From the moment Helen + Rory got in touch, I knew this was going to be a wedding of dreams (for myself just as much as the couple!). They had ideas of a classic, autumn wedding with a modern twist. More to the point…an autumnal black-tie celebration, in London, with a party feel. It needed to be elegant and special but not traditional or cold. Different from every other wedding they had been to. And, most importantly, it needed to be fun – but in a chic and romantic way. Everything about the brief sparked my creativity, and the result did not disappoint.
The Venue + First Look

Needing a cool, London city wedding venue, that wasn’t too traditional, stuffy or ‘old-world’ (as Rory put it), we chose 10-11 Carlton Terrace House {insert link}. It was the perfect balance of classic venue meets modern details. Details such as the modern art on the walls – that worked so well with the fun and chic feel.



After getting ready with her bridesmaids and flower girl, Helen met Rory at the venue for a ‘first look’. Keen not to end up with a drawn-out drinks reception, we organised their couple and group shots for before the guests arrived. The photos are stunning. With London providing the ultimate in distinctive yet romantic backdrops for an autumn wedding – Fiona Kelly Photography captured the moment perfectly.






The Colour Palette + Visual Design
Working on the visual designs for a celebration is one of my favourite parts of the planning stage. I love to create concept sketches for my couples and drew numerous details and set-ups for Helen and Rory, so they could visualise everything. Sketches are also an amazing way to show suppliers the vision for the day. And it takes the stress off everyone’s shoulders to know we are all working towards the same image.


Helen + Rory both wanted a warm and autumnal feel. Their favourite colours are blue and orange, so it didn’t take long to start picturing a gorgeous palette. Shades of deep reds and oranges, accents of teal, autumnal foliage, and pops of gold.
With a black-tie party in mind, I designed a concept that felt both classic and stylish, yet fun and heartfelt. Rich and textural fabrics, modern Perspex, and gold metallics. An abundance of romantic candlelight and striking, seasonal florals – in autumn tones.
The Flowers
Speaking of florals, just look at what Bloomologie created!
Inside the venue we gave Bloomologie free reign. We wanted creative, modern designs – with immersive detail. Seasonal, autumn flowers and foliage, and that touch of wild to make the interiors come alive. Exactly how it would look, however, was entirely up to the floral team.



For Helen’s bouquet we wanted Bloomologie’s signature style, but in a scale to suit Helen’s petite figure. The finished arrangement was breath-taking. Distinctive, textural, and full of substance. Understated luxury (with the perfect edge of sensual intensity) at its best. It was effortlessly brought together with a trailing ribbon. And, of course, the palette was in keeping with the warming autumn tones.


The groomsmen all wore buttonholes in the same rich and romantic hues, and the flower girl carried a seasonal floral hoop. On a side note, the couple let their flower girl wear metallic gold trainers – I loved that! Just the right side of laidback luxe, and so caring. It’s these kinds of considered details that make the difference between an okay day and an unforgettable experience for everyone.
The Ceremony + Reception
10-11 Carlton Terrace House, in London, hosted both the ceremony and reception for Helen and Rory’s classic, autumn wedding with a modern twist. With separate celebration spaces, we were able to structure the day for the best guest experience.




The ceremony was as carefully designed as the rest of the day. Hurricane vases and candles lined the aisle. Ghost chairs kept the room feeling spacious and unfussy. And ghost pedestals gave dramatic height to floral arrangements, creating a beautiful backdrop for the vows. There was also a special moment within the ceremony when a family friend sang.




The reception stayed true to the couple’s plan of ditching tradition and being themselves. A two-course sit-down meal, with starters and mains, instead of three. Followed by desserts served as a buffet station, offering guests a selection of different choices from the caterers, Searcy’s}. And both the bride and groom gave a speech.








What’s a party without dancing? The first dance was quite something. Helen and Rory performed choreography by Annette at Start the Dance UK {insert link}. It really got things going. And with live music from the band, Supatight – we continued the fun and celebratory atmosphere well into the night.

The Personal Touches
Helen’s mum is no longer with us and the couple wanted to pay tribute to her in a subtle way. She had always loved fashion, and Helen + Rory have some lovely fashion sketches in their home. This inspired a collaboration with Studio Oudizo, the stationery designer. I created the illustrations for the stationery – including a couple portrait for the order of the day, a cocktails menu on the bar, and place cards with fashion-style sketches. The back of each place card also featured a personal message:



“We are supporting Cancer Research UK as part of our celebration, in memory of Helen’s Mum Gillian. She has been missed more than ever in the build up to our wedding, but everything here has been inspired by her style and warmth (including these illustrations). We know she would have loved today, and you all, as much as we do.”



Another personal touch came in the form of the wedding cake – created by one of Helen’s friends. It was made of from biscuits (like Prince William had at his wedding) – each tier being a different favourite biscuit of the couple.
The Feedback


It was an amazing autumn wedding, in London, with a classic touch and modern twist. A real mix of fun, relaxed luxury and city chic celebrating. And it’s not just me that enjoyed the day. Here’s a snippet from the couple’s testimonial…
“It was the best day of our lives, we wouldn’t have changed a thing, and it surpassed everything we imagined. Given our only real instructions to you were ‘maybe like a cool London evening wedding… in autumn…maybe black tie?’, we just can’t believe how amazing it was and how seamlessly you ran it all on the day.”

I’m delighted to say this wedding was also featured on Rock My Wedding, you can see it here.
Credits: Venue: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace | Videographer: Each And Every Moment | Planner/Stylist: Always Andri | Wedding Dress: Stephanie Allin | Bridesmaid Dresses: Ghost | Grooms Outfit: Richard James | Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Food: Searcy’s | Florist: Bloomologie | Hair & Makeup: Sana for Elevate Bridal | Stationery: Studio Oudizo | Entertainment: Supa Tight via Like it Live Music Ltd | Lounge Furniture: Juno Hire | Gift List: The Wedding Shop | Illustrator: Andri Benson | Linen: Just4Linen | Ghost Chair Hire: Yahire | Gold Candlestick Hire: Workshop Ltd
Like the sound of a classic, heartfelt, autumn wedding but with a modern twist that makes it unique to you as a couple? Then I think we’d have a lot to talk about. Why not get in touch and say hello?