It was great to be close to home in the newly crowned city of Southend-on-Sea for the beautiful wedding of Archie & Robyn. I thought I knew my local area pretty well but it was great to discover a little glamour, grandeur and history overlooking the Thames Estuary which I had somehow overlooked.
Robyn & Archie's intimate ceremony was regal from the outset, taking place in the royally titled 'Victoria Room' of their local registrar's office. However, Queen Victoria had nothing on our bride! From the second that Robyn stepped out of the wedding car, she radiated sophisticated glamour . Her stunning foliage and sequin embellished ivory gown by Coast hinted at a sophisticated bygone era. Paired with incredible mother of pearl and satin heels by Freya Rose and with flawless hair and make up ( Big Yin, Eastern Esplanade & Sarah Dovaston MUA), Robyn was perfection from head to toe.
Archie was on hand to greet his bride-to-be, looking suitably dapper in royal blue from Moss Bros. . The couple's excitement and ease with each other were echoed by close family and friends who were as relaxed and happy as the bride and groom as they made their vows .
With ceremony complete, confetti thrown and congratulations offered, the small group headed off to the The Royal Hotel on Royal Terrace for some refreshment. Built in 1791, this listed building, was a past haunt of Royalty and Aristocracy and although I had sipped a glass or two of wine in the bar downstairs I had no idea that above my head was a spectacular period ballroom which had accommodated
such distinguished guests.
Whilst the bridal party mingled in the bar before the arrival of the evening guests I ascended to photograph the ballroom and it did not disappoint.
I must mention that this incredible room with gloriously tall windows, feature fireplaces and chandeliers was made even more spectacular by the beautiful flower design of Out of the Earth Bespoke florist . Jenny and her team (of which Robyn is usually one!) decorated the mantles, bar and tables to Robyn's specifications with gorgeous cascades and overflowing vases of loose country pastels including roses, lisianthus, canterbury bells and hydrangeas.
The cherry on the cake (pardon the pun) was a vintage inspired Lambeth
wedding cake, gifted to the bride and groom by Robyn's Out of the Earth team
and lovingly made by roo.cake .
Warm friendly staff welcomed evening guests as they began to arrive and the party moved upstairs to the ballroom for drinks, music and dancing with glorious evening views over the Estuary. Beautifully thought out and classically elegant; Robyn & Archie's wedding was quietly grand, perfectly relaxed and a pleasure to be a part of!
Featured suppliers(Links in text):
Venue: The Royal Hotel, Southend
Flowers: Out of the Earth Bespoke Florist, Southchurch Road, Southend
Bridal Gown: Coast
Bridal shoes: Freya Rose
Suits: Moss Bros.
MUA: Sarah Dovaston
Hair: Big Yin, Eastern Esplanade, Southend
Wedding Cake: @Roo.cake