a fabulous worth £250 of

WEMBLEY STADIUM

London, HA9 0WS

SUNDAY 5 MARCH 2023 | 11AM - 4PM

The CarlTon Club

luxury in The hearT of JameS’S

Please contact Emily Bell on emily.bell@carltonclub.co.uk ~ 0207 399 0903 or visit www.carltonclub.co.uk for more information.

Weddings at WWT London

Overlooking the Thames, on the outskirts of London within acres of nature reserve, pools and reed beds, WWT London provides the perfect backdrop to your

Latewedding.availability

mid-week and winter weddings packages available Ceremony Packages from £1,500 Full Wedding Packages from £5,500

We offer everything in one location. A magical ceremony in Wetland Living, our thatched fisherman’s hut, nestled within the reserve is perfect for those looking for a small, intimate wedding. For larger celebrations book our Observatory, with stunning views over the lakes and pools. This glass walled room can bring the outside in creating a stunning romantic wonderland.

THE OYSTER SHED 7256

Waterside

Tie the knot by the river

Located on the banks of the River Thames and in the heart of the City of London, The Oyster Shed is a modern venue with floor to ceiling windows that provide mesmerising views of the River Thames. The bright and airy venue is set over two floors including the mezzanine level, The Rockefeller Lounge, which hosts the main dining area and has it’s own garden, providing the perfect location for arrival drinks and nibbles. Additional seating’s available outside the front of the venue and there’s plenty of space to stand and admire the views.

The ground floor can host up to 200 guests standing for your reception and 120 for your sit-down meal. This space can be divided into two sections providing room for dancing as well as some tables to relax and enjoy the evening. The lengthy bar and drinks list allows speedy service and there’s also the option to use the upstairs mezzanine if you have a

WEDDINGSchoices.

larger guest list of up to 350. private hire offered a their

Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony at the waterfront wedding venue The Pier, or a larger reception venue aboard the River Room or Glass Room boats, your day will be set against the iconic backdrop of the River Thames.

With its beautiful city views, The Pier is licenced for ceremonies with guest lists of up to 50 guests. This riverside bar and lounge situated at Embankment Pier boasts a Tom Dixon Studio interior design, delicious

food and drink and exceptional service.

Offering panoramic views, modular interiors, a dance floor and a vast on-deck roof terrace, River Room is a spacious and highly versatile vessel with space for up to 200 guests for your reception.

The second option for those wanting to be on the water is Glass Room. Encased in glass, this stunning river boat seats 250 guests for your reception and features 360-degree views and nautical-inspired contemporary interiors.

www.debraburgesslim.com

CANARY RIVERSIDE PLAZA HOTEL

0207 510 1999| www.canaryriversideplaza.com

Set within the historic wharfs and quays of East London, Canary Riverside Plaza boasts incredible views of the river and the city beyond.

The stunning two-storey ballroom is bathed in sunlight and offers seating for up to 200 guests for your sit down meal and up to 300 for your evening reception. Complete with a pre-function area with space for 100, this is the perfect option in which to host your big day.

All wedding packages include a full menu tasting for the bride and groom, bridal changing room, overnight suite with complimentary parking for the bride and groom, menu printing and a table plan to be displayed in the reception area. Couples can also choose from a range of additional bespoke elements to make the celebration all that more special, from pre-wedding spa treatments to a late-night buffet or a friends and family brunch the next day.

WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE

020 8409 4400 | www.wwt.org.uk

Nestled on the outskirts of London within acres of nature reserve, pools and reed beds, WWT London provides the perfect backdrop for yourIntimateday.

nuptials of 42 guests take place in the Wetland Living, a thatched fisherman’s hut within the reserve. The Observatory is a beautiful split-level room that hosts 80 seated guests for your ceremony and boasts panoramic views across the reserve. This space can also accommodate

your drinks reception with room for 165 standing. The Water’s Edge Room is the ideal space to dance the night away with capacity for 110 seated and 165 standing. This room benefits from dual aspect windows and its private balcony boasts views across the lakes and pools to the London skyline.

All profit goes into national and global conservation so by booking your big day here you’ll be supporting the conservation of wetlands and wildlife and are offered a free one-year membership to WWT.

AYMEE WEIR

SINGER / PERFORMER

Aymee is an experienced singer with a BA (Hons) Music Performance degree. Since graduating, Aymee has been performing full time in bars, hotels, at weddings and even busking on the lively streets of London.

She performs classic pop songs with a refreshing twist as a duo with guitarist Connor, playing songs from the 60’s to present day and is open to learn requests prior to the day of your special event.

Aymee uses a small, but powerful Roland EX Cube for amplification and a BOSE L1 for gigs of 100+ guests. These have been used in small and large venues and are perfect for an acoustic setting.

Aymee will ensure to provide professional and personal music for all occasions. (Wedding ceremonies, birthday parties, corporate events etc)

To book, email info@aymeeweir.com with date, venue and time or fill out the online form on the website below.

https://aymeeweir.com/weddings

Scan to view video wedding

THE MITRE

020 8979 9988 | www.mitrehamptoncourt.com

This Grade II-listed property dates back to 1665 and is steeped in history, having originally been used as ancillary accommodation for guests of King Charles II at Hampton Court Palace. Set on the banks of the River Thames, if you want to arrive in style, The Mitre has its own riverside jetty equipped with a boat available for hire and beautiful riverside terrace decorated with twinkly lights and Parisian style furniture, perfect for Thameside weddings.

Interior designer Nicola Harding is the creative lead behind the transformation of the hotel, which combines quirky British sensibility with elegant authentic luxury.

The Orangery provides a picturesque backdrop for your reception with walls lined with live plants and impressive lights and housed on the ground floor, you’ll have access to the entire private terrace and boat jetty. This space can cater for 50 guests.

CROWNE PLAZA LONDON DOCKLANDS

020 8055 2000 | www.cpdocklands.co.uk

Boasting views of Canary Wharf, the O2 and the docks, this Docklands hotel features a host of memorable photo opportunities on its doorstep, including the Emirates Air Line cable cars and Dockers Statue. The modern design and outside terrace makes the building a striking feature in London’s historic docks. The spacious, modern hotel has 210 bedrooms, a restaurant and a vibrant bar.

Ceremonies are held in either The Victoria Suite or Docklands East that accommodate 50 and 120 guests respectively. There are a number of reception spaces to choose from for up to 220 people, but the most popular choice is the Docklands Suite, which caters for 160 guests but can also e divided for more intimate gatherings. All packages include a menu tasting and overnight stay for the newlyweds.

FORTY HALL

020 8363 8196 | www.fortyhallestate.co.uk

Located on the edge of London, Forty Hall’s perfect for couples looking for an idyllic countryside setting yet near to the city. The Grade I listed Jacobean manor house boasts exquisite architecture and stunning views over its ornamental lake, medieval fishing ponds and streams, walled garden and pleasure grounds.

There’s a selection of period rooms to choose from in which to host your day. The Long Gallery boasts brick walls, high windows and its ceiling beams give a quirky and country feel to the room. Ideal for larger

celebrations, this room can seat 80 guests for a ceremony and 120 for an evening reception. Welcome drinks are served in the Inner Courtyard with its white walls, interior windows, glass doors and a contemporary glass roof allowing natural daylight to flood the space. Located on the ground floor, the Great Hall is one of the most opulent and highly decorated rooms, boasting an exquisite fireplace as its focal point. With rich wooden paneling, Jacobean-style ceilings and large bay windows offering views across the estate, these stunning period rooms are perfect for more intimate gatherings of 40 guests.

An Exclusive Use Wedding Venue

Our stunning Jacobean house is set in plush, manicured gardens overlooking three ornamental lakes and Ely Cathedral. Our venue holds a permanent marquee, multiple bars, picturesque courtyards and terraces, multiple ceremony locations, a hidden dance floor, indoor and outdoor stages, and 16 luxury hotel rooms. Our venue is exclusively yours for the day and night of your wedding.

Stunning in Every Season

With incredible indoor and outdoor spaces, you’re guaranteed your perfect ceremony whatever the weather. Our hand-crafted pavilion overlooks our lakes and gardens with Ely Cathedral on the horizon. Our inside ceremony space, The Orangery, features floor to ceiling glass which can all be opened to unveil a stunning inside-outside space.

We Are Experts in What We Do

We have crafted all-encompassing wedding packages, to make sure your planning process is as enjoyable as the big day itself! As a family-owned venue hospitality and service are our priority. Our team of Events Managers will guide you through the planning process, and our team of chefs will work with you to make sure your wedding breakfast is crafted exactly to your taste.

LOCATIONSLONDONDREAMPicture-perfectbig-daysurroundings

SARAH GALLIVAN CHECKS IN TO THE ICONIC ST PANCRAS RENAISSANCE HOTEL 020 7841 3540 | lonpr-st-pancras-renaissance-hotel-londonwww.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/

When I was invited to stay at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, I knew it was going to be special but didn’t realise how special it’d be! Being located at St Pancras station made it one of the easiest hotels in London to travel to and being Midlands-based, it felt like a stone’s throw away for my husband and I on the train. We checked in for one night, but we could have easily stayed for more!

The first thing I did was indulge in all that this five-star hotel has to offer for weddings. I couldn’t wait to check out the spaces here and it didn’t disappoint. Once being the location where Hansom Carriages drew up to drop off wealthy passengers, the Hansom Hall oozes historic charm. Combining Victorian splendour with modern style, this magnificent space can accommodate up to 280 guests. From here, guests can also access the Hansom Hall Terrace, which is available for exclusive hire. Overlooking the British Library this rooftop is perfect for any social occasion. The Gallery or Ladies’ Smoking Room are ideal options for more intimate celebrations and each boast stunning décor. The icing on the cake for me was the breath-taking grand staircase. Located in the heart of the hotel you can host a drinks reception here and what’s more, couples can now now pop the question for the first time on the staircase with the hotel’s new proposal package.

