£3.55 MAR/APR 2023 HONEYMOONS, BEAUTY, GROOMS, FREEBIES, FASHION AND MUCH MORE... www.yourlondon.wedding WIN! KEEP IT LOCAL A four-night break in Tuscany The finishing touch Accessorise in style Where to tie the knot in South London Venues with a tale to be told Real weddings in the capital SETTINGS sLt o roi ve se THROUGH THE LENS Photography must-haves Historic
Whether it’s magnificent cakes, hen parties or portraiture, I’m here for you. CAKE DECORATING • PAINTING • COOKERY • PHOTOGRAPHY • HEN PARTIES I have a range of creative gifts to help you celebrate your special moments, whether celebrating with cake, Hen parties or preserving a magical wedding memory with a beautiful oil painted portrait. To get a quote or place an order, please contact: zoesheavenlycreations@mail.com www.zoes-heavenly-creations.com Zoe Rafah: zoesheavenlycreations@mail.com Zoe Rafah: zoesheavenlycreations@mail.com Zoe Rafah: zoesheavenlycreations@mail.com Zoe Rafah: zoesheavenlycreations@mail.com
REGULARS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER Sarah Gallivan highlights this issue 9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the city 13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs 84 HOT TOPIC Our local pros answer your big-day woes 97 COMPETITION Win a four-night break in Tuscany CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL 2023 VENUES 19 KEEP IT LOCAL Where to tie the knot in South London 23 HISTORIC SETTINGS Venues with a tale to be told On the cover This issue’s cover was shot by Virginia Photography and is taken from one of our gorgeous real weddings on page 32 https://virginiaphotography.co.uk 57 23 FEATURES 45 THROUGH THE LENS From must-haves to favourite shots, delve into these stunning photo albums 51 THE FINISHING TOUCH Accessorise in style with this top advice 57 FEEL THE RHYTHM, FEEL THE RHYME This Cuban-inspired shoot oozes energy, fun and tropical vibes 73 SCENE-STEALING DESIGNS Old-school glamour meets whimsical fairytale in this dreamy shoot 3
REAL WEDDINGS 27 BEST LAID PLANS Yasmin and William’s day was framed by London’s iconic skyline 32 FINDING NEVERLAND Leanne and Paul swapped the highlands for the city for their wedding weekender 39 FIRE IN MY HEART Brunswick House set the stunning scene for Catherine and Nick’s big day HONEYMOONS 90 HONEYMOON NEWS The newest openings and honeymoon destinations 92 FLY AWAY WITH ME We’ve rounded up some of our favourite city escapes 94 A GRAND AFFAIR Experience ultimate luxury combined with traditional Greek appeal at Rhodes-based Ixian Grand & All Suites 96 SANTA NEEDS A SPA DAY The Runnymede on Thames set the scene for a much-needed pre-Christmas break GROOMS 86 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 87 SUITED AND BOOTED Styling advice for the groom-to-be 88 IT’S ONLY NATURAL With neutral colour palettes on the rise, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite products to ensure you look on-trend this season FASHION & BEAUTY 60 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches 61 HEAD OVER HEELS Walk down the aisle in style this season with our hand-picked edit of the best bridal shoes and bags 63 FRILL SEEKERS This season’s bridal dresses enjoy tiers of ruffled tulle, silky satin layers and subtle pleats 69 IN LOVE WITH LACE This timeless fabric never goes out of fashion 76 SO SPA, SO GOOD Gracie leader has a day of relaxation learning the benefits of Reiki 78 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with the must-haves for the bride-to-be 81 BAN THE BLOAT Professional nutritionists at Wedding Wellness explain how to avoid untimely bloating on your wedding day 82 BEAUTY Q&A Our local professionals solve your problems 69 32 78 94 39 4
Situated in Greenwich World Heritage Site, The Fan Museum is the only museum dedicated entirely to the history, culture and craft of the fan. Our Grade II* listed buildings are the perfect site for our internationally significant collections, and our Orangery is the perfect venue for your special day. To arrange a viewing, please get in touch. The Fan Museum 12 Crooms Hill London SElO 8ER 020 8305 1441 info@thefanmuseum.org.uk thefanmuseum.org.uk
Catherine and Nick were naturals in front of the camera. Love this. Spring is finally upon us! I’m definitely in a brighter mood – there’s something about the lighter evenings, crisp sunnier days and pops of colour appearing that puts a spring in my step (excuse the pun)! Spring is the season of new beginnings. What a gorgeous time to start planning your new beginning – the new chapter of your life as a married couple. Our surroundings are having a glow up! Flowers are transforming gardens and fields from brown landscapes into blankets of beautiful colour, and trees are slowly transforming from their wintery hardened exterior to flourishing branches of greens and brights. All of this gives us a hint of what’s to come over the next few summery months and I love it! With so much positivity and so many colours around you, now’s the time to start thinking about your day. Do you have a theme in mind, what colours are you loving, have you thought about your dress design? All of these questions will be flying around your mind right now and that’s where we come in to help! For all the big-day inspiration you need, flick straight to pages 57 and 73 for two stunning local shoots and page 27 onwards is where you’ll find our gorgeous real weddings. When it comes to your bridal attire, be sure to think carefully about your finishing touches. Our accessories feature on page 51 is sure to fill you with ideas. You put so much thought into your day that capturing it all on camera is a must! Delve into our photo album of favourite shots on page 45 to see just what you can get out of your big-day photo shoot. As always, this issue is brimming with fashion advice, freebies, competitions, and the latest honeymoon destinations. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the read! Sarah x Sarah Gallivan, Editor A spr your step ing in I love a venue with a past. These historic settings are all stunning. Leanne looked beautiful in her Catherine Deane separates. And that bouquet! 32 23 39 ISSN 1757-7810 ADVERTISING Account Manager Julia Owen | 01376 538 556 julia.owen@county.wedding Your London Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Events & Publishing Ltd. 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. cwe COUNTY WEDDING EVENTS http://markbothwell.com EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Gallivan | 01376 535 611 sarah.gallivan@county.wedding @CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarah.ellis@county.wedding
