As we venture into East London, our attention turns to the enchanting union of WWW readers Laura and Kamil. The couple exchanged vows at Stoke Newington Town Hall, followed by a lavish celebration at Clapton Country Club. This location held immense sentimental value for both parties, as they grew up in the area – making it an unforgettable backdrop for their special day.The atmosphere was infused with modern city chic, perfectly encapsulated on September 1st, 2018. Laura stunned in her exquisite gown courtesy of Grace Loves Lace, a true masterpiece with its flowing train and intricate lace details. The gentlemen, meanwhile, donned navy blue suits, complemented by forest green ties, while the bridesmaids added a touch of mint green to their lovely floral dresses. The colour palette was elegantly carried through into the floral arrangements, featuring a subtle blend of greenery and white blooms that exuded freshness and sophistication.The stationery design cleverly echoed the tropical botanical vibes, while a show-stopping naked cake, impeccable lighting, and delectable cuisine further elevated the celebration. We’re grateful to Curious Rose Photography for sharing these breathtaking images with us today.
The Proposal
I still chuckle thinking about how Kamil went behind my back and applied for a TV production company’s proposal challenge. He had seen an ad on social media, and before I knew what was happening, he had secretly gone through the application process and been selected to create a video about our relationship and proposal preparations. For three weeks, he worked with the production team, filming our proposal without me knowing a thing. On the night of the actual proposal, I thought we were just meeting for drinks at a rooftop bar in London Fields to celebrate Kamil’s completion of his post-grad degree. But little did I know, he had planned something much bigger. He led me to a private area on the rooftop, where I was blown away by the beautiful decorations, including flowers, fairy lights, and a champagne-filled bench just for us. It was like a scene straight out of a movie! And then, just 10 minutes after the proposal, the TV cameras emerged from hiding, and my parents appeared. I was completely caught off guard, but Kamil had also prepared a surprise getaway to Rome for the next day, as a ‘pre-emptive apology’ in case I didn’t love the surprise (although, let’s be real, I was overjoyed).
The Vision
Kamil and I share a common connection with Hackney, where we grew up. Our initial dream of getting married in Italy wasn’t feasible due to our large families. We decided to stay close to home and make the most of it. Having met at school 10 years prior, we had a significant number of friends who were eager to be part of our special day, making our wedding party larger than initially planned. Given our East London roots with no ties to the countryside, we knew we wanted a city wedding. For me, Stoke Newington Town Hall was the perfect venue choice – not only do I have fond memories of growing up in and around Stoke Newington, but their art deco room is truly stunning.
The Planning Process
Within just a few weeks of deciding on our venue, we were able to secure our date about 15 months in advance, leaving us with ample time to plan the finer details. The initial few months were spent booking the essential elements, such as the Town Hall and catering services, knowing that popular vendors in London would likely book up quickly. We prioritized securing key components, like the venue, pizza caterers, and photographer, early on. This allowed us to focus on adding personal touches and refining the overall aesthetic of our special day over the following months.
Budget
Beauty
As the big day approached, I found myself in a bit of a bind when my usual hairdresser at Blue Tit Dalston was away on holiday. Luckily, they arranged for another talented stylist to visit me at home the morning of the wedding. To ensure I was completely happy with the final look, I had two trial sessions prior to the big day. This experience also gave me the opportunity to practice and fine-tune my expectations.In a stroke of good fortune, I had the pleasure of doing a bridal photo shoot with my wedding photographer, Laura, five months before the actual ceremony. It was during this shoot that I met Tabby, my makeup artist for the big day. What’s more, she perfectly captured the look I wanted to achieve at my own wedding, which made me incredibly grateful when she became available to work with me on the day of the event.
Your Outfits & Accessories
My wedding dress from Grace Loves Lace was an Instagram discovery (the majority of my inspiration came from the platform). I fell in love with their unique style, which felt bridal yet unconventional – perfect for someone like me who doesn’t conform to traditional norms. As luck would have it, they had recently opened a studio near our location in Shoreditch, making it effortless to schedule an appointment and find ‘the one’. Meanwhile, my Jimmy Choo gold stilettos, which I purchased second-hand about six months prior, started to wreak havoc on my psyche as the wedding approached. The thought of navigating cobbled paths in those heels sent my anxiety soaring. Thankfully, a serendipitous discovery led me to a pair of stunning gold platforms from Office just days before the big day – a game-changer that not only alleviated my concerns but also allowed me to feel authentic and confident in my choice. As for Kamil’s attire, he opted for a Hugo Boss suit, selecting a summery blue hue after consulting with his best men during their shopping excursion. His trusty shoes came from Sons of London – a perfect match for the dashing groom-to-be.
The Readings & Music
Bridesmaids
I recall struggling to select bridesmaid dresses for my 5 bridesmaids and 2 maids of honor. The process took months, with my girls and I scouring the market relentlessly. We had a clear vision – our wedding color scheme was green, but finding affordable forest-green dresses proved a daunting task. Ultimately, we decided on non-traditional bridesmaid dresses that would allow each girl to potentially wear her dress again. A stroke of serendipity occurred when one of my maids discovered the winning dress at Oasis, and remarkably, all of them fell in love with it. The final result was stunning – each dress looked fantastic on its respective wearer!
Groomsmen
While the groomsmen’s attire was carefully curated to complement the wedding party, each member had the freedom to select his own navy blue suit. A touch of cohesion was added with the gift of matching green ties, which harmoniously tied (pun intended) in with the overall aesthetic. Adding a pop of elegance, they were also given crisp white pocket squares to subtly add some texture and visual interest.
