Timeless, Iconic, 116 Pall Mall

116 Pall Mall exudes effortless elegance and timelessness, creating the perfect backdrop for a refined aesthetic. Upon entering, the richly decorated rooms, filled with character and depth, provide a sophisticated yet unique setting. Distinctive elements such as colourful walls, mirrors, and fireplaces offer architectural interest rarely seen in traditional wedding venues. The layout allows both a ceremony and a wedding breakfast to be set up in the same space, each clearly defined and free of interference. A slightly unexpected venue elevates the overall concept, allowing delicate lace dresses and long, flowing trains to stand out against a striking, royal-inspired backdrop.

The editorial was built around understated luxury that doesn’t rely on excess to make an impact. We wanted the styling to feel classic and intentional, with a sense of quiet sophistication that let the venue take centre stage. Because 116 Pall Mall is already so grand in its own right, the tablescape and florals were kept minimal, using candlelight and soft, pared-back florals to enhance the atmosphere rather than compete with it. The overall look was beautifully restrained, allowing the architecture and mood of the space to do most of the storytelling. Hayley, our celebrant, conducted a wonderful ceremony, thoughtfully referencing a poem and creating a beautiful, authentic feel, even within the context of a styled shoot. We also had Noa, a Harpist, attend the shoot; her beautiful music perfectly complemented the elegance I aimed to capture, both during the ceremony setup and the wedding breakfast.

The colour palette was very minimal, centred around off-white florals, a mix of calla lilies, roses and hydrangeas, paired with the warmth of natural candlelight, which was to be the focus of the table set-ups. Although the shoot was in summer, we kept the indoor look slightly moodier to complement the venue. We then brought in a brighter, more classic summer feel for the outdoor shots with the vintage car.

The bridal team quickly understood the intended vision and recommended a lace dress that was both detailed and elegant, yet minimal in design. The flowing train created the perfect opportunity for striking, dramatic shots. The groom’s attire was carefully chosen to complement the overall aesthetic, featuring a clean, sharp, and timeless three-piece tuxedo. Attention to detail, such as a slimmer bow tie, ensured a cohesive and elevated style for the editorial, resulting in a look reminiscent of classic film elegance.

Izzie, our Makeup Artist, understood the vision perfectly and worked in harmony with Rose’s features to create a soft, elegant, natural look. We went back and forth on the hairstyle, debating whether to leave it down or up, but ultimately decided that a low bun would showcase the full dress and pair seamlessly with a simple veil. The final touch was the gorgeous pearl earrings from Nicholls; we kept jewellery minimal to complement the high-neck dress, and the earrings were the perfect elegant accent. We did, however, use some more jewellery in the gorgeous flatlay/detail photos we created.

Millie from Studio Artemis Events brought the shoot to life with effortless style. She sourced linen and crockery externally and selected chairs that complemented the tablescape beautifully. The candles she incorporated added a warm, intimate glow that elevated the setup even further – we wanted as many candles as possible. The finishing touch was the hand-calligraphy stationery by KDS Calligraphy, with the invites, menus, and name cards placed perfectly at each seat. The font was exactly what I had envisioned, capturing that refined, timeless feel that literally screams royal wedding. Every element came together seamlessly to create a space that felt spectacular.

Kat from Spring Lane Flowers focused on the ceremony florals, using a beautiful mix of calla lilies, white reflexed and spray roses, carnations, dahlias, anthuriums, and some hydrangeas. She also created a stunning bridal bouquet, combining roses of varying lengths to add dimension, and provided a complementary boutonnière for Eric’s tux, tying the look together perfectly.

Millie also took responsibility for the florals on the tables and around the welcome sign, creating a cohesive and elegant look throughout the interior. We decided not to have full centrepieces, instead using just a handful of individual flowers throughout the tables and on the couple’s head table, keeping the styling minimal yet sophisticated. The most florals were added by the welcome sign, placed at one end of the table to create a subtle focal point.

Couples can take inspiration from this shoot by seeing how a grand, historic venue can be styled to feel both elegant and personal without being overdone. It shows that sometimes less is more – from minimal, thoughtfully placed florals to understated tablescapes and candlelight, every detail can elevate the space without competing with it. The shoot also demonstrates how fashion, hair, and accessories can be chosen to complement the venue rather than overwhelm it, and how careful attention to ceremony and reception layouts can create a seamless, cohesive look. Overall, it’s about curating a timeless, refined aesthetic that highlights the beauty of the surroundings while still making the day uniquely your own.