A New Year’s Eve Love Story

A romantic black-tie celebration at the groom’s family home, filled with monochrome details, sentimental touches and a Catherine Deane bridal look that proved sometimes the unexpected choice is the perfect one.

Will and Georgia’s story began long before they actually met. Despite being just one year apart at school, their paths never crossed until they both returned home to their parents after university. From there, everything fell into place.

Eight years later, on New Year’s Eve in Berlin, Will asked Georgia to marry him. Exactly one year to the day, they would be counting down to midnight once again - this time as newlyweds.

Finding The One

For her bridal look, Georgia visited the Catherine Deane London Boutique in Wapping, where the experience became just as memorable as finding the gown itself.

“From the moment we entered the boutique, we were made to feel welcome.”

With prosecco in hand, Georgia and her bridesmaids explored the collection against the beautiful backdrop of the Thames. Having found previous bridal appointments a little restrictive, she loved the relaxed approach of the Catherine Deane team and the freedom to explore styles she may not have initially considered.

And it was one of those unexpected choices that became the one.

One of Georgia’s bridesmaids suggested she try the Benson Gown, a style that hadn’t originally been on her list. The moment she put it on, she knew.

The same thing happened when it came to her accessories. At her alterations appointment, Georgia tried several chapel and cathedral-length veils, but nothing felt quite right. Her tailor disappeared and returned with the Bartley Fascinator.

“As soon as I tried it on, everything came together perfectly.”

The finishing touches were deeply sentimental. Georgia wore her grandmother’s earrings and attached a gold locket containing photographs of her grandparents to her bouquet, keeping them close throughout the day.

A Black-Tie Celebration at Home

Will and Georgia always knew where they wanted to celebrate.

Will’s family home held years of memories and meaning for them both, making it a natural choice for such a personal occasion.

For their New Year’s Eve celebration, they embraced a monochromatic black-tie aesthetic with a moody, intimate feel inspired by the atmosphere of a jazz bar.

The bridesmaids wore black floor-length dresses in the same floral burnout fabric, each choosing a different silhouette to suit their individual style. The groomsmen were also dressed in black, while delicate black bows adorned the seating cards.

Simple white calla lilies brought contrast to the tables, with atmospheric lighting transforming the family home for the evening.

The result was timeless, intimate and perfectly suited to a celebration that would carry on into the New Year.

The Moment They’ll Never Forget

There were countless moments Georgia will remember - walking down the aisle and seeing Will waiting for her, exchanging their vows and finally becoming husband and wife.

But there was one moment that could only belong to a New Year’s Eve wedding.

As midnight approached, Will and Georgia stood surrounded by their family and friends and counted down together. When the clock struck twelve, they welcomed the New Year not as an engaged couple, as they had exactly one year earlier, but as newlyweds.

For Georgia, the experience also left her with one piece of advice for future brides:

“Don’t let your preconceptions fool you. Try on different things and push yourself outside your comfort zone - you won’t regret it.”

Her gown and fascinator were both pieces she may never have selected for herself, yet together they became the bridal look she couldn’t imagine her wedding without.

Sometimes, the pieces you least expect really are the ones.

Vendor Love

Photographer: Patty Wijas
Videographer: Sullivan Street Films
Florist: The Bride
Venue: Will’s Family Home
Caterer: Thomas the Caterer
Wedding Planner: Stingray Events
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Azazie
Hair: Hayley Marie Artistry
Makeup: Hester Lily