Add the finishing touch to your bridal look with this fab collection of jewellery and accessories. 51 Nothing beats an image like this! Catherine and Nick’s day was full of love and laughter. Spring bouquets don’t always have to be full of colour. A striking white can be just as gorgeous! 39 27 Palms, bright flowers, creamy tones, and tropical vibes come together perfectly in this Cubaninspired shoot. 27 A semi-naked cake looks so fresh at this time of the year. Berries and blooms take the design to another level. 57 Who doesn’t love a round of crazy golf? Mix that with a wedding and you’ve got a recipe for fun fun fun! Read all about the new big-day packages at London’s Swingers over on page 9. 45 Lose yourself in our photo album of favourite bigday shots. Fun pics with your best girls are always great to look back on! 9 73 If it’s bridal inspiration you’re looking for you’re going to love this shoot. Old-school glamour meets whimsical fairytale in Josephine Scott London’s new collection. EDITOR’S LETTER 7
WWT London Wetland Centre is a unique and beautiful location for weddings and receptions. We are licensed for wedding and civil ceremonies and have wonderful facilities for receptions. By holding your event with us, you will be directly contributing to the global conservation of wildlife and wetland habitats. T 0208 409 4400 / 4429 Email: functions.london@wwt.org.uk www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/plan-your-visit/venue-hire/ WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT 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 wedding. Late 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. SAY ‘I DO’ IN STYLE AT SOUTH LONDON’S ICONIC VENUE WEDDINGS AT Fall in love with four stylish event spaces plus 15 luxury bedrooms to host a wedding with serious wow factor. Available for wedding ceremonies, breakfasts, receptions and your first night as a married couple. Suitable for parties from 40–200 people. Late licence until 2am. The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9HD thebedford.com | info@thebedford.com | @thebedfordpub
All the latest from the city TEE OFF TO A WINNING START Those wanting a quirky setting for their big day should look no further than London’s Swingers West End. This uber-fun, high-end crazy golf venue located in the centre of the capital, offers guaranteed fun, a relaxed setting and spectacular food and drink. The new wedding packages will function on its newest course, The Meteorite, helping newlyweds tee off to a winning start. Taking inspiration from 1920s English fair grounds and the seaside riviera, The Meteorite provides the perfect backdrop for those memorable snaps. This course is the ultimate event space, with a private entrance offering exclusivity for the nuptials. Located on the roof-top terrace, an expansive al-fresco space, it boasts botanical décor, smart banquet seating and a retractable roof ensuring the space is perfect in all weather. There are two packages to choose from. The Perfect Set is ideal for more intimate gatherings. Priced at £85 per head for a minimum of 20 guests, the package includes a reserved area where friends and family can enjoy a glass of bubbles and delicious nibbles on arrival. Alongside two drinks per person and two rounds of London’s finest street-food. It wouldn’t be a wedding at Swingers without a round of crazy golf, so guests can enjoy an evening of unlimited crazy golf on the course, too. The Forever Set is the option for guest lists of more than 50. Priced at £135 per head, this package offers all the above and more. With a cocktail on arrival alongside three hours of unlimited drinks. This package is also inclusive of a private room, ensuring the party can get into full swing. Both packages come with a wedding coordinator to ensure the day runs smoothly, as well as a DJ to get the party started. Guests will also receive a glass of complimentary bubbles to toast the happy couple and can indulge in a Crosstown Donut tower - the perfect centrepiece and a great cake alternative. To book Swingers West End for your big day, call 020 3030 4111 or visit https://swingers.club/uk BRIDESMAID EDIT Little Mistress has launched its new bridesmaid collection for 2023, featuring stunning dresses in both flowing floor-length and shorter tea-length designs. From the more traditional blush, mint green and navy dresses through to vibrant yellows and oranges, there’s something for every colour palette. The collection oozes style and elegance and the choice of design is endless so you can be sure that you’ll find the perfect dress for each and every one of your best girls. Shop the collection at www.little-mistress.com TEA FOR TWO Commanding a prestigious location that straddles Belgravia, Knightsbridge, and Mayfair, The Lanesborough, London, offers the perfect setting for a treat with your nearest and dearest. If you’re planning some time out, the recently launched floral Meadow Afternoon Tea is the perfect option for a relaxed hen do or some couple time pre- or post-wedding. The innovative series of seasonal afternoon teas are inspired by the flora and fauna in the hotel’s surrounding royal parks of Hyde Park, St James’s Park, and Green Park. The limitededition Meadow Afternoon Tea is taken in the hotel’s richly decorated dining room, The Lanesborough Grill, where Head Pastry Chef, Salvatore Mungiovino has carefully curated a mouth-watering