• About
  • Find a Vendor
  • Submit
  • Advertise
  • Brides Club
  • Your Jewish Life
  • Contact

Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

  • Real Jewish Weddings
    • City Chic
    • Fashion Forward
    • Outdoor
    • Destination
      • Israel
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • France
      • Beach Weddings
    • Super Luxe
    • Budget
    • DIY
    • Same Sex
    • Covid Weddings
  • Jew-ish Weddings
    • Real Jew-ish Weddings
    • Jewish-Catholic Weddings
    • Jewish-Chinese Weddings
    • Jewish-Christian Weddings
    • Jewish-Greek Weddings
    • Jewish-Hindu Weddings
    • Jewish-Humanist Weddings
    • Jewish-Irish Weddings
    • Jewish Japanese Weddings
    • Jewish-Muslim Weddings
    • Same Sex Jew-ish Weddings
  • Inspiration + Guidance
    • Engaged? Start Here
    • Ceremony
      • Chuppah ideas
      • Jewish ceremony music
      • Jewish wedding ceremony 101
      • Jewish ceremony traditions
      • Ketubah Ideas
      • Jewish wedding legalities
      • Jew-ish ceremony ideas
    • Reception
      • Music
      • Speeches
      • Entertainment
      • Venues
    • Food & Drink
      • Kosher catering
      • Wedding cakes
      • Drinks
    • Decor
      • Decorations
      • Favours
      • Floristry
      • Guestbooks
      • Stationery
    • Style
      • Brides dresses
      • Shoes & accessories
      • Grooms
      • Bridesmaids
    • Advice
      • Converting to Judaism
      • Real blogging brides
      • Dear Karen…
    • Honeymoons
    • STG Live
    • Five Minutes With
    • Wedding Must-Haves
    • Wedding Consultancy
  • Covid Weddings + Advice
  • Find a Wedding Vendor
Home > An industrial-romantic Jewish wedding at London’s last lighthouse, Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, UK

An industrial-romantic Jewish wedding at London’s last lighthouse, Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, UK

15/05/2017 by Karen

industrial-romantic-Jewish-wedding
Nicole and Daniel’s lighthouse / warehouse industrial-meets-romantic wedding is cooler than a polar bear’s toenails. FACT.

From the alternative, urban venue, to the dress designed by gorgeous bride, Nicole, the atmospheric lighting to the floating-effect Chuppah design, the bridesmaids in black to the groomsmens’ bow ties – everything about this big day looked picture perfect.

We love how the pair, who had been together for 15 years before saying ‘I do’, took everything in their stride. When their photographer disappeared on them, they found two more, with just days to go (kudos to James Frost, and a second shooter, Benjamin Wheeler, for stepping in and saving the day). When the lights went out during their meal, they ran with it, calling it atmospheric, and continued by candlelight. If they can cope so calmly with wedding day mishaps, then they’re truly prepared for the rollercoaster ride that is marriage.

This is genuinely a wedding to feast your eyes on, but also read Nicole’s brilliant writeup (and check out her Instagram, @nicolelevypr) and take a few minutes to watch the gorgeously cinematic wedding video below, by Our Further Project. 

Over to beautiful bride, Nicole, for the full report. 

Jewish-Bride Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK004 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK013

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK030 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK066
How we met

Nicole, the bride: Daniel and I met at a mutual friend’s engagement party nearly 15 years ago, and we’ve been together ever since. We got engaged in 2014, so I guess you could say we’ve taken our time with the whole marriage thing.

I have my own fashion PR company Nicole Levy PR, which Daniel helps me run, and he is also an IT Director for another company.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK055 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK025 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK006
London’s last lighthouse – with a late license!

I came across the Chain Store at Trinity Buoy Wharf and loved that it was basically a huge, empty warehouse with a late licence — a good starting point for the party vibe we wanted to create.

It’s London’s last existing lighthouse and offers gorgeous city views across the river, which we enjoyed during the drinks reception.

Trinity Buoy Wharf also has a separate building on the site called The Electrician’s Shop. It’s a dark, derelict basement, and as soon as we saw it, we knew our ceremony had to take place there. I knew it would look amazing once we prettied it up with an abundance of fairy lights and candles running down the aisle.

The fact the venue was dry hire meant we had to research and organise absolutely everything from the lighting, kitchen equipment, furniture, crockery, cutlery, PA system and all the bits in between.

