Featured Style Me Pretty
Newington House was built in the 17th Century as a gift for a homesick Italian princess by her British husband.
The design was based on Reuben’s collection of engravings called ‘The Palaces of Genoa’ and is therefore Italianate in design, and has been brought back to life by the current owners.
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Our editorial re-tells this story for the modern wedding. A tale of a young couple who met travelling Europe. She is Italian, he is British and they have chosen to celebrate their marriage at this countryside estate.
Our bride was dressed in a Jesus Peiro gown which featured a lace bodice, long sleeves and pockets! A classic ball gown skirt, which fitted such an incredible venue was complimented by a bouquet of peonies, jasmine and my favourite Margaret Merril Roses – so fragrant and so beautiful. Bespoke heirloom jewelry, imagined to be borrowed from the groom’s family collection, set off the ivory tones of the gown and featured deep burgundy and diamond stones.
A pair of black lace Jimmy Choo heels completed her bridal look. The groom, effortlessly handsome in his dinner suit featured black patent shoes and a silk bow tie.
Inspired by the venues incredible gardens and interiors we chose a palette of dark blush pink, blackberry, gold and ebony which set the tone for this understatedly elegant look.
Our tablescape, set on the lush lawns at the back of the house had a back drop of the stone steps and featured gold and black baroque charger plates, hand dyed silk bamboo napkins and wildly beautiful flowers including prunus foliage, peonies, sweet peas, astrantia and romantic antique roses. Cut glass stemware, gold rimmed flatware and cutlery added to the glamorous feel and a sprinkling of blackberries foraged from the gardens finished it to perfection.
The stationery was simple but oh so stylish. Classic black on which the white ink really popped. An olive leaf detail, wax seals and beautiful hand dyed silk ribbons complemented the suite. Hand written signage and tags adorned every element.
The wedding cake featured frangipani and delicate peonies both crafted expertly from sugarpaste. It nestled beautifully within the rose garden at Newington House. Each tier more delicious than the next – flavours included earl grey, lavender and honey, chocolate with rosemary and red-wine poached pear and lemon blueberry and cream cheese.
At each place setting a gold leaf edged cotton pouch containing sugared almonds – a nod to the traditional Italian bonbonniere. There were finished with sugar frangipani flowers and hand lettered placement cards.
Planning and design: Kim Balasubramaniam //Venue: Newington House // Dress: Jesus Peiro // Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Florals: Blue Sky Flowers // Table Top: Duchess and Butler // Cake: Thirty One Cakes // MUA: Kate Kelvin // Jewellery: Agnes Walker // Ribbon s: Lancaster and Cornish // Grooms Suit: Stephen Bishop