Sophie and Alistair’s London town hall wedding was a masterclass in understated elegance, as they exchanged vows with 30 loved ones at the iconic Old Marylebone Town Hall on September 20th, 2020. The ceremony was followed by a reception at two distinct London venues, perfectly capturing the essence of an intimate celebration. With a focus on relaxation and joy, Sophie and Alistair’s big day was a true reflection of their love story. The couple exuded effortless style, with Sophie stunning in her gold dress and Alistair dashing in his tuxedo. Beautiful blooms, a show-stopping floral cake, and breathtaking portraits by Helen Abraham Photography rounded out the celebration, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. As we explore the details of their special day, it’s clear that Sophie and Alistair’s laid-back approach and words of wisdom will inspire couples-to-be seeking to create their own unique and unforgettable wedding experiences.
London Town Hall Wedding
The Vision
As we exchanged vows under the constraints of a 30-guest COVID-restricted celebration, our goal was to create an atmosphere that felt both intimate and joyful – every guest deserved a memorable experience! We aimed for a stress-free, relaxed vibe, allowing us to spend quality time with our closest loved ones. To achieve this, we started the day with a delightful lunch at Scott’s, followed by the ceremony at Old Marylebone Town Hall. The celebration continued with drinks and cake in a private room at 35 New Cavendish – it was truly perfect!
The Planning Process
The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in our wedding plans, requiring us to adapt and become more flexible than expected. Initially, we had envisioned a March ceremony with 100 guests, but the unpredictable nature of this year made it crucial to maintain an open mind. This was actually our third attempt at planning a wedding this year, so we knew that making any concrete arrangements would be fraught with risk. Instead, we opted for a more fluid approach, recognizing that the ability to easily reschedule became a top priority.
The Venue
As you begin planning your special day, it’s essential to have a comprehensive guide to ensure that every detail is taken care of. One such iconic landmark that can add an extra layer of romance and charm to your big day is the Old Marylebone Town Hall. With its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings, this venue is sure to impress your guests. So why not start with the basics? Grab our ultimate wedding checklist now and get ready to plan the wedding of your dreams!
Your Outfits & Accessories
For the wedding, Alistair opted for a stylish ensemble featuring Hackett’s signature jacket and trousers, paired with a waistcoat from Ede and Ravenscroft. Meanwhile, I sought to create an outfit that would be both memorable yet understated. My choice was a stunning gold dress from Vince, which I complemented with second-hand Prada shoes sourced from eBay for just £40. Adding a touch of whimsy to my overall look was a hair band from Shrimps. What I wanted most was an ensemble that felt special and could be worn again without screaming ‘bride’.
Beauty
Groomsmen
Bridesmaids
While I didn’t officially appoint any bridesmaids, my longest-standing friend Emma played the role of an unofficial, yet extremely supportive, maid of honor. Her presence added a special touch to our celebration.
The Readings & Music
As fate would have it, my friend Emma, an incredibly gifted professional musician, was initially scheduled to perform the oboe during the ceremony. However, due to the unforeseen circumstances of COVID-19, she was unable to do so. In her place, we opted to play the beautiful pieces that were originally intended for her to perform: Bach’s renowned Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major and Yanada by Ross Edwards. For more inspiration on wedding readings and songs, be sure to explore our pages!
The Flowers
We were absolutely thrilled to have the exquisite flowers provided by Ricky Paul, perfectly capturing the essence of our vision with their beauty and elegance.
The Cake
Your Photographer
I’d like to extend my sincerest appreciation to Helen Abraham, an incredibly talented individual who went above and beyond in her collaboration with us. Her exceptional adaptability and willingness to accommodate our numerous revisions were truly remarkable.
The Honeymoon
Although our dreamy abroad honeymoon had to take a backseat for now, we still managed to squeeze in a delightful mini-getaway in the picturesque English Countryside. Our home away from home during this brief escapade was none other than the charming The Limewood, where we indulged in luxurious comforts and took in the serene surroundings.
Memorable Moments
Advice For Other Couples
In today’s unpredictable world, embracing flexibility is key. And if you’re planning a mini-covid wedding, take comfort in knowing that it can still be an unforgettable celebration! Sophie and Alistair’s special day at the Old Marylebone Town Hall was no exception. The couple worked with talented professionals like Helen Abraham Photography, Ricky Paul Flowers, and Scotts Restaurant.com to bring their vision to life. The private room at Scotts provided a unique setting for their lunchtime celebration, while 35 New Cavendish proved to be an excellent choice for post-lunch drinks. Alistair’s dashing attire was courtesy of Vince, which added to the overall aesthetic. We’re grateful to Sophie and Alistair, along with Helen, for sharing this magnificent London town hall wedding with us – it truly is a story to be told for generations to come!