Bridal Inspiration Boards #72 ~ Easter Fashionista

 

This month we're turning our attention to the fashionista couple. The hot-to-trot bride who loves her Lagerfeld as much as her Levi's and the style-savvy groom who won't be picking up his suit from the nearest Moss Bros. Think  My-Wardrobe meets Mr Porter.

 

They care about three things: Each other (passionately), fashion and living life to the max. They're hugely visual and creative people, it's in their DNA, so they want their wedding day to be a veritable feast of trend-focused style that they have, of course, made their own. A riot of colour, grounded by classic monochrome, a sprinkling of neon and some unexpected hints at the Easter holidays when their wedding takes place – this folks is not a themed wedding. It's an Easter wonderland of cool.

 

When it came to choosing a venue with trend-setting design credentials, for us the choice was easy. The Sanderson Hotel, part of the Morgan's hotel group, in the heart of London's West End, is achingly cool. A 1950s-style building with a touch of Jean Cocteau surrealism and a dash of Salvador Dali iconoclasm. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a Philippe Starck design, gossamer-fine curtains and healthy dose of humour, this is the perfect setting for our design loving duo.

 

A variety of spaces allows them to change up the mood from day to night: from cocktails in the courtyard garden and long bar, to a Malaysian culinary dining experience in Suka followed by an  intense party rolling on into the wee hours within the Purple bar. The Sanderson also has a licence for civil ceremonies.

 

Of course our Bride is going to be all about 'the look'.  Her day-to-day style is fuss-free yet fashionable, mixing up designer finds with vintage heirloom pieces. She may go for a bridal label choosing the classic cut of this Cymbeline Halissia gown with it's fun and flirty ruffled skirt, or go ultra high-end with a gown from the likes of Lanvin. Her maids will be suitably stylish too, wearing every girls dream outfit by couture designer Georges Hobeika. With a play on the traditional bridesmaid gown, opting instead for a structured bodice paired with a diaphanous layered skirt with a cinched waist.

 

Valentino's Rockstuds are like the holy grail for our fashion-forward bride so there is no other choice when it comes to fancy footwear. As a little nod to her playful side, she dons bespoke bunny ears once the party roars into action.

 

When it comes to designing the day for this couple we'd be looking to add in plenty of creative and original ideas that would wow their guests whilst also being in keeping with their individualistic sensibilities.

 

From the get-go we'd set the scene for their tongue-in-cheek yet stylish take on things: the invitation would be bound within marbled mulberry paper, handcrafted by their talented designer friends. Inside guests would find a simple, typographic poster inviting them to join the fun and frolics – a cool souvenir and something that can be framed to add to their own gallery wall. We love this saying "Happily ever after, is so once upon a time" as first seen on the Sophia Webster London Fashion Week invitations and think it perfectly sums up the vibe of this cool couple.

 

The gorgeous clear-roofed courtyard garden at The Sanderson will play host to the cocktail ceremony, a leafy green oasis with marble topped tables and contemporary wooden furniture. The space needs very little in terms of decoration so we'd recommend some drop-dead gorgeous, creative decor installations like a paper flower archway and a unique take on the traditional party pom pom, instead using these furry poms hung in long groups around the space.

 

A dash of brass tipped festoon lighting hanging overhead and the introduction of colourful Acapulco chairs would create an inviting lounge vibe. Of course all the little details would be taken care of too: with a stack of pastel-hued sunglasses to shield those peepers should the sun be shining as well as stylish blankets (like these from House of Rim) for when the British temperature inevitably dips.

 

Of course such a smart and pared-down space requires very little in the form of 'dressing'. Too much and it will lose the stylish and refined edge so here the details are simple yet striking and very carefully chosen to complement the space. Echoing the marbled invitations we would use this most luxe of materials to create a unique runner of marble along the dining tables, stacking raw pieces to create a plinth for our decor pieces to sit atop. Instead of florals we'd be using organic herbs displayed in an array of funky ceramic pots, adding in a hit of colour with pipe candelabras and handpainted dinner candles.

 

The food and drink would be an equally funky affair. We'd be calling up Alex and Stacey of The Meringue Girls to create us a unique meringue gift for each guest, wrapped simply with names handwritten in chalky white so they double up as place cards too. Working with the Sanderson's mixologists we'd devise a unique his and hers cocktail menu served in funky apothecary style bottles.

 

The final piece of this surreal puzzle: balloons! They may be THE typical party staple but they don't often offer much in the style cred stakes…well step right up the marbled balloon, this seasons hottest party accessory. We'd take a bunch of these black and white marbled creations from Hedgehog Shop and line the long bar for a sophisticated look that says: We're ready to Party!

 

Michelle & Vicki
Creative Wedding Planners, Pocketful of Dreams
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