Real Wedding: Hannah Padley and Richard Black at Eltham Palace

 Hannah fell in love with Eltham Palace during a day trip and there was really no other contender when it came to the choice of reception venue following her wedding to Richard at pretty St Mary’s Church in the nearby village of Downe in Kent.

“We did consider other historic venues but the stunning combination of art deco opulence with fairytale medieval style really swung it for us,” she says.  “It was an easy choice and one we didn’t regret.  The whole day was fantastic but it was the location which really made the day so spectacular.”

Hannah and Richard met at university where Hannah was studying archaeology and Richard geology.  Richard proposed when he took her on a romantic trip to South Africa - Hannah came back wearing a beautiful diamond ring.

She arrived for her June afternoon wedding in horse and carriage in a lovely strapless gown, carrying a fragrant bouquet of roses, lavender, sage and sweet peas.  She was attended by her cousin Joanna, sister in law Emily, sister Polly and friend Alex wearing 1950’s-style cornflower blue gowns.  140 guests were transferred from the church in a traditional red London bus to Eltham Palace, where drinks on the terrace awaited them, overlooking the flower-filled moated gardens.

The medieval great hall looked stunning with round tables named after famous battles decorated with arrangements of bright flowers in blues, lilacs and shocking pinks and with a single sweet pea set prettily on each napkin.  A delicious three course meal was served by caterers The Admirable Crichton, before the couple cut an enormous and very decadent white Belgian chocolate cake – also decorated with flowers in the same colours.

Hannah and Richard spent three weeks touring Italy before setting up home in Kent.

Who Made It Happen?

Food: The Admirable Crichton www.admirable-crichton.co.uk 020 7326 3800

Photographer: Lovegrove Photography www.lovegroveweddings.com 01275 853204

Flowers: The Flower Pot 01737 813338 (bouquets and button holes);   LK Lily 0208 5543342 (reception)

Cake: Choccywoccydoodah  www.choccywoccydoodah.com 01273 329462

Transport: Capital Carriages (horse and carriage)
www.capitalcarriages.co.uk 01277 372082; Ensign Bus (Bus) 01708 565656