A Timeless Wedding Shoot at Cutty Sark, Greenwich
Cutty Sark in Greenwich recently hosted a stunning wedding-style shoot, beautifully blending historical grandeur with contemporary elegance. The theme was centred around a classic black-and-white colour scheme, reflecting the sleek architecture of the Dry Berth. Gold accents were integrated to highlight the ship’s copper hull, adding a touch of glamour to the setting.
Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper, is an unparalleled testament to maritime history and an extraordinary space that redefines the event experience. Majestically docked in Greenwich since the 1950s, this 19th-century sailing ship offers a blend of historical grandeur and contemporary sophistication, creating an unparalleled setting for your special day. Stepping aboard is like embarking on a time-travelling journey back to Victorian elegance.
Our bride wore a graceful ball gown from Victoria’s Bridal Boutique. The dress featured a floral brocade fabric, a modern square neckline, and a low back. A matching belt defined the natural waist, complete with covered buttons extending to the end of the train.
The final touch was a pearl headband perfectly complementing the beautiful necklace and earrings from COO Jewellers. She carried a stunning multi-height hand-tied bouquet of white roses and delicate white sweet peas to add texture.
Following the monochrome theme, our groom wore a classic black ‘Benetti’ tuxedo from Bennetts Menswear.
Elegant Venice mirrored dining tables from Options Greathire ran underneath, reflecting the ship’s hull with black Victoria Ghost chairs adding a contemporary touch. Gold-beaded charger plates, elegant glassware with gold detailing and gold cutlery elevated the table setting.
Each place setting was completed with a black napkin and a contemporary black and white menu card from ByBlossom Stationery, and it was finished with a long trailing black satin bow.
Royal Museums Greenwich’s accredited events and weddings caterer, Food Show suggested an exquisite sample wedding breakfast menu from their Spring Summer Collection. Welcoming guests with botanical Avant-Garden cocktails or chilled fizz accompanied by a selection of delectable canapes, including meat-free options such as Black pepper shortbread, goat cheese, candy pecan & caramelised fig and vegan Risotto primavera – asparagus, broad bean, pea & mint, along with Harissa marinated chicken skewers & lime crème fraiche, Crisp salt cod croquettes, garlic & dill dipping sauce and Food Show’s signature canape – Aged steak & chips, warm bearnaise.
Once seated, guests would enjoy a starter of Nutbourne tomatoes, compressed summer peach, stracciatella, black garlic tuile, and basil, followed by Organic Rhug Estate rump of lamb, potato terrine, olive caramel, seasonal baby veg, jus or the vegan option of Wild mushroom and truffle pithivier, wilted greens, baby courgette, ‘parmesan’ snow.
To finish, guests would be served Tonka bean-infused chocolate tart, coconut tuille, raspberry sorbet or delightful vegan option, Pina colada panna cotta, lime macerated pineapple, coconut clusters, and rum sorbet.
Chic Weddings & Events’ floral arrangements were a focal point, featuring tall centrepieces filled with blousy white roses, hydrangeas, and peonies, complemented by trailing Phalaenopsis orchids in tall statement vases. A mix of bud vases holding single stems of flowers runs through the centre of the table, creating depth and variation. The end of the table, a focal point as guests enter, was finished with a show-stopping cascading arrangement with twinkling candles that added a magical touch.
Inspired by the sleek lines of the ship’s hull and the industrial look of the dry dock, the cake created by Shelley’s Cakes featured a tall, elegant design iced in white. It was softened with iced stencilling echoing the detailing on the wedding dress and finished with an oversized black chiffon bow and tails, mirroring the elegance of the tablescape.
A freestanding contemporary table plan was added to the look. It featured a gorgeous fresh floral arrangement at the base, which was finished with candles.
This shoot at Cutty Sark showcased how timeless romance and modern sophistication can seamlessly combine to create a breathtakingly beautiful wedding setting.
Now it’s your turn! Say “I do” beneath the ship’s magnificent copper-clad hull and celebrate with your guests in this historical, one-of-a-kind setting.
Get in touch with Royal Museums Greenwich’s wonderful events team.
Credits
Jeff Oliver Photography
Food Show
Chic Weddings & Events
Options Great Hire
@shelleys_cakes
@by_blossom_wedding_stationery
@victoriasbridalboutique
@bennetts_menswear
@coojewellers
@lucyekent
@lucyandcharles.couple
