I know that I probably say that at least once a week but I don’t know that I’ve ever loved a wedding like I love this affair. I literally want to crawl through my computer screen and live in this beautiful space and it has EVERYTHING to do with the gorgeous imagery shot by Aneta MAK Photography. She captured London cool infused with old world glamour in a way that will make you want to throw on some sparkly heels, grab a scrumptious cocktail and join in the merriment or at least plan a wedding that looks exactly like this beauty; lace veil and all. See even more right here in the full gallery.
From Charley Beard of London Bride… I worked closely with Peter and Gemma to bring to life their brief of ‘distressed elegance’ for their November wedding. Peter and Gemma are a super stylish couple and were keen for their wedding to reflect them and their London lifestyle – combining their love of the urban city but with a sophisticated, creative aesthetic and the key was very much to enjoy their day with all their wonderful friends and family. The ceremony took place at the beautiful art-deco Town Hall in Islington, after which guests were treated to Champagne aboard a London Routemaster bus to the reception at an urban warehouse location in the seriously hip creative hub of London, Dalston – which is just around the corner from their home.
Peter and Gemma had some precious time together with their photographer Aneta before arriving by classic black London taxi which was actually driven inside the trendy al-fresco style atrium bar. We transformed the warehouse, which is essentially a film and photographic location, into two decadent spaces for drinking and for dining and dancing. Champagne was served and oysters were hand-shucked to guests, whilst the young children could play in their own play room created just for them!
As huge foodies, the catering was a key element to the day and the menu reflected their love of enjoying London’s culinary delights with an oyster shucker, home-made terrines by the Groom’s brother (who is a chef), indulgent cheese boards and a hearty evening hog roast. As a nod to the Bride’s Scottish heritage and family, after dinner guests took part in a traditional (and very lively!) ceilidh dance followed by a brilliant DJ party set. With the meal taking centre stage, inspired by indulgent supper clubs, the table decorations were elegant but with a relaxed bistro feel. The couple thought of every last detail – the bride sourced antique brass candlesticks, and wine was served in hired vintage cut glass decanters which were interspersed with relaxed white and raspberry florals.
The menus, each tied with a mini sparkler to be used for the toast completed the bespoke gold foiled and screen printed stationery suite, and the couples friend hand drew the table plan onto an ornate mirror for a touch of luxury. With a keen eye for fashion, the Bride’s dress was designed by Halfpenny London and for the evening she swopped her delicate lace shrug for beautiful embellished and sparkling detail for a glamorous transformation. In keeping with the theme the florists draped ivy from the industrial walls, poles and ceiling beams and festoon lighting was hung to provide warm lighting for the dark winter’s evening. The couple added thoughtful touches such as taxi cards so that guests could make their way home safely and for a nightcap there was of course an abundance of Scottish whisky served on a whisky trolley. The whole day was full of fun, food, style and sophistication and with many suppliers involved everyone did a fantastic job of bringing it all together.
Wedding Photography: Aneta MAK Photography / Ceremony Venue: Islington Town Hall in London, England / Reception Venue: MC Motors in London, England / Wedding Planning + Design: Charley Beard of London Bride / Floral Design: Flower Appreciation Society / Cinematography: Ewan McNicol (family friend) of Lucid Inc. / Wedding Catering: Roast Hog + Oyster Meister (mobile oyster service during cocktail hour) / Wedding Cake: Groom’s Mother / String Quartet: Tyburn String Quartet / Ceilidh Band (Traditional Scottish Dancing): Lochnagar Ceilidh Band / DJ: Wedding Smashers / Vintage Hire: Classic Crockery / Lighting: Peachy Productions / Transportation: Routemaster Transport (red buses)+ Black London Taxi / Wedding Dress: Halfpenny London / Bride’s Shoes: Rupert Sanderson / Hair: Severin Hubert of Hepburn Collection / Makeup: Mariam Jensen / Groom’s Suit Tailor: Cad and The Dandy
