Tobias and Georgina’s whimsical London wedding at Wimborne House on August 11, 2018, was a floral haven that exceeded expectations. The studio-turned-venue’s light-filled atmosphere and character-rich décor provided the perfect blank canvas for their dreamy celebration. Inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the couple’s use of flowers as the centerpiece of their décor was nothing short of spectacular. A show-stopping flower arch installation served as the backdrop to their ceremony, bursting with lush greenery and vibrant pink and red blooms. The reception room featured a striking faux flower wall that added to the celebration’s enchanting atmosphere. From the exquisite bouquet and flower headband to the aisle flowers and personalized touches like the croquembouche tower, love spoon favors, and customized stamp, every detail was a testament to their unique style. Tobias and Georgina’s outfits were equally impressive, with the bride donning a stunning lace and tulle gown complete with a beautiful veil, while the groom opted for a dashing petrol green suit paired with floral trainers. The couple’s chemistry and joy shone through in every photograph, captured beautifully by Eva Photography.
The Proposal
As fate would have it, I had planned a trip to Paris to reunite with friends from Australia, booking the Eurostar months in advance. But just as we were about to board, our friends cancelled at the last minute, leaving us free to explore the city. Little did I know that this unexpected freedom would lead to an unforgettable experience. Toby, my partner, had been acting peculiarly all day, but I was too caught up in planning our itinerary to notice. Our first stop was Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie for lunch, where Toby’s antics left our neighbors laughing – he accidentally splashed them with truffle sauce! As we strolled along the Seine to the Trocadero, overlooking the Eiffel Tower, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The tower holds a special place in my heart, as I’m half-French and it’s always been a source of emotional connection for me. We found a cozy bench in the gardens, where Toby produced a small gift for me, and that’s when everything slowed down. With his smooth, calculated movements, he reached into his jacket pocket, swiveled around, and dropped to one knee – all without giving away his intentions until the final moment. As he opened the ring box and asked me to marry him, I was caught off guard, trying to take in the magnitude of the proposal while also secretly checking out the ring. It wasn’t until Toby’s worried expression that I snapped back into reality and said yes. The rest of the day was a blur of tears, phone calls to loved ones, and wandering aimlessly through the city. It was an emotional rollercoaster that left us both drained but elated.
The Vision
When planning our special day, we sought a setting that exuded modernity, youthful energy, and an edgy vibe. Our ideal venue was a blank slate where every element – from the décor to the smallest details – would serve as a canvas for our friends, family, and personal touches to shine. Ultimately, we prioritized what matters most to our guests: creating unforgettable Instagram moments and indulging in mouthwatering cuisine. As such, our ‘must-have’ list quickly grew to include show-stopping flower installations and midnight feasts that would leave everyone talking long after the celebration ended.
The Planning Process
With the venue and date secured, the more significant aspects of wedding planning fell into place seamlessly. Booking the registrar and handling the legal formalities proved effortless, thanks to having these details settled early on. The chosen venue also came with its own preferred caterers, Canababes, who not only provided exceptional culinary services but also offered valuable guidance throughout the planning process. Their support was instrumental in ensuring a smooth execution of the big day. It’s worth noting that the abundance of suppliers available in London made the planning journey even more straightforward. With so many options to choose from for every aspect of the celebration, we were able to create a comprehensive list and methodically tick off tasks as they were completed.
The Venue
Toby, a skilled cameraman, had recently wrapped up a shoot at Wimborne House, an old hat-making factory with a rich history that spans back to the art deco era. Little did he know, this building had once been struck by a bomb during the Blitz, but fortunately it didn’t explode, leaving behind a unique architectural charm. The venue’s all-white walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and exposed brickwork perfectly aligned with our vision of creating an atmosphere that would make the décor and guests stand out. We were determined to fill the space with vibrant flowers, lush foliage, and plenty of natural light, which Wimborne House generously provided. With access to all floors, we opted to hold the ceremony on View, followed by cocktails and a feast in Rome, and finished off the night with a disco in the basement. It wasn’t until weeks later that The Proposal sparked an epiphany – this was indeed the perfect venue for us. And as if fate had smiled upon us, Wimborne House had just secured the license for civil ceremonies, allowing us to tie the knot on site and maintain the magic of our special day.