menu of savoury and sweet delicacies, influenced by the coming of spring. Menu highlights include The Chamomile Daisy – a hand-crafted sharing cake for two with a chamomile bavarois with an almond crunch biscuit base and mango cremeaux; and The Meadow Slice Cheesecake – a delicious twist on the traditional dessert incorporating a lemon and lime cheesecake on a sable base. Manager of The Library Bar, Mickael Perron, has also created The Elderflower and Jasmine Cocktail – a refreshing recipe combining St Germain fresh elderflower liqueur with Bombay Sapphire gin, fresh lime juice, a touch of Maraschino liqueur and white peach and jasmine soda. The Meadow Afternoon Tea is priced from £68 per person; from £82 per person with The Elderflower and Jasmine Daisy Cocktail or from £85 per person with a glass of house Champagne. Book your treat online by visiting www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough NEWS Nearlywed 9 NEWS
INTRODUCING SALLY BEAN COUTURE Brides-to-be dreaming of bespoke bridal loveliness are going to love Sally Bean Couture’s designs. After working for some of the world’s most luxurious bridal and fashion designers for 13 years, Sally has launched her own couture service. Based beside Kew Gardens and The River Thames, her beautiful showroom and studio awaits your appointment! Sally’s niche is that she can take your ideas and combine and reinvent what you’re looking for into something completely special, original and beautiful. Sourcing the perfect fabric and embellishment is her speciality. “I love to create an individual story for each bride, with each piece being utterly bespoke,” says Sally. Each gown is crafted with extraordinary details. “Inspiration strikes everywhere. I adore flowers and embellishing fabrics is my special love, but equally, I adore modern architectural lines that are clean of adornment,” she adds. Sally is passionate about creating feminine silk dresses with each and every piece made and fitted to perfection. “Making dresses of dreams that reflect your personality and your day is what I’m all about,” she says. Within the couture atelier, there’s a collection of stunning hand-crafted designs, cotton toiles and delicate embellishments for you to try on, be inspired by and reinvent together with Sally’s expert eye. To find out more or book an appointment visit https://sallybean.co.uk or call 07960 955656. EXPERIENCE THE UN-STANDARD Now licensed to host legal wedding ceremonies, The Standard, London, the coolest hotel in the capital, offers an un-standard experience for those looking for something a little different. There’s a choice of spaces in which to host your nuptials and guests can stay the night, in one of 266 bedrooms. Situated on the 10th floor of The Standard, London, Decimo boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and dramatic views across the London skyline and is accessible by the unmissable exterior red-pill lift. This space has capacity for up to 90 for your ceremony, 140 for dinner, and 300 for the party. Sweeties, a cocktail bar and late-night lounge is located directly across from Decimo. Its velvet curtains, plush orange couches, Instagrammable-carpets and marble-topped bar create the party vibe. Sweeties also benefits from vintage-inspired stacked speakers and a central DJ booth so you and your guests can party into the early hours. The Isla terrace is a picturesque weather-proofed outdoor space. Filled with romantic fairy lights in the evening and complete with a retractable awning, heating and cosy blankets it caters for 30 for a ceremony and dinner, or 50 for a drinks reception. The Townhouse 8 is a destination designed for play. Taking inspiration from a 1980s New York Townhouse, it features a living and dining space, a vinyl library and listening area, working kitchen and wraparound terrace with views of the London skyline. Townhouse 8 has capacity for up to 20 for the ceremony and dinner, and 80 for the party. The Standard, London’s street-level bar has cosy booth seating, long-form tables and plenty of space to mix and mingle – as well as an outdoor garden. There’s space here for up to 150 for a reception or party. Head to www.standardhotels.com to find out more. THE ILLUSTRATED FLORSIT London’s Kinship Press, the bespoke stationery company, has launched a customisable range of stationery for the very first time. The new range, The Illustrated Florist, allows you to design your very own watercolour floral stationery. From savethe-dates to invitations and place cards, it’s a luxury destination for elegant, personalised stationery for your big day. Here’s how it works… 1. Select four handpainted flowers from over 60 seasonal watercolour blooms 2. Select your finishes. Choose your font, font colour, paper shade and print finishes such as letter-pressed text or coloured edging 3. Select your products. Whether you need a full set of stationery or just a set of invites or menus, the choice is yours 4. Delivery! All stationery is created in the London-based studio and printed using the finest quality paper and artisan printing techniques Check out https://kinship-press.com for more information. www.handoveragency.com www.ameliaclaudiaphoto.com 10 www.katiejulia.com www.katiejulia.com
020 8216 3900 - option 2 wlpweddings@bealeshotels.co.uk www.westlodgepark.co.uk West Lodge Park is a stunning country hotel set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds, just 12 miles from central London We have performed for Royalty & film stars in locations from Las Vegas, Mumbai, Shanghai, Cuba, Barbados and more. Playing pop, rock, soul, disco, funk, Klezmer, Motown, RnB and cocktail/dinner music with a wealth of experience in entertaining. 01435 408 083 | info@swayallstars.com | WWW.SWAYALLSTARS.COM The SWAY ALLSTARS offers an elite squad of profession musicians of the very highest standard and we guarantee that it’s “THAT BAND!!” that your guests are talking about on their way home. We bring the magic! Iconic wedding transportation and everything else to make your day special Covering London and surrounding area. WWW.VANILLAMOONWEDDINGS.CO.UK @VANILLAMOONWEDDINGS Vanilla Moon Weddings & Events Vintage VW campervans • Photobooth with props Pop-up bar • Lawn games • Confectionary
