A Sophisticated and Elegant Dartmouth House Wedding: Alex and Antoine’s Unforgettable Day

As a Dartmouth House wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing many beautiful celebrations, but Alex and Antoine’s wedding was truly something special. From the moment I met them, I knew their day would be filled with love, elegance, and plenty of personal touches that would make it uniquely theirs. Here’s a look back at their unforgettable day.

Bride and Groom walk down the grand staircase of Dartmouth House in Mayfair London.

A Love Story That Began with a Birthday Surprise

Alex and Antoine’s love story began in 2016 on a night out in London that neither of them will ever forget. It was Alex’s birthday, and a mutual friend brought Antoine along. Although the evening ended with Alex having a bit too much to drink, it sparked something special between them. Fast forward to December 2022, and Antoine proposed to Alex during their annual festive outing—a tradition they cherished. The surprise proposal took place in a small garden by St. Paul’s Cathedral, setting the stage for their beautiful wedding journey.

The Perfect Venue: Dartmouth House

Their wedding day started with a ceremony at The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady in St. John’s Wood, where Antoine had been baptised. It was a meaningful location for the couple, and it set the tone for the elegance that would follow at their reception. After the ceremony, guests were whisked away to Dartmouth House in classic Routemaster buses—a quintessentially London touch that added to the charm of the day.

Dartmouth House was the perfect choice for their reception. With its stunning courtyard, grand Georgian features, and an incredible staircase, it offered the perfect backdrop for both the couple and their guests. As a Dartmouth House wedding photographer, I was thrilled with the variety of spaces available to capture every moment. The venue allowed us to move seamlessly from the courtyard to the elegant dining rooms and later to the adjoining dance floor, making the photography flow naturally throughout the day.

A Wedding Style that Embraced Dartmouth House’s Elegance

Alex and Antoine didn’t have a specific theme in mind, but they knew they wanted a wedding that was big, traditional, and sophisticated. The rich colours of Dartmouth House played a key role in their choice of wedding palette. Alex’s choice of vibrant pinks, oranges, and blues for the flowers stood out beautifully against the venue’s interiors. Her bridesmaids wore a minty sage green, perfectly complementing the blue dining room without blending in—an aesthetic that was a joy to capture.

Table and Floral setting at a Dartmouth House wedding.

Capturing Alex’s Unique and Timeless Attire

One of the standout moments for me as their Dartmouth House wedding photographer was when Alex revealed her bridal look. She opted for separates featuring a puff-sleeved cropped bodice and a full skirt, which gave her the flexibility to transition from a traditional ceremony look to a more relaxed style for the evening. Paired with her mum’s pearl earrings and a diamond necklace from her dad, Alex looked both stylish and sentimental, and it was an absolute pleasure to photograph her in this timeless ensemble.

Flowers that Made a Statement

The floral arrangements by Peppermint Poppy were breathtaking, and I couldn’t stop capturing the vibrant colours throughout the day. Alex wanted flowers that were natural and colourful but didn’t overpower the venue’s beauty. The result was perfect—a stunning balance of vibrancy and elegance that added a pop of colour to every photograph. Even the staff at Dartmouth House commented that these were some of the best flowers they had ever seen at a wedding, and I couldn’t agree more.

The floral table display at Dartmouth House Wedding.

Wedding floral display on the grand staircase of Dartmouth House.

A Day Filled with Joy and Laughter

The evening’s entertainment was another highlight. Alex and Antoine’s first dance to “Latch” by Disclosure was full of energy and set the tone for a lively evening. A saxophone player, Liz, added an extra layer of excitement, moving through the dance floor with fairy lights wrapped around her saxophone. It was clear that everyone was having the time of their lives, and as their Dartmouth House wedding photographer, it was a joy to capture these candid, joyous moments.

Personal Touches that Made the Day Special

Personal touches were everywhere, from Alex’s arrival at the church in an old white Rolls Royce—paying tribute to her mum’s wedding day—to the iconic Routemaster buses that transported guests. These thoughtful details added layers of meaning to the day, making it all the more special to photograph.

A Sweet Conclusion

The wedding cake was another standout—a towering five-tiered white chocolate and raspberry cake that served as both dessert and a showstopper in its own right. Decorated with the same flowers that featured throughout the day, it was as delicious as it was beautiful. Capturing the moment Alex and Antoine cut the cake was a sweet ending to an incredible day.

Honeymoon Bliss in Sicily

After their wedding, Alex and Antoine jetted off to Taormina in Sicily for their honeymoon. They spent their time relaxing, eating great food, and reminiscing about their wedding. One of their favourite moments was reviewing the first batch of photos I sent them while enjoying dinner on their balcony—a reminder of the joy and love that filled their special day.