It was a lot to coordinate in four months, but meant that we could tailor our day exactly how we wanted and, essentially, put our own stamp on things.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK021 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK031 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK044
Industrial chic with a touch of glam

I was attracted to the simplicity of the exposed white brick walls and tarnished floor at TBW, but knew it needed a feminine touch or it would look too industrial.

We opted for chic botanical foliage and elegant white flowers, which effortlessly pulled everything together. Everyone knows I have a bit of a girly side, so I couldn’t hold back on choosing vintage gold-rimmed glasses and crockery with matching cutlery for a hint of understated glamor. My only other girly request was to have a big light-up heart behind the top table.

All of our personal touches, the music, food, venue, etc were a reference to everything Daniel and I genuinely enjoy, so we feel the day perfectly reflected our personalities.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK002 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK071 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK073
Simple, chic stationery

Our letterpress invitations and on-the-day stationery were the Ella design by British stationers Strawberry Sorbet. We wanted something simple and chic that wouldn’t date, and the quality of their product is just gorgeous.

We also used a stylish website called Riley & Grey to upload additional info about the day for our guests.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK001
A BAFTA award-winning makeup artist

All I knew was that I wanted to look like a more polished version of myself. My everyday look is a smudge of liner and a nude lip. I never wear a base, so it took some convincing for me to wear a tinted moisturiser, but I get it now. My skin glowed and I’ve since invested in Laura Mercier and Kevyn Aucoin products.

My mum’s best friend, Maralyn Sherman, did my face. She’s a BAFTA award-winning makeup artist, so I knew I’d be in safe hands.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK007
A dress designed by the bride

In all honesty, Daniel and I had been together for 14 years, so I kind of just accepted that we would settle as we were and not bother getting married. Because of this, it had never even crossed my mind to think about what my wedding dress would look like, let alone any aspect of the wedding. But typically, when we did decide to get married, we had to plan everything on a four-month timeframe, so I booked boutique appointments straight away. I thought I would be able to find a dress really easily, but nothing inspired me, and I didn’t have long to look for something.

I decided to design my own dress. I wanted something romantic, playful, slinky and easy to dance in, and presented my ideas to Bob Holly, a dressmaker I’ve known since I was 15.

She introduced me to London-based fabric store, Joel & Son, where I discovered the dreamiest silk chiffons, transparent beaded deco fabric and delicate camellia lace.

It was daunting making a dress from scratch, and it evolved quite a lot in each fitting, but I enjoyed the whole process so much. Towards the end, I decided the dress needed to have a slit, and we notched it a little higher every time I met with Bob which was a little cheeky I suppose. Bob made my veil, garter and drawstring bag with the fabric so everything matched.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK051 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK041
Dramatic accessories

I mentioned to Bob a couple a few days before the wedding that the aisle would be quite a long walk, so she said “well you better have a long trailing veil to create some drama.” She literally carried a role of fabric behind me, which kept going and going until I reached the chuppah.

My crystal and pearl drop earrings were by Miu Miu. I absolutely loved them, but I’ve never worn clip ons before, and they were hands down the most painful things ever.

I needed ‘something blue’, and adore my British Blue cat Silvio, so carried a small pouch with some of his fur in my bag. I also pinned a brooch belonging to Daniel’s mum, Natalie, in my bag so she could be a part of our special day — she had always wanted me to marry Daniel.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK032
Designer heels

My shoes were by Brazilian designer, Alexandre Birman, and I bought their 4” butter-soft Clarita style from Net-a-Porter. I purchased them before I had even decided what the dress would look like.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK077
The handsome groom

Daniel, and all the groomsmen, wore matching looks from Reiss. We wanted the day to be fun and relaxed, and their outfits were part of creating that atmosphere. We decided on a contrasting light grey blazers with navy chinos and plush velvet bow ties to keep things dapper.

The boys had never worn this kind of style before, but they all looked great and I think they enjoyed stepping out of their comfort zone.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK003 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK058
Bridesmaids in black

My sister Charlotte was my maid of honour, and I let her pick her color. It was really important to me that everyone felt comfortable with their attire on the day. Unsurprisingly, she opted for black, and I didn’t have any issued with this at all.

I found her a vampish lace dress on ASOS. My best friend Hannah wore a nude, old-school Hollywood style dress, also from ASOS.

