When you think of a wedding at the Gherkin, you might picture sleek lines, breathtaking city views, and a touch of London glamour. That’s exactly what Amy and Hugo achieved on their magical day. The couple, who met online during the pandemic, decided to tie the knot in the city they love. From a classic church ceremony with a bagpiper to a reception 40 floors above the capital, every detail felt like a love letter to their journey together.
From Hyde Park to a Paros Proposal
Like many great modern love stories, Amy and Hugo’s began online during the spring of 2021. Their first date was a stroll through Hyde Park, a simple yet perfect setting for two people getting to know each other.
As they sat on Battersea Pier during their second date, wine in hand and laughter in the air, it was clear that this was the start of something special.
It was during a trip to Paros – the same island where Amy’s parents spent their honeymoon – that Hugo popped the question. After a day of swimming and driving a sand buggy, he led her to a private beach at sunset and popped the question. It was intimate, intentional, and perfectly “them”, setting the tone for the wedding to come.
The Vision: Authentically ‘Us’
The couple’s theme was simple yet profound: everything had to feel ‘like them’. As Amy describes it, “we wanted everything to be ‘us’ from the church wedding with the bagpiper to walking through the streets of the City of London in the sunshine. Even drinking our favourite Champagne out of a ridiculously big bottle!”
The day was filled with personal touches, from the DIY invitations and place settings Amy designed herself, through to the bridesmaids’ hair bows, handmade by Amy’s sister using offcuts from their dress material. It was a day that felt authentically them and deeply intimate.
Finding the right beauty team to match the personal vision of their day was a priority. Amy chose Izabella Bordignon for her wedding hair and makeup after seeing the glowing reviews from real brides and the gorgeous pictures on Izabella’s Instagram page.
The Look: Glowing, Healthy, and Effortless
When Amy approached Izabella Bordignon, the goal was to strip away the stress and focus on her core vision.
“My main goal was to look like my everyday self, but healthier and glowing,” says Amy.
To complement her Made with Love gown, we focused on polished, healthy hair, building on Amy’s diligent preparation with Oi Shampoo and Conditioner to create a style that looked luminous and entirely natural.
The make-up focus leaned into the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic with a bridal twist, achieving a lit-from-within glow based on her disciplined skincare routine. The result was a look that felt breathable and fresh for a summer’s day, yet sophisticated enough to hold its own for a 40th-floor wedding reception among the city lights.
The Izabella Bordignon Experience
The Izabella Bordignon experience begins long before the wedding morning itself. Amy’s experience with us was nothing short of amazing. Despite reaching out later in the planning process, she felt supported every step of the way.
“Izabella and her team were patient and kind, understanding my vision even when I wasn’t sure myself,” she told us.
For us at Izabella Bordignon London, it was an absolute pleasure to be part of Amy’s special day. Her kindness and natural beauty made our job a delight, and we were thrilled to provide a sense of calm during her final planning stages.
Amy recalled her initial stress, saying, “I reached out relatively late… I was stressed and had decision fatigue. Vini reassured me that there was enough time.”
This is the heart of the IB experience: providing a steady hand when things feel overwhelming. We understand that a high-profile wedding venue like The Gherkin requires a look as enduring as it is beautiful. From the first video call to the moment you step into your dress, we ensure every bride feels entirely ‘herself’, but with that extra added touch of bridal magic.
Special Moments: From Confetti to the Clouds
One of Amy’s most memorable moments of her big day was stepping out of the church to a confetti shower, surrounded by friends and family.
“It was the sunniest, warmest summer’s day, and finally seeing all of our friends and family there with us, just after saying our vows, was incredible.”
The joy continued as the wedding party took to the streets, walking through the heart of London to reach the reception. While the height of the venue was a talking point for some – with Amy joking that having a reception 40 floors up is a “maker or breaker of fears” – the atmosphere inside was unmatched. The couple even made a point of including those who couldn’t attend by sending out mini wedding cakes, a small but meaningful gesture that ensured their wider circle felt part of the magic.
The Honeymoon: Return to the Aegean
Post-wedding, Amy and Hugo jetted off for a romantic honeymoon in Naxos, Greece. Given their love for the country and its significance in their relationship, it was the perfect getaway. They enjoyed ten days of pure Mediterranean bliss, filled with sun, sea and delicious food, riding around in their beach buggy and soaking in the start of their new chapter together.
Words of Wisdom for future IB Brides
For brides-to-be, Amy offers this invaluable advice: “Wedding planning can be stressful, but it’s also an amazing experience. Don’t dwell on the small details – go with the flow and enjoy every moment!”
On the day itself, her advice is practical: “Stick together. You get pulled in every direction by your guests, so take a minute to yourselves to really take in every moment.”
Wedding Suppliers Spotlight
- Hair & Makeup: Izabella Bordignon
- Photography: Xander Casey – Wedding Photographer
- Venue: St Botolph without Aldgate & Searcys at The Gherkin
- Videographer: James David Films
- Wedding Dress: Made with Love (altered by Cherry Williams)
- Bridesmaids Dress: Olivia & Rose
- Shoes: Jimmy Choo at Selfridges & Axel Arigato (Personalised with her name)
- Flowers: Rachel Morgan
- Accessories: Kiki McDonough – Earrings and necklace
- Cake: Jade Butterfly Cakes
Why Choose Izabella Bordignon?
Amy chose us after researching London-based teams with excellent reviews from real brides. Our Instagram and blog gave her the insight she needed to trust our quality. Beyond the aesthetic, brides choose Izabella Bordignon because of the reassurance we provide. We don’t just “do” hair and makeup; we manage the morning’s energy, ensuring that even if you’re a late-stage booker with decision fatigue, you step into your wedding feeling calm, confident, and flawlessly yourself.
Planning Your London Wedding at The Gherkin
A wedding at the Gherkin at 30 St Mary Axe offers an experience like no other. One of London’s most iconic and versatile luxury venues, it offers a sense of modern prestige that few city skylines can match. A masterpiece of contemporary architecture, this glass-domed landmark offers a range of sophisticated spaces to suit any high-altitude vision; from the sleek minimalist proportions of the event floors to the breathtaking 360-degree views of the top floor, it provides a stunning backdrop for the modern day couple.
The beauty of a Gherkin wedding is the unparalleled atmosphere it creates and the spectacular views. As a premier City institution, it’s a destination for couples who value a bold aesthetic, allowing the stunning London landscape to serve as your primary décor. With the city lights twinkling beneath you and the stars visible through the glass canopy above, it offers a seamless transition from a sun-drenched afternoon ceremony to a sophisticated reception up among the clouds.
Ready to bring your Wedding Vision to Life?
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that deserves a beauty experience to match. Whether you’re dreaming of a clean girl aesthetic like Amy, or a bespoke look tailored to your unique style, the Izabella Bordignon team is here to ensure you look and feel flawless from day to night.
