A CELEBRATION FULL OF ENERGY AT THE HACKNEY
Kate & James' August wedding at The Hackney was bold, joyful, and full of momentum from start to finish. A day shaped by big moments, genuine emotion, and the kind of energy that carries a celebration from afternoon deep into the night.
Nothing felt staged or overly polished. From the raw beauty of their Peckham ceremony to a reception soundtracked by a live mariachi band, the day unfolded naturally, fuelled by great people, exceptional food, and a shared sense of excitement that built as the hours passed.
PLANNING YOUR OWN WEDDING AT THE HACKNEY?
THE CEREMONY
Kate & James were married at The Asylum Chapel in Peckham, a space celebrated for its raw beauty, historic character, and unforgettable atmosphere.
The midday ceremony was emotive and full of presence. Set against the chapel's weathered walls and soft natural light, the moment felt intimate, powerful, and deeply personal.
ARRIVING AT THE HACKNEY
Following the ceremony, guests made their way across London to East London, anticipation building as everyone converged on The Hackney.
The atmosphere lifted the moment people arrived. Margaritas, Aperol Spritzes, Dark 'n Stormys, and Espresso Martinis were poured freely, while a live mariachi band filled the space with energy. Guests found Phantom Brewery beer cans waiting as favours, a nod to friends who run the local brewery.
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THE WEDDING BREAKFAST
The in-house kitchen delivered a three-course meal with bold, confident flavours. Starters arrived as Beef Tacos with all the trimmings, with a Vegan Taco option for plant-based guests. The choice set an immediate tone: relaxed, shareable, and far from traditional.
Mains brought Crispy Pork Belly with Braised Fennel and Sesame, the crackling shattering against tender meat, while vegetarian guests enjoyed Sweet Potato Rostis with Romesco and Charred Scallions. The meal closed with Hibiscus Pannacotta, its floral sweetness and silky texture leaving the room satisfied.
Zibibbo 'Vitese' from Sicily flowed for those preferring white, its aromatic brightness cutting through the richness of the food. Red drinkers enjoyed a bold Malbec from Argentina's Uco Valley.
Speeches were woven through the meal. Kate's father spoke after starters, while the Best Man and James delivered theirs after mains, keeping energy high and the room engaged throughout.
PLANNING YOUR OWN WEDDING AT THE HACKNEY?
STYLE NOTES
The styling matched the mood of the day: confident, personal, and built for impact without overworking it. Chalk runners and napkins created a clean foundation, layered with eucalyptus runners and rattan placemats that brought natural texture to each setting.
Green goblets caught the light against tapered candles, while pampas grass and eucalyptus softened the fireplace and cake table. A pampas hanging display added height and movement overhead, and a neon sign glowed against the industrial grid at the back of the room.
The cake table held a selection of treats rather than a single showpiece, with brownies taking centre stage alongside smaller cakes.
THE EVENING CELEBRATION
As daylight faded, the party took over. The mariachi band had set the tone earlier, and now the DJ carried that energy forward as the dancefloor filled.
Evening guests arrived to welcome drinks as the room shifted for dancing. Kate & James' first dance opened proceedings, and from there the celebration rarely paused.
Pizza arrived in waves throughout the evening, keeping hungry dancers fuelled as the party continued. Outside, guests drifted between Giant Jenga, Beer Pong, and Ring Toss on the patio, the games providing welcome breaks between stints on the dancefloor.
Last calls came at 10:50pm, with the bar closing at 11pm and music wrapping by 11:30pm. The kind of evening where nothing needed prompting and the room carried itself right to the end.
CAPTURED BY THIS MODERN REVELRY
Every moment of Kate & James' day was captured by This Modern Revelry, documenting the emotion, movement, and energy that defined the celebration.
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