If ever I had my 'Carrie Bradshaw moment', it was at around 7.20pm on Friday 11 February, as I stepped off a courtesy bus that had been provided to transport a group of us (mostly exhibitors) from The Designer Wedding Show at Battersea Park, across town and onto One Mayfair, where a party being hosted by 'By Appointment Only Design' had just commenced.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but judging by the invite I had received a few days prior (a stunning black and gold invitation designed, written and printed by Paul Antonio with a laser cut border designed by Paul and cut by Cutture and with gold handscript on black envelope, also by Paul Antonio) it was set to be a pretty good night.
Reflecting back, the word 'good' comes no where close in even beginning to describe the experience of that wonderful evening.
My 'Carrie' moment began as I made my way up the huge stone staircase outside of the enchantingly candle lit entrance to our venue that evening, past the romantic rose petal lined reception area and on into the main hall, where the sight that greeted me in was spectacular – to say the least. As I stood there in my beautiful Dana Bolton vintage inspired wedding dress and high heels, I looked over to my friend and Photographer Cat Hepple and uttered one word.
"Wow…"
It truly was one of those jaw-dropping moments. I was half expecting Stanford to step out from behind one of the stone pillars of this stunning central London converted historic Grade I listed building, and surprise me with a beautiful bouquet of roses and "this is all for you, Carrie!", so much I felt for that moment like I had stepped into some kind of magical movie scene…
Love My Dress Wedding Blog, Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Catherine Mead
For those not familiar with the hosts that evening, By Appointment Only Design is one of London's top Wedding Styling and Concierge Services. Owned and run by Javier and Tony (Gentlemen personified), I can see why this company has the reputation it does. Several people had told me about this charming duo, who I'd never met prior to the party that night and I was already developing a mental image of two kind, considerate people who just completely love what they do. And believe me, these boys do what they do with real panache. This is uber-glam styling!
The By Appointment Only Design website claims that a 'fresh approach to organising celebrations, dinner parties and weddings will inspire and delight you.' That evening, I was inspired and delighted. And I can honestly say that as one of the lucky guests, I was made to feel really very special indeed.
I spoke with Javier after the event, and he told me the whole idea behind the party was to 'give something back' to all those people who had supported them and to celebrate the the best of the UK wedding industry. This gesture for me, meant the whole evening was graced with a real sense of generosity and kindness. It might have been a very lavish and elaborate affair, with outrageously fabulous floral displays and a touch of indulgence of course (if one can't indulge on their wedding day….), but this was all delivered with a complete lack of pretentiousness – and that for me was one of the magic ingredients that made the evening so very special…
There was an open invite to the event (advertised in Brides Magazine and on the By Appointment Only Design website), with tickets costing a mere £15.
It was a great opportunity for Brides to Be (who left that night with £300 goodie bags) to rub shoulders with wedding industry representatives that included Peggy Porschen, Phototographers Catherine Mead and Polly Alexandre, Jasper Conran's Bridal team, Scribe Paul Antonio {I'm his biggest fan!}, Cutture and Astrid Joss – Shopping Editor at Brides Magazine among many others. There were many brands actually on exhibit that evening also, and they included the fabulous Magpie Vintage, shoe designers Freya Rose and Aruna Seth, Anya Hindmarch, Laduree {think fabulous Macaroon towers!}, Becca Cosmetics, and Urban Retreat- amongst many others. Bridal fashion on show that evening included Jasper Conran bridal (see below), Matthew Williamson, Vera Wang at Browns Bride, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin…
The styling that evening was breathtaking. Javier told me…
"We showcased 3 new looks on the evening; a parisian paper inspired look by ourselves, a pop-up patisesserie with Jonathan Attwood from Last Supper, and a gorgeous Valentines inspired look with Polly Atkinson Lifestyle Editor at Brides Magazine…"
When I spoke with Javier last week, he asked me what was my favourite part of the evening. I was a little embarrassed at the time that I couldn't immediately name one single aspect of the party that I liked the most, purely because I loved all of it so much, but if I had to, it would probably be the amazing pop up patisserie that was supplied by Last Supper Ltd.