During the afternoon we enjoyed some time out in the spa. Located in the original underground kitchens, this is a Victorian-inspired haven of calm! There are six treatment rooms, a fitness centre, relaxation pool with hydro loungers, sauna, therapeutic steam room and a relaxation room.

Dining that evening was a real treat – we loved the atmosphere in the Booking Office. Housed in St Pancras Station’s original ticket hall, the restaurant serves the finest cuisine and service was second to none.

We ended the day with a luxurious stay in one of the 38 Chambers Suites and enjoyed access to the Chambers Club where breakfast was served the following morning. With such a wide choice of accommodation, your guests will be able to relax and stay the night without the worry of travelling home after your reception.

If it’s a dreamy venue you’re looking for, this is it! From the spaces on offer in which to host your day, grand décor and quality accommodation to the spa facilities, fine cuisine and first-class service – book here and you’re sure to be in for a treat!

The In & Out Club is located on a private corner of St James’s Square and can host celebrations of up to 300 guests. The Club offers a range of luxurious rooms for your big day, including The Coffee Room, The Kind Harold V and Astor Room, each accommodating 200, 120 and 50 guests respectively. These rooms are filled with history and boast large windows, beautiful paintings, sparkling chandeliers, double height ceilings and spectacular fireplaces.

As well as the indoor spaces, the Courtyard hosts up to 120 guests,

offering all weather options and transforms into a marquee throughout the winter. Leading from the Inner Hall over the bridge, this space is surrounded by 18th-century buildings and a coach house. The beautiful Cowdray Room with its French doors opening onto the Courtyard can be booked in conjunction with the Courtyard.

Couples choosing to host their day here are offered private access to the adjacent St James Square gardens for photos and for the party animals out there, there’s the option of a late license so you can enjoy the dancefloor for longer.

Newlyweds can spend the night in the luxurious bridal suite and guests can also stay in one of the well-appointed bedrooms.

St. James’s Hotel & Club is a quintessentially British boutique hotel in Mayfair offering the intimacy of a private club with five-star service. Here, luxuriously appointed bedrooms and elegant event spaces create the perfect harmony between contemporary chic and Victorian elegance. The hotel boasts stylish, sleek interiors finished with handmade silk wallpaper, black lacquered furniture, handcrafted Murano glass chandeliers and polished natural stone, whilst each of the event spaces and private dining rooms boast their own charm and sophistication, most of which are

steeped in natural daylight.

Ceremonies and receptions take place in The Mayfair Suite and The Library. The Mayfair Suite features gold leather wallpaper and a dramatic glass roof and accommodates up to 40 guests. The Library has shelves lined with antique books and a warm welcoming appeal. The room’s central feature is a long antique table, however this can be removed to create a wedding ceremony setup. Intimate gatherings of up to 28 guests can be catered for in this space.

When it comes to your catering, Michelin-starred Executive Chef William Drabble will inspire you with his culinary art to create that desired menu for you and your guests.

TRINITY HOUSE

020 7481 6927 | www.trinityhouse.co.uk

Trinity House’s Georgian façade, designed by Samuel Wyatt in 1794, and beautiful interiors makes this a standout venue for your special day. The Reception Hall, with its sweeping staircase, houses a range of remarkable maritime artefacts, including the original brass bell from the Royal Yacht Britannia, that bear testament to the prominent role played by Trinity House in the nation’s maritime history. Located on historic Tower Hill, this venue enjoys direct views across Trinity House Gardens to the historic Tower of London and the discreet elegance of the venue lends an ambience of a grand private residence.

The largest room in which to host your ceremony and reception is

The Library, which accommodates 130 guests for your ceremony and 180 standing. The room features a fine collection of silver and boasts a minstrels’ gallery facing the venue’s three east windows.

The Court Room has the character of a grand salon in a stately mansion with a deep cove to the ceiling and many fine paintings and portraits. The carpet is the second largest single-loom in the British Isles (the largest being at Windsor Castle) and depicts the Arms of the Corporation of Trinity House granted by Queen Elizabeth I. This space seats up to 60Goldguests.crested

leather chairs and tables are offered to guests to use on a complimentary basis as well as the use of an elaborate silver ceremonial sword to cut the cake.

TWO TEMPLE PLACE

020 7836 3715

Two Temple Place is a grand house, situated in the middle of London and is a celebration of late Victorian design and skilful craftmanship that makes this grand building look more like a home. Surviving the war, the house holds history and is a gem to any who comes across it. With a warm and dramatic finish, the interior allows for your own personal touches to be added and the high vaulted ceilings create a feeling of space.

Surprise your guests with a journey through the secret door in the wood panelled walls and into the majestic Great Hall for your ceremony and wedding breakfast. This space accommodates 120 seated guests. Later into the evening, you and up to 150 guests can dance the night away in the grand Lower Gallery overlooking the Thames at Victoria Embankment. The beautiful courtyard acts as a suntrap in the summer months where celebratory drinks and canapés can be served and the sweeping staircase, colourful stained-glass windows and ornate marble fireplaces will wow your guests as they have done for generations.

HIGHLAND

Images courtesy of Jay Rowden Photography

fling

Lizzie

relocated from London to Aberdeen for six months whilst completing her law training and decided to delve into the world of online dating. “The Happn app is all about your location and people come up that you’re in close proximity to,” Lizzie explains. “Mine and Sam’s offices were close, so he appeared on my feed. He looked nice on his profile, so we got chatting and two weeks later met up in a local pub for our first date,” she adds. They got on well and then Lizzie went on holiday for two weeks. “When I got back, we met up again and pretty much saw each other for the whole of my six months in Aberdeen,” she says. Lizzie returned to London and the duo embarked on a year of long-distance dating. “It was great fun as I loved visiting Aberdeen. We saw each other twice a month so we made the most of each other and did lots of fun things,” she says. After that year, Sam moved to London, they rented a flat for a while, bought a place together and six happy years later Sam

“Weproposed.wereon

Big Sand Beach on the West Coast of Scotland. Sam pretended dolphins were in the sea and as I was looking, he got down on one knee,” Lizzie recalls. “It was a shock as I didn’t think we were going to get married. The ring was lovely though, so I thought I better say yes!” she says. She knew three months in that Sam was a good egg, so it was never going to be any other answer. “In my wedding speech I did say that Sam was right about getting married, and I was wrong – getting married was amazing. I wouldn’t want to spend my life with anyone other than him.”

Here, Lizzie tells us more about their day…

Lizzie and Sam’s love of Scotland was at the heart of their day

I wore a bodice and skirt from Catherine Deane. I adored the skirt with its slit and tiny train and the bodice added the sexy edge. I loved the top so much I recently wore it with denim shorts for a festival!

An updo would’ve felt too formal for me as I’m very much a hair down type of girl. I added some flowers to give it more of a bridal edge.

I chose burnt orange for our bridesmaids as it’s a fun, bright colour. I wanted them to feel amazing in what they were wearing so they chose their own outfits.

When it came to our flowers, we opted for a wild look with lots of foliage. Our florist recommended the best seasonal options that would complement our colour scheme and they were beautiful.

The depot had a great chilled feeling about it, which is what we were wanting for our day.

The candles in the chapel were amazing. They set the atmosphere and really framed the alter.

Sam took the lead on the ceremony flowers. He chose foliage and thistles to be tied to the chairs lining the aisle.

Our ceremony was at Asylum Chapel. This venue speaks for itself – it’s just amazing.

Sam’s groomsmen wore their own tartan trousers andSam bought them cummerbunds to match his outfit.

Sam wore a pair of tailormade tartan trousers with a matching waistcoat.

Usually, the bride and groom disappear after the ceremony, so it was nice to travel on the bus with our guests – the booze and sing along created a great vibe. The second bus even gave our guests a little tour of London.

I love the bagpipes. We got piped into our seats in the reception, which was great fun. Everyone chanted away to the tune so it made a great addition to the day.

Sam loves mountain biking, so I bought one and we went biking in the Aberdeenshire countryside when I visited him. We named our tables after our favourite mountain bike trails.

Sam chose the table plan design. We’re going to hang it in our kitchen as a lovely memento.

My sister realised during the evening that our guestbook had got hidden, so she went around takingphotos – it wouldn’t have been as good as it is if it wasn’t for her.

For our reception, we had long tables that weredecorated with runners of flowers and foliage.

My sister made our cakes and as a surprise added bikes as a topper. The flavours were earl grey and lemon with rum icing, chocolate and Guinness with Baileys icing and banana bread cake. They were all vegan and tasted amazing.

Our place settings were handwritten for a rustic relaxed look.

We decorated the venue with wild flowers in avariety of bottles. The Depot’s big window wasperfect for them and you could see them frominside and outside – it looked amazing.

I love an Aperol Spritz in the sun, so we had that for our arrival drinks.

I didn’t actually eat on the day with so much adrenaline but we had so how good The Depot’s food was. It looked

During the evening, we had a live band and Ceilidh, which is a Scottish dance. The Ceilidh was hilarious as none of our English guests could do it.

Our day exceeded our expectations. Having our friends and family there with us was so special. It was an amazing day and I now watch the wedding video on a daily basis!

