REAL WEDDING: Val & Junaed

DAY OF COORDINATION & STYLING: Studio Porter

Val and Junaed’s wedding day was full of personal touches and nods to both of their heritages. Forced to cancel their original plans to wed in Val’s home country of Ukraine, the couple decided that The Ned in London would provide the perfect alternative backdrop for their multicultural celebration.

The entire day paid homage to Val’s Ukrainian heritage, as well as Junaed’s Bangladeshi heritage. It was important to the couple, that despite the recent invasion and war taking place in Ukraine, the day was a celebration of everything the couple loves and cherishes, surrounded by the people that they adore.

The bride wore three wedding dresses on the day. For the ceremony, Val opted for a Monique Lhuillier Ambrosia gown, complete with statement fuchsia Jimmy Choo’s and a personalised embroiled veil that read “Against all hope, I hope”.

The ceremony was held in The Ned’s private Saloon Room. The grand fireplace acted as the main focal point, with brightly coloured, ornate florals cascading off from the top and at the sides.

Having had their legal ceremony the day before at Chelsea Town Hall, Val and Junaed chose close friend Chris to officiate the occasion, with readings from friends and family and traditional music from a Ukrainian Bandura Band to welcome guests as they arrived. Guests were encouraged to wear traditional heritage attire, from Ukrainian shirts and dresses, to colourful embellished sari’s and gowns.

After the ceremony, guests were welcomed onto the East Terrace for drinks and canapés, whilst the Bride and Groom headed off for couple portraits around The Ned’s event floor.

The dinner was held in the large Tapestry Room. Two long rows of tables lined the length of the floor and dressed with luxury textured flowers created by London-based florist Yinari and bespoke stationery from wedding stationer, Sixfold Studio.

There was plenty of personalisation throughout the stationery, with hand-drawn illustrations by Val’s good friend, Juliet Benini. Instead of traditional guest favours, the couple chose to create special poetry booklets with carefully selected poems inside, showcasing well-known Ukrainian poets. An illustrated tiger and wheat then symbolised the two cultures, with sprigs of wheat acting as a prop to display the delicate name cards.

As the dinner came to a close, evening guests started to arrive, where everyone was gathered back in The Saloon for cutting of the wedding cake and dancing.

The Bride changed into her third dress, another Monique Lhuillier gown but this time full of colour and print, with Prada mules. The Groom also changed outfits, from his elaborate wedding suit to a more comfortable shirt and trouser.

EVENT SUPPLIERS:

On the Day Coordination & Styling: Studio Porter // Photography: Phoebe Piper // Venue: The Ned // Florist: Yinari // Catering: The Ned // Stationery: Sixfold Studio // Bridal: Monique Lhuillier via Browns Bride // Film: Julia Semashko // Illustrations: Juliet Benini // Bandura Band: Dvi Doli // Evening Band, South & Tech: Blank Canvas Entertainment // Childcare: The Little Top // DJ: Alloise + Questions4Later // MUA: Helena Ausra // Hair Stylist: Denise Bulla // Grooms Attire: Frontier Raas