Inspiration

Kate & Peppy knew that they wanted their wedding to be different from the start, originally from the UK but now living in Dubai they were used to lavish events but wanted their wedding to be totally original and fun-filled. With guests flying from all over the world a central location was imperative and with London being a previous home the location was set. Once they walked into Soho's Ham Yard Hotel they were sold, every inch of space is interior designed in the most spectacular way. From the living garden roof terrace which would house the ceremony and drinks reception to the totally individual Croc bowling alley which was to be used for the wedding reception. Not to mention the amazing dessert station that was assembled in the middle , perfectly capturing the fun, bold elements of the room, all following a circus theme, and topped off with a spectacular wedding cake from the infamous Hummingbird Bakery. Looking a million dollars in a fabulous Maggie Sottero golden gown adorned with shimmering threads and a pair of Sam Endelman statement shoes, Kate totally owned her bridal outfit. With RMW faves Something Blue planning this city wedding and WE ARE // THE CLARKES behind the lens, you know you're in for a treat, so grab a cuppa and enjoy.

Vibe

Kate the Bride: We knew we wanted our wedding to be different from the start. Originally from the UK but now living in Dubai, we were used to lavish events but we wanted our wedding to be totally original and fun-filled. With guests flying from all over the world a central location was imperative. London was the easy choice. The deal was sealed when we met Emma from Something Blue, who we knew would ensure planning from a distance would be stress free. Once we walked into Soho's Ham Yard Hotel they were sold, every inch of space is interior designed in the most spectacular way. From the living garden roof terrace which would house the ceremony and drinks reception to the totally individual Croc bowling alley which was to be used for the wedding reception.

Dress

Fashion is very important to me, I knew instantly I'd found 'the one' once I'd stepped into my fabulous customised golden gown by Maggie Sottero, adorned with shimmering threads, and completed my look with customised Sam Edelman shoes.

Groom

Peppy needed to think carefully about his suit as he wanted his father, brother and father in law to be in the same outfits. He went for a custom made dinner suit with a gold lining, from Savile Row in Dubai, and sent the same suits over to London for the Gents.

Venue

I, along with her parents and bridesmaid made my way from the Sheraton Grand Park Lane to the Ham Yard in a London Black Cab. The Ceremony was on the roof terrace of the hotel which hosts its own edible garden and is a modern oasis from the city below. The ceremony was very personal as it was held by an independent celebrant, Yvonne Beck. Kate & Peppy had the opportunity to create a bespoke ceremony to match their very unique venue, with each of them writing their own vows. The ceremony was in front of a driftwood table which was filled with flowers to give the effect it was part of the garden and naturally growing.

Wedding

Once the ceremony ended guests were treated to a live acoustic duo from 21st Century Riot, and a champagne drinks reception. Whilst the guests celebrated, the newly married couple were taken to the streets of London where We Are // The Clarkes captured some of Kate and Peppy’s favourite photographs of the day as they mingled with the London after work crowd and tourists.

Entertainment

Meanwhile downstairs in the hotels largest function space, The Croc was being prepared for an evening of partying. An amazing dessert station by Sweetie Factory had been assembled capturing perfectly the fun, crazy and bold elements of the room and following a circus theme, topped off with the wedding cake from the infamous Hummingbird Bakery. The Dance floor was moved into the centre of the room to ensure an always full dance floor and an open photobooth from The Photo Booth Guys featured alongside to capture all of those memories of the evening. Not forgetting, of course, their very own 1940’s Texas bowling alley which was played all night by their admiring guests, even the bride and groom got to bowl! All of the day was captured as a surprise to the groom by a live graphic artist, Sandra Howgate, arranged by me as a wedding gift. All elements of the day were drawn live and will now hang proudly in our home, forever reminding us of this special day. Modern and unconventional with a few traditional twists. The whole day and night were utterly memorable and totally enjoyable with guests smiling, dancing, and having fun from beginning to end.
Lorna Shaw

Written by Lorna Shaw

Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero | Bridal Shoes: Samedelman | Bridesmaids: Boohoo | Wedding Planner: Something Blue | Venue: Ham Yard Hotels | Celebrant: Yvonne | Dessert Bar: Sweetie Factory | Cake: Hummingbird Bakery | Florist: Ladybird Flowers | Hair & Makeup: The Bridal Stylists | Videography: Cupcake Videos

Inspirational articles you may also find useful