Laughter was the key note at Anita and Sally’s fun-filled autumn wedding at Old Finsbury Town Hall – it was a joyfully funny event! Read more about nonsense poetry, fine a cappella performances, and a bit of drama with a handbag…
Arrival in a blue Bentley
Brides-to-be Anita and Sally arrived in a blue vintage Bentley, both looking relaxed and beautiful in warm, autumnal colours. With guests ready to welcome them, the smiles and laughter started, and didn’t stop for the rest of day.
The ceremony was held in the council chamber, where the couple were introduced by their best woman, and accompanied by the Bacharach and David love song ‘I Say a Little Prayer’ on the piano. Their 111 guests included Sally’s two sons Josh and Ben, who would have a big part to play in the day. Everyone wore a simple cream rose buttonhole.
A handbag and laughter at Lear
And the giggles continued even when the handbag containing the rings went missing for a few moments. And guests, and the pianist, were in stitches at the best woman’s reading – Edward Lear’s poem ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’. The line ‘But what shall we do for a ring?’ seemed very apt!
Confetti, hugs and delicious canapés
Guests showered the newly-weds with confetti before returning to a transformed council chamber for drinks and canapés. The day’s delightful food, which included the canapé buffet and a seated dinner, was created by Boulevard Events Catering. Friends gifted the ‘Here Come the Brides’ wedding cake, dripping with sugary pearls
Old Finsbury Town Hall an inspiring wedding backdrop
Next came the evening reception in the venue’s Great Hall. Wow, what an amazing space! With a soaring ornate ceiling, mirrors, and Art Nouveau detail, the only decoration needed were the simple red roses on each table. Built in 1895, this versatile Clerkenwell venue is now Grade II* listed. It is an inspiring backdrop for photography, giving a real feeling of grandeur and a sense of occasion.
Honest and hilarious speeches
The speeches were honest and hilarious; I’ve never laughed that much in all the weddings I’ve been to. As part of their speech, Josh and Ben performed a favourite Sade song beautifully – an emotional moment for everyone.
And the live performances didn’t end there. Ben is part of the talented a cappella group The Oxford Commas, who were on hand to treat guests to their unaccompanied song.
Disco dancing and secret messages
In keeping with the laid-back style of the day, there was no first dance and the splendour of the Great Hall didn’t deter the guests from ‘getting down’ for the disco after dinner, encouraged by the DJ.
Thank-you Anita and Sally for letting me capture the love and laughter on your special day. I hope my photos will raise a smile for many years to come. A lovely secret touch? Engravings inside the rings; on one, ‘You’re coming with me now’, and the other ‘The moment I wake up’.
Where can we get it?
Catering: Boulevard Events Catering
Venue: The Old Finsbury Town Hall
A cappella singers: The Oxford Commas
Poem: ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’, by Edward Lear
