What resonates deeply is the story of couples who got married during the 2020 pandemic, and James and Dominik’s tale particularly moved me. Their understated yet elegant Hackney wedding on August 22nd, 2020, was a masterclass in low-key sophistication. The intimate ceremony took place at Hackney Town Hall in London, followed by a chic reception at Barge East – the epitome of city-chic refinement. This couple’s journey beautifully illustrates what truly matters when it comes to exchanging vows. Despite having to adapt their original plans, they created an unforgettable day that was uniquely theirs. I’m enamored with their effortless love and joy, as well as their fashion-forward ensembles and the stunning visuals courtesy of Grace Pham Photography. A huge thank you to Grace for sharing these breathtaking shots with us!
Hackney Wedding
The Proposal
It was April 2019, the moment of truth, when Dominik decided to take his relationship with James to the next level. The couple had been dating for an impressive 1.5 years, but their love story began three years prior in 2016, when James was exploring Europe on a trip. Initially, Dominik planned to pop the question during their upcoming adventure in Vietnam, but he just couldn’t keep his excitement contained and ended up proposing a week earlier than expected, presenting James with a stunning Tiffany signet ring.
The Vision
The original plan was to host a rustic countryside wedding weekend in a picturesque villa in the Czech Republic, with a guest list of approximately 50 friends and family from Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The couple’s shared cultural backgrounds – Dominik hails from the Czech Republic while James is from Australia – would have made for an unforgettable celebration. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had other plans, and instead, they opted for a low-key, yet incredibly special, intimate wedding that would ultimately make 2020 a memorable year for them.
The Venue
The grandeur of Hackney Town Hall sets the tone for an unforgettable event, as guests converge on its iconic steps to celebrate a momentous occasion. As the reception lunch unfolds at Barge East, the atmosphere is electric with anticipation and excitement.
Your Outfits
When it comes to dressing up for a special occasion, the key is often in the details. For this particular event, I opted for a stylish combination of pieces from various brands. The suits themselves are from Reiss, a go-to destination for classic yet modern attire. To add an extra touch of elegance, I chose pocket squares from a charming boutique I discovered during my travels to Sicily. Meanwhile, the shoes were a clever mix of Ted Baker’s sleek design and Zara’s affordable flair.
The Ceremony & Music
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
The Honeymoon
As we slowly emerge from the grip of the pandemic, many of us are left wondering what’s next for our travel plans. For some, the thought of planning a trip to popular destinations like Sri Lanka and the Maldives may seem daunting. But with careful consideration and a bit of creativity, there’s no reason why these incredible countries can’t be on your radar in the near future.
Memorable Moments
What stood out most about the day was its ability to exceed our expectations in every way, leaving us with an abundance of cherished memories.
Advice For Other Couples
The beauty of a Hackney wedding lies not only in its intricacies, but also in the simplicity that can make it truly shine. The story of James and Dominik’s special day is one such example. With a photographer as talented as Grace Pham, their Hackney Town Hall ceremony was captured with ease and elegance. The groom’s attire from Reiss, Ted Baker, and Zara, paired perfectly with his stylish shoes from Ted Baker. The reception at Barge East provided the perfect setting for a memorable wedding lunch and drinks. As James and Dominik exchanged their vows, the bride’s jewelry and accessories from H Samuel, Tiffany & Co., Monofore, and Tissot Watches sparkled in the light. Their love story is truly one to be cherished, and we’re honored they shared it with us. We wish them a dreamy honeymoon adventure soon!