As the event came to a close around midnight, One Events event organiser Alicia Barron, Wedding Planner Penny from Tigerlily Weddings and I entered the sweet filled patisserie and began our midnight raid! It was so much fun breaking off pieces from the delicious meringue cake and savouring marshmallows and macaroons. I remember that moment so fondly, we were like giggling School girls scoffing sweet goodies thinking no one was watching! 🙂
My other favourite part of the evening was the Opera Singing, performed by Young Guns UK. It really was a 'I have to pinch myself now!' moment. As these gorgeous girls, each dressed in glamorous evening gowns in various different bold colours, launched into their own stylish operatic rendition of the glorious 'Flower Duet' – Tiffany Grant Riley and Amanda Baird of the Utterly Sexy Cafe and I burst into song as we watched from the Gallery area of the venue – harmonising, in our own 'unique' way along at the top of our little voices. It was such a fun moment, we fell about with fit's of giggles and then stood there and continued to listen and watch in awe as the professionals entertained us all. It was just wonderful and immediately injected a strong sense of elegance into the evening.
Some of the beautiful decorative lights that made our venue look spectacular…
The bar served some fabulous cocktails and smart, apron clad waiters wandered about the place offering delicious new cocktails, canapes and cakes to guests. Jonathan Attwood at Last Supper provided the impressive catering on the evening.
Luxury seating areas were provided where Brides and other guests could relax on plush sofas and soak up the atmosphere…
The grandness of One Mayfair and the lavish displays put on by By Appointment Only Design made for a perfect evening – and would indeed make for the perfect combination for any central London city chic and elegant wedding.
I enjoyed every second of that evening, as, I imagine, so did every other guest who attended. The music, food, cocktails, atmosphere, venue, hosts, guests and company, styling – everything was just totally dreamy.
As we left (so sad was I the party had to come to an end), Cat and I were both handed the most outrageously beautiful (and HUGE!) bouquets of roses. It was such a lovely gesture and perfect way to end such a magical experience.
We went on to dine in the early hours with Penny from Tigerlily Weddings (I do love that lady) and Photographer Catherine Mead, though we weren't able to stay out too long; my busy week had finally caught up with me and after a day of shooting with Lisa Devlin for Luella's Boudoir, partying with Mark NIemierko, trains, planes and lack of quality sleep, I was ready for my bed, and so Cat and I left after a short while and made our way back to our hotel, scattering rose petals all along the way Hansel and Gretal style… 🙂
Without any shadow of doubt, this was the most fabulous party I have ever been too. Hosts Javier and Tony are complete Gentlemen, and both were incredibly polite, welcoming and very modest when Cat Hepple and I were ready to shower them with praise for organising such a beautiful evening.
The utterly fabulous lasercut invites, designed by Paul Antonio Scribe and lasercut stationery specialists, Cutture, and each of them addressed in scribe by Paul Antonio…
Love My Dress Wedding Blog, Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Annabel Beeforth
The beautiful scribed insert that listed all the designers and contributors that would be there on the evening…
I will never forget my evening at One Mayfair with By Appointment Only Design and would like to thank Javier and Tony for making me feel so welcome.
A little birdie tells me this could be a regular event. I'd subscribe to the By Appointment Only Newsletter if I were you to be kept notified of all future events. You just have to be there!
Huge thanks to Javier and London Photographer Catherine Mead for sharing these photographs with Love My Dress.
For further information about By Appointment Only Design and how they can assist you in styling your wedding of special event, please contact Javier on 0207 486 7870, email [email protected] or visit the By Appointment Only Design website. You can also learn more about the fabulous venue One Mayfair by visiting the One Mayfair website or contacting Alicia Barron on 020 7380 1663.
I'd love to hear from anyone else that was at the party that night? What were your thoughts and what did you enjoy most about the evening?
Much love,
Annabel xXx
♥