LIZZIE AND SAM’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venue, Asylum Chapel, https://asylumchapel.co.uk; The Depot, https://thedepotn7.co.uk | Photographer, Jay Rowden, www.jayrowden.com Dress, Catherine Deane, www.catherinedeane.co.uk | Hair stylist, Emily Chaplin, emilychaplinhairstylist@hotmail.com Groom’s suit, Henry Herbert Tailors, www.henryherbert.com | Flowers, Sweet Pea Rosa, www.sweetpearosa.com Stationery, Poppies stationery, www.instagram.com/poppiesstationery | Catering, The Depot, https://thedepotn7.co.uk Videographer, Shot by Louis | https://feast-it.com/suppliers/shot-by-louis-the-directory | Band, Sunny Roots, www.entertainment-nation.co.uk; Bagpiper, Gordon Douglas Raeburn, https://encoremusicians.com

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Rustic decor and springtime vibes set the scene for Millie and Joel’s big day Images courtesy of Hannah Bain Photography

Millie

and Joel met in the coffee shop Harris and Hoole, in 2013, where they were both working as baristas. “We shared a love for coffee and enjoyed friendly competition with our latte art,” says Millie. “Joel made me feel so comfortable and I never felt like I was at work when he was around. I even started showing up on my days off when I knew he was working,” she says.

They eventually got together, and Joel proposed. “He took me for a walk along the Thames one Friday evening after work,” she recalls. “He’d packed a picnic, a blanket and of course the ring. The sun was shining and when we got to the top of Richmond Hill, he got out a bottle of bubbles and said ‘instead of proposing a toast, how about I just propose?’” she says. “It was a huge surprise. I cried and eventually said yes. We then spent the rest of the night on the hill telling passers by the good news, calling family and having drinks.”

SPECIAL SURROUNDINGS

The duo chose York House for their ceremony. “This was an easy pick for us. The gardens are a place that we’ve always liked to walk around, and our families made lovely memories there so we knew it would be extra special. We also liked how close it was to where we first met,” says Millie.

The Bishop was the venue of choice for the reception. “We looked at a lot of places, but nothing felt quite right until we visited there,” she says. “We always wanted to have a casual, fun day where people could relax, and this suited that well. It also has incredible views of the river and was a place that we’d spent a lot of time Millietogether.”andherfamily travelled in a VW Camper Van to the ceremony and the newlyweds then travelled in it to The Bishop. “It was extremely special and caught people’s attention with lots of beeping and waving,” Millie recalls.

LOOKING THE PART

Millie wore a Monsoon dress with pearl earrings and fresh flowers in her hair. “I’d tried on more traditional wedding gowns but none of them felt right for the relaxed day we were planning, and just didn’t suit me,” she says. “My main aim was to be able to dance comfortably all night and for Joel to think I looked pretty.”

She wore heels for the ceremony and changed into high top floral Converse for the evening. “My sister and flower girl also had the same Converse, which I loved and we all had our nails painted multi-coloured,” adds Millie.

Joel wore a light maroon blazer from Moss Bros, with a white shirt, black bow tie, skinny black trousers and black high top Converse. “He looked like a movie star and stood out from all of the guests!” she says. “My sister was maid of honour and wore a beautiful dress from Frock and Frill that was pink with colourful flowers and our niece was flower girl. They both had gypsophila bouquets tied with pink ribbons.”

RELAXED VIBES

Along with her family and friends, Millie decorated the reception venue the night before. There was bunting in abundance, fairy lights, photos and a DIY sweet stand. “ We had about eight tables dotted around the venue and decorated each with wooden logs and mismatched jars filled with fairy lights and fresh flowers,” says Millie. The duo chose not to have a table plan to keep the vibe as relaxed as possible. “Most of the décor items were borrowed to keep costs low and reduce waste. Everyone commented on how great the room looked, especially with all the personal touches,” she says.

Those with a sweet tooth enjoyed doughnut towers that were placed on rustic logs and stood next to a selection of celebration cakes. “Our favourite was the Cappuccino cake topped with a bride, groom and cat cake topper.” When it came to the catering, Millie and Joel opted for a delicious buffet to allow guests to graze all day and night.

Located in the heart of central London, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill offers the perfect blend of classic elegance and unrivalled hospitality, from intimate ceremonies to grand receptions. With a wedding license and access to the picturesque gardens of Portman Square, enjoy a quintessential city wedding setting to say ‘I Do’.

GET IN TOUCH

Phone on +44 (0)20 7299 2022 or email Aureline.thompson@hyatt.com

COFFEE DATE

During the afternoon, Millie and Joel revisited where it all started by going for a coffee at Harris and Hoole. “We’d talked jokingly to our photographer, Hannah, about making it happen but never thought we would. It was just the two of us, which was so special and better than anything we could have asked for,” recalls Millie. “The coffee shop was almost empty it felt like it was open just for us,” she adds. “The weather was really nice, so the windows were open and everyone was cheering and waving as they walked by. I still can’t believe it.”

A live band performed throughout the day and night. “They started with an acoustic set, played our first dance song, Never Too Much by Luther Vandross, and then picked up the tempo for the party. People were dancing from the moment we arrived, which is exactly what we wanted,” says Millie.

All the effort Millie had put in the day before meant that on the wedding morning, she didn’t get the typical nerves. “I mainly just felt excited to see Joel and to see what everyone was wearing. We’d kept our outfits a secret so we were waiting for the big reveal,” she says.

THE BEST DAY

“Our photographer was incredible. She went above and beyond for us and captured moments we hadn’t thought possible. We don’t really like having our photos taken or being the centre of attention but she made us feel so comfortable and now we have the best memories to look back on,” says Millie. “The whole day was so amazing! We’ve never been people to dream about our wedding day, so it was hard for us to understand when people talk about their wedding and say it was the best day of their life, but it really was THE BEST day of our lives.”

Hi! I'm Jay, and I love to perform gorgeous and fab solo cello music for your wedding day. I cover many different styles, from romantic and classical through to pop, R&B, and even Disney favourites!

Having your favourite wedding music performed on cello is definitely something that could bring a little additional luxury magic to your incredible day! With 15+ years in the wedding industry, and 30+ years as a cellist, I continuously learn about the beautiful little things you might want for your wedding

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Our style is relaxed and unobtrusive, we keep things laidback and pride ourselves on being able to relax those couples that may be a tad nervous having a camera around. guys are insanely good, our wedding SYLVIA

Liz and Mitch’s day was all about their love story

A TALE TObe told

Liz and Claire (or Mitch as she’s better known as), met at work in 2010. They didn’t have much to do with each other at first, until Liz became Mitch’s boss! They soon bonded over music and comedy and had the same sense of humour. “She was my best friend within months. I’d never had a friend like her,” says Mitch. In 2014, Mitch’s relationship broke down and she went to stay with Liz and her dad for the weekend but never left. “We lived, worked, and socialised together yet never got sick of each other. I loved her more than I’d ever loved anyone and couldn’t imagine there could be more to come,” says Mitch. In 2015 they fell in love, became girlfriends, and never looked back.

A year later Liz proposed. “On the weekend of our anniversary Mitch thought we were just going for dinner but I hired a private dining area at Lost Society in Battersea and got some of our closest friends and family to meet in the main bar so we could party after,” she recalls. “I made a playlist of our favourite songs that played while we ate dinner, and we exchanged gifts.” Liz gave Mitch a necklace as a decoy, but other plans were underway. “Mitch absolutely loves dogs, so when our song came on the playlist, my friend’s dog, Dudley, came in wearing his doggie backpack that contained the ring. I’d already started crying but managed to ask her to marry me,” she says.

“We wanted our day to be personal and tell our story. For the first four years of our relationship, we lived in the Middle East where we weren’t allowed to be an open couple,” explains Mitch. “We also didn’t tell our friends and family until we’d been together for almost a year, so we wanted to show the chapter of our story that they weren’t there to see,” she says.

Here, they share the details…

Images courtesy of Boutique Films

We wanted somewhere that had loads of character and when we saw The Bedford, we knew it was the one. It looked amazing, and the team were totally up for our party wedding.

We’re not big on flowers but we did want to introduce some greenery in the day. We bought rails and spray painted them gold and added the greenery as framing.

Our best maids picked their own outfits. We wanted them to be co-ordinated but true to their individual styles and they looked great next to each other.

From the moment people entered the ceremony they were met with cocktails that had colour-coded straws and umbrellas just so they knew what kind of day it was going to be – boozy!

We’d already decided that navy would be our colour scheme and when we saw the venue and its styling it led us to inject some gold to tie everything together.

Mitch: My sister did our make-up, which was so special for me. She’s an incredible artist and I just remember feeling so proud of her as I watched her concentrate on my face. There’s no one else in the world I would have trusted to make me feel the way I did that day.

Mitch: I knew I didn’t want anything too traditional. A friend put us in touch with Julian Smith who creates outfits for drag artists. He showed us some sketches and we knew he was the one to create my outfit. He managed to create the perfect balance of bridal but with a rockstar edge.

Liz: I’m not traditionally a dress wearer but when I saw Mitch’s outfit develop, I really wanted to wear something that complimented it, so I went for a full sequin dress.

To tie us together, we wore matching metal belts. We also took inspiration from the chains on Mitch’s outfit and incorporated that in our hair with fine chains.

For our favours we gave everyone their favourite drink. On the RSVP we asked our guests to list their favourite tipple and asked the venue to prepare them for their first drink at dinner.

The tables looked amazing on the day. We’ll never forget sitting at the top table and looking out thinking ‘We did all this!’.

We decided to have shots instead of a champagne toast. It was the best idea.

Our welcome sign looked amazing hung from one of the large gold frames.

We hung A1 photos of us around the room to tell our story – one for each year we’d been together. In the evening the photo boards became our guestbook, everyone left a message and graffitied the signs which now make a great keepsake.

For our table plan and table names, we picked some memorable gigs that we’d been to as a couple. We framed pictures from the day with a little blurb on explaining why it was memorable.

