more real-life weddings
Samantha and Gareth, September 2006
Staple Inn
Samantha’s Story
The Proposal
Gareth proposed at night on the beach in Biarritz on my 31st birthday.
The Outfits
The Bride – Designed by me and handmade in Shanghai. Tea length dress consisting of two layers of champagne/ivory silk chiffon with tie and lace butterfly detail on sleeves with pearls.
The Bridesmaids – Pink silk chiffon hand made dress with freshwater pearls, silk flowers and indian beaded slippers.
The Groom and Groomsmen – Black lounge suits with black ties and pink shirts, deep pink rose to match bridal bouquet.
The Wedding and Reception Venues
We wanted a ‘London’ venue – at the time we didn’t know we would be living in China so we were so glad we opted for a city wedding.
Ceremony – Marylebone Registry Office, London
Reception – We chose Staple Inn, London because we loved the history and the rose garden.
The Decorative Touches
Room decorations – Stunning floral display (see above) with long refectory style tables covered in white cloths, deep pink table runners (made by me!) and iron candelabras also silver vases.
Table centrepieces – Tables were named after towns in China, where we live.
Favours – Deep pink linen bags tied with ivory ribbon and handwritten tag contained dainty chinese miniature hand painted perfume bottles for the girls and marble stamps or ‘chops’ for the boys (which they later used to sign the guestbook) and fortune cookies for all – all in a nod to our life here in China.
The Cake
3 tiers of yummy rich chocolate ganache with ivory royal icing, decorated with deep pink ribbons and roses – people commented how delicious it was and a nice change from fruit cake!
The Transport
We used London cabs throughout the day!
The Suppliers
Wedding Reception Venue – Staple Inn
Venue found through Country House Wedding Venues
Caterer – Galloping Gourmet
Civil Ceremony – Westminster Register Office, ‘Old Marylebone Town Hall’, Marylebone Road, London
Florist – Sophie Hanna Flowers
Photographer – Anna Rosell
Hair and Make-up – Make-up Angels
Music at Champagne reception – Laura Lancaster (String Quartets, weddings and private tuition)
Music at Evening reception – Abnormally Funky
Wedding List – Honey Money