The only thing that could possibly top the allure of a Valentine’s engagement party is a London one. There’s no reason why couples should wait until their wedding day to throw a spectacular event with friends and family.
The Venue
Roberta’s Burcheri, inspiration: “As soon as I stepped inside the Churchill room at Dartmouth House, a charming Georgian townhouse in the centre of Mayfair, I had an image of an elegant, worldly engagement party being hosted there, with ethereal dim lighting.
I was inspired by the room’s cosy dark wood walnut panelling, as well as its distinctive Anglo-French architecture, providing a warm, stunning backdrop with its timeless fireplace as the focal point.
I visualised a chic and contemporary table setting, illuminated by the candles flickering light, with mirrors reflecting the magical atmosphere.
I chose a serpentine glossy table to reference the classic feel of the room. White scalloped dinner plates with delicate gold accents were a perfect match to lift the dark mood, coupled with vintage champagne coupes, crystal goblets and amber-speckled glasses, mirroring the light.
Black velvet bows added texture to the mise-en-place, beautifully complemented by Lynda Loves menus, designed with an understated sophistication to complement the black and gold glamorous tablescape. Organic, handmade papers in white with gold foil printing, paired with leaf-style guest name cards in ebony black with gold ink calligraphy.
The floral’s low centrepieces were consistent with the table design, featuring white anemones and white hydrangea along the table line.
The Dress
This contemporary, dramatic, romantic dress was inspired by the idea of the gift of love.
We wanted to create a huge bow for this engagement dress to signify the importance of tying the knot at a wedding. You Can Never Untie The Knot Of True Love. Sian Hughes Cooke, Shimmering Ivory Couture founder and designer, wanted to create a modern, captivating look for the bride-to-be.
Designed and made in her UK studio. The scarlet gown comprised the finest French lace semi-transparent corset complimented by a radiant red silk satin skirt with a thigh-high split to create a sensual yet sophisticated look. The beautiful luminous fabric was also used for a spectacular statement detachable bow shrug worn off the shoulders. The sweeping tails of the oversized bow created a dramatic line evoking the grandeur of a Hollywood starlet. The drama of the grand staircase at Dartmouth house and the dark hair and alluring features of the model further emphasised the glamour of the gown perfect for a Valentine’s Day or engagement celebration.
The accessoriesPearluminous London emphasized the contrast between the dark room hues and the red dress
with its statement bow at the back, bringing them together with the rare South Sea golden pearls and Tahitian black pearls to unmistakably match the engagement party mood.
The Images
Mal’s inspiration came from wanting to capture the essence of a woman when she finds her soul mate. In her words “Like Candlelit Magic. To find him, find you” She imagined herself being self-assured, having had an eventful journey and achieved her goals by her independent self.
Having everything but struggled to find love until she looked within. She decided to take time out of her career. With a focus just on her, she explored her secret passion to sing. And if by magic she was knocked sideways when the man who guided her to put her emotions into her singing, also helped her to find her fully authentic self.
Their connection was magnetic, it felt like they had met before in a past life, and they could laugh for hours. Their journeys, although from different lands, were similar on the inside, with big hearts with so much to give yet fearful of heartache.
But for the first time, the stars aligned and falling in love never seemed so easy, when she had fought for everything in her life. When you know, you know and they wanted their engagement to be as magical as their connection, but with their inner circle of friends and family.
They are accomplished in their own right and there was nowhere better to celebrate their love that in the heart of Mayfair at Dartmouth.
The Bridal Glow
Camilla, from CJC hair and makeup, highlighted Rohiny’s femininity by subtly contouring the cheekbones and forehead with a hint of highlighter for radiance, eyes were smoked out for a sultry effect, and teamed with a red bold lip. Hair was sleeked back in classical elegance and dressed in a delicate pearl string, to keep the main focus on the gorgeous
Credits
Concept, Design and Planning Roberta Burcheri Events @roberta_burcheri_events https://robertaburcherievents.com
Venue Dartmouth House @dartmouthhouseweddings https://dartmouthhouse.co.uk
Photographers Mal’s Photography UK @malsphotographyuk https://malsphotography.co.uk
Second photographer Leanne Ashcroft Photography @leanneashcroftphotography https://leanneashcroftphotography.co.uk
Videographer Vic Rivero Films @vicriverofilms. https://www.vicriverofilms.com
Bridal Designer Shimmering Ivory @shimmering_ivory https://www.shimmeringivory.co.uk
Accessories designer Pearluminous London @pearluminous_ https://www.pearluminous.com
Stationary Lynda Loves @lyndaathey https://www.lyndaloves.com
Tableware and linen Maison Margaux @maisonmargauxltd https://maisonmargauxltd.com
Furniture London Event Hire @londoneventhire. https://londoneventhire.com
Candelabra Eden Event Design@edenevent. http://www.edenevent.com
Models Rohiny Belani @asweetrohmance
Oliver Fernandez @oliverfernandez1
HMUA CJC Hair and Makeup @cjchairandmakeup https://www.cjchairandmakeup.com
Tux Richard Anderson @rasavilerow https://www.richardandersonltd.com
Bridal shoes Diane Hassall @di_hassall http://www.dianehassall.com
Floristry Shilpa Reddy Flower Design @shilpareddyflowers http://www.shilpareddy.com
Shoot assistant Rachel Parker @celebratewithrachellouise
Bridal Shoe Designer https://dianehassall.com/