Islington Town Hall Small Budget Wedding And Reception At Harry's Dolce Vita
Bride and groom walking down a grand marble and stone corridor. The bride's dress has big puff sleeves, a square neckline and feathers at the bottom. The groom wears a classic black tux. They're holding hands, looking at one another while they walk.
Photography by: Natalia Paulina Photography
Words by: Chloé Anna Studio
No engagement, no invites, a small budget of £4,000, 1 month of planning, and a HELL of a good time.
Kara and James met in 2021 through a college friend’s group chat.
“I was living in Florida and James in Colorado, but after chatting every day for a month, I flew out to meet him in person!”
When we asked James & Kara how long they’ve been engaged, their answer was “effectively since we first met!” There wasn’t an official engagement, but instead a pact to get married as soon as the lockdown they were in had lifted.
Kids in love, much?!
No wedding theme needed
This in love AF couple’s priorities laid in 3 things: Fun, family and “THEM”. Kara & James just wanted the day to be really fun for everyone involved, themselves included. To them, it was a celebration of their commitment to each other instead of the hubbub of a huge event, and they wanted the entire day to reflect who they are.
Although both living in America, they decided to get married in England - so it was super important to them that both their moms were there. After crossing alllll their fingers and toes, the travel restrictions were lifted just a few weeks before the wedding!
Talk about perfect timing!
The very day that James & Kara were able to give official legal notice of their marriage, they immediately celebrated! Ditching work for the day, they had a day out buying their wedding rings and scouting out possible venues.
They didn’t stop with the speedy planning, as it took a grand total of 1 month to plan, staying well under their £4,000 budget!
Witchcraft? Nah, just two really chilled out, cool as hell people.
a close up of the bride's torso with her puffed sleeves and small bouquet of white flowers and green foliage
a photo of the bottom of the bride's textured feathered dress and diamante bow shoes.
Even with no specific theme to work around, Kara & James smashed it out the park; Their only inspiration was wanting to make all elements represent who they were as individuals and as a couple.
From the ceremony through to the reception dinner, esoteric music was played to almost paint a picture and tell a story about who they are, and their history together.
They didn’t want that rushed feeling, that forced “gotta fit all these traditions and things into the day” feeling. It was all about just getting together with their 7 guests and celebrating their love.
Bride and groom kissing while their 7 guests behind them throw the last of the confetti!
James & Kara kept the traditions that felt right for them, including spending the night before separately. They cut a gorgeous Sachertorte cake from their favourite restaurant, and Kara wore a veil purely because wearing one felt fun!
“Seeing James that day for the first time was electrifying. It felt so monumental.”
Some of the traditions they decided to drop involved having a bridal party (only 7 guests in tow!), and the fact their wedding was a mini elopement style day. They didn’t send invites or save the dates, and told people they had wed after the day happened.
The bride looking lovingly up at her groom, with her left hand on his chest. Behind them is pink, red and white confetti strewn across stone steps.
“By doing away with a lot of the expectations of others we saved ourselves a lot of hassle, it allowed us to focus only on what we wanted most. We hope that our non-traditions might become new traditions for our family.”
Even down to choosing their outfits, Kara & James shopped together. Kara’s gorgeous dress is by Ganni, which she went to purchase online but it sold out in that moment! Luckily, she found it again on a second-hand website. We love an eco queen.
Kara paired her feathered dress with shoes from Zara that featured rhinestone bows and low block heels. Her bouquet was handmade by herself and her mother at home with flowers from Waitrose.
“With a very small, non-traditional wedding the bride and groom’s outfits are something you can have fun with.”
James wore a tuxedo, which regardless of wedding format is appropriate for the occasion. The jacket was a peak lapel cashmere tuxedo jacket from Salle Privée. He purchased a timeless, high-quality jacket that will be worn well after the wedding. He paired it with a shirt, trousers, and bow tie from Hawes & Curtis and his favourite Bally cap-toe oxford dress shoes. He was perfectly matched with Kara's little brother, aged 10, who thoroughly enjoyed wearing a suit and sunglasses all day!
Things can go wrong even for the most chill couples, and Kara & James were no exception unfortunately… Kara’s hair straightener broke on the day, the pre-booked cars didn’t show up and they almost missed the ceremony!
But as usual with wedding mishaps, it all works out. After the ceremony they went to “their” pub, drank champagne and ate french fries. Perfect.
“We still look at each other some days and just say "wow it was perfect wasn't it?" “
Bride and groom kissing, with glasses of champagne in their hands. The bride is sat on the pub's bar. The lighting is dark and heavy, which makes the brides stunning white dress stand out against the background.
Finally, we’ll finish with advise from the bride & groom:
“Just do exactly what you want and don't worry about other people's expectations.
If you supply your guests with a time that you would enjoy, they will enjoy it too. And everyone who loves you will be thrilled for you no matter what decisions you make. Don't lose sight that the day is about celebrating the love you feel for each other and not about appetizers or transportation. The things that don't go to plan are an opportunity to laugh and a good story.”
a black and white photo of a bride and groom standing beneath a sign that says Capener's Close SW1
The suppliers Kara & James used for their perfect day:
Fischer's - Cake
Facebar London - MUA
The Wilton Arms - Cocktail hour drinks
Harry's Dolce Vita - Reception dinner in the stunning Caravaggio Room
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