Today, we’re thrilled to take you on a journey to two of London’s most unforgettable wedding venues – St Paul’s Cathedral and Wilton’s Music Hall – where Jack and Jenine celebrated their special day. The couple exchanged vows at St Paul’s before moving the party to the enchanting Wilton’s Music Hall on August 11th, 2018. Their vision was a joyous celebration surrounded by loved ones, and it far exceeded expectations. Guests were treated to an exquisite culinary experience, live music, and an atmosphere that left everyone in awe. From the stylish attire to the whimsical florals, delectable buttercream cake, and fairy lights adorning the reception hall, every detail was a testament to their love story. The Shannons have masterfully captured each moment, and we’re grateful to share these breathtaking images with you. You can’t help but feel the warmth, happiness, and love radiating throughout the day. I’m confident that fellow romantics will fall in love with Jack’s proposal story just as I did.
The Proposal
After deciding to pop the question to Jen, I embarked on a mission to find the perfect proposal venue. It needed to be private yet romantic – anything too public would have ruined the surprise! Initially, I considered proposing at St Dunstan in the East, a beautiful garden nestled within the remains of a church bombed during World War II. However, after several visits, I realized it wasn’t the right fit. Undeterred, I continued my search and eventually stumbled upon Painshill Park in Cobham, Surrey. This 18th-century park boasted a stunning Gothic Temple overlooking a picturesque lake – it was love at first sight! A couple of days before the big day, I visited the park to ensure it would be perfect, even braving Storm Angus’s mud and rain. With my plan set, I enlisted the help of Jen’s colleagues and best friends, Lucie and Jess. We concocted a scheme to get Jen thinking she was attending a meeting with Sutton Council to discuss Crossrail 2 plans – a clever ruse! The day of the proposal arrived, and we put our plan into action. Jen arrived at Painshill, only to be met by Olivia, the park’s staff, who pretended to be the councillor’s PA. She even donned a suit for the occasion! As they drove up a steep hill in a golf buggy, passing breathtaking bridges and a charmingly dilapidated abbey as the sun began to set, Jen was none the wiser. The weather cooperated perfectly – a brisk winter’s day with autumnal hues still prevalent among the trees. When she reached the top of the hill, she was told it was just for her, and I waited patiently by the candlelit Gothic Temple in my suit, ready to ask for her hand.
The Vision
Despite their unassuming nature, this couple had a clear vision of what they wanted their special day to be. They yearned for a space where they could gather their loved ones under one roof, creating an unforgettable experience that would bring everyone together in joy and celebration.
The Venue
We had always envisioned our special day in London, where we first met, and both families relocated from their childhood homes. The autumn season held a particular appeal, as it allows for a beautiful backdrop without relying on the weather’s cooperation. Jack, being sensitive to heat, also appreciated the cooler temperatures. Our shared love for St Paul’s Cathedral, where Jack was christened due to his father’s OBE, and my interest in architecture made it an ideal location for our ceremony. Prior to getting engaged, we had only casually discussed wedding venues while deciding on best men and bridesmaids. However, during a visit to Wilton’s Music Hall – the oldest surviving Victorian music hall – I remarked that it would be an incredible place to tie the knot. Luckily, Jack shared my enthusiasm, and when the time came, we knew our perfect wedding would involve a ceremony at St Paul’s followed by a reception at Wilton’s Music Hall.
Securing dates proved to be just as challenging as anticipated. Wilton’s Music Hall typically only offers its space for weddings during a few summer weeks, which ruled out an autumn wedding. St Paul’s Cathedral, on the other hand, tends to book up far in advance, especially for summer ceremonies. We anxiously waited for Wilton’s to release their 2018 dates and were relieved when they did – unfortunately, there wasn’t a suitable match. Thankfully, we discussed our options with the team at St Paul’s and discovered they could swap a baptism slot with one for a wedding, securing us a date – much to our surprise, it was going to be a summer wedding after all, and an early ceremony!
