“E.M. Forster” … that’s all the bride had to say to the visionaries at event design team, Knot & Pop to let them know exactly the kind of wedding day they should conjure up for this couple. Hannah and Derrick’s love story began in India, and the bride is keen on the Edwardian era, so the event designers created a day they described as: “channeling a sense of Edwardiana, meets wanderlust lovers, meets Colonial style … and a whole lot of elephants.”  The couple wanted to bring the peace of greenery and the outdoors to their wedding to create a fun and relaxing atmosphere for their guests. Chelsea Physic Garden was the perfect venue with it it's secluded and magical vibes.

Chelsea Physic Garden is a hidden gem in the heart of London that feels very much like you’ve stepped into the pages of the beloved children’s novel, The Secret Garden. With gorgeous sprawling lawns and an eclectic mix of plant life became an ideal backdrop for Hannah and Derrick’s celebration. Bold coral florals accented with gold accessories and ivory lace helped create a romantic, whimsical tone. Knot & Pop expertly wove elements of the theme throughout the space. 

From the designers at Knot & Pop: 

Hannah and Derrick came to us in April with their wedding booked for August. They had the venue, but nothing else. Invites were to be made and sent, all suppliers were to be found. So it was Knot & Pop to the rescue! In very busy jobs and with little time left to plan the wedding, Hannah and Derrick handed the reigns over and we quickly got the dream team in place to ensure they got the best of suppliers working on their day.

How did you decide on a design direction?

Having courted in India, we loved the idea of weaving the sense of travel and India into their wedding day. Hannah also loved the Edwardian era and as soon as she mentioned E.M. Forster to us, we absolutely understood the kind of look that they’d like for their day.

Chanelling a sense of Edwardiana, meets wander-lust lovers, meets Colonial style …and a whole lot of elephants, the wedding design fused all of the couples loves to fully reflect them.

Can you elaborate on some of the design details that were incorporated into the garden setting?

From the custom made artwork that appeared at the entrance, to the Welcome board on the garden hut, the soft furnishings and lounge area dotted across the lawns, and the vintage croquet set – each and every detail was there to encourage guests to relax and enjoy the day, celebrating with Hannah and Derrick.

What about the venue influenced your design?

We really worked within the garden landscape to ensure there was a lovely flow to the wedding. [We wanted] guests to experience as much of the gardens as possible without dispersing them across too many different areas.

What are Some Of Your Tips for Hosting Celebrations at Chelsea Physic Garden:

• The gardens are best enjoyed in the summer months when the weather is more predictably fair, although there is always a plan B.
• The venue has a 10 p.m. curfew, so consider an after-party spot if you want to continue the celebration into the late evening.
• The garden is best for parties of 100 or more, so the group does not feel dwarfed by the location.

Where there any extra fun details that you incorporated into the event?

With a photo booth to capture all the guests before they sat for dinner, a roamingartist drawing through the day and a great Swing band and Swing lesson taking place to get everyone on the dance floor – and a few, delicious bespoke cocktails to help fuel them - the guests, Bride and Groom had the most magical of days in the most beautiful of settings in the heart of London. A hidden gem, for a gem of a couple.

Tell us a little bit about the beautiful tented reception. 

The flowers mixed David Austin roses with Dahlias, Lisianthus, White ohara rose, Eremurus, Blushing bride hydrangea and trailing green amaranthus to name a few. We created floral chandeliers that acted as a real focus point in the marquee, with garlands hanging over the dancefloor that looked beautiful.

Credits

Photography: Pete Cranston | Event Planning: Knot & Pop | Floral Design: Bo Boutique | Invitations: Berinmade | Catering: Rocket | Wedding Venue: Chelsea Physic Garden | Marquee: Claremount | Photography - Assistance: Gary Didsbury