Zoe and Tom’s March wedding at The Hackney was a celebration of warmth, laughter, and heartfelt connection. With spring just beginning to stir, the couple gathered their closest friends and family for a day that moved seamlessly from an East London ceremony to a candlelit dinner filled with speeches, exceptional food, and a dancefloor that refused to empty.
From exchanging vows at Hackney Town Hall to arriving at The Hackney aboard a classic red Routemaster, every moment was crafted with care and carried out with infectious joy. Five speeches brought tears and laughter in equal measure, while a three-course dinner showcased the best of our in-house kitchen before the evening built into a party that lasted until the final song.
The ceremony
Zoe and Tom began their day with a ceremony at Hackney Town Hall, a classic East London choice that kept everything feeling local and connected. The Grade II listed Art Deco building provided a beautiful setting for the exchange of vows, its civic grandeur balanced by the intimacy of the moment.
Arrival at The Hackney
A classic red Routemaster collected guests from the Town Hall and wound through Hackney’s streets, building anticipation before arriving 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. Cocktails were being poured, conversations were already flowing, and the industrial elegance of the 1856 brewery welcomed everyone into what promised to be an extraordinary evening.
A reception designed for connection
The welcome hour set the tone perfectly. As guests mingled beneath the skylights, the venue’s natural flow encouraged movement, conversation, and reconnection. Old friends found each other across the room while family members who had not seen each other in months embraced over drinks.
Signature cocktails circulated freely: sharp margaritas, elegant French 75s, warming whisky sours, and the ever-popular Espresso Martini. Doppio Passo Primitivo and Casa De Vila Nova Vinho Verde waited on tables for those who preferred wine.
The wedding breakfast
When guests were called to dinner, they found tables dressed with lily white linens and contemporary orange napkins, gold cutlery catching the light against rustic service plates and cut glass. Five speeches punctuated the meal, bringing tears and laughter in equal measure. Three spoke before the starters, with two more following the mains to thunderous applause.
The in-house kitchen delivered a menu that drew murmurs of approval from the first course. Heritage tomato salad arrived with creamy stracciatella, its jewel-bright colours offset by a perfect balance of acidity and richness. For mains, guests chose between slow-braised brisket with silky pomme mousseline and nori crumb, or creamy truffle and wild mushroom risotto. Dessert landed as a nostalgic full stop: classic cherry pie with vanilla ice cream.
Style notes
The styling struck a balance between warmth and industrial edge. Gold charger plates and cutlery brought elegance to each setting, while contemporary orange napkins added a pop of colour against the lily white tablecloths. Cut glass glassware caught the candlelight from gold tapered holders.
Floral arrangements felt organic and unforced, with table dressings and displays around the venue adding softness to The Hackney’s exposed brick and original features. A baby’s breath and pampas grass installation on the half panels created a romantic backdrop, while standard arrangements dressed the fireplace and welcome sign.
The evening
As dinner drew to a close, the room began its shift. Tables were cleared, the dancefloor emerged, and additional guests arrived to join the evening celebrations. The DJ took control, building the energy from the first song and keeping the floor packed for hours.
Zoe and Tom’s first dance brought the room to its feet. From there, the evening was pure celebration: hours of joyful, uninhibited dancing punctuated by platters of fine charcuterie and cheese that kept hungry dancers fuelled as the night wore on.