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This St Pancras Renaissance Hotel Wedding Was Described as “Romeo and Juliet Meets London Spice Girl”

As true Londoners, Tania and Tom loved soaking up the city’s vibes. So, they decided on a fun and exciting London-themed wedding that ditched tradition. Their venue? It wasn’t just any place but an iconic spot with a rich history in London’s transport scene. Plus, it was where the Spice Girls danced to their ’90s hit “Wannabe.” Tom adored trains (he’s a bit of a geek in a charming way), and Tania was all about girl power. So, it made perfect sense. Picture Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo and Juliet” mixed with a dash of Spice Girls fanaticism. From start to finish, their St Pancras Renaissance Hotel wedding was a vibrant ode to their love, proving that when two worlds collide, magic happens.

In awe of the beautiful gothic revival setting, the couple exchanged their vows by the warm glow of the fireplace. Junebug florists The Way to Bloom added some flair and adorned the altar with vibrant floral pillars and playful disco balls, infusing the ceremony with bursts of color. And the party was just getting started! At the reception, the tables were filled with colorful centerpieces. To add a final touch, a neon sign behind their sweetheart table perfectly captured the vibe of the party. 

The pair’s big day was a delightful mix of fun and elegance, brimming with vibrant colors and impeccable style. If you want to dive into every little detail, Amy Faith’s snapshots tell the complete story. 

The Couple:

Tania and Tom

The Wedding:

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London, United Kingdom

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The Inspiration Behind Their Unconventional St Pancras Renaissance Hotel Wedding

We didn’t want anything too traditional. Meeting, working, and living in London (the best city in the world), we wanted something that reflected our relationship and summed us up as a couple. Being Londoners, we always take advantage of everything the city offers. It was super important to us to have a statement London wedding that avoided the boring clichés of a typical wedding. So, we went for a fun, vibrant, and non-traditional design. Think Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo and Juliet” meets London Spice Girl fangirl.

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Having Friends and Family Speak was the Highlight of Their St Pancras Renaissance Hotel Wedding Ceremony

Nothing comes as much of a surprise on the wedding day, especially after a year of meticulous planning and involvement in every detail. However, inviting family and friends to speak during the ceremony was truly exceptional. We deliberately chose not to know what the readings would be, so hearing their words, which they believed reflected us as a couple, and listening to their advice was profoundly meaningful and emotional.

Blending Tradition with London’s Energy

We thought about having some of our wedding pictures taken on the underground. As Londoners, public transport is a massive part of our daily routine. Tom’s passion for transportation, or as I call it, his “train nerd” side, adds to the connection. Plus, the underground holds a special significance for me: during WWII, my great-grandmother took shelter in the underground during a raid and came back to the house being bombed whilst pregnant with my nan. It’s a part of my family history that makes me grateful daily. When planning our wedding, we wanted something representing us as a couple. We loved the idea of blending glamor with London’s everyday hustle and bustle. So, capturing moments in our wedding attire amidst the city’s energy was the perfect fit.

Recommended Reading: Use This Wedding Flower Checklist to Incorporate Flowers Throughout Your Day

Balancing Wedding Preparations and Quality Time

Wedding planning can indeed feel overwhelming, with a never-ending to-do list. But before you know it, the big day will be here and gone in the blink of an eye. Our advice? Try to enjoy the process as much as possible. Make the most of every vendor meeting, and don’t hesitate to enjoy that drink offered by the wedding venue. And amidst the chaos, don’t forget to make time for each other—schedule date nights to discuss wedding preparations together. It’s these moments that will make the journey memorable and enjoyable. Lastly, I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to record all wedding expenses. Expenses can add up quickly, even for the smallest, most intimate weddings. A clear overview in black and white will help you stay on track and organized throughout the planning process.

Bringing Their Vision to Life Starting with an Iconic and Meaningful Venue

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is special in London’s architecture and boasts a rich transport history. Fun fact: it was even the setting for the iconic 90s Spice Girls “Wannabe” music video. With Tom’s passion for trains and the bride’s love for girl power, it felt like the perfect fit. As for the overall aesthetic, we aimed for something beautiful, untraditional, and memorable. Thanks to our fantastic suppliers, we were able to bring this vision to life. After all, the little details truly make all the difference.

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The Wedding Team:

Photography – Amy Faith
Venue – St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Floral Design – The Way to Bloom
Live Music – The Vagabonds
Invitation Design – Lydia Dixon Designs
Makeup Artist – Verity Samson
Hair Styling – Luana Babbi

 

Congratulations to Tania and Tom on their St Pancras Renaissance Hotel wedding, reminiscent of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet meets London Spice Girl affair. A big thank you to Amy Faith for capturing every moment and detail of this celebration. And a special thank you to Junebug florists The Way to Bloom for transforming their day with breathtaking floral arrangements. To see more of their stunning work, be sure to visit their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding florists.

