The average wedding takes around 12 – 18 months to plan. But when Heather and Steve approached me, we had just one month to bring their big day to life. Throw in a worldwide pandemic and a tonne of restrictions into the mix and it was a planning experience that we’ll never forget – not to mention the wedding itself.
LONDON WEDDING CEREMONY
Upon our initial meeting, Heather and Steve confirmed that the only things they had ticked off their wedding to-do-list were the ‘venues’. Their ceremony was hosted at the Grade II Fitzrovia Chapel, an iconic wedding venue in London that is located in the very heart of the city. It offered a jaw-droppingly beautiful backdrop for that all-important ‘I Do’ moment, where Heather and Steve were immersed in rich history, architectural delights and an enchanting atmosphere.
The venue is striking alone, so we complemented the setting with modern ghost chairs and statement floral urns by Blue Sky Flowers that were carefully placed at the altar. Their blooms consisted of an array of cranberry red hues, pillow-soft ivory shades and a palette of dusty rose, teamed with lots of leafy foliage for a classic, luxurious feel. Once the vows had been exchanged, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a drinks reception in the grounds of the chapel. Friends and family sipped on champagne while string quartet, Chiqas Music played softly in the background.
We organised a traditional red open-top bus courtesy of the London Bus Company to transport Heather, Steve and their guests from Fitzrovia Chapel to their reception venue.
ELEGANT WEDDING RECEPTION
The couple wanted somewhere that was intimate, without compromising on style and service – cue Paradise by way of Kensal Green. This eclectic London wedding venue boasts incredible décor, an array of period features and plenty of photography backdrops. It’s one of those places that really does stop you in your tracks, asking you to explore every quirky corner it has to offer.
Guests were seated at long tables adorned with dusky blush pink details, including linen napkins and candlesticks, courtesy of the team at Options Great Hire. Gilded cutlery and charger plates worked beautifully alongside Paradise, with the warmly lit room curating the perfect atmosphere for an intimate dining experience.
Love these photos that caught Heather’s reaction when they first saw the room set up! Always one of my favourite parts of the day.
The incredibly talented Vaani of Sugar Plums Bakes created a two-tier edible masterpiece in a palette of cream, blush pink and rust red, finished with delicate touches of gold as well as fresh oversized florals by Blue Sky Flowers.
The ceiling was a florist’s delight, with an array of colourful flowers and greenery acting as a canopy above the dining tables. As the evening drew in and the wedding day continued, the space at Paradise effortlessly transformed into an electric party atmosphere. Heather and Steve danced late into the night, surrounded by their favourite people – all of which was planned in just four weeks.
What an honour it was to work with Heather and Steve to plan their wedding day – showing that all it takes to plan a wedding in one month is a spectacular team of suppliers to bring a vision to life. As a luxury wedding planner in London, my diary is now open for bookings in 2023 and beyond so I welcome you to get in touch to discover more about my wedding planning services and availability.
Photography by Sophie Lake Weddings