Liz: Mitch wanted sequined tablecloths, but they were so expensive. She was just coming to terms with having white when she came across the perfect navy sequined tablecloths. They looked great with the gold charger plates.

We had bottle-shaped lamps and candles for our centrepieces. The colours worked perfectly and tied everything together.

Mitch: For our placenames, Liz created an illustration of each of our guests. Alongside it we wrote a personalised note. So many people cried reading them and said they loved them. It wasn’t meant to be so emotional, but it was a lovely response.

We chose to have our legal ceremony in private upstairs with just the two of us.

For the actual ceremony we had our friend and comedian Jayde Adams as the wedding overseer. Having someone that knew us made the ceremony feel incredibly

We wanted a party vibe and a big part of this was the music. On the RSVP we asked guests to list their favourite romantic song and party song and incorporated that into the day’s playlist.

personal.Liz:Two

of our best maids went above and beyond with their speech. They gathered us around a big screen and started playing a slideshow of old photos that broke into a video montage of them singing songs they’d rewritten about us. The whole room was singing along and it had us in tears of laughter.

We were both adamant that we wanted a live band for the evening. We spent at least a year looking for a band that would suit our day and then came across Party Manifesto, a 90s cover band. They didn’t disappoint, they really brought the party and everyone loved them!

Liz: Our day was everything I hoped it would be. The perfect balance of sentiment and party.

Mitch: Looking back, I realise how much adrenaline was racing through me, but I still managed to stay in the moment and take it all in. Having everyone we love in such an intimate and personal setting like that was very special.

I designed and had the engagement ring made when we were living in Kuwait.

LIZ AND MITCH’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue, The Bedford, www.thebedford.com | Photographer, Boutique Films, https://boutiqueweddingfilms.uk

| Mitch’s outfit, Julian Smith, www.instagram.com/j.smithstudio; Liz’s outfit, ASOS, www.asos.com | Hair and make-up artist, Kate Mitchell Makeup Studio, www.katemitchellmakeupstudio.co.uk | Stationery, Mitchell Content Management, www.instagram.com/mitchellcontentmanagement | Rings, Affinity Fine Jewellers, www.affinityjewellers.co.uk | Band, The Party Manifesto, www.thepartymanifesto.com | Table Cloths, Elf Occasions, www.elfoccasions.co.uk

FROM FRIENDS

Mariam and Charlie shared their special day with loved ones at Morden Hall Images courtesy of Paul Gapper Photography newlyweds

Mariam

and Charlie are both solicitors and have worked at the same firm since 2014. “We were great friends but that turned into something far more fantastic,” say Mariam. So fantastic that eventually Charlie proposed. “He asked me to marry him on Tower Bridge on our anniversary,” she says. “I wasn’t too surprised to be honest. The first proposal attempt was aborted – Charlie thought he covered it well, but he didn’t!” she recalls. “It was supposed to be by St Paul’s Cathedral where we had our first kiss, but the filming for a DC movie made it impossible.”Soonafterthe planning got underway, and the venue was decided upon. “We just loved Morden Hall as soon as we visited. The fact that it’s a country house setting, but in London was great and it was large enough for our ceremony and reception, so it was a winner for us,” says Mariam.

BIT OF BLING

Mariam opted for a classic elegant look. “I found ‘the one’ at Fairytale London in Fulham. I wanted a bit of bling though, so I customised it with pearls and diamante detailing on the waist, cuffs and neckline,” she says. She wore her hair in lose curls and accessorised with a tiered veil and crystal tiara to complement her dress.

Charlie and his groomsmen wore traditional morning suits with grey waistcoats and pink ties and their bridesmaids wore pale pink floor-length dresses in various styles, so all of the attire came together perfectly.

FLORAL EXTRAVAGANZA

Their day was brimming with blooms! Mariam’s bouquet was created with roses in various shades of pink and finished with pink gypsophila and the bridesmaid handtied posies were similar in style with green foliage. In the ceremony room, similar flowers were tied to the aisle chairs, a beautiful tabletop arrangement was placed at the alter and a stunning blush flower wall created a backdrop for their vows. “With it being a summer wedding, we wanted bright flowers and we chose a mix of fresh and artificial to keep them going strong throughout the day,” says Mariam. The aisle was also lined with matching petals and a range of pillar candles to create a romantic ambience.

DRAPERS’ HALL

At Drapers’ Hall you are marrying into 500 years of history. Thomas Cromwell chose to build his mansion in this very spot. Centuries and several reincarnations later, our Livery Hall is one of the grandest buildings in London, a palace in the heart of the City, surrounded by churches, a place where fellowship, generosity, heritage, and hospitality all come together. And for a day it will be yours. Sweep through the oak-panelled entrance hall and up the grand staircase to rooms decked with flowers where champagne flows, tables lit by silver candelabra glitter under painted ceilings and balconies give onto secret gardens.

Our experienced in-house team and gold medal-winning chef will be at your service. Every wedding is unique and Drapers’ Hall offers complete flexibility and exclusively for wedding couples, with bespoke catering options and inclusive wedding packages that can be tailored to your taste.

Couples that choose Drapers’ Hall for their wedding reception will benefit from an incredibly simple planning process, with all of the essentials included, plus elegant candelabra table centres, dance floor and a Steinway classic grand piano. Our Events team will help you at every stage to plan your day and ensure that every detail is perfect for you.

Whether Drapers’ Hall is chosen to host a small intimate wedding breakfast or the grandest of celebrations, the venue is available for your exclusive use, including our two outdoor spaces, meaning your special day does not have to be shared with anyone else but your guests.

Call the events team now on 0207 448 1324 or email us at events@thedrapers.co.uk for more information.

In the reception room, a mixture of high and low floral centrepieces matching the bouquets and ceremony styling, were placed on the tables, surrounded by blush petals and pink napkins finished the look perfectly. The flower wall from the ceremony room framed the top table and the tabletop arrangement was placed in amongst smaller vases of flowers to create a focal point where Mariam and Charlie were seated.

SOAK IT UP

For the cake, a three-tiered design complemented the summery look of the day. An ombre affect was created merging from cream to pink and pearls were used to add texture and elegance to the finished look. “We chose to have matching flowers cascading down from the top tier and it looked beautiful,” says Mariam.

Throughout the service, a harpist played romantic background music and into the evening, guests filled the dancefloor with a DJ playing until late. “Our first dance was just perfect,” says Mariam. “My top tip to all brides is to always give yourself more time than you need. We had very little time to relax or be together until we got to the disco in the evening and it’s so important to soak it all up

Fortogether.”theirhoneymoon, the duo went to Singapore for three days and then onto the Maldives for a week. “It was very much needed after the stress of planning our wedding. The whole trip was amazing, and we loved having that time out together as husband and wife.”

MARIAM AND CHARLIE’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue, Morden Hall, https://mordenhall.com | Photographer, Paul Gapper Photography, www.paulgapper.com | Dress, Fairytale London, www.fairytalelondon.com | Jewellery and accessories, Lace and Favour, www.laceandfavour.com; Carat London, www.caratlondon.com | Make-up artist, Kajol Beauty, www.kajolsbeauty.com | Suits, Oliver Brown, www.oliverbrown.org.uk | Cake, Simply Irresistible, www.simplyirresistiblecakes.com | Flowers, The Floral Decorator, www.thefloraldecorator.co.uk | Stationery, Maison Creations, https://maisoncreations.com; Papier, www.papier.com | Catering, Laguna, www.lagunarestaurant.com | Rings, Stephen Stone, www.stevenstone.co.uk | Entertainment, Surrey Event Services, www.surreyeventservices.co.uk; London Harpist, www.london-harpist.com | Table linen, Just4Linen, www.just4linen.co.uk

SAY YES to the dress

A round up of the city’s best bridal boutiques

LOVE LANE LONDON Gift Kenrick | www.lovelanelondon.com

Where: Love Lane London’s a London-based designer that sells mainly online with stockists around the country. About the boutique: Our bridal collection emphasises on dainty and feminine looks that are also comfortable to wear and functional for restyling after the wedding, so our brides can relive their happiest memories while leading a sustainable lifestyle. The versatility of our pieces allows them to be worn from hen do to honeymoon and beyond!

To help brides tell their own love story through their bridal ensemble, we offer personal embroidery on our cathedral veils with a 1-2 week processing time.

All of our products are made in the UK in a small, female-run

production studio. We’re proud to be a carbon-negative business through our partnership with Make It Wild UK, and we are also a member of the 1% for the Planet network.

Prices: Our accessories range from £19 for face masks to £500 for long capes, and our dresses range from £700-£900.

Sizes: We carry sizes UK4 to UK18 in stock, but we can custom make any size required with two to three months’ processing time.

Designers: All pieces are designed and made in London. Our production partner is a small and sustainable female-run studio based in East London.

Top tip: We recommend opting for stylish and functional bridalwear that’ll work beyond the big day, so you can re-wear them and relive your happiest memories again and again!

Where: Canonbury Yard, Islington. About the boutique: We don’t sell dresses; we create wedding outfits for the edgy bride! We offer a home-from-home experience from our little studio. It’s a very intimate creative space full of ideas and warmth. We offer a consultative and bespoke service to everyone, no matter what your vision may be, as long as it’s dress-less!

Prices: From £375 to £1,750. Bespoke at extra cost.

Sizes: We make to measure and are proud to be fully inclusive of every size. Everybody should have their dream wedding outfit become their reality.

Designers: House of Ollichon exclusively, we only stock our own pieces. Top tip: Have an open mind, you never know what’ll work until you try it. Embrace the curve balls but at the same time, ensure you stick to what you want, not your entourage. Our motto is ‘be a special version of your normal self’.

