Yesterday saw the start of my 2025 wedding season, with the most fabulous day at the Mandarin Oriental in London for two of the nicest people, Jenn and Joe.
Having met them only on Zoom, and with a tight lead time, I pulled out all of the stops and managed to create something really special for the couple and all of their guests, in the Loggia suite that overlooks Hyde Park.
When I arrived, I met the hotel staff, their fab wedding planner, the photographer, and the band, and we ran through everything that was needed to ensure things went smoothly. There was such a wonderful feel about the venue, with all of their amazing suppliers pulling together to make sure it was the best experience for them all.
As guests began arriving, I could hear excited chatter outside, and I managed to meet the bride's three sons and the bride herself, as she sneaked into the space to have a quick look around and to chat to us all. It was to be a fun, and relaxed celebration of their love, life, and friendships, and with music that acted as a kind of love letter to London, we were all set for this to be a very memorable day indeed.
The suite that was playing host to their ceremony overlooked Hyde Park and this rather special parkside entrance would be where everyone would come into the space and then exit again after the ceremony. The couple chose this venue because they got engaged in Hyde Park by the fountain and the Italian Gardens. It was so lovely to be so close to where this happened, and for everyone to hear about this part of their story as part of the ceremony.
With everyone seated, and music cued, we welcomed the groom and his lovely daughters, and then the bride and her sons. It was a wonderful entry into their ceremony as a family. I thanked them all as it was important to acknowledge them now as a blended family and to ensure everyone felt a part of this celebration.
I made sure to welcome Jenn and Joe to their ceremony, and indeed to London, a favourite destination of theirs, and we began by setting the scene with some great historical facts about the venue and where everyone was sitting. With the initial nerves calmed, and the atmosphere a little more relaxed, I talked about what marriage means to the couple, and how everyone was a part of this special moment too.
"The Mandarin Oriental has almost 140 years of history here in London. King George 5th (the maternal great-grandfather of our current King) insisted that the main entrance be changed to the Knightsbridge side, reserving the park entrance just for Royalty, so you are in good company having use of this entrance here today!"
"Jenn and Joe, this venue, that is steeped in history, and all of its special visitors, now has a place in your history, and your story too."
We then had the first of two readings by Joe's lovely mum, and I then shared details about the couple, including a bespoke piece of poetry that I had written for them. It went down a storm and I had so many wonderful comments afterwards saying how entertaining it was and how personal the ceremony was!
"After a few years, Joe had a secret plan, I’m told
During a visit to London, the details did unfold
With friends and work colleagues in on the ruse
Her dinner plans disrupted, she wasn’t amused.
Originally eating out with Grainne, Luis, and Ross
Joe asked her first to have appetisers with his boss!
They dined with them all, Joe had details to relay
'I’m going to ask her to marry me, tomorrow is the day!'
Now, Jenn was quite keen to check at every stage
Was there a ring in the safe? Are we going to get engaged?
But no ring could be found there in the hotel room
It was tucked away safely, ready for his plan to resume."
After I shared their lovely story, we had the second reading from the couple's good friend Sarah, and it was then time for their vows and ring exchange. The wedding planner was keen to have them experience being in the middle of the floral setting, right in amongst their guests, and so we moved into the centre, and it made for a great setting for this really personal moment.
With details about why we exchange wedding rings, and the history behind this wedding ritual told, we were joined by Joe's sister Amy and Jenn's brother Matt, who looked after the rings and presented them to the couple. We then surprised everyone with a handfasting and knot-tying ceremony, which was another nod to the British Isles as it is a tradition that originates from our Celtic heritage.
With hands crossed over one another, I wrapped their hands and created the beginning of an infinity knot. I then narrated throughout, and asked the couple to release their hands, and take one end each to pull. Before they started, we had the help of their guests, and as they built up to a big cheer, the couple held their hands aloft, and pulled the ends to tie their very own knot, witnessed by everyone. The ribbons were in red, white, and blue, to symbolise this connection with our Capital, and it became a wonderful memento of their time here and their wedding celebrations.
Jenn and Joe then signed their wedding day certificate, accompanied by good friends Toland and Robert, and they had some really lovely photos taken with the band smiling in the background!
As the ceremony drew to a close, I brought everything to a lovely crescendo, recapping on all that we had witnessed, and then announced the new Mr & Mrs Riccardo at which point they shared a celebratory kiss and went back down the aisle.
Guests then lined up ready for a confetti shot on the steps from the terrace, and then with Hyde Park as the backdrop, I reintroduced the couple to much applause from their friends and family, and a shower of dried petals.
What a wonderful couple and a fabulous day of celebrations they had!
Thank you, Jenn and Joe, for allowing me to be a small part of your big day celebrations. I wish you both all the love and happiness for your future.
Jenny
x
