Kim + Blair have known each other for more than thirty years. Over those decades they’ve been together, they’ve been apart, and finally—amidst the breathtaking art deco decor of downtown London hotel The Ned—they tied the knot!!
Built in 1924, The Ned was once the headquarters of Midland Bank. In 2017 it was reimagined as a hotel under the sharp and stylish vision of Soho House founder Nick Jones.
“We love everything about the building and its interior,” bride Kim says. “It really lent itself to our simple taste, and we let The Ned do all the talking.” From there they set out to break with wedding traditions that didn’t feel important and embrace new ideas that felt like them. So, no first dance. No cake. But YES to including their beloved spaniel in the ceremony!
Another way Kim + Blair captured their personal vibe on the big day? The music! Guests arrived to a garage playlist the couple adores, and the ceremony featured R&B tunes. We love the juxtaposition of the music choices with the historic vibes of the space!
Helaina Storey Wedding Design helped pull everything together, and Beatrici Photography took some incredible photos (color and b&w!) of this stunning day.
Let’s take a look!!
Kim and Blair are both super talented hair stylists, so that perfect wavy bob? Yeah, Kim (owner of the salon Raw) did that herself!! AND she did her bridesmaids’ hair on the day as well! Her gorgeous pink lip makeup look was the work of Knot Your Average Bride.
How fab is that pearly headband, btw?! Check out this similar one from Anthropologie and then take a scroll through out list of 49 best bridal headbands for your wedding day.
It was Instagram that led Kim to Story Of My Dress, and she fell totally in love. Everything about the Kent-based wedding dress designer and bridal boutique spoke to Kim, from their original collections to the other designers they stock. When nothing off the rack was exactly what she was looking for, Kim knew that collaborating with the brand on a custom look was the way forward!
Kim’s dream? BIG sleeves and a simple silhouette! So she paired this one-of-a-kind sheer embroidered jacket with a hammered silk low back slip dress with a gorgeous train.
Love getting a little b&w peek at Kim’s metallic round block heel ankle strap sandals! Check out this Sam Edelman pair if you’re digging the look.
This JACKET!!!
Kim says: “The custom embroidery with the words ‘IT WAS ALWAYS YOU’ summed us up to a tee, having known each other for 30+ years, the constant reconnecting and disconnecting then finally coming together post lock down. Let’s just say none of our friends/family were surprised we ended up together.”
A ride in this vintage Porsche from Webbs of Weybridge was Kim’s surprise gift for Blair. They hopped in after their first look for a pre-ceremony spin!
A Ceremony In The Tapestry Room
How precious are these flower girls?! Love the sheer overlay black dresses giving a little nod to Kim’s jacket/gown combo!
Take a look through our list of super cute flower girl dresses if you need some more outfit inspo for the littlest members of your bridal party.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "#Beautiful" by Mariah Carey feat. Miguel
Recessional: "Good Night" by John Legend
First Dance: (no first dance!)
So into Kim’s fiery bright orange mani!! Take a peek at our roundup of cute bridal nail ideas to find the perfect shimmery neutral look or creative color pop for your big day.
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding Our personal vows and Blair’s speech for sure. Blair learnt sign language to be able to sign to Kim's deaf parents and godparents.
Charlotte Wild Floral Design created the day’s stunning and elegant florals, including those aisle arrangements and texture-filled mantle installations.
Check out our list of rad bridal jacket ideas if you’re like Kim and your wedding day style calls for some outerwear.
Kim had the right idea with this silhouette—Get into our list of puff sleeve wedding dresses.
Ok. This is BEYOND romantic. Love these two sneaking off to The Ned’s Electric Bar for a moment alone after the ceremony.
Gotta love the groom hopping behind the bar to pull a pint!
An Old World Reception
Cannot get enough of this reception’s old world charm!! The towering neutral taper candles and sage green banquet tables are a perfect nod to the vibe of this space.
These muted neutral and dusty rose reception florals speak to the antique flair of the venue.
And this cut crystal glassware is nonstop vintage elegance!!
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Get a wedding planner! Helaina was our saviour. And have fun!
Congratulations, Kim + Blair, on this gorgeous, historic, and stylish wedding 30 years in the making!! All the very best from GWS!
photography: Beatrici Photography // venue name: The Ned, London, UK // event design: Helaina Storey // planning: Helaina Storey // florals: Charlotte Wild Floral Design // wedding dress: Story of my Dress // hair stylist: Raw Hair Dartford (the bride herself as she owns the salon // makeup artist: Knot Your Average Bride // music: @dannymillspiano // vintage car rental: Webbs of Weybridge
