A Modern Regency
It is no secret that the Old Royal Naval College is known as one the of the best filming locations in the UK with the most recent being the newest season of Netflix’s Bridgerton. We love a period drama, with this one being up there with our favourites. The colour and grandeur inspired our Modern regency styled shoot in our Admirals House.
Our event planning and catering team CH&CO created the concept behind the shoot to bring all that colour, love and opulence into the historic wedding venue of the Admiral’s House, Greenwich. Working with Jeff Oliver Photography to capture this romantic love story, with an airy feel. We also cannot fail to mention the fantastic video by Mac Videography. This epic mini film of a Modern Regency Wedding epitomises the romantic London Wedding.
Commissioned by Charles II as his Royal Palace in 1660, the house is a little known wedding venue set within the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, on the banks of the River Thames in Greenwich. It is regal yet intimate. For a ceremony worthy of a Duke & Duchess, the wood panelling of the Webb Room and its oversized fireplace is the perfect spot to say ‘I do’, surrounded by friends and family. On the second floor, the high ceilings and chandeliers set the mood for dining and dancing the night away with friends. The lighter greys and greens of the Upper floor coupled with views across the grounds, of Sir Christopher Wren’s domes of the Painted Hall and Chapel along with the river.
The grounds of the Old Royal Naval College provide the most stunning backdrop for wedding photography, no more so than the Colonnades. With the stone pillars and ornate ceilings, this spot is definitely promenade-worthy and ensuring you are the talk of the Ton.
Laurie from Chic Weddings really understands how to take a brief and perfect it. From the ceremony aisle runner to the cascading floral table runner. Regency brides would carry herbs, greenery or flowers that were in season and could be picked from hedgerows and gardens. These included roses, delphinium, stocks, muscari and sweet peas and these formed the basis of our bridal bouquet with the addition of astilbe, tuberose and mixed eucalyptus to add texture.
During Regency England large flower arrangements would have adorned the side tables and fireplaces arranged informally and almost jumbled together to create a mass of colour and variety. Very Bridgerton-esque. This formed the inspiration for the show stopping naturally trailing and unstructured arrangements that adorned the aisle, sweeping staircase, fireplace and dining table. The addition of dill, ivy and sage, again all easily found in the hedgerows and throughout the regency period.
Whitehouse Crockery created this beautiful Georgian styling, with pastel blue charger plates and Regency design glassware, topped off with the gold cutlery with detailing on the handle. The tablecloths in Urbane Peony from Just4Linen have a soft texture and are finished with a blue haze urbane napkin, knotted to perfection.
Smaller details are the perfect way to bring that Regency romance to the on the day styling but also teasing guests with the vibe of the day. These stunning invitations were designed by By Blossom Wedding Stationery working with the florist to colour match with the table designs. Individual menu cards are our favourite addition to any wedding table.
Why have just one cake on your wedding day when Shelley and Kirstie from Shelley’s Cakes can create a table. The main tiered cake has been tied with hand dyed raw silk ribbon and finished with handmade sugar flowers in blush pink & powder blue. The smaller cakes with intricate appliqué lace stencilling, white ceramic stands, taper candles and gold accents create a focal point. Lilika’s Treats‘ magical macaron tower with hints of florals finishes off the table design.
The evening reception room created here by Velvet Living has used some rich blues and gold, providing informal seating for guests alongside the gold tables. The perfect party space, finished by the antique mirrored DJ booth & decorative cabaret table lamps.
Victoria from Victoria’s Bridal Boutique has the most stunning range of bridal wear. Most brides might find a traditional regency dress not fashion forward. This Maggie Sottero gown is contemporary in design but elegant and romantic. The ‘Rosette’ wedding gown has exquisite pearl beading over an illusion bodice which delicately scatters through the skirt with a subtle crystal tulle. For a hint of drama we added this cathedral length veil with blue lace, the perfect pair for the bridal bouquet and made for a Duchess.
Regency make up moved away from the heavily made up which faces of the Rococo era to one where natural beauty was favoured. This draws affinity to the modern day where the focus is on the complexion. Fresh with soft rosy cheeks and lips are timeless by Elizabeth Joseph-Love and alongside these soft ringlets, styled at the back to create the illusion of cascading curls framing the face, created by Terri Gilham. The romance between this Duchess and her Duke, dressed a timeless black tie from Well Suited, they make the perfect pair.
Thank you to our team of suppliers that made this shoot a stunning example of how the best suppliers can create a dream wedding set up.
Venue: The Admirals House, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
Photographer: Jeff Oliver Photography
Videography: Mac Videography
Floristry & Styling: Chic Weddings
Cakes: Shelley’s Cakes
Macarons: Lilika’s Treats
Stationery: By Blossom
Tablescapes: Whitehouse Crockery
Furniture Hire: Velvet Living
Linen: Just4Linen
Wedding dress: Victoria’s Bridal Boutique
Menswear: Well Suited for Men
Hair: Kent Bridal Hair
Make up: Elizabeth Joseph-Love
Models: Tasha Brownie & Rowan Letlow
