This editorial, crafted by the visionary team at 11.11 Weddings, was a modern ode to elegance, identity, and personal expression. “We wanted to carve out space for gay couples wanting a chic wedding with a vintage feel,” they shared—and they did just that. Drawing on the soft drama of reflective light, Grecian influence, and 80s New Romanticism, the team created a shoot that felt simultaneously nostalgic and ahead of its time. The grooms, both close friends of the planner—one of whom directs a major UK Pride event—brought a deeply personal and powerful energy to the shoot.
Set in Brockwell Hall, a newly restored venue that has just reopened after three years of renovation, the editorial marked the very first shoot to feature its reimagined interiors. Initially, the concept leaned into a moodier aesthetic—“an 80s New Romantics inspired shoot with a gothic look and neon tones”—but evolved to honor the soul of the space. The venue’s Grecian-inspired architecture called for something timeless and textural, and the final look struck a perfect balance between story-driven design and modern edge, beautifully captured by Simon Palmer Photo.
Fashion
In a nod to London’s 1980s New Romantics movement, where Regency flair met Grecian elegance in a bold, counter-cultural rebellion, this shoot reimagined that iconic style through a modern lens. The grooms’ looks were a blend of drama and edge, styled entirely with pieces sourced from Vinted and local charity shops—a deliberate choice that speaks to 11.11 Weddings‘ commitment to mindful consumerism. It’s proof that fashion-forward wedding styling can be both expressive and sustainable without compromising on impact.
"We intentionally wanted to communicate a sense of equality about the roles within their relationship by having both grooms in all-cream, as well as complement the earthy color palette. "
Grecian Elegance at the Table
Brockwell Hall, with its neo-classical architecture and Grecian-inspired details, set the tone for a design that felt effortlessly timeless yet refreshingly current. To echo the setting’s aesthetic, the table was styled with Grecian-inspired statues and weathered vases, creating a sense of quiet luxury.
The food played a starring role in the decor as well—figs drizzled with honeycomb, olives, and feta artfully laid on vine leaves, creamy yogurt with toasted almonds, rich dates, and golden olive oil. Each element not only evoked a rich Mediterranean feel but also elevated the table into a sensory, visual feast.
"I wanted to create an example of what a chic and stylish wedding could look like that wasn’t either excessive in color or playing into gendered stereotypes, not only for them but for others feeling a similar way."
A Luminous Romance
The venue, an early 1800s estate built for renowned glassmaker John Blades—best known for his chandeliers and ornate candlesticks—became the perfect canvas for a shoot centered on the idea of “reflective light.” This luminous motif carried through the rest of the design, most notably in the three-tier jelly cake by Murder Cake, which was sleek, translucent, and glowed softly in the ambient light.
For the first dance, disco balls spun under warm amber tones, casting glittering reflections across the room and wrapping the couple in a golden shimmer. The blend of historic reverence and modern romance created a cinematic atmosphere that felt at once timeless and entirely fresh.
"The team involved were all so committed to the underlying message behind this editorial, and every single member of the crew contributed to the creative vision during the day."
CONCEPT, PLANNING & STYLING 11.11 Weddings | VENUE Brockwell Hall | PHOTOGRAPHY Simon Palmer | VIDEOGRAPHY Poppy Livey Films & James Grundy | CONTENT CREATION Penelope Gwen-Ko | EVENT PRODUCTION Matt Maurice Events | FLORALS & ART DIRECTION Ferve & When Pressed | CAKE Murder Cake | MODELS Sam Future & Emmett Keith | HMUA Violet Cassells | GROOMSWEAR Vintage, styled by 11.11 Weddings
