The Natural History Museum is without doubt one of London's most iconic venues. Last year they acquired their license to hold weddings underneath the spectacular Blue Whale Skeleton named 'Hope'. The Natural History Museum hosted a wedding showcase to mark the occasion featuring some of the United Kingdoms (and Irelands) very best wedding suppliers who came together to transform the awe-inspiring Hintze Hall, with its breath-taking Victorian architecture into a natural paradise. Needless to say, we were absolutely thrilled to be involved in what turned out to be magical evening steeped in 4.5 billion years of natural history.
The floral arrangements by Simon Lycett were like something we have never seen. A superb display of roses, hydrangeas, baby's breath in shades of lilac, blush and magenta coming together with the natural foliage and variety of grasses to create a botanical scene of explosive abundance. Arranged in garlands, bouquets, planters, flowers hanging from the ceiling as though they were falling from the sky and 'Hope' of course, taking centre stage. For as far as the eye could see, Mother Nature truly was the guest of honour. We really enjoyed the thoughtful use of wild grasses as though it were a metaphor for the marrying of the old and the new, the natural and man-made.
In addition to the stunning floral displays, guests were greeted by an incredible array of beautifully crafted refreshments. The canapes by Zafferano Wedding featured choices such as sweet potato taco and potato peel rostis, all aptly displayed on trays featuring an assortment of wonderful creatures celebrated daily in the museum.
Upon entering Hintze Hall, guests were greeted with a spectacular table plan created by Lisa from Paperknots which was adorned with more beautiful botanicals.
Interchangeable name tags were hand lettered onto gold, cream and neutral toned card and were exquisitely held in place using a custom engraved mini wax seal in tones of pure white, gold and light blue. The wax seals featured a beautiful hand illustrated engraving of a fossil which was so apt for this spectacular event.
The table settings were a sight to behold, featuring twinkling candle lights, beautiful floral posies, bell jars and crystal glassware. Impressive elevated floral displays featuring dangling rose heads and crystals on ribbon reached up to the ceiling in an attempt to frame 'Hope' the whale and ensure that guests looked up to appreciate this natural beauty.
The menus, also created by Paperknots, complemented the table plan and were printed on luxurious taupe & neutral toned cards. They featured a timeless serif font giving a subtle nod back to the ancient treasures that call the Natural History Museum their home. Doubling as place cards, each menu was customised with a hand-lettered name and adorned with a natural silk ribbon held together by another of our custom wax seals. This larger wax seal, once again featured a deeply engraved illustration of a spiral snail fossil to pay homage to this formidable institution.
Zafferano Wedding ensured the guests were treated to a spectacular evening meal that delighted both their taste buds as well as their eyes with the most exquisite presentation.
For dessert, guests feasted on a mouth-watering display of a woodland themed desserts. Everything from macarons and black forest waffles to billionaire golden tarts and ginger flower lollipops were decadently displayed in a forest-like setting.
The evening meal was completed with a truly magnificent cake - a work of art brought to life by Rosalind Miller Cakes. A formidable 6 tiers, the hand-painted frosting of varying pastel shades, natural textured finish and intricate edible handmade flowers.
A pyramid of tempting espresso martinis, enticing old fashioned among other heavenly libations. All skillfully assembled and artfully garnished by the talented mixologists from The Cocktail Service.
The evening came to a close with a spectacular bridal wear fashion show by The Wedding Gallery. The impressive architecture of Hintze Hall came to life as models adorned in breath-taking gowns paraded their wear throughout the hall.
What an honour it was for us to be involved in such a prestigious event which was a testament to the venue, organisers and all the contributors involved.
CUSTOM ILLUSTRATED WAX SEAL
Create an exquisitely detailed, hand illustrated custom wax seal for your next event. Stamp it in our matte white sealing wax to achieve a similar striking outcome to the seals used in this spectacular event.
Deeply engraved and uniquely personalised, a bespoke wax seal stamp can be used to enhance memories today and then be cherished and passed down through generations for years to come.
If you want to treat your eyes to more delightful images, browse more real wedding blog posts and soak up all the beauty. We've also rounded up our favourite romantic city wedding blog posts here.