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.YOURLONDON.WEDDING STRIKE A POSE When it comes to entertaining your guests, who doesn’t love dressing up in props and striking a pose?! London’s Ignite Booths will bring the fun to your day. For just £359 you can book the Selfie Pod package that includes full set up, a range of props and a member of the Ignite Booth team to help your event run smoothly. If video’s more your thing, priced at £599 the 360 Video Booth is that bit different - instead of reading your guest’s messages in years to come, you can watch them! We’ve teamed up with Ignite Booths to offer our readers a free USB drive containing all of your photos when booking the Selfie Pod or, 10% off the video booth hire on all bookings made before 31st May, 2023, when quoting Your London Wedding. Call 07551 712831 to find out more or to make your booking! Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs IT’S PARTY TIME Specialising in live musical performances, Sway Allstars has become one of the UK’s musthave party bands, providing fantastic live performances. With decades of experience in the music industry, whether you’re after a small group for an intimate celebration with an exclusive guest list, or a large band for your reception party, you can count on them to make your evening one to remember. Sway Allstars offer a bespoke service. They can provide a solo singer or ensemble to play during the ceremony, a sax and DJ or singer and guitarist to perform during your drinks reception and a singer and pianist or larger ensemble can play through dinner. They’ll then pack the dancefloor until the lights go out at the end of the night with line ups from a four-piece DJ-based set to a 12-piece showband. The Shoreditch-based team pride themselves on their attention to detail and when booking, they’ll work with you to make sure every element of your entertainment is exactly as you want it. Sway Allstars are offering a 5% discount on all bookings made before the end of April, 2023. Just quote Your London Wedding when booking to receive this fabulous offer. To find out more, visit www.swaytheband.com or call 01435 408083 or 07778 670017. WIN A PAIR OF STEVE MADDEN BRIDAL SHOES The hunt for the perfect bridal shoe ends here with the chance to win the ultimate pair for your special day from Steve Madden. The shimmering Bridal Collection is not only amazing for brides but bridesmaids too, ensuring a picture-perfect look on the big day. For everyone who loves to shine you can choose from rose gold, silver, nude and white with finishes that include satin, rhinestone, leather and clear materials. If the shoe fits… be your own Cinderella! Check out www.stevemadden.co.uk. County Wedding Magazine readers have the chance to win a pair of bridal shoes to the value of £150 from www.stevemadden.co.uk For your chance to win enter online via our website www.yourlondon.wedding Freebies & OFFERS FREEBIES & OFFERS 13
WEDDING SHOWS SPRING 2023 ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM unless otherwise stated /CountyWeddingEvents @CountyWedEvent @countyweddingevents 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. ESSEX BERKS, BUCKS & OXON SUN 2 APR THE COMPLEAT ANGLER Bisham Road, Marlow Bridge, Marlow, SL7 1RG EAST ANGLIA SUN 26 MAR HAYCOCK MANOR Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6JA LONDON SUN 14 MAY MORDEN HALL Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD SUSSEX SUN 16 APR SELDEN BARNS Selden Lane, Patching, Worthing, BN13 3UL 12PM-4PM SUN 14 MAY BRAXTED PARK Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN SAT 1 APR HOUCHINS WEDDING VENUE Houchin’s Lane, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1RT 12PM-4PM
As part of KD Events and Publishing Ltd, County Wedding Events (CWE) is ideally placed to offer you a wealth of experience organising events in the wedding industry. If you would like more information about either holding a wedding show at your venue or exhibiting at any of our shows, please contact us at info@countyweddingevents.com, call 01376 514000 or visit countyweddingevents.com. WORK WITH US ESSEX EAST ANGLIA SUN 3 SEP HAYCOCK MANOR Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6JA BERKS, BUCKS & OXON SUN 10 SEP CHENIES MANOR HOUSE Chenies, Rickmansworth Bucks, WD3 6ER SUN 24 SEP RACKLEY’S CHILTERN HILLS Marlow Road, Cadmore End, Bucks, HP14 3PP SURREY KENT EAST MIDLANDS SUN 1 OCT NUTFIELD PRIORY Nutfield Road, Nutfield, Redbridge, RH1 4EL SUN 12 NOV PENSHURST PLACE Penshurst, TN11 8DG SUN 15 OCT RUSHTON HALL Desborough Road, Rushton, Kettering, NN14 1RR SUN 22 OCT BRAXTED PARK Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN SUN 29 OCT HOUCHINS WEDDING VENUE Houchin’s Lane, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1RT 12PM-4PM SUN 10 SEP MARKSHALL ESTATE Coggeshall, CO6 1TG WEDDING SHOWS AUTUMN 2023 ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM unless otherwise stated
• Free entry • First 100 couples receive a free wedding journal keepsake • Goody bag for each couple • Up to 200 stands • Bridal fashion shows • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Demonstration areas • Competitions • Entertainment • Refreshments • And more... Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of Pre-register at www.countyweddingevents.com/registration London, HA9 0WS SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 4PM WEMBLEY STADIUM Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL SUNDAY 16 APRIL 2023 | 11AM - 3.30PM High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 3.30PM MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD ASCOT RACECOURSE
