Fifties Flair

Charlotte and Sam celebrated their their slick City wedding in fifties-inspired outfits.

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Early days…

Lawyers Sam and Charlotte met while Charlotte was studying at university. "Sam's firm gave a presentation and I attended," she recalls. "We first spoke when Sam stumbled onto my toe and then insisted on making my acquaintance.
"After the presentation, a number of us went to a pub where Sam continued to work his charms. At closing time, he walked me to the tube and we exchanged numbers. Our first date was spent at the theatre, after which we ended up in Vingt Quatre on Fulham Road until 4am - and all on a Monday night!"

The proposal…

Sam was travelling to New York when he decided to pop the question. "He hadn't planned to propose but the idea occurred to him during his flight and when he arrived in NYC he went into De Beers on Fifth Avenue to buy a ring," says Charlotte. "I was still in the UK and he called to ask whether I would forgo a new bathroom or kitchen in the short term to be joined in wedlock for the long term. I was taken off guard but I was delighted to accept."

Hen and stag parties…

Fourteen of Charlotte's friends joined her for afternoon tea at Volupte. "We had traditional tea but with burlesque dancing, after which we had cocktails at Lounger Lover and dinner in Shoreditch," she says.
For Sam, Moroccan/Lebanese restaurant Kenza in the City's Devonshire Square marked the spot for his stag night.

The venues…

The couple exchanged their vows during a civil service at Old Marylebone Town Hall. "We chose a fabulous room which seated all of our 80 guests. It evoked a real sense of occasion and history," says Charlotte. Afterwards the newlyweds celebrated with a reception party at Threadneedles Hotel. "It's a fabulous boutique hotel with a great restaurant," says Charlotte. "It's located in the heart of the City, which is really peaceful at the weekend so we were able to have complete exclusivity. "

The dress…

Charlotte and Sam's striking wedding outfits were inspired by the 1950s. Charlotte chose a knee-length ivory dress with a fuchsia underskirt and finished the look with vintage pearls. "I wanted a dress from a London designer, made in London and I didn't want a traditional wedding gown," she says. "I went along to Candy Anthony not knowing what to expect and fell in love with the place and the dresses. I ended up with a white dress which surprised me - albeit with a bright pink underskirt!"

The decorative touches…

On the day, Charlotte arrived at the ceremony in a 1950s white London taxi and her guests travelled in a traditional London Routemaster bus.
All of their guests were greeted with an oyster bar and Champagne reception at Threadneedles Hotel, followed by a sit-down meal. "We had the venue decorated with white flowers and mirrors as well as photographs of all of our guests as children," says Charlotte.
After the wedding breakfast the couple cut their wedding cake - a white chocolate helter skelter-style design. "Inside it had a vanilla and lemon sponge and outside it was covered in strawberries and raspberries," recalls Charlotte.

The honeymoon…

Charlotte and Sam left one city behind for another - spending time in Paris, followed by Provence.
"We would absolutely recommend it," says Charlotte. "We loved both places - fab hotels, food and wine and both locations just a train ride away from London."

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