When you plan on having not just one but three wedding related events then chances are you’re going to need a bit of help from a creative London wedding planner. Ellie and Phil had decided they would have a blessing in Japan for just the two of them, a family focused weekend wedding in Devon and a blowout wedding party in London for all their friends and family and it was for this event that they contacted me to help them plan.

With their amazing London venue already chosen – the rather fabulous Dock Kitchen, on the Grand Canal in Ladbroke Grove and a brief of “magical and theatrical” I knew this was one wedding design that was really going to get my creative juices flowing.

The Dock Kitchen is based in a converted Victorian Wharf building- the original beamed ceilings and brick arches have been conserved and combined with a modern collection of lighting and furniture by Tom Dixon (who’s shop in the basement is a must visit) and an open plan kitchen where you watch the chefs at work.

While brainstorming the design with Ellie a few different ideas came out that we knew we wanted to incorporate into the design- a nod to Japan with cherry blossom and lanterns, oversized paper flowers and balloons. I divided the space up into distinct areas with each area focused on one main concept but with touches of cherry blossom throughout and a colour palette of reds and pinks.

Here is my mood board that shows the overall concept and colour palette

On arrival guests were greeted by an avenue of giant balloons and a balloon arch by the wonderful Bubblegum Balloons and beautiful hand painted chalkboard sign by Beyond Vintage that let guests know the timings for the day. The advantage of the board being we moved it around the space during the evening so guests always knew what was happening when.

As they entered the main space an explosion of cherry blossom by Emma Soulsby Flowers lined the wall leading out onto the terrace where we had an open sided clear roof marquee – with an abundance of lanterns and flowers hanging from the roof – the terrace was the main event space for guests to enjoy the Mexican inspired buffet menu and where the Flash Pack Photo booth was set up. Cue lots of fun with vintage props…

When it came to deciding on the cake we started out looking at some pretty semi-naked cakes adorned with fresh flowers but when you’re going all out on your décor why not do so on the cake? The over 1m high four-tiered “unicorn croquembouche cake” from Anges de Sucre really did make a statement, was great backdrop for the speeches and it tasted delicious too!

Our final main area was the dance-floor so we had giant paper flowers made by Paper Petal and Wild to surround the door and around the edges.

Music was a key part of the day, with a live duo during drinks then to get the evening going Phil did a live set with his kids and the band The Parkatones.

The terrace had to close at 9.30pm so guests all moved inside to make the most of the indoor spaces and the balloon walkway at the front of the Dock Kitchen.

This was such a fun wedding to design and style, if you’re looking for a really creative twist to your wedding party do get in touch today, my full planning and design services can help you design the wedding that is as individual as you are.

Wedding party supplier credits

Wedding Planning + Design: Always Andri Wedding Design | Venue: Dock Kitchen | Photography: Michael Newington Gray | Hair stylist: Cassandra Rizzuto | Florist: Emma Soulsby Flowers | Cake: Anges De Sucre | Balloons: Bubblegum Balloons | Giant paper flowers: Paper Petal and Wild | Signage: Beyond Vintage | Marquee: Toby’s Tents | DJ: Mighty Fine Entertainment | Band: The Parkatones via The Band Boutique | Photobooth: The Flashpack  

Quirky party design mood board credits

Red lanterns photo by Claudia Hung via Wedluxe | Hanging lanterns with flowers Photo by Axioo Photography via Inspired by This | Flowers in gold vase and balloons photos by  ben q photography via Design Love Fest | Balloon arch by Art Petrov via Instagram | Model holding giant paper flower photo by Amanda Pratt for KAREN Magazine via Fashion Gone Rogue | Blossom tree shop window via Jo Malone