A Halfpenny London Bride and her Chic, City Wedding at St John Restaurant London

Halfpenny London

The city wedding we are sharing today represents the utmost in simple elegance and class. It combined an effortless colour palette of cream, green and pink with a sensational, impeccably-cut, off-the-shoulder gown from one of our wedding designer favourites, Halfpenny London.

Buyer Kate wed account director Liam on 23 October 2021 at St Etheldreda’s Church in Ely Place followed by a reception at St John Restaurant, Smithfield, London. The couple created a beautifully relaxed day with a focus on amazing food. The whole day was captured by the incredibly talented Love My Dress recommended supplier Maja Tsolo.

The Look

I wanted a dress that I felt myself in; the fabric was beautiful and it felt amazing on. I wanted the whole look to be quite simple with a hint of glamour and the dress was perfect.

The Halfpenny London boutique was amazing. The team were so friendly and made my first appointment so special. I was nervous and it was very relaxed and a lot of fun.

https://www.lovemydress.net/directory/supplier/halfpenny-london/

I wore a Hermione de Paula veil that I bought in a sample sale. It was plain but the length added drama. My shoes were satin pumps from Aquazzura. They were so comfortable – I wore them all day and night, except for the walk back to our hotel when Liam had to carry me. had a lovely day choosing perfume with my mum and sister.

I borrowed emerald earrings from my mum. They were a present to her from my dad and it felt so special to wear them.

My hair was done by Freya Cameron and my make-up was Hannah Davies Makeup. I wore Anthropologie hair pins in my hair.

My perfume was À La Rose by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. I wanted something floral but with a little spice. I

My bridesmaids’ gowns were from Ghost London and they wore Mango shoes. The flowergirls were in dresses from Next.

The Engagement

Liam and I met at university on a ski trip in France and dated for ten years, travelling and enjoying restaurants, prior to getting engaged in lockdown.

The Ceremony

As my dad was no longer with us, my brother walked me down the aisle. It was such a special moment and I was so proud of him. The service was led by Father Tom Deidun and we had many of the same hymns that were sung at my parents’ wedding, including ‘I Watch The Sunrise’ and ‘Ave Maria’. My best friend joined the organist to sing ‘Amazing Grace’ as our final hymn and the church filled with happy tears.

Our religious readings (first reading and bidding prayers) were read by our siblings’ partners and they did a brilliant job. My cousin JJ read the lyrics of Bob Dylan’s ‘Forever Young’ and it was perfect – we all have such a love of music and it was very special.

We exchanged matching simple gold bands from De Beers.

The Photographer

I came across Maja Tsolo when I saw a beautiful photo she had taken at the church we were to be married in. We knew as soon as we spoke to her that we wanted her to be part of our day. She had such a calming energy and was so helpful and informative.

https://www.lovemydress.net/directory/supplier/maja-tsolo-photography/

On the day she was amazing; she made the little flower girls smile and was so helpful. We couldn’t have been happier with our photos.

The Groom

Liam wore a Suit Supply suit and shirt with a Liberty London tie and Paul Smith shoes. His Paul Smith cufflinks were a gift from my uncle.

We knew we wanted a London wedding. We both fell in love with the church as soon as we saw it and we wanted to have a reception in a venue where we could enjoy great food with the people we love the most. St John was the perfect place.

Reception, Detail & Decor

St John is was such a beautiful and light space, we just wanted to fill it with flowers and the people we love.

A very talented friend of ours, Aisling Erin Design, created our agate place names and seating chart. The chalk board was in keeping with the restaurant and agate provided a sweet keepsake.

The food was done by St John Restaurant. We did not have a cake but a tiered pavlova made by St John. I used to make pavlovas with my granny in Ireland so it was very special.

Flowers

Our florist was Hazel Gardiner Design. We were blown away by her designs and she was the loveliest, friendliest, bubbliest person and a joy to work with.

She took all of our ideas and creates arrangements more amazing than we ever could have imagined. The flower cloud above the bar was incredible.

 

Favourite Memories

Saying ‘I do’ – we had all of the people we love around us but for a few minutes it felt like just the two of us.

Getting ready in the morning with all of the women I love was a memory I will never forget.

Liam’s best man asked him to return the favour during his speech. He said ‘I don’t know how I will repay this honour… actually, I can think of one way… will you be my best man?’. It was amazing and very emotional.

Evening & Dancing

My bridesmaids arranged for Danny Jones Music to sing at my hen-do and he was so amazing that we asked him to play at the wedding. He even sang George Michael’s ‘Faith’ with my best friend – it’s a song my dad used to sing so it was incredibly special and emotional.

Our first dance was to Josh Turner’s ‘Your Man’. We love country music and Liam surprised me with a very smooth dip on the dance floor.

Words of Wedded Wisdom

Stay true to what is important to you. There will be things that people say you should do or you feel you should but all that matters is the two of you celebrating your love in the way you have both dreamt of.

majatsolo.com

Credits & Thanks

Eleanor Crossland

Eleanor Crossland View all Eleanor's articles

Ele lives in the Lincolnshire countryside, close to the beautiful coast. A qualified Pilates teacher, she loves fitness, yoga, Pilates and has a healthy addiction to baking, writing and travel.

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