Sian and Josh’s spring wedding at The Hackney was a celebration steeped in colour, connection, and uncontainable joy. Forest green and gold tablescapes gleamed under candlelight, signature cocktails flowed freely, and a dancefloor that refused to empty.
From vows beneath the Victorian Gothic arches of Abney Park Chapel to arriving aboard a classic red Routemaster bus, every moment carried intention and infectious energy. The celebration grew naturally from intimate ceremony to euphoric late-night party.
The ceremony
Sian and Josh chose Abney Park Chapel for their ceremony, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece tucked away in Stoke Newington. Weathered stonework and soaring arches created a sense of timeless romance. Inside the chapel, dappled light filtered through aged windows as guests gathered in quiet anticipation. Vows were exchanged, the stillness of the space amplifying every word, every glance, every breath of emotion. It was a ceremony that needed no embellishment: just two people, surrounded by those who loved them most, making promises that would last a lifetime.
Arrival at The Hackney
A classic red Routemaster bus wound through East London’s streets, carrying guests from chapel to reception. The vintage double-decker arrived at The Hackney in a blaze of nostalgia and excitement. As guests stepped off the bus and through the venue doors, the atmosphere shifted instantly. Drinks were already being poured, laughter was already rising, and the industrial elegance of the 1856 brewery welcomed everyone with exposed brick, hanging greenery, and soft afternoon light.
Welcome drinks and canapés
The welcome hour set the tone perfectly. Guests mingled beneath the skylights and spilled onto the terrace, the venue’s natural flow encouraging movement, conversation, and reconnection.
Signature cocktails defined the afternoon: a classic Espresso Martini for those needing a caffeine kick, the refreshing Aperol Spritz, a zesty Paloma, and the couple’s own creation, “The Leonardo” - a sparkling gin and elderflower fizz that became the unofficial drink of the celebration.
The in-house kitchen circulated with elegant canapés: beef cheek croquettes with spiced peanut sauce, confit chicken ballotine with crispy potato and black garlic aïoli, smoked corn purée on blue corn tostada with black bean salsa, thit kho pork belly with pickled vegetables and sesame, and tuna tataki with wasabi mayo that disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived.
The wedding breakfast
When guests were called to dinner, they found long tables dressed in crisp white linen with forest green runners and gold napkins. The palette felt both modern and timeless.
The meal began with charred broccoli di cicco alongside pillowy burrata, its charred edges and creamy centre a study in contrasts, while others enjoyed a warming seasonal soup. Mains arrived as generous and refined: braised ox cheeks a la Bordelaise with parsnip purée, parsley and nori crumb, or crispy pork belly with spiced carrot purée, pak choi, black vinegar glaze and sesame.
Four speeches punctuated the meal with laughter, tears, and standing ovations. Sian’s father and her maid of honour spoke before the starters. After mains had been savoured, Josh rose to speak, followed by his best men, whose tribute brought the room to its feet.
Dessert arrived as a decadent conclusion: traditional chocolate mousse with pistachio brittle and poached blackberries, its richness perfectly balanced by the nutty crunch.
Style notes
Sian and Josh opted for a modern aesthetic that let The Hackney’s industrial character shine. The deluxe tableware package provided the foundation: elegant, understated, perfectly suited to the venue’s textures. Forest green runners cascaded down white tablecloths, punctuated by gold napkins folded into neat pockets holding the printed menus. Bud vases and centrepieces brought rich burgundy, soft blush, and abundant greenery to every table. As daylight faded and candles were lit, the space came alive with warmth and intimacy.
The evening
As the sun set, the room began its transformation. Tables were cleared, the dancefloor emerged, and more friends arrived to join the celebrations. When Sian and Josh took to the dancefloor for their first dance, the room erupted. Live music had built the atmosphere throughout the day, and the evening’s soundtrack unleashed its full force. The dancefloor never emptied.
At 9:30pm, toasted salt beef bagels with pickles and mustard and triple cheese and truffle toasties appeared precisely when needed. The celebration continued with undiminished energy right through to the last song.