LUCY & MICHELLE'S WEDDING AT THE HACKNEY
Lucy & Michelle's May wedding at The Hackney felt intentional from start to finish. An intimate celebration with close family and friends, where every moment carried weight and the atmosphere stayed calm, warm, and deeply personal.
This was a wedding built around connection rather than spectacle: thoughtful details, relaxed energy, and an evening that unfolded naturally once the dancefloor opened.
PLANNING YOUR OWN WEDDING AT THE HACKNEY?
THE CEREMONY
Lucy & Michelle were married at Islington Town Hall, one of London's most elegant registry offices. The 1pm ceremony was intimate and meaningful, focused entirely on the people who mattered most.
That quiet, centred beginning set the tone perfectly for the celebration that followed. Guests arrived ready to be fully present, and the atmosphere reflected that from the first moment.
ARRIVING AT THE HACKNEY
Lucy and Michelle arrived first with a small group from the ceremony, settling into the space before the remaining guests joined at 3pm. Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritzes were waiting at the bar, alongside Mojitos and Old Fashioneds for those wanting something different.
A close-up magician moved through the guests during the welcome hour, creating moments of surprise and laughter that helped break the ice and brought people together. Meanwhile, the in-house kitchen sent out canapés that kept everyone mingling: Mini Beef Wellingtons, Crab & Béchamel Croquettes, Raw Courgette Involtini with Vegan Cheese, Carne Asada with Guac & Pico de Gallo on Tortilla Crisps, and Wild Mushroom Arancini with Truffle Mayo.
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THE WEDDING BREAKFAST
At 4:30pm, guests were called to dinner. They found tables dressed with white tablecloths and forest green runners, pistachio napkins folded into pockets at each place setting. Wicker charger plates and silver cutlery caught the afternoon light, while gold candle holders added warmth as the room filled.
The in-house kitchen delivered a menu that balanced refinement with comfort. Starters offered a choice: Seared Scallops with Edamame, Yuzu and Olive Crumb for those craving something luxurious, or Heritage Tomato Salad with Stracciatella for something lighter. Both arrived beautifully plated, setting expectations high.
Mains followed with Slow-Braised Brisket, its meat falling apart against silky Pomme Mousseline and a nori crumb that added unexpected depth. Vegetarian guests enjoyed Wild Mushroom Pithivier with Spiced Carrot Purée, the pastry shattering to reveal earthy filling beneath. Mañoso Crianza Rioja flowed for red wine drinkers, while Sauvignon Blanc offered crispness for those preferring white.
Dessert arrived as Strawberry Mille-Feuille with Berry Coulis, layers of crisp pastry and cream yielding to each forkful. The meal felt like a proper pause in the day, bringing everyone together before the evening began.
PLANNING YOUR OWN WEDDING AT THE HACKNEY?
STYLE NOTES
The Hackney's in-house floral team created arrangements from our Summer Collection with a foresty, tropical feel. Orange, pink, yellow, and mauve blooms filled bud vases across the tables, while two centrepiece displays anchored the backdrop. The welcome sign and fireplaces were dressed with additional florals, and a green wreath installation hung against the full panels.
The approach was refined rather than elaborate, letting the venue's industrial character breathe while adding warmth exactly where it mattered. A Polaroid camera station invited guests to capture their own moments throughout the day.
CAKE & CELEBRATION MOMENTS
At 7pm, Lucy & Michelle cut their cake together in the main room, surrounded by their closest people. The cake had arrived same-day, beautifully presented and ready for its moment. A quick thank you speech followed, mic in hand, before the dancefloor officially opened. These small, shared moments carried as much weight as any of the larger set pieces.
THE EVENING CELEBRATION
Once the room turned for the evening, the DJ brought energy that matched the mood perfectly. The dancefloor filled quickly and stayed busy, with guests fully committing to the celebration.
A caricaturist set up in a quieter corner until 8:30pm, giving guests an alternative way to engage with the evening while capturing playful portraits they could take home. The balance worked well: high energy on the dancefloor, creative entertainment available for anyone wanting a break.
At 9pm, a grazing table appeared in the middle room: Buttermilk Chicken Burgers with Slaw, Vegan Burgers for plant-based guests, and fries for everyone. The kind of late-night fuel that kept the party going strong until last calls at 10:50pm and music finishing at 11pm.
The evening had that quality of everyone being genuinely present, celebrating two people who had created exactly the wedding they wanted.
CAPTURED BY LAUREN HENSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Lucy & Michelle's day was beautifully captured by Lauren Henson Photography.
Her images reflect the mood of the day perfectly: natural, warm, and quietly expressive, capturing both fleeting glances and the broader atmosphere of the celebration.
SEE MORE IMAGES FROM THIS WEDDING
Explore more moments from Lucy & Michelle's wedding on Pinterest, featuring the ceremony, reception styling, and evening celebration.
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