The Planning Process
We savored every moment of our engagement period, which we wholeheartedly endorse. With our venues and date settled, we had a comfortable 16-month buffer before the big day, allowing us to take a measured approach to planning. Jack, being the spreadsheet aficionado that he is, took charge of tracking costs, outstanding tasks, and to-do lists. As summer 2018 approached, the heat was stifling – Wilton’s lacks air-conditioning, after all! – but our worries dissipated when the weather surprisingly cooled down just a day prior. We were thrilled with the perfect conditions: a warm, sunny 23 degrees during the day, followed by a gentle evening shower to keep things refreshing.
The Readings & Music
When it comes to the readings and music during our ceremony at St Paul’s, we knew we had to be mindful of the venue’s restrictions. Specifically, no contemporary music was allowed, and we needed to include at least one Biblical reading. To prepare, we curated a three-hour Spotify playlist featuring a range of options, ultimately choosing La Rejouissance by Handel for the bride’s entrance, as well as Lord of all Hopefulness by Struther, Dear Lord and Father of Mankind by Whittier, and Jerusalem by Blake for our hymns. A family friend read Song of Solomon 2.8-17 and 8.6-7, while Jen’s brother delivered a heartfelt ‘Blessing for a Marriage’ by James Dillet Freeman.For the reception, we opted for the Saloon Star Band, who impressed us with their ability to ‘read the room’ and tailor their setlist accordingly. Unlike other wedding bands that seemed to draw inspiration from Mumford and Sons, these musicians brought their own unique blend of styles, featuring covers by Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Elvis, gypsy jazz, and Scottish Cèilidh. Our first dance was a special moment, as we chose ‘Something Changed’ by Pulp – a song that held sentimental value for us, given our shared experience on our first date five years prior.As the evening drew to a close, we transitioned into a specially curated Spotify playlist that took us on a chronological journey through decades of music, from 1950s dancehall and Motown to 60s rock, 80s electro, and finally, Britpop, with a dash of Spice Girls thrown in for good measure. This cleverly crafted setlist allowed our older guests to enjoy their favorite tunes before calling it a night.
Bridesmaids
For me, finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses was a daunting task – my three beloved friends had unique body types and styles, and we were scattered across different parts of the country. I wanted them to wear matching attire to create a sense of unity and easily identify each other as part of the wedding party. Initially, I envisioned burgundy dresses, but after months of searching online, I realized that finding suitable options was an uphill battle. That’s when I stumbled upon navy blue dresses, which I knew would suit their diverse styles. I sent over 15 different options from Coast and we found a winner – each bridesmaid even chose the same top and skirt combination! The cherry on top came when I discovered the dress at an incredible 50% discount on Asos just six months prior to the wedding. This relieved me of one major stress, allowing me to focus on other aspects of the big day. Of course, things didn’t quite go as planned on the actual wedding day – but that’s the beauty of choosing a reputable retailer like Coast, where they can easily exchange dresses at any time. In hindsight, I would advise future brides not to worry too much about their bridesmaids’ outfits – they’ll still look radiant and there are so many other things to prioritize. Just let them take care of it!
Beauty
I had a crystal-clear vision of my big day and was fortunate enough to collaborate with Andrea from Pamela & Andrea Make Up on makeup. My hairstylist was equally impressive, although I now wish I’d been more concerned when she showed up late for our trial appointment – which ultimately translated to her arriving over an hour and a half past schedule on the wedding day itself. Despite the chaos that ensued, she still managed to deliver outstanding results. However, the stress caused by her tardiness wasn’t entirely worth it, as evidenced by the fact that one of my bridesmaids was getting tongue-tied as we made our way out to the car. Given that the day started at an ungodly hour of 05:30, I had brought some extra makeup with me to touch up later in the evening – a moment that would later become one of my favourite memories. It was just me, my mom, and my bridesmaids having a blast, swapping clothes and shoes, sharing makeup tips, and laughing together. One piece of advice I’d offer is: don’t fall for the hype surrounding wedding perfumes. If you’ve been wearing your signature scent for years, there’s no need to splurge on a new one just for the occasion – it’s simply unnecessary expense!