Pre-register for all of our events at www.countyweddingevents.com MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, 16TH APRIL, 2023 ASCOT RACECOURSE, 1ST OCTOBER 2023 WEMBLEY STADIUM, 8TH OCTOBER, 2023 X Sarah Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to kickstarting our Spring 2023 wedding show season – perfect for all those couples that got engaged over the festive period. From must-visit local fairs in some of the region’s best wedding venues to our larger Signature Wedding Shows, we can’t wait to welcome nearlyweds to our events and help plan their wedding day. 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. Couples will need to pre-register in advance for an allocated arrival time, although on the day visitors are always welcome, and attending our shows are free! For more information, visit County Wedding Events’ website. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events. Sarah Ellis, Managing 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 A date for your diary... GREAT EXPECTATIONS
£99 Get married on Wandsworth Common in a fairytale castle, all reception drinks, 3 courses, wine with meal and Champagne toast. Le Gothique | The Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, John Archer Way, Wandsworth Common, SW18 3SX | legothique.co.uk Le Gothique
local Where to tie the knot in South London THE BEDFORD 020 3976 8007 | www.thebedford.com Situated in the heart of South London, The Bedford is a fabulous setting for your big day. There are a number of spaces that you have access to when booking. The beautiful Ballroom and Club Room are the largest options accommodating 180 and 150 guests respectively. Other rooms include the cocktail bar, adjoining private dining room and mezzanine plus a handsome pub, a saloon bar and yard, so the choices are endless. The Bedford also has 15 luxurious bedrooms, making it the perfect place for pre-wedding prep, for couples to start their married life together or for your favourite guests to stay and carry on the party. Food is sourced from some of the country’s finest producers and served alongside award-winning wines and Champagnes, as well as artisan spirits, craft beers and innovative cocktails and the team will work with you to create menus to suit all your taste. KEEP IT MORDEN HALL 020 8102 0553 | www.mordenhall.com Morden Hall’s a romantic country house steeped in history and surrounded by 125 acres of National Trust parkland. Built in 1770s and lovingly restored in 2015, this venue’s been brought into the present day without losing the heart of its elegant history. This 18th-century house exudes elegance, charm and sophistication with high ceilings and a real sense of character. There’s a collection of stunning spaces to use in the morning whilst you’re preparing for your big day and The Willow and Mulberry Suites are both options for your ceremony and reception seating 120 guests and 150 guests respectively for your nuptials and up to 200 for your evening party. Outdoors a tranquil oasis awaits you. Situated beside the River Wandle, the private lawn offers stunning photo opportunities with its beautiful old footbridge leading over the river and what’s more, Morden Hall’s exclusive use, which means you’ll have the place all to yourselves on your big day. www.johnnysphotography.com www.johnnysphotography.com www.galileophotography.co.uk www.galileophotography.co.uk 19 LOCAL VENUES
LE GOTHIQUE 020 8870 6567 | https://legothique.co.uk The Grade II* listed Victorian Gothic-revival facade of Le Gothique is one of the best original exteriors of its kind in Britain. The spectacular towering spires, gargoyles and large statue of St. George give it a dreamy castlelike feel. An enchanting award-winning Secret Garden is found tucked within the venue. The perfect al fresco space for celebrations, it can be covered, heated and lit. A hard-standing patio with a barbecue is surrounded by neatly striped lawns and hanging floral baskets. Inside, the space is split into two levels, with formal dining on the mezzanine floor and a Gothic bar occupying the ground floor. A bronze statue of Bacchus, the god of wine, adorns the west wall. Outdoor weddings with 250 loved ones are accommodated in the Secret Garden and celebrations can also be held inside the venue in the Gothic Room for a maximum of 90 guests. The venue can also help couples arrive in style with its vintage Rolls Royce to hire. 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 your day. Intimate 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. www.debraburgesslim.com www.debraburgesslim.com 20
100 BARRINGTON 020 4542 3434 | www.100barrington.co.uk 100 Barrington is a versatile events space situated in Brixton. Built in 1879 and starting life as a furniture factory, the building maintains the original brickwork, high ceilings, exposed beams, and open floor plan. The main space is over 2000 sq ft and stunningly juxtaposed with the 24-feet tall archway bar and the courtyard garden beyond making it the perfect venue for your day. The venue is just a short walk from the overground and the Victoria Line’s Brixton Station making it easily accessible for your guests from central London. SYON PARK 020 8560 0882| www.syonpark.co.uk Syon House is the spectacular London home of the Duke of Northumberland, set within 200 acres of grasslands ranging from fine lawns to an open meadow. The interiors are breath-takingly beautiful. The decorative stucco work and great ceiling beams reflect the pattern of the black and white marble floor. Statues of Roman nobles gaze down from their pedestals and the hall’s focal piece, a replica of Valadier’s bronze ‘The Dying Gaul’, holds pride of place at the top of elegant steps leading to the Ante Room. Nuptials can take place in the majestic Great Hall and the State Dining Room that seat 120 and 50 guests respectively. The Great Conservatory, adorned with palms, exotic flowers and trees, can also host ceremonies from 6pm for up to 120 guests and dinner for 160 guests. Candles on tables and along pathways will create the perfect fairy-tale setting. After dinner, guests can dance the night away under the glass dome. www.joshgooding.co.uk www.michaelmaurerweddings.com www.michaelmaurerweddings.com www.joshgooding.co.uk 21 LOCAL VENUES