The Flowers
To stay within budget without compromising on our vision, we searched for smaller startups or those with fewer Instagram followers to find Petal HQ, which offered a modern feel we adored. Laura was instrumental in understanding our concept and executed it flawlessly. We shared every detail, from invites and signage to the bridal party’s outfits, allowing her to grasp the color scheme. Her flower arch was nothing short of breathtaking, leaving us speechless. My bouquet was intentionally smaller to complement my dress, serving as a reassuring presence for my hands. The floral headband fit perfectly, avoiding any potential veil interference by opting for a headband shape over a traditional crown. Other crucial considerations! Meanwhile, our search for a flower wall led us to The Blossom Co., one of only two London-based companies that excel in this art form. Izabella, the mastermind behind our bespoke design (now available on their website as ‘Crazy in Love’), perfectly captured our dream: a Natalie Portman-inspired Dior flower wall from the perfume ad. The guests were amazed by the faux flowers’ realism and the fact that they came from a different florist than the rest of the arrangements.
The Details & Décor
To harmonize the overall aesthetic, I designed custom invitations and signs that matched the flowers’ theme beautifully. The only additional decorative elements were giant balloons scattered throughout, which my sister cleverly paired with ruscus leaves to create a stunning visual effect that translated well in photos. This simple yet effective addition added a pop of color and filled the space effortlessly.
For the tables, we maintained a minimalist approach, as our banquet-style service required a clear center. I opted for elegant gold perspex calligraphy laser names on each plate, complemented by gold laser table names and matching cutlery. To add a personal touch, guests received mini Welsh wooden love spoons on the side of their plates – a thoughtful nod to my heritage and a keepsake they could take home.
In a clever twist, I had custom rubber stamps created with our names and wedding date, using them on the back of invitations, paper coffee cups (a nod to our hipster sensibilities!), and thank-you notes. This added an extra layer of thoughtfulness and made the details truly special.
The Readings & Music
The quest for the perfect wedding proposal quote is real! After sifting through countless options, I finally stumbled upon one that had me tearfully nodding my head in approval. It wasn’t just any phrase – it was ‘I Like You’ by Sandol Stoddard. The simplicity, realism, and genuine sentiment resonated deeply with me. In fact, the first time I read it, I found myself overcome with emotion at my desk, a testament to its emotional impact.
Your Outfits & Accessories
When I started looking for a dress, I wasn’t concerned about spending a fortune or seeking out designer labels. In fact, I stumbled upon wed2b while browsing online ads and was impressed by the variety of dresses they offered. My mum and I decided to visit the store, which had a relaxed, non-intimidating atmosphere – we could simply walk in, try on as many dresses as we liked, and take all the time we needed. Plus, they catered to all sizes. We made a list of potential dresses, but unfortunately, my top three choices weren’t available. The store representative kindly offered to show us similar options, which led me to fall in love with the third dress I tried on. The addition of a long mantilla-style veil sealed the deal. To complete my outfit, I chose pink velvet platform sandals from New Look (£12.99), which had a chic, Prada-esque quality. For alterations, we trusted Sewn Right in Wandsworth to tailor the dress perfectly.As for Tobias’s attire, he initially opted for a pastel blue linen suit from Marks & Spencer, which was quite nice but not entirely flattering on most people. We set it aside for a while, and then about a month before the wedding, he had a groomzilla moment and decided to go with a petrol green Paul Smith suit and Gucci floral Ace sneakers – an absolute showstopper.
Beauty
I booked a hair and makeup artist for my sister Gabi and myself, hoping to unlock some industry secrets for photography or makeup longevity. However, my trial was an unmitigated disaster – I looked drastically different from my usual self, despite sending plenty of reference photos and a detailed brief. The ‘tricks’ I expected didn’t materialize; it was simply standard makeup application. In the end, we salvaged the situation by attending a Bobbi Brown bridal how-to session, which proved to be one of the smartest decisions made throughout our wedding planning process. We ended up looking like ourselves, but with an undeniable enhancement. I opted for a DIY hair approach, using a curling iron and comb, knowing that my veil and floral headband would add the finishing touches. Gabi had to perfect her messy low bun look through weeks of practice, but ultimately nailed it on the big day. By taking matters into our own hands, we managed to save £400 – a welcome bonus!
