Inspiration
Surprise Wedding at Chelsea Old Town Hall
Photography by
Lynn Shapiro Photography
Photography by
Lynn Shapiro Photography
Oh, you know we love a Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding. But, this surprise wedding is seriously up their with our faves! Kay & Charlie told guests they were attending their engagement party, when in actual fact, they were about to watch this gorgeous couple say their I-do’s! They wanted their wedding to be as low-key as possible, and ensure their dogs were in attendance (we approve). Recommended Supplier, Lynn Shaprio Photography, was on hand to capture this incredible day, which looks just as beautiful as it sounds!
Surprise wedding at the Chelsea Old Town Hall
We referred to our wedding as Project Gretna. Paying homage to Gretna Green, a town just over the border into Scotland. It is where young English couples would runaway to elope in secret.
VIBE
We wanted to keep the wedding low-key with no wedding fuss. Plus, for our dog be as included as possible (yes we are those people). We didn't worry about what our wedding colours were. We ended up with gorgeous autumnal tones in the bridal bouquet and maid of honour dress fitting with the season. The Chelsea neighbourhood backdrop brings its own personality - the Victorian charm from a bygone era mixed with a modern city buzz. Add four dogs to the guest list. We think that's a good description of the vibe we wanted to set for our wedding day.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
As if the wedding wasn't a surprise enough, Kay, unbeknownst to Charlie, organised a lovely musician (an old acquaintance) to perform outside Chelsea Old Town Hall. We stepped out of the registrar venue to "All you need is love" and had our own Love Actually moment. Along with the congratulations and confetti our friends threw at us as we walked out and down the stairs, we heard strangers cheering and cars honking. A version of the moment is probably frozen in our minds for a time to come.
How utterly breathtaking is Kay in her Eva Lendel gown? She looks positively glowing!
We are privileged to have chosen an unconventional wedding. This is largely due to how loved and secure we feel with our friends and family. We knew that whatever we chose to do (or not do), whoever we chose to invite (or not invite), and whoever we chose to tell (or not tell in our case!), our community would continue to love us and cheer us on in the coming days as a married couple. Understanding this gave us confidence to plan our wedding for us. We hope other couples can benefit from this wisdom too.
This surprise wedding is the unconventional day we just love to hear about! Your wedding (as we always say), is truly your day, your way. Outside influences are not always necessary (or helpful). Head on over to our Planning page where you’ll find plenty of help in terms of finding exactly what works for you on your special day.
Written by Ella Turner
Featured suppliers
Venue:
Chelsea Old Town Hall | Videographer:
Hanh Made Films | Entertainment:
Joey Clarkson Music | Florist:
Hidden Botanics | Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist:
Yi Beauty London | Bridal Gown:
Eva Lendel | Bridal Boutique:
Love Bridal London
