Elle and Brian’s wedding began high above Battersea, in the light-filled space at art’otel Battersea, with those huge windows looking straight out over Battersea Power Station. It was a big, dramatic setting, and as it turned out, a pretty fitting start to a day full of theatrical surprises…
After the ceremony there were drinks and speeches, before everyone was handed a custom ‘Time Out’ style guide, complete with an illustrated map that highlighted a tour through London to a mystery location. We were led out to a couple of old Routemaster buses - I deliberately chose the bus with the younger Irish contingent, thinking there might be a bit of energy there. That turned out to be something of an understatement…! Within minutes it felt less like transport and more like a travelling party - singing, G&Ts in hand, arms in the air, faces (and other body parts) pressed to the windows. It’s always a gift when a part of the day that could simply be logistical becomes one of the best chapters of the story.
From there, on to Soho, where the secret destination was revealed: the Phoenix Arts Club - an underground basement bar full of red velvet, low ceilings, theatre posters, dark corners and character everywhere you looked. Guests were welcomed by an aerialist pouring drinks from above, before Lolo Brow took over hosting duties and the whole evening shifted into something stranger, louder and more theatrical. Visually, it was such a contrast to the clean lines and daylight of Battersea - suddenly everything was shadow, spotlights, smoke and people reacting to whatever came next.
And somehow it kept building. A traditional Irish folk band had the whole room singing along, with guests stepping forward to join in. Then, just when it felt like the surprises might finally be over, a brass band appeared unannounced and brought everyone towards the first dance. It was one of those weddings that seemed to reveal itself in stages - intimate, elegant, chaotic, theatrical, joyful - and safe to say Brian and Elle absolutely smashed it. Huge credit, too, to Halcyon Halcyon, who helped bring their vision together so brilliantly.
WHAT. A. DAY.
Wedding Suppliers
Ceremony: art’otel Battersea
Reception: Phoenix Arts Club
Wedding planners: Halcyon Halcyon
Brass band: Hosen Brass
Folk band: Anna & Sean
Videographer: Beeline Studio