Your Outfits & Accessories
Jenine’s attire at the summer wedding was nothing short of stunning, with her dress being a bespoke design from Margaux Tardits of The Mews in Notting Hill. Crafted from exquisite, lightweight fabrics that felt like a gentle caress against her skin, the gown moved elegantly and perfectly captured the carefree essence of the season. As for footwear, she opted for show-stopping disco heels by Sam Edelman, which proved to be so comfortable that she wore them for an impressive 12 hours straight. The chunky heel not only added a dash of glamour but also ensured her dress remained intact throughout the night. To complete her look, Jenine chose understated yet elegant jewelry pieces from Carat London and incorporated family heirlooms, including an aquamarine ring lent by her mother and a brooch passed down from her husband’s family. As the evening drew to a close, she changed into a simple white shift dress from Zara, allowing herself to let loose and dance with abandon. Her wedding rings, purchased from Tom Foolery in Muswell Hill, were a beautiful matt white gold band for Jack and a hammered finish on yellow gold band for herself.
Groomsmen
For our group of 11 groomsmen, including my father and father-in-law, we sought a traditional yet stylish attire that would complement the grandeur of St Paul’s while also reflecting our own personal flair. Given the size of our party and the importance of budgetary constraints, we needed to find an option that offered excellent value for money.
Initially, I took three of my groomsmen to a local shop, but unfortunately, the material quality and trouser design didn’t quite meet our standards. Undeterred, our search continued until we stumbled upon Yardsmen near Waterloo Station. This discovery allowed us to introduce slim-fit charcoal trousers, a departure from the traditional light grey ‘spongebag’ striped options.
What’s more, we opted for single-breasted waistcoats instead of double-breasted ones, as they harmonized better with the new, shorter trousers. The team at Yardsmen was incredibly accommodating and spent considerable time ensuring that our vision became a reality.
To complete their ensembles, we paired the groomsmen’s outfits with slim plain white twill shirts featuring cutaway collars from TM Lewin, woven cranberry ties, and herringbone design pocket squares. The shoes of choice were plain black semi-brogue Loakes.
The Flowers
We had initially considered approaching a talented florist friend of ours, but when we discovered her due date was just four weeks prior to our special day, we realized it wouldn’t be feasible for her. A recommendation from another friend led us to Petalon, an exceptional florist company in east London. I highly recommend checking them out on Instagram. Flo’s creativity and expertise shone through as she crafted stunning arrangements, buttonholes, and flower crowns that left me absolutely delighted. The bouquets were particularly impressive, delivered by Flo herself on her bicycle the morning of the wedding – I only wish I could’ve kept them forever.For our table decorations, we collected clear glass bottles throughout the year from friends and family to use as vases. It’s astonishing how many everyday items come in these containers, making for a thrifty and charming way to display flowers. As we prepared for the big day, a few close friends and I ventured out to New Covent Garden Market a few days prior, rising with the sun. Our trusty blue IKEA bags (perfect for carrying flowers) allowed us to stock up on an assortment of beautiful and unique blooms, spending around £150 plus a little extra for a sausage bap and cup of tea at the on-site café. If you’re a London-based bride who doesn’t mind an early start, I wholeheartedly recommend this experience! Following our flower run, I spent a leisurely afternoon with my bridesmaids and mother-in-law arranging the blooms into bottles, filling the air with their intoxicating scent.
Your Photographer
The Shannons are a photographer duo that embodies perfection. After months of searching for the right fit, a colleague recommended Vicki and Pete, and their portfolio exceeded our expectations. Their photography style is timeless and sophisticated, never feeling forced or artificial. They masterfully capture the unique personalities within each wedding party member. Despite Vicki’s 7-month pregnancy with twins, they worked tirelessly to deliver exceptional shots – a testament to their competitive nature as a married couple! They possess the perfect blend of firmness and respect when guiding group shots, something we’ve seen other photographers get wrong in the past. Having our wedding day documented was daunting, but The Shannons put us at ease, accommodating all our requests with ease. They’re witty, calm, and collected – like ninjas during our getting-ready moments. We wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone, and the added bonus is having two photographers on your special day.
