J and Z’s understated yet sophisticated civil ceremony wedding at Islington Town Hall in London was an intimate and emotive experience, filled with love and sincerity. The couple exchanged vows in a beautifully styled micro-wedding, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city.As they walked down the aisle together, their joy and affection for each other were palpable. They opted to write their own heartfelt vows, making the ceremony an even more personal and meaningful celebration. Their stylish attire added an extra layer of sophistication to the proceedings – Z’s striking ruffled skirt paired perfectly with her statement Manolo Blahniks, while J’s on-trend double-breasted suit was complemented by his sleek DMs.The photographs captured by talented lenswoman Grace Pham Photography beautifully capture the essence of this special day, a true celebration of love and commitment.
London Civil Ceremony Wedding
The Proposal
As we collaborated to craft a unique piece, our vision became a reality through a creative partnership with McCaul Jewellers, nestled in the heart of Exmouth Market.
The Vision
For us, the primary focus was our marriage, and we sought a straightforward yet refined civil ceremony to mark this significant juncture.
The Venue
Our event took place in the heart of Islington, mere steps away from the iconic Islington Town Hall. As we explored the available rooms within the historic building, we were drawn to the Council Chamber for its grandeur and versatility. Its ornate features provided a unique backdrop for our ceremony, allowing us to tailor every detail to perfection.
The Ceremony & Music
For our special day, we collaborated with Islington Town Hall to create a custom script that met their standards. We took it upon ourselves to craft heartfelt vows to exchange in front of our closest family and friends, making the moment even more meaningful. To add an extra layer of emotional depth, our loved ones were also invited to share personal readings on the themes of marriage, love, and family.To create a warm and intimate atmosphere during the ceremony, we opted for instrumental versions of our favorite classic romantic ballads between the pre-wedding interview, ceremony, and exit. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own wedding, be sure to check out our blog for more ideas on wedding readings and ceremony songs.
Your Outfits
I opted for a modern suit that embodies the essence of English tailoring, finding a double-breasted gem at Reiss. To ensure a perfect fit, I worked with their team to make custom alterations. As the autumnal wedding setting was ideal, I selected tie and pocket square hues that harmonize with nature’s color palette.
To add some personality to the outfit, I paired it with Doc Martens. Meanwhile, Z opted for a statement-making yet town-hall-appropriate wedding look, prioritizing warmth due to her perpetual chill. She didn’t find an off-the-rack ensemble that resonated but was drawn to the concept of bridal separates.
Z’s vision came together by combining a show-stopping skirt from David’s Bridal with a beautiful top found by her Mum at Intimissimi. The pair topped it off with Manolo Blahnik shoes (the iconic Carrie Bradshaw design, albeit in a more practical nude leather) and cherished family heirlooms.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
While searching for the perfect photographer for their special day, the couple stumbled upon a gem of an opportunity. A chance discovery on the Islington Say I Do Instagram page led them to Grace, a talented photographer whose unique style had caught their attention. Her natural and emotive approach to wedding photography resonated deeply with them, making her the ideal choice for capturing the essence of their love story.
The Honeymoon
After patiently waiting out the COVID-19 pandemic’s travel restrictions, we were finally able to plan a dreamy getaway for our special celebration – our honeymoon. And what a treat it was! We chose the breathtakingly beautiful state of Hawaii as our destination and made every moment count, savoring each day in this tropical paradise.
Memorable Moments
After meticulously tracking the weather forecast for days, our good fortune shone through on the morning of our special day. Though we had brought umbrellas to the ceremony as a precautionary measure, we ended up giving them to family members to take back to the hotel as we took advantage of some final moments to capture our wedding memories. Little did we know that just then, the skies would darken and the raindrops start falling! Fortunately, our photographer was a master of her craft, utilizing the unexpected weather conditions to snap breathtaking images that would become treasured keepsakes for us.
Advice For Other Couples
Despite the potential stress and setbacks that come with planning a wedding, it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the bigger picture. Remember, you’re bringing two lives together in marriage, which is a truly special thing. And let’s not forget, even rainy days can lead to beautiful photos! As J & Z so beautifully demonstrated with their civil ceremony wedding in London, every moment counts. We were honored to share their special day with them.