With all the ambience of a grand private residence discreetly located behind the Tower of London, TRINITY HOUSE is a popular venue for elegant weddings and prestigious events for up to 130 (seated) and is available on an exclusive use basis. Ask about our new value and eco-oriented Two Hour Civil Service Wedding Ceremony Package! Please visit www.trinityhouse.co.uk/weddings-at-trinityhouse-london to view a brief film of the facilities plus other information, images and previous wedding testimonials. To view Trinity House, please email venue.enquiries@trinityhouse.co.uk or ask for Natasha Jackson on 020 7481 6931 Follow us on: @TrinityHouseEvents @trinityevents Trinity House Flowers by www.freshflower.co.uk
Historic Venues with a tale to be told BRUNSWICK HOUSE 020 7394 2100 | https://brunswickhouse.london Brunswick House is a magnificent Georgian mansion, that acts as a reminder of 18th-century Vauxhall. Guests enter through the grand entrance via the elegant front steps and are greeted by lofty panelled rooms that are packed with salvaged curiosities, marble chimneypieces, sparkling chandeliers and noble colonnades. Brunswick house is home to the LASSCO architectural emporium, so reclaimed furniture and vintage paraphernalia jostle with an eclectic display of fascinating antiques in each room, creating a wonderful ambience. Outdoors, fountains, lamp posts, lanterns and urns are displayed in the statuary gardens with outside seating provided for guests under wild wisteria and being located close to the Thames Pathway, photos can be taken looking over the Thames towards Westminster. Receptions of up to 110 guests are catered for here. Guests are greeted on the ground floor for a drinks reception before dining in the Saloon/ Smoking Room and evening celebrations take place in the Cellar Rooms. 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 60 guests. Gold 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. SETTINGS 23 HISTORIC VENUES
LAUDERDALE HOUSE 020 8348 8716 | www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk Located amongst the pretty gardens and green spaces of Waterlow Park in Highgate, Lauderdale feels like a country house while offering all the convenience of a London location. This Grade II listed historic building dates back to 1582, offers several flexible spaces for ceremonies or receptions, with options to accommodate up to 130 guests. Located a short walk from Archway tube station, Lauderdale’s attractive rooms open directly onto the beautiful, terraced gardens of Waterlow Park; the perfect backdrop for those all-important photos. Lauderdale House is a registered charity and runs as an arts centre for the local community. The income made from weddings is invested back into education, outreach and heritage projects. CHISWICK HOUSE & GARDENS 020 3141 3351 | www.chgt.org.uk Chiswick House & Gardens is a hidden gem in the heart of West London with 65 acres of glorious, landscaped gardens. Transporting your guests into the grandeur of the historic garden with breath-taking views, this venue will be one to remember. At Chiswick House & Gardens you have the choice of three stunning venues. Achieve the feeling of an outdoor ceremony in the iconic 19th-century Conservatory, which accommodates 100 guests for your ceremony, or say I do in front of 90 guests in Chiswick House itself, an 18th-century Neo-Palladian villa, surrounded by ornately decorated galleries. Receptions of up to 200 loved ones take place in the Garden Pavilion, a seasonal marquee with festoon lighting and a neutral interior to suit any theme. The adjoining Italian Gardens of the Conservatory are the perfect setting for your welcome drinks. Surrounded by roses, wisteria and many more colourful blooms, treat your guests to an elegant drinks and canapé reception on the raised lawns. https://stephanie-green.com www.dianavphotography.co.uk www.peterdyerphotos.co.uk www.peterdyerphotos.co.uk WEST LODGE PARK HOTEL 020 8216 3900 | www.westlodgepark.co.uk West Lodge Park is a stunning hotel with a rich history. Situated in 35 acres of rolling countryside, this venue’s a romantic, luxury setting within easy reach of London. All accessed by an impressive drive, the landscaped Beale Arboretum, Garden Pavilion and historic 16th-century lodge offer the perfect backdrop for your day. The interiors at West lodge Park are elegant and relaxed, paying homage to their historic past while delivering beautifully designed, modern bedrooms. With space for 100 guests, The Garden Pavilion situated on the croquet lawn under the stunning giant redwoods is the latest addition here and the premier place to host your ceremony. More intimate gatherings can be accommodated in a variety of rooms that cater for 10 to 80 loved ones. For your reception, the largest space is the marquee. Located on the lawn beside the national collection of hornbeam trees, this state-of-the-art setting can host up to 200 guests. When booking, couples receive a complimentary menu tasting, a bridal suite for the wedding night and a full English breakfast the next morning. 24
ST PANCRAS RENAISSANCE HOTEL 020 7841 3540 | www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/lonpr-stpancras-renaissance-hotel-london Located at St Pancras station, this has to be one of the easiest hotels in London to travel to for your guests. 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 special occasion. The Gallery or Ladies’ Smoking Room are ideal options for more intimate celebrations and each boast stunning décor. The icing on the cake is 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 pop the question for the first time on the staircase with the hotel’s proposal package. Located in the original underground kitchens, guests can make use of the Victorian-inspired spa with its six treatment rooms, fitness centre, relaxation pool with hydro loungers, sauna, therapeutic steam room and a relaxation room. Housed in St Pancras Station’s original ticket hall, the atmospheric Booking Office Restaurant serves the finest cuisine and guests can stay in one of the 38 Chambers Suites and enjoy access to the Chambers Club or one of the well-appointed bedrooms. THE IN & OUT 0207 827 5723| www.theinandout.co.uk 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. 25 HISTORIC VENUES