Your Filmmaker
Instead of hiring a professional filmmaker, we opted for a more personal approach. We asked a kind uncle with a keen eye for detail to record the speeches, which turned out to be a wonderful idea. Having an audiovisual record of the event allowed us to relive the memories and share them with others. If you’re considering recording your own speeches or events, we highly recommend doing so – especially if you have a willing participant like our uncle. Without this record, some moments might fade from memory (especially for those who are prone to feeling bashful or getting carried away after a few drinks). Having a visual and auditory record provides a tangible keepsake that will be cherished for years to come.
The Details & Décor
Jenine’s mum is an incredibly skilled artist who crafts exquisite candleholders from porcelain clay, infusing them with texture by incorporating impressions from natural elements like shells and grasses. Given the wooden construction of Wilton’s Music Hall, it was a wise decision not to permit open flames. Instead, we relied on battery-powered tealights, which, when cleverly concealed by the candleholders, emitted a soft, flickering glow that added to the ambiance. The trestle tables were adorned with wild flower bottles and origami cranes – both creations of Jenine’s mother, who imbued them with symbolism for happiness, good fortune, and longevity. We deliberately kept the main hall at Wilton’s locked until it was time to eat, ensuring a delightful surprise for all attendees.
Catering
We opted to craft our own menu with The Gatherers, who did an incredible job creating a visually stunning menu that showcased a wide range of flavors. The canapés were a highlight, featuring unique combinations such as pea and mint arancini, twice-baked Gruyere soufflé croutons with creamed leeks, smoked mackerel and beetroot on crispbread, and potted shrimp. The menu also included a variety of small plates, including cured poached and rilettes of salmon served with fennel salad and sourdough crostini, as well as burrata and Piedmontese peppers. For the main course, we had venison with carrot and orange purée, accompanied by sage and walnut oil. To round out the meal, there were also options like courgette and ricotta pithivier, served with endive, apple, and walnut salad, as well as roast new potatoes. After dinner, we indulged in wedding cake and ice cream. As the evening wore on, The Gatherers also brought out some pizzas, while we supplemented with cheeses and a tiered pork pie cake for those looking for a light bite. To facilitate everything, we hired tables, chairs, plates, cutlery, and glassware, including exquisite champagne glasses from Classic Crockery. The team at The Gatherers and Wilton’s also handled the setup of Wilton’s on the day, making the entire process seamless.
Advice For Other Couples
Despite the occasional hiccup, Jenine’s words ring true – when things don’t go as planned, it can actually add to the overall experience. Take Jack’s wedding, for instance, where a series of minor mishaps only served to heighten the sense of celebration and community. The unexpected arrival of family members, coupled with a delayed bus causing revelers on the first bus to arrive already in party mode, created a lively atmosphere that was impossible to ignore. As any seasoned wedding veteran will attest, having a few reliable groomsmen or bridesmaids on hand can be a lifesaver when things don’t go according to plan. But ultimately, the key is to roll with the punches and focus on enjoying the moment – after all, this is likely to be one of the most memorable days of your life, so make the most of it!
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With a mix of traditional and modern elements, Jack and Jenine’s wedding celebration was truly unforgettable. Their photographer, The Shannons, captured every moment of the special day, which took place at the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral. The reception that followed was held at Wilton’s Music Hall, where guests enjoyed an evening of music and merriment. The proposal itself was a picturesque affair, taking place amidst the stunning scenery of Painshill Park. The bride’s elegant wedding dress was designed by Margaux Tardits from The Mews, while her makeup was expertly applied by Pamela & Andrea. Her earrings were courtesy of Carat, which complemented her rings beautifully. The groomsmen wore stylish suits from Yardsmen, while the bridesmaids looked stunning in their Coast attire. The catering was provided by The Gatherers, who served up delicious pork pies and cheeses courtesy of Leeson Butchers. Entertainment was provided by Saloon Star Club, whose music had everyone dancing into the night. Guests also made use of the vintage red buses from The Vintage Red Bus Company to travel between venues. The wedding cake was a masterpiece created by Odiham Cake Company. Accommodations for out-of-town guests were arranged at (Groom’s) The Rookery and (Bride’s) Cable Street Inn. We’re thrilled to have been a part of Jack and Jenine’s special day, and we send them our warmest congratulations – thank you again for sharing your joy with us!