Location: London, UK
Setting: Botanical Garden
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 100
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Classic, timeless, romantic, royal.
Madeleine and Karim’s love story is a beautiful testament to the enduring power of young love that grows and flourishes over time. Their journey together began in a way many might consider destiny: a chance meeting in their fourth-grade classroom. Little did they know that this initial encounter would lay the foundation for a lifelong partnership.
After Madeline completed her master’s degree in education in Fort Worth, she moved to Houston to be with Karim. Their love remained unwavering while he pursued his medical education and started his residency.
Their love story reached a significant milestone during a New Year’s trip to Austin when Karim proposed after eleven years together. The couple decided to keep their wedding intimate, with just close friends and family. They also carefully selected a destination accessible to both sides of their families, honoring their global connections.
The couple chose London for their wedding due to its accessibility for both sides of the family, with Karim’s in Lebanon and Madeleine’s in the USA.
In place of the typical rehearsal dinner, the couple opted for a memorable and scenic experience – a riverboat cruise along the Thames. This decision allowed them to showcase the breathtaking city of London to their guests uniquely and unforgettably.
The wedding venue, Kew Gardens, inspired a floral theme that turned their wedding into a magical and royal affair, uniting two families to celebrate Madeleine and Karim’s love amidst the lush gardens of London.
On the morning of their special day, Madeleine and Karim prepared for their wedding at The May Fair Hotel, adding an extra touch of luxury and elegance to their wedding experience. Madeleine’s hairstyle was a low, messy bun, perfectly complemented by a cathedral-length floral veil, adding a touch of ethereal beauty. Her makeup was expertly done by Sanni Hair and Makeup Artist to achieve a natural, understated look, allowing her radiant beauty to shine through.
Madeleine’s wedding look perfectly reflected the couple’s desire for simplicity, classic style, and timelessness. She donned a simple and traditional ballgown crafted from satin fabric, featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline that exuded grace and sophistication. To pay homage to their wedding location in London, she selected Jimmy Choo shoes adorned with distinctive bow detailing.
In keeping with tradition, the groom’s family presented Madeleine with a stunning jewelry gift on the wedding day. The diamond earrings, necklace, and bracelet, all designed in a floral motif specifically for the occasion, added an extra layer of elegance and sentimentality to her wedding attire.
Karim looked every bit the dashing groom in a custom-tailored tuxedo, epitomizing timeless style and sophistication. His choice of velvet Christian Louboutin shoes added a touch of luxury and comfort to his wedding ensemble.
The collaborative efforts of planner Events by Anna and coordinator Louise Perry were remarkable. Anna’s creative vision and meticulous planning laid the foundation for an unforgettable wedding, while Louise’s expert coordination ensured that every detail unfolded seamlessly on the big day. The couple was thrilled with the results, allowing them to relax and enjoy their celebration without worrying. A harmonious partnership transformed their dream wedding into a stress-free and joyous reality.
The choice of a floral semi-circle, rather than a traditional arch, added a touch of unique sophistication and elegance to the ceremony, perfectly complementing the overall theme of their wedding. It was a moment that united two souls and seamlessly blended nature’s beauty with the royal, timeless, and elegant style that characterized their special day.
The ceremony unfolded in a setting of pure happiness and profound love. Madeleine’s father, with a tender heart, proudly led her to the spot where Karim stood, his eyes filled with affection and anticipation. It was a picturesque moment that embodied the essence of a royal, timeless, and elegant style.
Against a backdrop of a large semi-circle of meticulously arranged flowers, surrounded by family and friends who had traveled far and wide to witness this union, the couple exchanged rings that sparkled with the promise of forever. Their vows, spoken from the heart, resonated deeply with all who listened, reminding everyone of the profound beauty of commitment and devotion.
Sam Docker, the photographer, can capture candid, royal, and memorable moments. His lens made Madeleine and Karim’s wedding a visual masterpiece, freezing time with authentic and heartfelt snapshots. From vows to celebration, Sam’s work preserved the essence of the day, ensuring lasting memories of their love story.
Sam’s photography transcends the ordinary, telling a vivid and emotional story of the couple’s special day. His talent added an extra layer of magic to an already enchanting wedding.
Florist Larry Walsh worked his magic, creating an elegant masterpiece with his floral arrangements. His work beautifully reflected the couple’s vision for a wedding filled with abundant flowers that mirrored the natural landscape of the Botanical Gardens.
One of his standout creations was a magnificent tree in the center of the bar, adorned with wisteria gracefully cascading from its branches, adding an enchanting touch to the atmosphere. Larry’s artistry extended to the ceremony, where he eschewed a traditional floral arch in favor of a stunning semi-circle of meticulously arranged flowers. His work was not just decoration; it was a floral masterpiece that transformed the entire venue into a living testament to the couple’s love and the beauty of nature.
As the day transitioned into the evening and the reception commenced, Madeleine changed into a breathtaking tulle gown adorned with intricate floral beading. This romantic ensemble beautifully echoed the botanical motif of their wedding. She wore her hair down to complete this enchanting look, graced by a delicate floral tiara.
The wedding cake, a masterpiece crafted by Anna Lewis, was a true reflection of the wedding’s theme and the couple’s vision. Its classic design and ethereal decorations perfectly captured the essence of their special day. Each delicate detail on the cake was a testament to Anna’s artistry, adding a touch of elegance and sweetness to the celebration.
The couple chose to have a DJ along with a live saxophonist from NAQ Entertainment to interact with the crowd at their reception.
Madeleine and Karim’s wedding was a beautiful fusion of cultures, blending Arabic and Western music to create a harmonious celebration. The DJ Asad played a pivotal role, skillfully mixing the music to ensure everyone was engaged and entertained. What made it truly special was the sight of grandparents, parents, and friends coming together on the dance floor.
Advice from the couple:
• Go with what is essential to you as a couple and not worry about current wedding trends or pressure from friends or family.
• Pick your wedding vendors very carefully, especially those who will be with you on the wedding day, such as photographers and videographers. You spend a lot of time with them, so pick fun people you get along with! We absolutely loved our photographer, videographer, HMU artist, DJ, planner, and coordinator. They made the day so much fun!
• Finally, our most significant piece of advice is to spend the reception together on the dance floor. If the couple is on the dance floor, the guests will follow, making it a great party! Remember to enjoy each other’s company because that is why everyone is there. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
