Images by Fiona Kelly Photography.
Last month I was invited to a rather lovely soirée at RSA House for the launch of Sassi Holford’s 2020 Enamour Dress Collection.
The evening’s events focused around a runway show in The Great Room displaying the gorgeous gowns in the collection, followed by a meet and greet with the designer herself as well as a range of wedding suppliers in the vaults – an incredible subterranean events space below the historic house.
Bundled up on an autumnal October evening, I made my was to the house and was greeted by a jam-packed Benjamin Franklin Room – industry and brides-to-be mingled whilst enjoying yummy cocktails including Cosmopolitan and Bramble Gin. A trip to RSA House isn’t complete without sampling their exceptional foodie treats by Executive Chef Darren Archer. They served canapés from their current Autumn/Winter menus which included Syrian spiced lamb kleftiko, red pepper hummus, pomegranate, pine kernels and parsley, Ssamjang octopus lollipop, red dragon sauce and pickled radish, kimchi pickled quail’s eggs and ssamjang mayo and sweet potato and walnut kofta.
Once warmed up, we were asked to make our way upstairs to The Great Room which is just the most incredible space. If you’re looking for a Central London wedding venue with a dose of history and a whole lot of WOW, then this is the one folks. The Great Room offers a spectacular setting where natural light from the domed glass ceiling illuminates famous historical paintings dating back to 1774.
Settled into our seats the show began! Sassi’s collection was a whirlwind of tulle, Victoriana, delicate beading, sumptuous fabrics and incredible shades. From the bride herself through to bridesmaids and Mother of the Bride, Sassi’s designs are all about celebrating the female form, so think classic, romantic, wearable and utterly beautiful. However, it was the styling and details that I particularly loved and Emmy London and Dolecka provided the icing on the sartorial cake.
After the show, we made our way into the vaults where brides could meet with a perfectly curated selection of wedding suppliers including Fiona Kelly Photography, Rosalind Miller, Mary Jane Vaughan and Stephanie Browne. The feasting also continued with the RSA European market stall menu which showcased items such as a selection of British artisan salamis and cured meats as well as chorizo Scotch eggs and Black Forest bacon and wild mushroom sausage rolls. The food was nicely tied up with an impressive pudding table, created live in front of guests and finished off with a dry ice effect, featuring rhubarb custard tartlets, vanilla and raspberry macarons and raspberry cupcake chocolates, amongst others.
It’s always a pleasure talking about and featuring RSA House because it’s genuinely one of my favourite venues. They are renowned for their service, flexibility and high quality food. They have 11 event spaces, all of which differ in style and size, so take a look at their listing here for further information and contact details.
Suppliers
Venue RSA House
Bridal Designer Sassi Holford
Photography Fiona Kelly Photography
Cakes Rosalind Miller
Stationery Strawberry Sorbet
Florist Mary Jane Vaughan
Furniture Hire Velvet Living
Glassware/Furniture Well Dressed Tables
DJ Matt Maurice
Saxophonist Full circle
Shoes Emmy London
Jewellery Stephanie Browne
Head Dresses Dolecka
Hair Carmichael & Koniack
Make Up Kyra Valentina