Capturing Timeless Memories at Dartmouth House

Working with Alex and Antoine was an absolute pleasure, and I’m thrilled with how their photos turned out. As a Dartmouth House wedding photographer, my goal is always to capture the essence of the day in a way that feels natural and timeless. Alex and Antoine’s wedding was a perfect blend of elegance, joy, and personal touches, and I’m honoured to have been a part of it.

If you’re planning your own Dartmouth House wedding, choosing a photographer who understands the unique beauty of the venue and the importance of capturing every special moment is key. I’d love to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Alex and Antoine’s Awesome Team of Suppliers:

Venue: Dartmouth House – Mayfair, London
Photography: Deji Johnson Photography
Wedding Planner: Camilla Criswell of Dartmouth House
Dress: Jesus Piero (from Miss Bush)
Bridal Shoes: Dune
Bridesmaids Dresses: Pretty Lavish
Grooms Suit: Hawes & Curtis
Makeup Artist: Carolanne Armstrong
Hair Stylist: Shiralee
Florist: Kenza – Peppermint Poppy
Cake: Jen’s Cakery
Stationery: Papier
Daytime Entertainment: Geoff (Pianist)
Night-time Entertainment: DJ Andy & Liz Sax (Prelude Entertainment)

Rolls Royce wedding car sits outside The Laslett Hotel in central London.

Bride's window light portrait at The Laslett Hotel in London.

Bride in her Jesus Peiro wedding dress, beautifully illuminated by natural light from a window.

Groom reading a heartfelt love message card from his bride on their wedding day.

Bride's father becoming emotional as he sees his daughter for the first time in her wedding dress.

Bride gracefully entering a classic Rolls Royce wedding car.

Bride gracefully exiting the wedding car with the help of her father.

The priest enters the church ahead of the bride and father of the bride.

Bride and her father walking down the aisle, surrounded by guests watching in admiration.

Groom anxiously awaits at the top of the aisle, his heart racing, as his bride begins her journey up the aisle towards him.

Bride and Groom's first glance at the altar.

Bride and groom share a tender glance filled with love and exchange a heartfelt smile, capturing a moment of pure joy on their special day.

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Bride and groom hold hands tightly, as they exchange heartfelt vows, promising love and commitment to each other for eternity.

Groom puts the wedding ring on his bride during the wedding ceremony.

Bride and groom walk down the aisle, surrounded by adoring guests.

Bride and groom covered in confetti, surrounded by cheering family and friends.

Groom gallantly assists his new wife into their Rolls Royce wedding car.

Groom gets in a classic Roll Royce wedding car.

The staircase at Dartmouth House adorned with vibrant, stunning flowers, creating a captivating and enchanting ambiance.

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Bride and groom basking in sunshine, sporting stylish sunglasses with radiant smiles.

Bride and groom exude excitement, walking with fashionable flair and effortless style.

The elegant and beautifully decorated Long Drawing Room at Dartmouth House.

The wedding cake, a masterpiece of elegance, graces the setting of The Small Drawing Room at Dartmouth House.

Bride and groom making their grand entrance into their wedding reception in The Long Drawing Room at Dartmouth House.

Wedding guests warmly welcome the bride and groom with rapturous applause, filling the air with joy and excitement.

Bride's wedding speech gets her mother-in-law emotional. Happy tears!

The Long Drawing Room at Dartmouth House, Mayfair London.

Dartmouth House bride and groom cut their wedding cake.

Grand Piano is played at Dartmouth House wedding.

Father of the Bride give his wedding speech.

Bride is tearful after her father gave his speech about her.

The bride and groom make a grand entrance into The Churchill Room, ready to share their first dance as husband and wife amidst an atmosphere of love and celebration.

Bride and Groom first dance at Dartmouth House, London.

Bride, groom, and wedding guests dance the night away in the enchanting ambiance of The Churchill Room, creating unforgettable memories of joy and celebration.

Wedding party at Dartmouth House, Mayfair London.

ChatGPT The bride shares a heartfelt dance with her father, creating a cherished moment filled with love and nostalgia.

Bride and Groom dancing the night away on their wedding day.

Bride and groom share a final, loving embrace as the night ends at Dartmouth House.

Bride and Groom depart their wedding venue for their honeymoon.

Are you planning your own wedding and need a photographer?

If my wedding photography style resonates with you, and you loved how Alex and Antoine’s wedding story was captured and told, let’s connect and chat about how I can capture your special day in a way that reflects your unique love story. I’m passionate about travel, so distance is never a barrier to capturing your special day.

Dartmouth House Wedding Photographer