Unforgettable weddings are brimming with creativity, personal touches, and genuine elements that tell a beautiful story, from the venue to the decor and flowers. If you’re starting your wedding planning journey, browse through our guide of unique ideas that will spark inspiration to make your special day truly extraordinary.

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This Hotel Kioro Wedding Features Epic Views of a Volcano

May 25, 2024 | justine

Alejandra and Felipe envisioned creating unforgettable memories with their loved ones from all over the world. They searched for a place that would be both accessible and thrilling, settling on the enchanting landscapes of Costa Rica. With their shared love for nature, it was an easy choice. Their dream came to life with a magical Hotel Kioro wedding, where they were surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature, with the majestic Arenal Volcano casting its spell as a stunning backdrop.

The poolside ceremony was truly breathtaking, with floral pillars framing the stunning views as the couple exchanged their heartfelt vows. And the magic didn’t end there; the reception was just as enchanting. The ceiling adorned with cascading greenery, delicate blooms, and twinkling fairy lights created an ambiance of pure elegance. Candlelit tables adorned with pristine white flowers and foliage added a touch of romance, making it a celebration to remember for years to come.

Their wedding day was a fairy-tale come to life, filled with stunning inspiration you can share with your team of vendors. You won’t want to miss a single moment of this magical outdoor celebration, flawlessly captured by the talented Junebug vendor Oscar Lucas. Get ready to be swept away by the beauty and romance of their special day!

The Couple:

Alejandra and Felipe

The Wedding:

Hotel Kioro, Costa Rica

Finding the Perfect Backdrop for Their Special Day

We are inspired by the outdoors and the mountains. We love to go hiking and enjoy the adventure that comes with travel. We wanted to translate that into our wedding. Costa Rica is a vibrant country, and we wanted the scenery to speak for itself. Arenal during May can be a tricky time of the year for weddings. It’s considered the start of the rainy season in the region, and the volcano is rarely seen in its entirety. We were blessed to have the volcano completely clear during the afternoon for our special day. It’s truly breathtaking to be marrying your spouse with the volcano in the background. We had one of our best friends officiate the wedding. We felt that made it personal to us. We also had a mixture of English and Spanish, which we can relate to. We had it outdoors with the volcano at our center altar, all while standing over the water of the hotel swimming pool and clear plexiglass. Then cue the Mariachi! For us this could not be more uniquely us.

Putting the Guest Experience at the Forefront of their Hotel Kioro Wedding

Felipe: I was focused on our guests’ comfort and enjoyment. I provided transportation from San Jose to Arenal with plenty of food and drink for the ride and accommodated an open bar for three days. Alejandra: Everything needed to be beautiful and intentional. From personalized invitations with calligraphy to table settings and fireworks at a majestic venue, it all needed to tie together and tell our story. It was all about the journey.

How They Found Their Dream Wedding Venue

We were looking for a unique location that would be memorable for all our guests in a country accessible to most in the U.S. but also far enough to encourage adventure and mystery. We decided on Costa Rica mainly because we love the outdoors. We knew we wanted something other than a beach destination or urban setting. We traveled to Costa Rica with a few ideas in mind. We were looking for a place surrounded by natural beauty and a boutique hotel big enough to host roughly 120 guests but also small enough that we could do a total buyout. After three days of traveling and visiting our planned locations, we had no luck and were ready to give up. Last night, we decided to go to Arenal and hike near the volcano. We chose a small hotel that we found randomly on Google. When we arrived at Arenal Kioro, we were speechless. The family-owned hotel was a hidden gem, with the most breathtaking up-close views of the volcano. Immediately, we talked to the hotel coordinator, Francinia Solano, and locked in our wedding date.

Beyond the Big Day: Crafting a Memorable Wedding Experience

Instead of focusing on the wedding day, we wanted to focus on the wedding experience. This entailed everything from Thursday to Monday when most of our guests would arrive and depart. We had charter buses pick our guests up at the San Jose airport with a meal and beer. Our guests were given a welcome bag with snacks, toiletries, and small gifts upon arrival. On our first night, we announced an open bar for the next three days and then welcomed a fire show at the hotel swimming pool area. On our wedding night, we had a surprise fireworks show on the venue’s balcony. Lastly, on Sunday, we can’t forget the trash the dress where we welcomed all our guests to the La Fortuna Waterfall for pictures and a cold plunge. Our wedding was a huge family vacation.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Oscar Lucas
Event Planning + Invitation Design – One Heart
Ceremony + Reception Venue + Catering – Hotel Kioro
Floral Design – Marcela Orozco
Live Music – Mariachi Perla Florense
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Isabel Gonzalez
Favors – Koko Natural Water

