A multicultural elopement in london
hotel
Midwinter in Marylebone with Sarah and Nairn, in perfect overcast light for their Scottish–Chinese wedding:
"We wanted to celebrate both of our cultures and heritage, whilst keeping things small and intimate. All the red colours were for luck, and I wore some of my grandmas jade jewellery so felt like I had a piece of her with me on the day [and her red umbrella], Nairn wore his family dress tartan and was even able to have a dried thistle in his boutonniere."
Aside from just being really, really ridiculously photogenic (despite saying they weren't, because everyone in London says they're not, even though it's totally not true), Sarah and Nairn also had a pretty good strategy for enjoying their wedding day and making it truly theirs. They got ready together at The Landmark – spending the morning with your about-to-be-spouse is honestly the best idea, everyone should do it! – and then strolled to the town hall to get married with just two friends and Sarah's mum in tow, and me taking the pictures.
"It was really nice to have some quiet time the morning of the wedding where we got to slow down and take in the moment over a room service breakfast and just enjoy each other's company. Family can be interesting with their opinions on just about everything to do with your wedding plans: we suggest setting boundaries and expectations early if you can. And Rachel really made us feel really relaxed and helped make our day extra special."
If you're planning a multicultural elopement in London, I hope Sarah and Nairn's pictures prove that a) winter weddings aren't dreary and dull and b) city elopements aren't unromantic. You can make it as personal and intimate and joyous as you like. Seriously, look how happy they are! Even my face was hurting from smiling.
You can read more about Sarah's experience of wedding planning during a pandemic and finding the world's most comfortable cheongsam at Rock My Wedding.
CEREMONY VENUE
Cheongsam
SUIT
BOuQUET
BUTTONHOLE