Your Photographer
As I began searching for an urban wedding photographer, I took a chance and typed in ‘Urban Wedding Photographer’ into Google. Since most of our celebration would take place indoors, we didn’t want someone specializing in outdoor or country house weddings. Eva’s website caught my attention with its unique blend of couple portraits against brick walls, shipping containers, and neon-lit bars. Her portfolio showcased a style that resonated with us, and we were convinced she was the right fit. We met her at a café to review her latest wedding photos, which impressed us greatly. The warehouse-inspired settings in particular sealed the deal for us. When it came time for our engagement shoot at the Barbican Conservatory, I was initially nervous but Eva’s calming presence put us both at ease. The resulting photographs exceeded our expectations. On our big day, everyone praised her professionalism, and she delivered all the shots we requested, plus some wonderful surprises.
Bridesmaids
My sister Gabi, my only bridesmaid, played a pivotal role in our special day. We scoured the shelves of Asos for the perfect dresses and finally found two stunners that fit her like a glove. For daytime, we opted for a demure yet elegant sea green tulle dress with a mini cape – she loves capes! And for the party, we chose a sexier lavender lace dress with a tie-up back. To complete her look, we added rose gold metallic shoes from Asos. Gabi nearly stole the spotlight, and I couldn’t be prouder of my little sister.
Groomsmen
When it comes to dressing gentlemen for a wedding, we opted for a classic approach. A simple navy suit was our go-to choice, as everyone tends to have one in their wardrobe. To add a touch of personality, we picked out matching floral ties from Next. And let’s be honest, who’s really paying attention to the guys’ outfits anyway? The focus is usually on the happy couple and their special day.
The Cake
As we didn’t have any strong feelings about having cake, since the caterers were taking care of desserts, my mother insisted that we should still have one. I casually asked Canababes to find a croquembouche tower large enough to feed our guests, but it ended up being one of the day’s most memorable moments. I’m glad we got it and that it was so unique compared to what our guests were used to at weddings. Seeing my mother’s joy, which ultimately led her to tears of happiness, made me grateful for the nod to the French side of the family.
The Honeymoon
We initially planned an Italian road trip during peak season, but the cost ended up being too steep. Instead, we decided on Cape Town as our winter getaway proved to be significantly more affordable. The experience was fantastic, with wine touring and whale watching topping our list of activities. The local cuisine is truly exceptional, and the city has a perfect blend of beachside relaxation, mountainous scenery, quaint brunch spots, boutique shopping, and fine dining options – all bearing Michelin-starred credentials. We’re already planning to return during their summer months and this time we’ll be renting a car to fully explore the area.
Memorable Moments
As the memories of that day start to fade, I’m left wondering if it’s just a haze or a genuine recollection. Perhaps what happened was that I genuinely wanted everything to go smoothly for everyone else’s sake, not because I didn’t cherish the moment myself. The highlight, however, remains vivid – strolling back down the aisle hand in hand with my newlywed husband, surrounded by the festive confetti shower, an unforgettable experience.
Advice For Other Couples
As you bask in the joy of your engagement, it’s essential to take time to enjoy this special period. For us, planning began just a week after the proposal, and we could have savored the experience more had we slowed down. A key takeaway is to identify the most crucial aspect of your wedding (is it the number of guests, venue, attire, or specific date?) and plan around that anchor. This clarity will help guide subsequent decisions.To ensure harmony in your planning process, it’s vital to be on the same page regarding the big-ticket items. If necessary, find a compromise that you both can live with. For instance, Toby had his heart set on having a band perform at our wedding, while I was adamant about hiring a DJ to play the real songs we love. After some negotiation, we found a perfect middle ground – a talented DJ accompanied by live sax and beats. This compromise not only pleased us both but also added an extra layer of excitement to our celebration.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The couple’s special day was captured beautifully by Eva Photography, who expertly documented the love-filled moments at Wimborne House. The catering team from Canababes ensured that guests’ taste buds were delighted, while Petal HQ and The Blossom Co. worked their floral magic to create stunning arrangements and a breathtaking flower wall. A unique touch was added with bespoke laser-cut decorations from Laser Name, Here’s To Us UK, Welsh Spoons, Bespoke Laser UK, and a fun-filled photo booth courtesy of The Photo Booth Guys. The celebratory atmosphere was complete with colorful balloons from Bubblegum Balloons, confetti tossed by Calypso Did It, and a dramatic neon sign reading ‘Neon Till Death Do Us Party’ from the talented team at Vowed and Amazed. As the newlyweds exchanged their vows, they were showered with heartfelt well-wishes from friends and family, including the thoughtful sentiments of Tobias and Georgina’s loved ones, who expressed their joy through a special ‘Just sublime!’ message. The happy couple would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to all involved for making their day truly unforgettable.