When it comes to planning a wedding, most brides believe it’s essential to have a meticulously curated script. But every so often, a couple comes along who rewrite the rules with such effortless grace that you wonder why anyone did it any other way! Let me introduce you to Nancy and Neil – a couple who prioritised personality over protocol, had their honeymoon before the wedding, and proved that an unconventional wedding day might just be the most sophisticated way to say “I do.”
From Rotterdam with Love
Seven and a half years before walking down the aisle at Islington Town Hall, Nancy and Neil’s paths crossed for the first time at a hotel bar, amidst the professional buzz of an international summit in Rotterdam.
Their romance came full circle when Neil took Nancy back to the very same hotel bar to ask the most important question of their lives. It was sentimental, understated, and perfectly them – a prelude to a wedding that would be equally unique.
The “Muddled” Agenda – A New Wedding Blueprint
Nancy and Neil’s celebration at the iconic Grade II* listed Islington Town Hall wasn’t your average 2:00PM ceremony followed by a wedding breakfast. Instead, they embraced a “muddled” order that had intimacy at its core.
Their day began not with a walk down the aisle, but with a feast. The couple gathered their inner circle for a beautiful afternoon meal at the renowned Trullo Italian Restaurant. Only after the wine had flowed and the laughter had died down did they transition to an evening ceremony, followed by a high-energy reception at Little Bat. This reverse-engineered schedule allowed the couple to truly connect with their guests before the official proceedings began.
“Initially, I had been stressed about how this was going to work with hair and makeup and dress changes, but the team handled it beautifully. It allowed us to truly enjoy each phase of the day.”
Nancy’s Hair & Make-up Vision
While many brides arrive with mood boards, Nancy opted for a laid-back approach. Her aesthetic was rooted in the “classic”, focusing on quality and comfort rather than fleeting trends.
“I wasn’t the most confident in knowing what I wanted,” she admits. “But there was so much communication and guidance regarding what would suit me and my dress. I simply followed the team’s advice on skin and hair prep in the weeks leading up, drank plenty of water, and tried to find my routine amidst the nerves.”
The Transformation
The architecture of Nancy’s day required a beauty evolution. To complement the grand, historic surroundings of Islington Town Hall, she opted for a formal, classic updo – a look of timeless poise that mirrored the clean lines of her gown from Si Bridal & Co.
As the sun set over Islington and the celebration shifted toward the intimate, moodier surroundings of Little Bat, Nancy opted for Izabella’s Signature Experience Package for a complete restyle. Between the afternoon meal and the evening ceremony, Izabella and team transitioned Nancy’s look, letting her hair down into soft, polished waves.
This transition is where our artistry is truly made for the moment. As one of the most iconic wedding venues, Islington Town Hall demands a certain level of structure in a bride’s styling, yet the reception’s shift to a more spirited, contemporary setting calls for a softer, more fluid silhouette. By aligning Nancy’s aesthetic with the evolving theme of the day and her change into her reception-ready dress, we ensured her look felt entirely cohesive with her surroundings – elevated for the vows, and then relaxed enough to dance into the early hours.
Moments of Poise
The pivot point of the day occurred during that second round of hair and makeup. “There was a moment during our second round of hair and makeup – after the first meal but before the ceremony – where the nerves just vanished. Between my mum, my bridesmaids, and the incredible glam and photography teams who ‘stage-managed’ my anxiety, I suddenly felt, ‘I can do this, it’ll be fun.’ The lunchtime champagne might have helped, too!”
The day was punctuated by these high-end, curated touches: the vivid, expertly designed floral arrangements by Pollenet, the upbeat soundtrack of a live saxophonist, and a wedding party that looked and felt their absolute best.
The Honeymoon – An Expedition of Two Halves
While the wedding itself was a quintessential London affair, the couple’s sense of adventure reached far beyond the city limits. In a move as unconventional as their wedding timeline, Nancy and Neil embarked on a three-week expedition to Antarctica before the wedding, and then followed their North London Wedding celebration with a quick escape to the slopes, trading the white of the Antarctic ice for the white of the mountains – a perfect reflection of a couple who move comfortably between the grand and the intimate.
Words of Wisdom for Future Izabella Brides
Nancy’s advice for future Izabella brides is rooted in perspective: “Follow your own timeline”. By hosting lunch before the ceremony, Nancy and Neil removed the performative pressure of the day, arriving at the altar feeling ready and relaxed.
“Relax and trust the team,” she says. “Everything will be great.” When you invest in a team that understands the rhythm of your special day, you gain the freedom to let go of the logistics, and simply enjoy the moment.
The Supplier Spotlight
Hair & Makeup: Izabella Bordignon London
Photography: Taylor-Hughes Photography
Civil Ceremony: Islington Town Hall
Dining: Trullo Italian Restaurant
Wedding Reception: Little Bat
Florals: Pollenet
Fashion: Si Bridal & Co & Tallulah
Why Choose Izabella Bordignon London?
Nancy’s experience perfectly illustrates what we offer beyond the vanity table: a sanctuary of calm and an individual approach tailored to you. For the bride who isn’t quite sure of her vision, Izabella Bordignon and her team provide the guidance to bridge the gap between ideas and reality.
Our Signature Bridal Experience Package is designed for the modern, multi-chapter wedding. By offering a dedicated restyle, we allow your aesthetic to flow as your day does – from the more refined look required for the aisle to the uninhibited ease of the dancefloor. We believe that professional beauty should feel like an extension of your own personality; fun, effortless, and entirely grounded.
Planning Your Wedding Ceremony in the Borough of Islington
Islington remains one of London’s most sought-after boroughs. Islington Town Hall is a stunning Regency Gothic building that provides a sense of occasion, both grand and intimate. The venue has a range of ceremony rooms. From the understated elegance of the Mayor’s Parlour to the grander proportions of Room 99, the venue has something for all styles.
The beauty of a wedding in Islington is the proximity to stunning dining facilities. For those who value authentic culinary experiences, Trullo is an Islington institution. Its understated, rustic-chic interiors and celebrated Italian menu make it the perfect spot for an intimate pre-ceremony meal or wedding breakfast.
When the sun sets, enjoy a different kind of charm at Little Bat. This speakeasy bar, with its library-esq vibe and award-winning cocktails, is the perfect venue for an evening reception that feels private and fun.
Excellent transport links make Islington easily accessible for guests travelling from across London and beyond, ensuring a seamless transition from the marble halls of the registry office to the candlelight of Islington’s best event spaces.
Ready to Bring your Wedding Vision to Life?
Whether you’re planning an Islington Town Hall wedding or celebrating elsewhere for your special day, we’d love to help you feel as calm and relaxed as Nancy did!
