Are you envisioning your own chic wedding filled with elegance and intimacy? Let my beautiful bride, Esmee’s, stunning city chic wedding inspire your planning journey. Her special day was the perfect blend of sophistication and thoughtful details, all tailored to create an atmosphere of timeless beauty. From her effortlessly elegant bridal style to the intimate touches that made the day uniquely hers, Esmee’s wedding captured the essence of a modern yet heartfelt celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding or curating a chic city affair, her story offers endless inspiration to help you bring your vision to life.
We are deeply grateful to Esmee for allowing us to be a part of such an intimate and special moment in her life. Being trusted to create her dream wedding day hairstyle was an absolute honour. Seeing her radiance and confidence was the ultimate reward, and we’re so thrilled to have played a role in such a big moment in your life, your dream day is sure to inspire other brides.
Read on to discover Esmee’s heartfelt wedding story, her inspiration for the day, and her advice for future brides. Whether you’re planning a intimate wedding or simply love swooning over dreamy bridal aesthetics, Esmee’s journey offers endless inspiration. Let her beautiful story and her stunning pictures inspire you as you plan your perfect city chic wedding.
How did you both meet?
Gary and I met in 2018 when I began working for the same company as him in London. We worked in different teams so had only spoken in passing until the Autumn of 2020 when we were the last two standing at after work drinks down the pub and got to know each other better. Gary eventually plucked up the courage to ask me on a date and the rest, as they say, is history.
How did he propose to you?
He planned a weekend in the Lake District, filled with scenic walks, cosy pubs and great food. On the Saturday he hired a boat on Lake Windermere and completely surprised me by getting down on one knee and asking for my hand in marriage. It was just us and the water, surrounded by beautiful scenery and sunshine. He even managed to smuggle a bottle of champagne which we opened and toasted to our future together. Was the perfect proposal.
Why did you choose to have a city chic wedding?
I loved the idea of a city chic wedding, which combined elements of classic elegance with a modern and fun twist. I loved the idea of getting married in the city we met in, the place our relationship grew and the first place we called home together, surrounded by the people that mean the most. I wanted it to feel intimate and emotional, sharing it with the people who meant the most to us.
Why choose Izabella Bordignon London?
I initially found Izabella when I was searching for hair stylists local to the city. I was keen to find someone who created beautiful but natural styles where less was more. When I came across Izabella’s work, I knew she would be perfect. At the trial she captured what I had imagined perfectly. I instantly felt relaxed in her company and knew I was in safe hands.
What was your inspiration for your hair & makeup?
I wanted something very elegant, timeless and natural. I wanted to feel like myself but better on my wedding day and I absolutely did.
How was your experience with us?
My experience with Izabella and her team was amazing from start to finish. The professional yet personal approach made the whole process seamless and stress free. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to do my hair on my wedding day.
What did you do to prepare for your special day?
I didn’t do lots in the way of preparation but the things I did do I found to be really effective. I went to Dr Leah’s clinic in Moorgate 4 months before for a pre-wedding glow up. I had a course of Hydro facials which I absolutely loved. It was great to have a moment to myself amongst the madness of wedding planning and I found it really helped my skin glow on the day. I also tried to help my skin from within by taking a daily collagen supplement. I took the advanced range from Revive and found them to help my skin, hair and nails. In addition to this I made sure I drank plenty of water! I got my nails done by my girl Em who i’ve been seeing regularly for a couple of years. She’s amazing and did the most perfect job. I got my hair coloured the week before, with a refresh of my balayage and a bit of face framing. Lastly I got an express spray tan the night before, which was a little risky but it paid off and I had the most beautiful bronzed glow on the day.
What was a memorable moment for you?
Gary and I decided to include an ancient tradition called “ring warming” in our ceremony, which gave our loved ones the opportunity to hold our wedding bands and make a wish or blessing for our future together. The idea is that by the time the rings make it onto our finger at the end of the ceremony the rings will be saturated in love from our friends and family. It was really special to make everyone a part of that moment.
Did you DIY anything?
I designed the invitations and the ‘details for the day’ which I got professionally printed and sent out to the guests. My DIY skills are limited so after this I relied heavily on Etsy and all the incredible small businesses there.
The funniest moment on the day was or something that surprised you?
Midway through the Father of the Bride speech one of our nieces yelled out “MUM!”, the speech stopped and everyone turned to the end of the table where a squishy ball had exploded all over the flower girls and their beautiful dresses. There was yellow gloop everywhere! There was an initial gasp as everyone stared in shock, followed by a series of laughter. Thankfully she made it to the end of the day. I have some great photos of the moment which i’ll show her on her wedding, one day.
Where was your honeymoon?
2 days after getting married we flew down to the South of France where we spent two weeks exploring. We hired a convertible and drove from Nice to a small village in Provence called Crillon where we started the trip. Surrounded by stunning French countryside, beautiful sunshine and a wonderful array of local wines – there was no better way to celebrate the start of married life. After this we made our way to the coast, staying in Cannes for a few days then back to Nice. The trip was filled with perfect weather, incredible food and great company. Couldn’t have asked for more.
Any advice for future IB Brides?
Although it’s easier said than done, try to enjoy the process and take in every moment. The lead up can become very stressful when you’re trying to perfect every aspect of the day but make sure you remind yourself that the day is about you and your other half and celebrating the love you share.
Wedding Suppliers
- Wedding Hair: Izabella Bordignon – @izabellabordignon.brides
- Wedding Photographer: Matilda Delves @matildadelvesphotos
- Wedding dress: Solace London – @solacelondon
- Wedding Venues: Marylebone Town Hall. Royal Oak Marylebone. The Ivy Tower Bridge
Gallery