Where: I’m a slow fashion womenswear designer with an online shop and my focus is on ceremonial gowns with an eclectic twist. We create pieces that honour and celebrate your inner Goddess, inside and out. About the boutique: A Caro Gomez Goddess ceremonial gown is not like any other. We’re about the energetics of fashion. Colour, patterns, and a celebration of the power of the vulva. Our bespoke gowns are made in consultation and co-creation with you, with my background as a feminine embodiment coach we get to have deep and meaningful conversations to discover your soul style, your vibe, and your archetypal Spirit Animal. Why a Spirit Animal? These are energies that get to walk with you as you enter this new chapter and guide you along the way. Each gown is blessed with an indigenous ritual from my Mayan ancestry and a special ceremony for you and the giving of the gown can be created at your request. All pieces are designed and made in London by Latin hands.

Prices: Bespoke gowns start from £5,500 and the ready to wear collection starts from £550. Sizes: Bespoke are made for you and ready to wear are from a size UK8 to UK22.

Designers: Eponymous label. Top tip: Do what turns you on. My clients laugh when I tell them this, but it really is a sacral response that you want to tune into when you’re making decisions about your dress, venue, food and decor. Remember, you get to create magic, you get to be the creative director of this day and the ones to come, this is your masterpiece. Make it yours.

HOUSE OF OLLICHON Hannah Ollichon | www.houseofollichon.co.uk

CARO GOMEZ

Caro Gomez | https://carogomez.com

The Wedding Wardrobe was established with the intention of making every bride-to-be’s dreams and hopes fulfilled when it came to her ideal bridal style. In our boutique, you will experience one-to-one appointments in the luxury of your own bridal changing suite and a range of hand selected gowns from leading bridal designers. Our team are committed to giving every bride-to-be a magical experience with outstanding customer service. every bride becomes part of the wedding wardrobe family due to the bridal stylist’s devotion to realising your dream bridal style. 020

BRIDAL CAPRICE BOUTIQUE

Julia |

Where:https://bridalcaprice.co.uk

42 Shepherds Bush Road, Hammersmith.

About the boutique: We’re a small boutique with an excessive choice of dresses at a diverse price range. Our team’s experienced and passionate about their job and our appointments run on one-to-one basis, where the bride feels relaxed and exclusive. We also have an inhouse seamstress with more than 10 years’ experience, so we’re capable of making any alterations or modifications that brides want or need. To complete the look, you’ll find gorgeous veils and hair accessories. We make the veils ourselves and we always have a collection ready to go, but if you have special requirements, we can create it for you.

Prices: Our made to order dresses are priced from £1,000 to £4,000. We also have an extensive range of off the peg dresses that are less than £1,000, for those with a smaller budget or last-minute brides.

Sizes: We stock from size UK 8 to UK 24.

Designers: Sophia Tolli, Stella York by Essence, Demetrios and Platinum by Demetrios and Ronald Joyce.

Top tip: Stay open minded and don’t be afraid to say yes to the dress.

LONDON BRIDE UK Kim McCool | https://londonbrideuk.com

Where: Elephant and Castle, Southeast London

About the boutique: We have been established for over 40 years, have a wide range of sizes to suit many budgets and offer a warm, personal and professional experience.

Prices: £99 - £1,999.

Sizes: UK2 to UK30.

Designers: Mori Lee, Justin Alexander, Sincerity, Adore, Kenneth Winston, Stella York, Madeline Gardner, Maggie Sottero, Eternity.

Top tip: Don’t be afraid to try a style that you think wouldn’t suit you, it could just be ‘the one’!

Food glorious food

DIfyou’renotsure

Local caterers share their top tips

where to start when it comes to your big-day food and drink, this A-Z guide will help you out! We caught up with Kate Bassett, Boulevard Events; Zoe Rafah, Zoe’s Heavenly Creations; Gwen Johnson, Sweet Sensations; Cynthia Akinsanya, Delights by Cynthia and Tom Lissimore, Hire the Bar, for the low down…

AASK!

Your chosen caterer is here to make your day as much about YOU as possible – if you’ve got a favourite dish that you’d love to serve, then ask if they can do it! Popular restaurants have their own cookbooks or recipes available, so why not have Dishoom’s Gunpowder Potatoes as your side dish, or serve duck and waffle as your starter from our range of mouthwatering options? – Kate

DESSERT TABLE

For a vibe that’s a bit more relaxed, a dessert table works wonders. It allows plenty of choice and the opportunity for your guests to sample a selection of sweet treats. – Gwen

BBISCUITS

Biscuits in sugar clothing! What a perfect delight for your guests. These would make great favours. – Zoe

CCAKE AND COOKERY CLASSES

Master your cake making or cookery skills whilst enjoying afternoon tea with your hens. – Zoe

EVENING SNACKS

Gone are the days of couples requesting the typical buffet for evening guests – now we’re serving fish finger sandwiches, salt beef bagels, falafel kebabs, and mochi to keep the energy levels high for dancing. – Kate

FLOWERS

FWhether you like fresh, silk or fondant flowers on your cake, they’re sure to make a stunning impact. – Zoe

GIFTS

Treat your loved ones to a BouqCake gift. A range of beautiful floral cupcakes wrapped like a bouquet of flowers. Perfect as a table centrepiece or for those all-important thank you gifts. – Gwen

HEART FAVOURS

HWe like to fill our delicious hearts with chocolate brownie. They’re perfect on your dessert table or as a wedding favour. With so many designs, they can fit your theme perfectly. – Gwen

IINSTANT SPARKLE

Glittered fruit adds an instant sparkle as an edible table decoration. – Cynthia

JJACOBS LADDER

KKEEP A SLICE

With everything going on during your day, the biggest mistake couples make is not getting to eat any of the cake! To avoid this, ask your caterers to keep a slice from each tier and box it up for you to take home. – Gwen

LLIME PISTACHIOAND CAKE

You don’t have to stick to traditional cake flavours. Be adventurous and have something fresh and contemporary. – Zoe

This –mainthymemushroomssquashcroquette,potato,servedshortslow-cookedribofbeefwithparmesanceleriacbutternutpuree,wildandajusisawinnercourseoption.Kate

MMODERN designs,Contemporarywhich are bespoke, yummy and moist. – Zoe

OOREOS

Chocolate-covered Oreos will go down a storm with guests of all ages. – Cynthia

QBBQ!

Outdoor events are made whole by the aroma of a barbeque in the air. Consider the delight on people’s faces when they smell the sizzle of a homemade lamb and rosemary burger. It’s certainly one of the most popular options when it comes to pleasing your guests and we have some truly delicious menus to choose from. – Kate

PPOST-CEREMONY

Many couples are embracing the American-style cocktail hour post-ceremony, opting to serve substantial canapés or bowl food in place of a starter – this way you can work more of your favourite foods into your day. – Kate

RRELAXED AND INFORMAL

Shared menus are growing in popularity. With this family style dining, each table immediately bursts into conversation, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Think beautiful cuts of meat, wonderfully healthy salads, and a delicious array of side dishes. – Kate

SSUPPLIER MEALS

Always check your supplier contracts and see if you’re required to provide a meal, especially if your venue isn’t close to any shops. Nobody can work on an empty stomach, so it’s nice to give them something even if it isn’t a requirement. – Kate

UUNDERSTAND YOUR INGREDIENTS

The last thing you want to do is make one of your guests ill, so raise any allergies with your baker at your earliest opportunity. Your supplier will be able to give you a specific list of all the allergens your cake will contain. – Gwen

TTIMINGS

Timings are so important for your caterer, so delays in service are always a logistical nightmare. We recommend speeches occur either before the starter’s served, or after the dessert's cleared away. The last thing any caterer wants is to serve sub-par food, which can happen if a ‘quick’ speech rolls over into 15 or even 30 minutes. – Kate

VVEGAN VEGETARIANAND

We’ve seen a rise in fully vegetarian and/or vegan weddings in the past two years. Getting creative and drawing on popular flavours, like our Miso Glazed Aubergine, we’ve found that guests don’t miss the meat. –

RAISE YOUR GLASS

Thinking about a mobile bar? Here, Hire the Bar’s Tom Lissimore answers those burning questions…

WKateQ - If we hire a bar, do we need to provide anything ourselves? The beauty of hiring a bar is that you don’t have to worry about glassware, ice, fruit, the team. When using Hire the Bar we include everything related to serving drinks to you and your guests.

WOW-FACTOR

You spend a good amount of money on your cake, so make sure it’s displayed with a fabulous cake stand for maximum impact and not stuck in a corner. – Gwen

XXTRA CAKE

Minimise waste. Often cake’s left over at the end of the day, so ask your caterers to wrap any leftovers and take it home to freeze it. You can then have edible memories of your wedding for up to three months after. – Gwen

Our Hunters’ Gathering was the Winning Canapé of the Square Meal Canapé Cup 2014. Smoked venison with wild mushroom, celeriac and truffle puree, pancetta, fresh blackberry and a sweet Rioja jus collected in a crisp potato basket –what’s not to love! – Kate

ZOE’S CREATIONSHEAVENLY

To take care of your hen party, wedding cake wedding –

SUPPLIERS

Kate Bassett, www.boulevardevents.co.uk

Zoe Rafah, https://zoes-heavenly-creations.com

Gwen Johnson, http://sweet-sense.co.uk

Cynthia Akinsanya, www.delightsbycynthia.co.uk

Tom Lissimore, www.hirethebar.com

Q

– Do we have to follow a set menu? You know your guests best, so let us know the drinks they love along with your favourites and we’ll make it happen. You can even choose your favourite shot for your toast – the choice is yours.

Q

– Will we need to worry about the legal stuff?

We take care of all legalities including the license and insurance as if our life depended on it.

Q – Can we add our own styling to suit our theme?

