Westminster Register Office wedding | Jenny + Phil

Hull couple Jenny and Phil chose London’s Westminster Register Office and Notting Hill pub The Mall Tavern for their wedding reception because it was where they first met.  Or rather, Phil chose it as he organised all the wedding – all Jenny had to do was choose something to wear and turn up (in his words).   Jenny and her bridesmaids started their day by getting ready at the Grand Royale Hotel, which was once the home of actress Lilly Langtry.  The hotel had offered the use of the hotel’s ornate theatre for make-up and hairdressing, so it was rather grand. It was also an area for storing luggage, so alongside the opulence, there was a huge assortment of suitcases surrounding us.
Bride and bridesmaids getting ready for wedding

Bride getting ready

Back in Jenny’s room, we looked at some fabulous shoes: hers in black and her bridesmaids’ in red.

Black Prada wedding shoesVivian Westwood red shoes for bridesmaidsBride getting ready for her wedding.Bridesmaid getting ready for weddingBride and bridesmaids getting ready for weddingBridesmaids on their way to wedding

Not often you see four brides at once – and certainly not ones wearing such a fabulous birdcage veil. Jenny’s necklace was a birthday present from Phil.

Bride with birdcage veil in lift

Jenny and her father just before they headed for Old Marylebone Town Hall.

Bride and her father portrait

When Jenny arrived at Westminster Register Office, one of their registrars Amanda asked her to twirl – it seems Jenny’s skirt DOES swirl out a long way.

Bride at Westminster Register OfficeBride and bridesmaids in waiting room of Westminster Register Office, Old Marylebone Town Hall

 It was time for Phil to see Jenny in all her loveliness – he and the guests had been waiting patiently in Westminster Register Office’s Blue Room.

Westminster Register Office wedding ceremony - bride arriving

The boys had made sure their socks matched the day’s red theme.

Westminster Register Office wedding ceremony

As well as the legal part of their ceremony, Jenny and Phil added their own wedding vows, with Phil promising to keep Jenny in shoes, vintage dresses, holidays and mocha coffees and Jenny promising to look after Phil even when suffering from man flu, accept his being late and to make him a cup of tea every morning for the rest of her life.

Westminster Register Office wedding ceremonyWestminster Register Office wedding ceremony
Westminster Register Office wedding ceremony

Westminster Register Office wedding photographs on steps

After a couple of photographs of Jenny and Phil and their bridal party on the famous steps of Old Marylebone Town Hall, they and their guests hopped onto a Routemaster bus for a tour of London.

Westminster Register Office wedding guests wait for RoutemasterRoutemaster bus London tourRoutemaster bus London tourRoutemaster bus London tour

When we got to the London Eye and South Bank Centre, the bus stopped for a break and some wedding portraits on the South Bank. Jenny and Phil were thrilled with the idea of riding on a carousel for a few portraits.

Bride and groom wedding photos on carousel on London South BankBride and groom wedding photos on carousel on London South BankBride and groom wedding photos on carousel on London South Bank

If you see Mickey Mouse, you just have to, don’t you?!

Bride and groom with Mickey Mouse at South Bank, London

And an ice-cream!

Bride and groom with red Routemaster in London

Upon arriving at The Mall Tavern, Jenny and Phil had a few drinks then a couple of portraits nearby.

Bride and groom outside The Mall Tavern
Bridal portrait in Notting HillWedding photo in Notting HillWedding photo in Notting Hill

My part of the day finished while everyone sat down for a delicious looking menu in the late summer afternoon sun.

The Mall Tavern wedding receptionThe Mall Tavern wedding reception