 

Congratulations to Alejandra and Felipe on their Hotel Kioro wedding, which featured epic views of Arenal Volcano. A big thank you goes out to Junebug vendor Oscar Lucas for capturing every beautiful moment for us to admire. If you’re feeling inspired by this amazing celebration, be sure to take a look at his profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

This wedding shows how much the venue can shape the whole celebration. When you’re planning your own special day, remember how important the venue is. If you want helpful tips on picking the perfect place, make sure to check out our guide. Choosing the right backdrop is the first step to creating your dream celebration!

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A Guide to Wedding Guest Attire for Men For Every Season

May 24, 2024 | justine

Keep reading for our break down wedding guest attire for men for all occassions. Image by Me & Georgia

Attending a wedding is always an exciting affair, but figuring out what to wear can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when considering the season and the dress code. Whether it’s a formal black-tie event or a laid-back beach celebration, it’s essential to dress appropriately to honor the couple’s special day. That’s why we’re breaking down the different wedding guest attire for men that’s tailored to each season and occasion.

Wedding Guest Attire for Men

Understanding what to wear to a wedding starts with the invitation. Consider the time and venue—morning or afternoon events tend to be less formal, while evening affairs or upscale venues call for more elegant attire.If the invitation has a dress code, like black tie or casual, it tells you what’s expected. Black tie means a tuxedo, while casual means you can dress more relaxed.

Black Tie 

For black-tie weddings, think elegant and sophisticated. Opt for a classic black tuxedo paired with a crisp white dress shirt and a black bow tie. Complete the look with polished black shoes and maybe even a sleek pocket square for an extra touch of style.

Image by Laura Memory

Semi-formal Wedding or Cocktail

If the wedding calls for semi-formal attire or a cocktail-style event, you can still look sharp without wearing a full-on black tie. A tailored suit in a darker shade, like navy or charcoal, paired with a dress shirt and a tie, is a great choice. Consider adding a vest or a stylish patterned tie to add some personality to your outfit.

Image by Celeste Burns

Casual Wedding Guest Attire for Men

For more casual weddings, you have more flexibility to dress comfortably while still looking put together. A smart option would be dress pants paired with a button-down or polo shirt. You can even opt for a blazer or a sports coat for refinement.

Image by Julieta Rabadan

Beach Wedding

Beach weddings are all about embracing a relaxed vibe while still looking polished. Lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton are your best friends here. Think breathable shirts paired with chinos. Loafers or boat shoes are ideal for sandy shores and don’t forget a pair of stylish sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun.

Image by Adri Mendez

Spring Wedding Guest Attire for Men

Spring weddings call for outfits that reflect the season’s vibrant energy. Pastel colors and lightweight fabrics are perfect for this time of year. Consider wearing a light-colored suit or mixing and matching separates like a blazer with dress pants. Floral or paisley ties can add a playful touch to your ensemble.

Summer Wedding

Summer weddings can be hot, so it’s essential to dress for comfort while still looking dapper. Opt for breathable fabrics like linen to keep cool in the heat. Light-colored suits paired with a linen shirt can help you stay stylish and comfortable throughout the festivities.

Image by MC Weddings

Fall Wedding Guest Attire for Men

It’s time to embrace richer tones and heavier fabrics as the weather cools. Earthy hues like burgundy, olive, or mustard are perfect for fall weddings. A wool suit or a tweed blazer paired with dress pants will keep you warm while still looking fashionable. Don’t forget to layer up with a stylish scarf or a knit tie for extra warmth.

Winter Wedding 

Winter weddings call for cozy yet stylish attire. Opt for darker colors like navy, charcoal, or black to suit the season. A wool suit or a velvet blazer paired with a cashmere sweater will keep you warm without sacrificing style. Finish your look with a classic wool overcoat and leather gloves to stay toasty during outdoor ceremonies.

Image by Tulle & Tweed Photography

No matter the season or dress code, dressing as a wedding guest is about striking the right balance between style and appropriateness. By following these simple guidelines tailored to each season and occasion, you’ll be sure to look your best while celebrating the happy couple’s special day.

Looking for more outfit ideas? We’ve got 15 stylish groomsmen outfit ideas for you to steal! And if shopping stresses you out, don’t worry–we’ve rounded up the ten best places to buy wedding suits and tuxedos online, making shopping a breeze. Whether you’re aiming for a classic look or something more modern, these outfit ideas and shopping destinations have got you covered for the big day.

 

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