This is your wedding bar so feel free to add your personal touches. As long as it’s not dangerous or permanent!

Q – How do we know if we’ll like the wine on offer?

We’ll send you samples to make sure it’s perfect for you. Our most popular wines are Sauvignon Blanc Voigner, Chardonnay, Picpul, Shiraz, Merlot and Malbec.

Q – We want our day to be all about the cocktails. Can we create our own?

We offer a separate cocktail bar. Let’s face it, who wants to be waiting for cocktails to be made if they’re over after a pint. We’ll work with you to create your favourites.

Q – Do we go for a cash bar, open bar or a mix?

Whether you want a free bar all night, for a few hours or a straightforward pay bar; we have a variety of options to suit all budgets so you and your guests can enjoy themselves.

OLD-FASHIONED elegance

This Bridgerton-inspired shoot oozes class and romance

Inspired by TV series Bridgerton, Fife Adedokum, lead stylist at The Bailey Events Company, brought a team of creatives together to create this stunning shoot. “The idea was to bring some old-fashioned elegance to the heart of modern London,” she says.

“Selecting the colour pallet was easy. I fell in love with burgundy and blush. For the bride and groom’s styling I had a vision of the bride in two different gowns and a tux and bow tie for the groom,” says Fife. For the ceremony look the bride wore the couture Velez design by Pronovias paired with stunning hair accessories and the second look was provided by Millia London. “I just had to reach out to Millia London for their cascading ruffles, muted tones and tulles,” she says. The bridal make-up was natural to allow the dresses to do all the talking. The groom looked handsome in a custom-made suit, the fabric of which was sourced in France, and it complemented the look and feel of the day perfectly.

For the flowers, fabulous combinations of roses, carnations, eucalyptus and anthurium were used for the floral arch and beautiful chandeliers gave the tablescape a romantic feel along with burgundy, blush and ivory tapered candles. “We chose a white classic charger plate paired with modern pink glassware and blush napkins topped with velvet burgundy ribbons,” says Fife.

The stunning cake was created by Nina of Erzuliecakes. “When creating a cake for a venue like this, it’s impossible to ignore the beautiful structure and architecture of the rooms,” she says. The baroque designs on the walls inspired the golden accents on the cake, and the vast windows inspired the clear tiers, giving height and elegance to the design. Delicate sugar flowers in burgundy and blush tied in other elements from the day, such as the dress and florals, creating a cohesive look and a romantic feel across the shoot.

The stationery suite was designed using a colour palette of claret, pale blush and natural tones. The invitation was hot foiled in gold with a complementary floral band, cameo wax seals and vellum wrap. Blush menus were also used for the tablescape with deep red place settings calligraphed in gold ink. “To add an extra layer of elegance to the day, the couple would have their first dance to music played by the talented harpist,” says Fife.

SHOOT SUPPLIERS

Venue, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, www.10-11cht.com | Photographer, John Nassari Photography, www.johnnassari.co.uk | Videographer, Meros Production Ltd, www.merosproductions.co.uk | Planner, The Bailey Events Company, www.baileyevents.co.uk | Shoot assistant, Roberta Burcheri Events, www.robertaburcherievents.com | Dresses, Mirror Mirror London, www.mirrormirror.uk.com; Millia London, www.millialondon.com | Accessories, Saint Beth Official, www.instagram.com/saintbethofficial2 | Hair Stylist, GHAB PRO, www.instagram.com/ghabpro | Make-up artist, Makeupology, www.makeupology.co.uk | Suit, Prince Made Bespoke, www.princemadebespoke.com | Cake, Erzulie Cakes, www.erzuliecakes.com | Flowers, OMF Events, www.omfevents.com | Earrings, Lola Knight, www.lolaknight.com | Stationery, Lynda Loves, www.lyndaloves.com | Veil, Dolecka Bridal, www.dolecka.co.uk | Bridal shoes, Diane Hassall, www.dianehassall.com | Linen and napkins, Northfields Linen, www.linenforhire.co.uk | Furniture rental, Be Amazed Weddings and Events, www. beamazedweddingsandevents.com | Harpist, Soraya Vermeulen, www.sorayavermeulen.co.uk | Crockery, The Bailey Events Company, www.baileyevents.co.uk | Chandeliers rentals, Crescent Moon Events, www.crescent-moon.co.uk | Silk ribbons, Cfleurs Design, www.instagram.com/cfleursdesign | Wardrobe assistant, Darnelle Holder, www.instagram.com/darnelleholder

SAY IT WORDSWITH

Thank your best girls with

Shine bright like a diamond

These 14-carat white gold pavé hoop earrings, £404, are made with sustainably grown diamonds and form part of the recent collection from jewellers Vrai, https://uk.vrai.com

ALL DRESSED UP

Grace Loves Lace has recently unveiled the second part of their Amavi occasionwear collection featuring classic bias-cut slip dresses made from 95% recycled satin. The earthy colour palette consists of dusky pink and moss green styles, https://graceloveslace.co.uk

FASHION focus

Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals the latest bridal news, buys and launches

NECK CANDY

Take a stride

Put your best bridal foot forward in these Leah sandals, £525, personalised with ‘Wifey for Lifey’ on the www.sophiawebster.comsole,

THANKS, MUM!

Thank the leading lady in your life with this Italian leather trinket box, £110, www noblemacmillan.com

Editor’s pick

Eternal flame

The perfect pick for newlyweds, check out the L’Essenziale 18-carat gold bracelet that’s invisibly welded to the wrist (with no clasp) to form an eternal strand from jeweller Atelier VM at www.ateliervm.com/eu/enLiberty,

LITTLE LOVLIES

Roco Clothing has just launched a new sustainable collection of dresses that includes a junior flowergirl and teen selection for those fashion-yet-planet-conscious teenagers. This Tinker Bell-style tulle dress, £49, features a semi-sheer pleated bodice and floaty layered cap sleeves, www.rococlothing.co.uk

UK-based online jewellery store Primrose Hill Jewellery has unveiled its wedding collection that includes an enchanting range of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and sets, like these little gems from www.primrosehilljewellery.com/wedding-jewelleryDiamonfire,

EDITOR LOVES

This 14-carat rose gold Kensington bracelet features a ruby root, a symbol of good https://tateossian.comfortune,

Editor’s favourite

Touch up your wedding dress on the go with this cute pink handheld steamer, £120, https://steamery.co.uk

This handmade sterling silver spinner pendant necklace, £88, can be customised with a message on the front and back, the perfect gift for the morning of the wedding, www.wildfawnjewellery.com

Scan to view video

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Annette

BOTH WORLDSBest of

Pitzhanger Manor set the scene for this elegant shoot

The countryside setting and opulent interiors of Pitzhanger Manor are a dream for any wedding planner, so when Jenny Lane, owner of Juno Weddings visited, her creative brain went into overdrive and this stunning shoot came to life. “The history, grandeur and quirky details within the venue such as the hand-painted Chinese silk wallpaper and wonderful statues were the inspiration behind the shoot and I wanted to showcase all of these beautiful details,” says Jenny.

“The Manor’s set within stunning grounds, which provides the feeling of being in the countryside, whilst being in London; it’s a great mixture of both worlds,” she adds. Using local, native flowers from London by Wild Fennel Flowers, matched with stunning crockery from Maison Margaux, the styling was grand but also eco.

“Our bride wore handmade hair accessories and an amazing dress, all by a new designer Biel Bride who are a London-based, sister-led business. The designer used over 350 metres of tulle, which along with the crystal detail on the bodice of the gown, was all hand sewn,” says Jenny. The bridal look was fresh and natural with a rich bespoke lip colour that matched the flowers and the colour scheme for the shoot and highend jewellery complemented the surroundings and added the finishing touches.

SHOOT SUPPLIERS

Shoot co-ordinator and wedding planner, Juno Weddings, https://junoweddings.co.uk | Venue, Pitzhanger Manor, www.pitzhanger.org.uk | Photographer, Sophie Mort, www.sophiemort.com | Dress, Biel Bride, www.bielbride.com | Accessories, Jacqui Larsson Fine Jewellery, https://jacquilarsson.com | Hair and make-up, Olga Marigold Photography & Makeup, https://olgamarigoldphotog.wixsite.com/photography | Suits, Matalan, www.matalan.co.uk | Cake, Maison de Desserts, www.instagram.com/maisondedesserts | Flowers, Wild Fennel Flowers, www.wildfennelflowers.com | Stationery, PS Weddings, www.psweddings.co.uk | Shoes, Diane Hassall, https://dianehassall.com | Crockery, Maison Margaux, https://maisonmargauxltd.com | Celebrant, Colette Ashby Celebrant, https://coletteashby.com | Videographer, Story by Shan Films, www.storybyshan.com | Models, Rhea and Sam, https://www.instagram.com/rheandsam

FLAWLESS GLOW

Q – I don’t usually wear much make-up so I don’t want to go too heavy, but I still want to look fabulous on our big day. What can I do to achieve this?

On your wedding day you should feel like yourself but a more glamorous version. Make-up should never feel or look heavy. It’s there to enhance your natural beauty and leave you glowing down the aisle. Here are my top tips...

Skincare: This is key for your make-up to sit flawlessly. It’s like painting – prime well and everything will last longer. Exfoliate first to leave a smooth canvas, then apply a hydrating serum, a mist and a moisturiser to drip feed the skin. My go to products are Vichy Mineral, 89 Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum; Bobbi Brown, Vitamin Face Base and Tatcha Luminous, Dewy Skin Mist. Exfoliators can range from Avene for a gentle exfoliation with beads in to Trinny London’s Tiptoe In liquid exfoliator.

