CHARLIE AND NIKITA’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venues, www.rbkc.gov.uk/venues-in-kensington-and-chelsea/chelsea-old-town-hall and https://dartmouthhouse.co.uk | Photographer, www.amywoodhamphotography.com | Bride’s dress, www.carolinecastigliano.com/pages/knightsbridge-store | Groom’s suit, www.paulsmith.com | Waistcoat, https://nealandpalmer.com | Custom tie, www.emarinella.eu | Groomsmen suite, M&S | Hair and make-up, www.instagram.com/hmu_atelier | Bridesmaids’ dresses, ASOS | Cake, www.instagram.com/thepinkcooker | Flowers, www.floralinnovations.co.uk | Singer, www.sorshasevensinger.co.uk | String quartet, https://chiqas.co.uk Saxophonist, www.brendanmills.com | Catering, www.graysonsvenues.com We wanted to include nods to Nikita’s heritage, so his parents brought over chocolates from their hometown in Russia to use as favours. I love that we did this as now, I always associate those sweets with our wedding. I’d become obsessed with a local cake maker, The Pink Cooker, years before the wedding. She made the most delicious three-tiered bake with fresh fruit. She’s also just a lovely person to work with – so passionate and determined to get every order perfect. Brendan Mills Music kicked off the party with a saxophone performance followed by a DJ set – he was phenomenal! Nikita’s suit was by Paul Smith, with a waistcoat from Neal & Palmer and a custom tie from E.Marinella. The groomsmen wore navy suits from M&S with champagne-coloured ties to match. We felt so overwhelmingly happy and grateful to be surrounded by so many loved ones. One of the best moments? Dancing with everyone at the end of the night. There were so many unforgettable moments, especially my dad’s speech. I was quite self-conscious during the planning process due to health concerns and decided not to hire a videographer – something I now regret. My dad is usually a man of few words, and I could see him visibly shaking as he spoke. It was the most meaningful moment, hearing him talk about Nikita and how he’s always felt like part of the family. REAL WEDDINGS 37
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