The Orangery, Holland Park A hidden gem, located in one of London’s most beautiful parks Chelsea Old Town Hall An award-winning wedding venue located on the iconic Kings Road Weddings steeped in character, history and charm 020 7361 2220 | venues@rbkc.gov.uk | www.rbkc.gov.uk/venues Images courtesy of Lloyd Dobbie Photography, Lara Arnott Photography, Nigel John and Nicole Demetriou John
Best laid plans Yasmin and William’s day was framed by London’s iconic skyline Images courtesy of Kristen Kate Photography Yasmin and William met on Twitter in 2014. “We spoke for a year before William finally decided to visit me in London,” says Yasmin. “We spent the most amazing weekend together. Following that, we met five more times before William decided to move to London and the rest is history,” she says. A few years later William pulled out all the stops for his romantic proposal. “We’d planned an anniversary meal at The Shard and had gone up to the rooftop. There were other people around, so I had no idea what was coming,” she says. “Then a gentleman started telling us about all the sights that you could see across London, and I thought he was just bored with his shift, so we spoke for a while,” she adds. Little did she know, he was distracting her whilst they set up. “We got led to the lift as I was told it was closed. The lift doors opened and there were candles, roses, a photographer, and William got down on one knee. He was shaking so much he almost put the ring on the wrong finger,” she says. They were due to tie the knot in Scotland, where William’s from, in November 2020, but Covid changed those plans. “Instead, we had a smaller civil ceremony in Watford where we live with six of our nearest and dearest followed by a lowkey family dinner and planned the larger celebration for July 2021,” Yasmin explains. “I then found out that I was pregnant, so we postponed again. Our son was born in September 2021, and we finally got our day in July 2022! We’ve got so many anniversaries now we’re not sure which one to celebrate!” Here Yasmin tells us more about their day… 27 REAL WEDDINGS
For our favours, we gifted guests with mini packs of mints and my niece made some cute sage green heart cookies. She’s an amazing baker and family is so important to me, so I loved that she was involved. The Gherkin is William’s favourite venue in London, and it overlooks The Shard, which is my favourite and where William proposed so choosing that for our venue felt perfect. My nieces and nephews were our page boys and flower girls. It was a lovely way to get them involved in the day and they all did so well. Our bridesmaids wore Victoria Bridal self-tie dresses in sage green. Having bridesmaids of all different shapes and ages meant these were perfect as they all wore them differently and felt great in them. I got my dress in early 2020, before we had our baby. It was the tenth dress I put on and I knew it was the one because I burst into tears. I wore diamond jewellery and added the finishing touch to my shoes to give them the extra wow. William looked handsome in a tux with Louis Vuitton bow tie and cufflinks. Our groomsmen all wore three-piece suits also with Louis Vuitton bow ties to complement William’s look. 28
I loved my bouquet. It was exactly the style that I had imagined and with it being neutral in colour, it suited the look of my dress. My niece made our cake and did such a wonderful job! It was a seminaked vanilla sponge with a topper representing us as a family. We really wanted to be sat with our guests, rather than on a top table. We loved being in the middle of it all. We lined our aisle with gorgeous neutral flower arrangements, petals and lanterns. It looked beautiful. We had the most stunning floral displays dotted throughout the venue, it all came together to create a gorgeous backdrop. For our centrepieces we had vases filled with a variety of green, white and cream flowers. They looked so classy against the white tablecloths, transparent chairs and touches of silver. The transparant card box fitted in perfectly with the rest of the decor as it was unassuming and understated. I loved our table plan design. The sage green and contemporary style really suited the look of our day. We wrote our own vows and William got choked up during his, which was really sweet. We created our own vows books and they looked great. I bought each of my bridesmaids a personalised Katie Loxton bag as a thank you gift. They all loved them. 29 REAL WEDDINGS
The candy cart was a real showstopper. The design looked amazing, and we all enjoyed the sweets throughout the day. When picturing my wedding since being a little girl I never imagined being able to share it with our baby, it just felt so special. I love that he’s in our pictures and part of our first dance. The speeches were hilarious. William’s best man, Fraser, really put the effort in with his best man kit and embarrassing pictures and stories. YASMIN AND WILLIAM’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venue, Searcys at the Gherkin, https://searcysatthegherkin.co.uk | Photographer, Kristen Kate Photography, www.kristenkatephotography.com | Dress, Morgan Davies, https://morgandaviesbridal.co.uk | Hair and make-up artist, Roisin Donaghy, www.instagram.com/rosielovestilly | Suits, Suit Supply, https://suitsupply.com | Flowers, Augusta Florals, www.augustaflorals.com | Rings, Taj Jewels, www.tajjewels.com | Event planner and entertainment, Uptown Events, www.uptownevents.co.uk | Bridesmaid dresses, flower girl and pageboys, Next, www.next.co.uk | Magician, Matt Daniel-Baker, www.mattdanielbaker.com We managed to take some time out for pictures on our own, which was a really special part of the day for us. For something a bit different, we chose Dhol drummers to get the party started. They were a huge hit and it bought some of my Indian roots into the day. Later on a saxophonist played along with a DJ. We had a harpist playing at the ceremony. It created a really calming romantic atmosphere. The ice cream bar went down a storm with our guests and it looked great! 30
