I have the absolute pleasure to introduce the most scrumptious couple Ben and Bernice. I first met them at a hotel in Sutton where we enjoyed an exquisite cup of coffee and discussed the plans for their forthcoming wedding day. I could see from our first meeting that these guys were soul mates. Bernice looked radiant with her dazzling smile and Ben was very smart and dashing arriving on one of his rip roaring motorbikes. Ben shared stories of when they first met and how he wooed the stunning Bernice into being his girl. Bernice’s calm demeanour complimented Ben’s enthusiasm for life and there began the story of their wedding. Our journey was one of the most emotional weddings I have ever had to organise. Both families were beyond gorgeous, without going into too much detail we experienced some heartache along the way. Ben and Bernice’s love for each other and the support around them ensured that their wedding day was a day which would signify new beginnings and also remembering those people who influenced them throughout their lives. The wedding was to be a fusion between Bernice’s Ghanaian roots and Ben’s Jewish traditions. So on May 3rd 2015 the wedding took place at Ben’s family synagogue South London Liberal Synagogue where they were married under the same Chuppah as Ben’s parents. The reception took place at Nonsuch Mansion a stunning Georgian venue located in spectacular parklands in Cheam. All of the photo’s were captured by one of Purely Events favourite photographers the very dashing David Long
The wedding day began with Bernice getting ready at Non Such Mansion and her make up artist arriving Edee Beau who we found after much searching perfected the art of make up for darker skin tones. Edee created a flawless and glamorous look for Bernice’s big day and complimented her strapless, clinched waisted ballerina inspired dress ‘Harper’ by Vera Wang the texture and layers of this dress are stunning. Bernice’s hair was created by Junior Green who has been her stylist for many years she embellished her hair with flowers from the fabulous and creative florist Byrd and Spry as well as a diamante slide from Jenny Packham bridal accessories. Bernice had six wonderful bridesmaids and all of them dressed in lace and satin from an African designer based in Ghana Christie Brown
The ceremony had three rabbi’s. Rabbi Janet who officiated the majority of the service. Rabbi Danny Rich – a close friend of Ben’s family who married the couple ; and Rabbi Harry Jacobi who married Ben’s mum and dad in 1975 and said the final benediction. They also had Cantor Cantor Gershon Silins who sang beautifully throughout the ceremony.
After the ceremony at South London Liberal Synagogue the guests enjoyed food and champagne prepared by Ben’s mother who is a caterer in her own right preparing food for many Simchas. I can certainly recommend her food to be of an excellent standard for any gathering. The guests were then in for a treat as they were transported to Nonsuch Mansion by the very last Routemaster that was in public service RM2217 provided for by Arrriva Bus– this bus was special to Ben as it was the 159 which used to run every day past his grandmother’s flat in Brixton. We also ensured that the bus had a plentiful supply of champagne and music to create excitement before we even arrived at for the main wedding reception…. Ben and Bernice travelled in style using the same 1925 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Landaulette for the filming of Mr. Selfridge. Although at one point I wondered if Ben’s excitement about the fabulous bus would result in him driving the guests to Nonsuch Mansion. The car was provided by Ivan whose service was unequaled he even took the trouble to drive the route before the wedding day to ensure his timings were spot on.
The flowers – I could write so much about how stunning the flowers were. Ella from Byrd and Spry knew beautifully how to give this wedding a visual explosion with her mix of Peonies, Poppies, Lilac, Trailing Jasmine all tied together with African fabric from Ghana. The effort and love that Ella put into creating such masterful centre pieces using Lavender, Rosemary and Herbs to create fragrance that filled the room with beautiful aromas all placed into silver footed bowls and candelabras set onto mirror bases.
Purely Events created a sweet little card table for all the guests to leave their love notes.
Dotted around the rooms were Walkers toffees a very fitting sweet treat for the guests to enjoy.
The groom and his groomsmen looked dashing in their Austin Reed suits and their co-ordinated socks and brogues.
During the wedding breakfast the guests were treated to a wonderful menu starting with – Fresh fig, caramelised red onion & goats cheese tarte tatin, purple olive tapenade, parmesan shavings and sweet balsamic glaze followed by – Roasted rump of lamb with thyme and taleggio potatoes, fine French beans in garlic sauce, burgundy jus and vine tomato garnish and finishing with – Lavender roasted peaches on a brioche croute with fresh vanilla bean mascarpone and vanilla ice cream. The service provided by Nonsuch Mansion was amazing a special thank you to Amy for all her efforts.
After the wedding breakfast Mr and Mrs Walker cut their naked cake which came from Susie at SK Cakes based in Cobham the tiers were red velvet, lemon, and vanilla. Not only did this cake provide a stunning centrepiece to the wedding but it also tasted delicious. Susie is one of the best cake makers in the wedding industry and again her love for what she does shows in the work she produces.
The key to a successful wedding is to keep it flowing and maintain mystery and excitement. With our detailed planning that’s exactly what we managed to achieve with Ben and Bernice’s wedding. Once the cake was cut the night began straight away with DJ Neptizzle one of the most influential and rocking DJ’s playing some amazing Afro-Caribbean beats. Just when the guests thought that this was the only entertainment we had at the end of his sets the doors to the main room swang open with excited guests running in to listen the electrifying 8 piece band A singer and some dudes. During the evening the guests could enjoy having their photos taken in the The Photo Booth Guys Photo Booth which added to the fun. The evening ended with a sparkler archway created by the guests and Ben and Bernice disappearing into the night jumping into their Limo which whisked them away to a very swanky hotel.
Ahh I still swoon at the memories of such a fantastic day and such a beautiful couple xx