The Flowers
We were fortunate to have a friend who had trained as a florist, and as a thoughtful gift, she handled our wedding flowers and was assisted by her boyfriend, one of Kamil’s groomsmen. A year prior, we visited the Covent Garden Flower market with her to get inspiration for early September blooms. I had a clear vision of simple, monochromatic arrangements featuring whites and greens. Trusting Jess’s expertise, I quickly relinquished creative control, allowing her to take the lead. Her suggestions were always impressive, making it effortless to grant her full artistic freedom.
The Venue
Kamil’s fascination with Clapton Country Club began when they stumbled upon Loyle Carner’s food event at this venue months prior. The charm and character of the space left a lasting impression, and it wasn’t long before they knew they had to make it their own. The added bonus was its prime location – just a 10-minute walk from Kamil’s mum’s house and the family home where most of their childhood memories were made. This proximity brought an extra layer of sentimental value to the space, making it an ideal choice for their special occasion.
The Cake
From the start, we’ve always steered clear of traditional wedding fruitcakes and instead opted for a more personalized approach. With Laura’s lifelong family friend being an incredibly skilled baker in her own right, it only made sense that she would create our special day’s cake. Her past creations had already impressed us with their complexity and flavor profiles, so we were thrilled when she presented us with a stunning multi-tiered masterpiece featuring layers of lemon, elderflower, and Victoria sponge cake – a true showstopper!
The Details & Décor
As we explored Clapton Country Club, its unique character didn’t leave us worrying about décor. Our main focus was ensuring that everyone – especially our nieces and nephews – had an assortment of sweet treats to indulge in. To keep the party going, we arranged for a constant supply of drinks and savory bites like beigals from Brink Lane and Nonna Gelato’s ice cream bike, which made its appearance later in the night.To make Kamil feel included in the celebration, my dad and brothers organized a beer brewing workshop, where they crafted three unique craft beers. These specialty brews were served throughout the wedding, each one bearing a custom label that paid homage to a different aspect of our relationship.We also set up a photobooth using the same visually striking elements we incorporated into our seat plan, table place cards, and projected background image. This allowed us to capture the fun and laughter of our guests as they enjoyed themselves throughout the night. To add an extra layer of whimsy, we added some fairy lights to the venue and a ‘wall of shame’ featuring embarrassing childhood photos of Kamil and me.
The Honeymoon
As Kamil and I embark on our two-week adventure in Mexico, foodies that we are, we’ll be indulging in the culinary delights of Mexico City at the outset. A five-day interlude awaits us on the Oaxacan coast, where we’ll treat ourselves to the luxurious Hotel Escondido. After months of diligent saving for our wedding, we’re champing at the bit to unwind and indulge in some well-deserved relaxation.
Your Photographer
As I browsed through my go-to social media platform, Instagram, I stumbled upon Laura’s profile. It was her work on a wedding in Stoke Newington that initially caught my attention, and I knew right then and there that I had found the perfect photographer for me! What struck me about Laura’s style was its effortless nature – it seemed like she effortlessly captured the most breathtaking moments without ever feeling forced or artificial.
Memorable Moments
As we exchanged vows with Kamil, walking down the aisle alongside my dad while my closest friends harmonized ‘You & Me’ created an unforgettable moment. The emotional highpoint came when all the speakers, including Laura’s mom and our two maids of honor, took to the mic for heartfelt tributes – no traditional format could have prepared us for the raw emotions that flowed. In a bold move away from tradition, we opted for a more contemporary approach, letting our personalities shine through in every way. Meanwhile, Kamil and I had been secretly perfecting a surprise dance routine for our first dance as husband and wife. The chosen song? Sister Sledge’s timeless classic ‘Thinking of You’, which only added to the magic as we swayed to the music.
Advice For Other Couples
When it comes to capturing the essence of your special day, I’ve always found that investing in a professional photographer is well worth the cost. A well-intentioned friend might mean well, but they may not have the expertise or equipment to produce high-quality photos that truly immortalize your memories. We’ve seen instances where friends get too caught up in the celebration and forget to adjust their camera settings, resulting in blurry or poorly lit photos that fail to do justice to the occasion.
In hindsight, one of the best pieces of advice we received was to prioritize those aspects of our wedding day that truly mattered most to us. With so many opinions swirling around, it’s essential to stay focused on what you want to achieve and allocate your budget accordingly. By doing so, you’ll be able to savor the moments and memories that make your day truly unforgettable.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photographer behind the stunning memories was Curious Rose Photography. The bride’s dress was a showstopper, designed by Grace Loves Lace and perfectly complemented by her role as Wedding Suppliers member – Bridal Fashion. The groom looked dashing in his Hugo Boss suit. Makeup artist Tabby Casto worked her magic to enhance the bride’s features, while hairstylist Laura’s Hair, Jordan at Blue Tit Dalston, and Kamil’s Hair all played a part in creating the couple’s effortless looks. It was especially touching to learn that Chris Merrick at Blue Tit Crouch Hill, who had been cutting Kamil’s hair for five years, gifted him a complimentary haircut as a wedding present. The flowers were arranged by Jess Lee, and the couple’s nails were done by Selfish Salon. Their culinary delights included canapés from Standbychef and late-night ice cream treats from Nonna’s Gelato. The beautiful venue was Clapton Country Club. It’s been an absolute pleasure to share Laura and Kamil’s wedding story with you today – thank you both for trusting us with your special day, Lou.