Celebrate your wedding in style with a private boat party on the Thames Call us on 020 77 400 411 or send an email to charters@citycruises.com for a quote We are a small business based in London. Our aim is provide games for hire which can be used indoors and outdoors throughout the year. We believe our classic giant games will bring a touch of class to your chosen event. We pride ourselves in giving the best service possible to ensure our clients are fully satisfied WEDDINGS • TEAM BUILDING DAYS DINNER PARTIES • GARDEN PARTIES PUB GAMES NIGHT • BIRTHDAY PARTIES STAG & HEN DO’S • FAMILY DAYS OUT BBQ’S • SCHOOL FAIRS • SPORTS DAY Most of our games are for one day hire, if you do need to use the games for more than one day, then please contact us directly to discuss as we offer discounts. Classic Giant Games CHECKERS CANDY CART GIANT JENGA CONNECT 4 DONUT WALL OPERATION JUMBO BUZZER LOVE LETTERS SNAKES & LADDERS CONTACT US 07701 310070 | 07539 223995 (text and whats app available) classicgiantgames@gmail.com www.classicgiantgames.com classicgiantgamesforhire classicgiantgamesforhire
NFei vne dr il na gn d Leanne and Paul swapped the highlands for the city for their wedding weekender Images courtesy of Virginia Photography 32
Leanne and Paul met in the summer of 2013, at a house-warming party hosted by Leanne’s friend and her husband, who just happened to be Paul’s brother. “We still thank them for buying that house and throwing that party!” says Leanne. They instantly clicked and started dating. “For the next couple of years, I spent periods of time working in London and we loved making the most of our time in the city together, with Paul visiting every other weekend,” she says. By the end of 2015, Leanne was settled back in Aberdeen, and they spent time living life to the full and making memories together. “We weren’t sure if a wedding would ever be part of our story as the idea of a big traditional celebration never suited us,” she says. However, things changed when the pandemic hit, and they started to see more micro-weddings taking place. “It changed the way we were thinking, so after nine wonderful years together, we decided to tie the knot in a way that reflected us, in a city that we love.” The duo got engaged in September 2021, on Eilean Shona, a remote island off the west coast of Scotland. “It was our third visit to the island, and Paul had planned to propose on the shore of the secluded beach, but his big moment was hampered by the arrival of a group of kayakers just as he planned to get down on one knee,” says Leanne. “After a quick detour to the summit of the island, he proposed as I was looking out at the views. I was so surprised when I turned around, that I forgot to say yes,” she says. “Eilean Shona is a completely magical place, where J.M. Barrie holidayed in the 1920s and is said to be the real-life inspiration for Neverland, so it was truly special to us both to experience that moment there.” ELOPEMENT VIBES They opted for a micro wedding in London, followed by a party at home in Scotland with all their friends and family. “The style of our day was casual, relaxed, and personal. We both knew that a big ceremony wouldn’t suit us, so we opted for a semi-elopement vibe with 12 of our nearest and dearest and chose London as our destination because it’s one of our favourite places in the world,” says Leanne. “I loved the idea of a city-hall wedding, and Old Marylebone Town Hall is a truly historic, stunning venue. I love thinking about all the couples that have walked through those doors as newlyweds over the years,” she adds. They wanted to follow the ceremony with a fun afternoon of drinking and dining in the pub, and The Phene was perfect for that with its picturesque beer garden and beautiful private rooms. “We ended our day with drinks outside at the rooftop bar of the Treehouse Hotel where we were staying for the weekend,” she says. “London was experiencing a mega-heatwave and sitting outside in the warmth of the night looking out over the city, under the brightest full moon, was the best end to our day.” VINTAGE GLAMOUR Leanne wore stunning Catherine Deane separates for her bridal outfit. “I saw them on Instagram and I loved them instantly. I thought about making a spontaneous purchase, but my cautious nature got the better of me and I ended up visiting a few traditional bridal shops in Aberdeen over several months,” she recalls. After not finding ‘the one’, she followed her gut and made an online appointment with Catherine Deane. “I loved the entire range, but the Monique Top stood out to me as having a glamorous vintage vibe, which felt completely me, and the gorgeously light Anika skirt was exactly what I wanted for a summer city wedding,” she says. “I didn’t know anyone who’d ordered their wedding dress online, so I was anxious but the process was amazing. I visited the Catherine Deane showroom when I was in London a few months later for my second look outfit for our reception party. I had the best bridal shopping experience in their gorgeous showroom and chose a bridal jumpsuit for my party look,” she adds. Leanne accessorised with a Catherine Deane veil and carried a small, beaded handbag that complemented the intricate detailing on her bridal top. “My shoes were from a Spanish designer Flordeasoka, which I got in Madrid whilst on holiday there with some friends – I chose green velvet sandals with a gold block heel, as I really wanted something that didn’t feel too bridal and I knew I’d wear them again,” she says. 33 REAL WEDDINGS
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