This couple combined their Greek Cypriot and Irish heritage to create a super stylish London wedding. Our WED2B Real Weddings Bromley feature reveals more:

 

Real Weddings Bromley: Katherine and Gary chic city do

 

Katherine and Gary met when they were just 15 years old. “His sister Sarah is a mobile hairdresser, and he would always make sure he was home when I had my hair done,” says Katherine. “Unfortunately we were both very young and in relationships at the time. Who knew 10 years down the line of friendship and a one-off date in our local Indian restaurant we would end up getting married! Our families have always been close, and we knew everything about each other. We both come from large families, Gary is Greek Cypriot and is one of seven children. I’m Irish and my Dad is one of 16, so I have over 60 first cousins! Our families are like those in the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Everyone knows everything about everyone, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

 

Real Weddings Bromley: Katherine and Gary chic city do

 

A romantic picnic for two

Gary proposed just before a family get together during a picnic in Richmond park. “We were waiting for everyone to arrive at his sister’s in Roehampton,” says Katherine. “We found a nice spot near the lake and Gary started handing me food to set out on the picnic blanket. I felt a soft velvet box placed in my hand and turned round to see his face tearing up as he asked, ‘Will you marry me?’. I opened the box to find a dazzling ring and before I knew it I had shouted, ‘Yes!’. We then skipped off to tell his family, who were over the moon.”

 

Real Weddings Bromley: Katherine and Gary chic city do

 

Finding the perfect dress

Katherine visited WED2B Bromley on a whim with her maid of honour Chloe. “We were greeted by one of the staff who was so friendly and quickly explained how the process worked,” she says. “There were so many dresses to choose from, so with great difficulty I eventually chose a range of styles to try on. I was on my third dress when I realised that the first one I’d tried on was ‘The One’. I just couldn’t get Bria out of my mind. With its beautiful lace detail, petite, figure-hugging front and open back I just knew that this was my dress.” Katherine also bought WED2B’s simple Bellatrix veil and an underskirt to match. “I’ve since recommended Bromley WED2B to three of my friends who’ve also bought their wedding dresses there!”

 

Real Weddings Bromley: Katherine and Gary chic city do

 

A smart city venue

The couple had arranged to see four venues in London as they wanted a venue that was easily accessible for relatives from across the globe. “We visited Devonshire Terrace, near Liverpool St, first and it absolutely took my breath away.” says Katherine, “We then went to see another venue but half way through the viewing I realised I wanted Devonshire Terrace. We booked the same day! It’s an industrial feel building with a glass atrium and stunning tree-filled gardens. We hired the full building, including the Devonshire Terrace restaurant, balconies and grounds. It provided the best of both worlds, the industrial feel of a city wedding and greenery for those all important photographs.”

 

Real Weddings Bromley: Katherine and Gary chic city do

 

A day to remember

The ceremony was held in the light-filled atrium at 3pm. “I loved seeing the look on my Dad’s face when he saw me in my dress,” smiles Katherine. “My Dad took one look at me, took my arm and proudly walked me down the aisle. He welled up and cried as he gave my hand to Gary. It was a lovely and touching moment. I didn’t feel nervous at all and I just couldn’t stop smiling.” There were two readings, Katherine’s Auntie Janice read a poem called ‘On Your Wedding Day’ and Gary’s sister, Malvina, read ‘An Irish Blessing’.

 

Real Weddings Bromley: Katherine and Gary chic city do

 

Monochrome styling

The theme for the day was black and white, with black tie outfits and a City vibe. “We wanted to stay true to our culture, and this was reflected in the entertainment for the evening,” says Katherine. The reception was also held in the atrium and tables were decorated with silver candelabras and scattered diamond crystals. There was also a Pass the Parcel ice breaker game, Jenga pieces with pencils for well wishing and boxes of jelly beans as favours. The table plan was based on the London Underground map.

 

Real Weddings Bromley: Katherine and Gary chic city do

 

The evening party

Later for the dancing the Devonshire Terrace restaurant had a white sparkle dance floor with a white DJ booth. There were light up letters spelling ‘LOVE’ and flip-flops in a basket for guests. We also had a photo booth, white chocolate fountain and a white candy cart with vintage sweets. There was also a display of photos of the couple in black frames surrounded by candles, diamonds and rose petals. In keeping with the theme, the cake was a white five-tier neon sponge cake decorated with black drip ganache, macarons and meringue drops with chocolate shards on top. “We cut the cake with the knife my parents used 35 years ago to cut their wedding cake,” says Katherine.

 

Real Weddings Bromley: Katherine and Gary chic city do

Special touches

“We also arranged to have Irish dancers perform at the evening meal, unbeknown to guests,” says Katherine. “At that moment everyone got up on their feet, clapping and cheering the girls performance. After the money dance, the Greek dancers got everyone to link arms in a circle and we all danced together. It was another of my favourite moments.”

 

Wedding Suppliers:

Photography & Videography: Leslie Chouchard Photography & Videography

Make-up & hair artist: 360 salon

Venue & Wedding Planner: Devonshire Terrace

Florist: Made You Look Flowers by Heidi Webster

Catering: Devonshire Terrace

Cake: Cake-ID by Ellie Barns-Graham

Stationary: Child Paper co

Décor & DJ: Plush and Funky Entertainment

Live Singer: Emma Longland

Irish Dancers: Conor Academy of Irish dancing

Greek Dancers: Blue Fish Entertainment

 

Did your wedding have the wow factor like our Real Weddings Bromley feature? If you would like to be a part of our real weddings feature send your favourite photo to info@wed2b.co.uk and well be in touch!