Foundation: Once you’ve applied your primer (I love Laura Mercier and Charlotte Tilbury, which has factor 50 sun protection in for those summer days), choosing the right foundation is key and remember less is more! Ask your make-up artist to assess your skin. If you don’t have much to cover up just apply a lighter coverage to even out your complexion such as Charlotte Tilbury, Light Wonder or Beautiful Skin. If you need

slightly more, opt for medium coverage like Armani Luminous Silk and use concealers where necessary. Tinted moisturisers although gorgeous, won’t offer you the longevity you need, which is very important when you’re wearing make-up for sometimes more than 10 hours.

Top Tip: After application, use your fingertips to warm the foundation into the skin by lightly pressing and rolling the fingers over the base. This will ensure it sits beautifully on your face. Remember to always use a setting spray to set your make-up. I love Urban Decay Vitamin C All Nighter setting spray, which helps it last for up to 16 hours.

Airbrush make-up: Another option is to choose airbrush make-up. This is make-up that’s lightly sprayed onto the face, evening out your complexion. It’s been designed for HD television, and is so light you can’t see it on the skin – it’s perfect for you if you don’t like wearing much.

You may ask which is better for you? Ask your make-up artist to assess your skin to see which base they think looks better and try both at your trial.

Philippa Louise Make-up Artist | Philippa Lee | www.philippalouisemakeup.co.uk

HOT TOPIC

Our local pros answer your big-day woes

THE RIGHT BLOOMING DESIGN

I don’t want my flowers and dress to clash. Should I find my dress first and then choose my bouquet?

Yes! Not all bouquet shapes suit all outfits. If you’re not sure where to start, your florist will be able to advise but here are some tips…

❤ Classic A-line – The bouquet’s job here is to balance the top and bottom half of the dress. For V-necks, a V-shaped bouquet works to highlight the ornate detailing at the top of the dress without detracting from the flowing A-line below. Medium bouquet shapes and styles are usually perfect and you can play around with pops of colour and textures that tie in with your venue to add interest. Hand-tied bouquets work brilliantly for that freshly-picked feel!

❤ Column dresses – Whether your dress is figure-hugging or drops straight to the floor, opt for a smaller round design to contrast the rectangular lines. Bouquets of the same flowers and colour palette offer a timeless and classic look.

❤ Ballgowns – Make sure your bouquet doesn’t get lost behind the dress. Big blooms mixed with smaller blooms matching the colours and

PERFECT AMBIENCE

We’ve always loved the idea of having music at our ceremony that doesn’t feel too intrusive and the flute and harp would be ideal. Would we have to have classical music, or could we choose something more contemporary?

Often the combination of flute and harp leads people to believe that they’re only associated with classical music, but this is far from the case. Queen, Ed Sheeran, Christina Perri, Bruno Mars and similar artists can all be performed. We suggest that you choose music that’s special to you both, such as when you first met or artists and melodies that you’re interested in. Your day is made up of several elements and live music’s a wonderful way of tying these together.

❤ As your guests are seated for the ceremony, we perform a selection of music to set the scene and entertain them prior to your entrance.

❤ Your ceremony music will include the bride’s entrance, two or three pieces whilst you are signing the register and one other for you to walk back down the aisle to as a married couple.

❤ During your drinks reception, we perform a range of songs and music from all genres so there’s something for everyone.

Live background music’s perfect during your wedding breakfast. We perform requests during the meal, and we can also include music from Disney films to make sure that children feel included too.

Not only does live music sound great, but it also creates a visual element. Guests frequently talk to us about our music and the

textures of your day will keep the middle ground between size and statement. Classic flowers such as roses are popular to pair with this classic dress style.

❤ Mermaid – We’d recommend a cascading bouquet that draws the eye down to the unusual shape of the dress. Though, if your dress is incredibly detailed, keep your bouquet simple.

❤ Short – Dainty posies are the perfect choice. For the unconventional bride, we love a single stem to make a statement. If you want to add a little extra elegance, attach a long trailing ribbon!

❤ Modern suits – Your bouquet should be bold, individualist, modern, and undeniably powerful. A modern shape is a must whether that’s a crescent bouquet or a design that has unexpected elements or flowers. We recommend hairpieces or statement floral jewellery to match so that anyone who sees you on your special day knows that this isn’t just any gorgeous suit - it’s your wedding suit.

Michal Kowalski and Michael Dariane | Blooming Haus | https://bloominghaus.com

instruments we use as they’re unusual, so they often want to know more about them and how they work.  Graham and Kylie West | Just Two, Flute and Harp Duo | www.justtwo.co.uk

I SAW THE SIGN

We’re planning our big-day signage and don’t know where to start. Can you help?

Personalised signage can make a huge difference to your day and is the best way to bring your personality through to your theme and décor. If you’re not sure what signs should go where, I find it best to walk through each part of the day and decide which signs would work in the venue and what you’d like to include. Here are some ideas… ❤ Entrance – The first thing guests will see as they arrive so it’s your time to make them feel welcome with a welcome sign, directional arrows, or an order of the day

❤ Ceremony – One of the most important signs is an unplugged ceremony announcement. Let your photographer get the best shots and ask guests to put their phones away. Other items include reserved tags, quotes running down the aisle, a seating plan or a no sides plan.

❤ Reception – During dinner opt for hand-lettered place cards or favours and bring through your theme to your table decorations. From lettered table numbers, bespoke menus or a tabletop banner that sits right in front of you.

❤ Evening party – Always make sure your venue brings through any signage to your reception, so your evening guests can see them too. If you’re having a sweet or cake table, you could have a menu of the selection or a sweet quote. We can create guestbook signs to

WITH THIS RING

I love the idea of bespoke wedding rings that we can get involved in designing. Is that even possible and how does that process work? Working on bespoke pieces is one of the things we enjoy doing the most, we love being part of your special occasion. If you have an idea for a piece of jewellery or if you’d like us to come up with a design for a one-off piece, we’ll work with you in person or remotely to produce something beautiful within your budget and to your desired specifications. We’ll update you at every step of the process to make sure you’re happy and informed along the journey.

All our bespoke pieces are made in my Central London studio. Whether it’s an engagement ring, wedding band or a reworked heirloom, each piece will be the result of expert craftsmanship. We employ different techniques depending on your taste and design, using traditional wax carvings and 3D printing; we can also provide 3D renderings. We source our stones carefully and responsibly and we can find speciality stones or cuts from reliable suppliers.

Bespoke commissions can often take time so be sure to allow for that. There’ll be a lead time of between 8 to 12 weeks depending on the design and materials. The commissioning process has five steps:

❤ Initial discussion of budget and ideas.

❤ Sourcing of materials.

make sure your loved ones sign it correctly. If you’re accepting gifts and cards, we can create an area for your guests to safely drop those items off. You could even create your own cocktails and have a designed bar menu. There are so many possibilities when it comes to wedding signage. From design to materials that can be included, and I love to work on them all!

Charlotte Donnelley-Davids | Itchy and Sketchy | https://itchyxsketchy.com

❤ Making the piece.

❤ Final check and delivery.

When commissioning your jewellery, we ask for as much detail as possible; reference photos or drawings are always useful. Once we’ve had chance to discuss your ideas and agree a plan with you, we can set about bringing your piece into reality. A deposit will need to be taken before we can begin. We look forward to working with you to create something that you can treasure forever.

Niza Huang | Niza Huang | www.nizahuang.com

WIN A MINIMOON IN THE ALGARVE WORTH £1,000

Celebrating its 50 year anniversary throughout 2022, the Algarve’s Quinta do Lago Resort has been providing, since its inception, topof-the-range residential offerings, world-class sport, wellness and lifestyle facilities and five-star cuisine, all whilst maintaining a virtually untouched region of natural beauty.

The resort’s founder, Andre Jordan had a vision to create a destination inspired by nature, reflected in the resort’s ample natural spaces and green areas. From Jordan’s first impression of the landscape to its worldrenowned status today, the success of Quinta do Lago is found in its simplicity and unwavering vision of excellence.

Having been at the forefront of international golf, hosting eight Portuguese Opens as well as numerous other international tournaments, its home to three world-class golf courses and boasts a wealth of cuttingedge practice facilities.

As well as improving sustainability on its championship courses, Quinta do Lago is adopting an enhanced approach to conservation across other business sectors of the resort including at its world-class sports hub The Campus, The Magnolia Hotel, its 13 bars and restaurants and general resort services. The resort created its own farm last year, Q Farm, to provide its restaurants with homegrown organic produce and has now announced a series of further measures to help foster nature, including organising and participating in beach clean ups, placing information boards on the golf courses and nearby nature trails advising people of the wildlife living nearby and supporting the local community to learn about sustainable choices.

The aforementioned The Magnolia Hotel is a truly unique boutique hotel bringing a taste of Palm Springs to the Algarve. Offering an unbeatable location just moments away from Quinta do Lago, it provides an idyllic base to sample world class golf, shopping, beach, nightlife and

the new elite sports performance centre, The Campus.

Playing host to 74 rooms, three suites and seven one-of-a-kind cottages The Magnolia Hotel boasts a heated outdoor pool, colourful in-house restaurant, cinema, gymnasium and spa – what more could you desire for the perfect post-wedding Mediterranean getaway!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Quinta do Lago, call + 351 289 390 700 or visit: Thewww.quintadolago.comMagnoliaHotel,call +351 289 005 300 or visit www.themagnoliahotelqdl.com

THE PRIZE

Quinta do Lago is offering two nights at the beautiful  The Magnolia Hotel on a B&B basis, including a dinner at Casa do Lago,  the elegant restaurant boasts fresh fish, seafood and seasonal ingredients to make tasty dishes, all with a lovely lakeside view. The resort is also offering an experience at The Campus, the resorts elite performance facility with activities such as, tennis, padel, gym classes and a lovely spa facilities to relax in after a day of activities.

