ADDING THE WOW FACTOR The wedding décor blended elegance, personality, and cultural touches, with a strong green colour theme running throughout. Every detail was carefully chosen to reflect the couple’s style and make the day beautiful, fun, and welcoming for all. Iko and Liam wanted their favours to be thoughtful and practical, so they gave each guest a blanket and a bottle of apple juice. The blankets were embroidered with their wedding date in green and white to match the theme. The apple juice, Liam’s favourite from Abel & Cole, added a personal touch. They also included a handwritten note in each package to thank guests for attending, making the favours even more special. The couple aimed for a cohesive and stylish look across all stationery, so they chose Papier’s Amongst the Trees range for the table plan, name cards, menus, and order of service booklets. The subtle botanical theme complemented the floral arrangements and overall décor, adding a thoughtful and polished touch. Since food was served family-style, they opted for a practical yet stylish table setup instead of traditional centrepieces. Large wooden blocks served as platforms for the dishes, making it easy for guests to share while keeping the tables polished. To enhance the décor, different shades of green glass and tapered candles were placed throughout the tables, with floral arrangements positioned to the side. This kept the setup functional while tying into the overall theme. One of the most memorable details was the tapered candles burning as the evening went on, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Combined with the huge chandelier in the Hale Park wedding breakfast room, it added to the cosy, elegant feel. The couple focused more on lush greenery than traditional floral arrangements, and the florist executed this beautifully. Emma from Ems Stems & Co created an elegant, natural look, using various types of greenery and carefully chosen flowers. “We loved how practical and versatile the arrangements were,” says Iko. “Emma recommended flowers and greenery that could be moved from the ceremony space to the wedding breakfast room, keeping everything fresh and cohesive.” They also thanked St Mary’s Hale for their beautiful arrangements, which worked perfectly alongside theirs. The bride says, “It was lovely to see everything come together so naturally. The next day, we donated the florals back to the church so the congregation could enjoy them—such a nice way to ensure the flowers continued to bring joy after the wedding!” FOOD FOR THOUGHT Food played a huge part in the wedding, and Iko and Liam wanted to ensure everyone was well-fed and happy. Nyama Catering handled everything from canapés at the reception to the wedding breakfast and late-night snacks, and they delivered! The day kicked off with a crisp wall and drinks as guests arrived, providing a relaxed way to welcome everyone and giving guests a chance to mingle before the ceremony. For the wedding breakfast, the couple chose Nyama’s Grand Buffet menu. The variety meant something for everyone, and the food was cooked to perfection. Iko says, “It was important to have my culture reflected in the meal, and Nyama did this with Nigerian jollof rice and plantain alongside the main dishes. The lamb was the standout—guests still talk about it. Every person left stuffed, which is a must at a Nigerian wedding!” 32
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