HOW TO ENTER

For your chance to win, answer the following question:

Q: What is the name of the resort’s elite sports performance centre?

Head over to our website www.your.london.wedding to enter. Closing date is 9th December, 2022. T&Cs apply. Good luck!

HONEYMOONNews

HotelITALYdeLen

opened at the end of 2021 after a total renovation of the former Hotel Impero, located in the centre of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The sustainble project was designed by the Gris+Dainese studio in Venice and offers a contemporary experience.

Open year-round, the property has 22 rooms, a spa on the top floor overlooking the mountains and valley, as well as a restaurant and a bar.

During the warmer seasons, Cortina d’Ampezzo offers more than 850 climbing routes for hiking and trekking, as well as restaurants and mountain refuges. Cortina is also famous for its via ferratas, equipped with metal cables, walkways, suspension bridges and stairs. Additionally, there are 16 routes for mountain bike enthusiasts, numerous options for E-bikes and 700km of cycle paths for road bikes that take you through breathtaking landscapes. To find out more, visit

Villas are only a few minutes drive from the island’s capital town and port. Part of a fourvilla complex, each villa can be rented out separately with up to four guests each or as a whole to accommodate large groups of family and friends with a shared swimming pool and outdoor living areas.

Each villa is a three-storey home thoughtfully designed to offer a comfortable stay featuring open-plan spaces and large floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Pigadia Bay. The main floor features a cosy living room overlooking the surrounding gardens and sea, and the mezzanine level includes an en suite king-size bedroom and a separate bathtub. A fully-equipped kitchen and dining area as well as an en suite double bedroom can be found on the lower level.

Karpathos is a remote paradis with picturesque landscapes perfect for rock climbing, hiking, biking, scuba diving and windsurfing. Find out more at www.thegreekvillas.com

RHODES, GREECE

Located on the Medieval Greek island of Rhodes and surrounded by endless views of the Aegean Coast stands The Ixian Grand & All Suites. This season, the property invites couples to enjoy all-inclusive spa and wellness experiences in collaboration with the award-winning wellness brand, Aegeo Spa. Those looking for ultimate relaxation can book a Cretan couple’s massage in a private and secluded room with warm essential oils. The retreat also offers revitalising treatments such as an 80-minute full body massage, mini facials, bronzing therapies and body masks.

The Ixian Grand & All Suites is home to six stylish restaurants and bars and 348 beautiful rooms decorated in calming neutral shades, exuding sophistication and elegance. Each space has been designed with ultimate rest and relaxation in mind. Deluxe Rooms are available with spa tubs and views of the sea and gardens, while the Grand Suites are accompanied by private or shared pools with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea.

To book, visit www.theixiangrand.gr

Travel editor Melissa Cullen reveals new openings and honeymoon essentials

QuintaPORTUGALdoLagoiscelebrating its 50th birthday. During that time, it has provided top-of-therange residential offerings, world-class sport, wellness and lifestyle facilities and five-star cuisine, all whilst maintaining a virtually untouched region of natural beauty.

As well as improving sustainability on its three 18-hole championship courses, Quinta do Lago is adopting an enhanced approach to conservation across the resort, including its world-class sports hub, The Magnolia Hotel, its 13 bars and restaurants and general resort

Seanservices.Moriarty, the CEO of Quinta do Lago, comments: “The history of Quinta do Lago lives on in every corner of the resort today; a legacy of lifestyle firmly rooted in health, family and connection to nature. As an award-winning, world-renowned destination for luxury lifestyle, we are proud to be a place of constant inspiration, where the quality of life is measured by outdoor lifestyle and treasured family moments, and with a commitment to nature, our sustainable approach protects the environment and secures the future for generations to come.”

The resort will be celebrating its 50th birthday with a variety of events over the comingDiscovermonths.more at www.quintadolago.com

TheTURKEYStayBoulevard

Nisantasi, Istanbul’s hottest new hotel for 2022, is now open for bookings. This beautifully-designed 82-room property in the heart of the city’s refined fashion and cultural district joins The Stay’s established collection of luxurious properties.

In keeping with the rest of the collection, The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi offers guests a blend of heritage, arts, culture and stellar design. Acclaimed Turkish architect Mahmut Anlar has created a hip hideaway with rooms and suites with walk-in closets, grand marble bathrooms and kitchenettes. Many of them connect for extended stays or large groups, and The Stay Boulevard Suite includes a terrace perfect for sipping drinks as the sun sets.

After a day visiting the historical sights and contemporary museums, guests will love retreating to the spa and wellness floor for a dip in the indoor pool, a Pilates session or an authentic Turkish hammam.

The location boasts designer boutiques from Louis Vuitton to Chanel, and Hermes, as well as local designers such as Begum Khan.

Head over to www.thestay.com.tr for more information.

ST. WindjammerLUCIALanding

Villa Beach Resort, St Lucia, has announced a new wellness program. Known for its Mediterranean-style offerings, Windjammer Landing boasts guest rooms and villas with waterfront views overlooking Labrolette Bay and the Caribbean Sea. The wellness program includes Hummingbird Yoga, Detox, Immunity and Weight Loss Retreats, Complete Serenity Packages and Sunset Beach

“SincePicnics.thestart of the pandemic, our guests have become more health-conscious and wellness-oriented, which has inspired us to reflect on how we deliver a meaningful practice,” said Alex Danila, the director of spa and wellness. “We’re using our idyllic setup to inspire travellers from all around the world to practice meaningful wellness through these programs, so they’ll leave our slice of heaven feeling fully rejuvenated.”

Visit www.windjammer-landing.com for more information.

VirginSWITZERLANDLimitedEditionhascreated

the perfect getaway for those wanting a summer holiday in the mountains. The Lodge, Sir Richard Branson’s famed mountain retreat, is situated in the heart of Verbier, just five-minutes from the village centre. Comprising of nine bedrooms and suites, sleeping up to 18 adults, The Lodge boasts a traditionally-made bunkroom, equipped with a TV, PlayStation, and beanbags, making it the ideal bedroom and hangout for up to six children.

Guests can spend their days hiking and biking through the mountains, discovering more of the local area, or putting their feet up with a good book by the pool. Verbier has something for everyone, including cable cars that reach the summit of Mont Fort, stunning golf ranges, family horse treks, boutiques and designer shops.

Check out www.virginlimitededition.com/en/the-lodge for more information.

THETHATISLANDSCAPTUREMOMENT

After “I do” celebrate life together on an island hopping adventure through 16 unique island destinations, sprinkled across 100,000 square miles of uninhabited cays and the world’s clearest water.

Visit Bahamas.com/weddings 0207 3550800

FROM MADRIDWith love

Editor Claire Ridley spent Easter in Spain’s vibrant capital city

From the moment I arrived in Madrid, a two-and-a-half hour flight from London, I was greeted by a myriad of narrow streets and large squares filled with landmarks to fill my Insta feed at every turn, from the iconic Royal Palace of Madrid and Plaza Mayor to the eclectic mix of boutiques, tapas restaurants and bars. This extended bank holiday is a great time to visit when the weather has warmed up (average temperature 67 degrees) but the heat of the summer hasn’t yet descended on the city.

A WARM WELCOME

Nestled in the heart of this largest city in Spain, tucked away on Calle de Echegaray, sits the five-star Gran Hotel Inglés, Madrid’s oldest hotel having opened its doors for the first time in 1886. Located a 25-minute drive from the airport, I was excited to visit this boutique property, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, that oozes the glamour of bygone times from the moment you step into the decadent 1920s-inspired lobby with its feature bar, mirrored walls and Art Deco touches.

into a delicious menu of pastries, cold meats and cheese, eggs benedict and a selection of miniature desserts washed down with a Cosmopolitan cocktail, all while enjoying live music from talented singer, songwriter and guitarist Gigi (www.instagram.com/gigimcfarlane).McFarlane

with a choice of L’Occitane bath products. A highlight was the balcony providing outside space in the city –stepping on to it and admiring the view, I felt like I was in a movie.

DINE IN STYLE

Restaurant Casa Lobo in the hotel is well-known on the Madrid dining scene, with its open-plan kitchen serving traditional dishes. A highlight for me was the Show Brunch, priced at 45 euros per person and served every Sunday in the lobby, where I tucked

TAKE A DIP

A fun way of giving my body a little TLC after a day spent sightseeing was a visit to the dedicated spa facility and wellness area where I reserved the jacuzzi and had exclusive use of the entire spa. Tempting treatments on the extensive spa menu that uses Sisley products include an aromatic Californian massage.

WHAT TO SEE

A visit to the tourist hotspot Sol-Gran Via is a must, where adjoining streets blend culture and history with theatres, restaurants and shops. El Retiro Park provides a green oasis in the heart of the city, the perfect spot for a picnic with its pretty Rosaleda Rose Garden and a large artificial lake where rowing boats can be rented.

DO NOT DISTURB

The hotel boasts 48 luxurious rooms and suites, from the spacious Deluxe and Grand Deluxe Rooms to the Echegaray Suite (bearing the same name as the street outside) which was my home-from-home for three nights. This stylish space sleeps up to four people in two large suites interconnected by a hallway (perfect if you’re enjoying a family-moon). There are two king-size beds with a pillow menu that guaranteed my beauty sleep, two fully equipped bathrooms with waterfall showers and a freestanding vintage-inspired bathtub

Last but certainly not least, the La Latina neighbourhood situated in the heart of Madrid, dating back to the Middle Ages, is home to the famous El Rastro Flea Market which was top of my list to discover. Allow some time in this bustling area that offers a romantic mix of old meets new. Viva España! IT: Rates at from approx £325 per room per night on a bed and breakfast

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