Daniel’s niece and nephew were our flower girl and page boy. Chloe’s dress and cape were by French designer Tutu du Monde, and her glitter ballet pumps from Bloch. Brandon teamed his little John Rocha suit with some Converse.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK047 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK070
A floating Chuppah

Originally, I wanted the chuppah to hang from the ceiling, with all the foliage floating down on clear wire, but because the building was listed, we weren’t allowed. Our florist suggested clear Perspex poles to create the illusion instead.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK053 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK054
Haunting musical choices

We wanted our music choices to be present from the start so our soundtrack leading up to the wedding procession incorporated tracks from Massive Attack, Goldfrapp, Air, Nouvelle Vague and The Rolling Stones. We wanted to steer away from anything too slushy when people arrived. Daniel played me the Jeff Buckley version of Hallelujah a couple of months before the wedding since he thought it would be the perfect aisle song. He was right, and although it was a very indulgent 7 minutes long, it worked dreamily with the dark and haunting environment.

My favourite part was when I was walking towards Daniel, I just couldn’t stop smiling and fell in love all over again.

Our wedding breakfast entrance song was You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry. We only decided on this the night before the wedding. We danced into the room ‘Pulp Fiction’ style (or at least, attempted to), and it totally set the tone for the day ahead. This was a highlight for several guests.

Creating playlists with Daniel for the whole event was one of the most fun activities leading up to the wedding. We are both super passionate about our music, and believe that our selection and constant demand of ‘turn it up louder’ meant that our guests got up and danced throughout the day, and prepped them for a night of intense partying.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK060 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK061 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK016 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK059 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK017
Simple, clean and romantic flowers

My bouquet was timeless lily of the valley and smelled gorgeous, but did wilt quickly. We chose white hydrangeas for the bridesmaids, which were tied with spare fabric from my dress. Button holes were simple white roses.

I researched several florists, but in the end, it made sense for me to go with RB Floral Design, since they’re based on the same complex at Trinity Buoy Wharf so were more than familiar with the space.

I sent Richard several images of the ‘simple, clean and romantic’ aesthetic we wanted to achieve, and he got the brief 100%. I cannot recommend him highly enough. He also provided natural petals for our confetti, and all the candles and lanterns for the ceremony.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK052 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK024
Our fabulous photographers…

We were lucky enough to work with two incredible and professional photographers: James Frost, and a second photographer, Benjamin Wheeler. They came on board just three days before the wedding after my original photographer disappeared on me. It was a stressful way to lead up to the wedding weekend, and I am eternally grateful for them getting involved at such short notice. We are beyond thrilled with the images.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK074 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK078
…and videographer

I have watched my video hundreds of times, and Our Further Project were one of my best finds.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK075
Save the first dance for me

Our first dance song was only decided the night before the wedding and we decided to go with a slow song, since it would be the only opportunity for one slow dance at the wedding. We went with God Only Knows by The Beach Boys.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK079 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK085
An alternative wedding band

We knew a live band would create a fun atmosphere, but we wanted to stay clear of the usual ‘show band’ because it’s not our kind of vibe. I came across a very professional Brighton based band called Shine On and knew they would be perfect. They played everything from Blur to Libertines, and everyone went nuts. There was so much energy on the dance floor.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK086 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK087 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK089 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK090
Personalized favors 

We had lipstick pens for the women. They were actually press gifts I had spare from an event I hosted at work, but they’re really cute!

I made up personalized candy bags in gold and white stripe bags, which also doubled as escort cards. I stencilled the names and table number onto each one.

The men each received a Kippah embossed with the word LOVE – we purchased them from Best Kippah*

*You can also buy the LOVE kippot from Hebrewear if you’re UK based

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK014 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK025
A perfectly-timed power cut 

We had a power cut for about an hour during the dinner. Our guests thought that the lights turning off was intentional, since the music somehow continued playing but all the lights went out! We ended up with a mysterious romantic hour during dinner which added to the ambiance. Luckily, we had candles on the table so people could just about see what they were eating.

This all happened whilst Daniel and I were stuck at the top of a lighthouse having our photos taken. Walking down a spiral staircase in the pitch black was quite hilarious.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK029 Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK022
Wild Thing

My dad’s speech included a rendition of the song Wild Thing. He had no idea we would get him to sing it, but it’s his ‘thing’. It made my friends realise my family are also party animals, and was just another thing that added to the fun, laid-back atmosphere.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK037
Phenomenal food

Our caterer, Tasting Plates, was amazing, and the food was a real talking point among the guests. I regret not finishing the huge antipasti platter, and hope someone I know books them for an event attend so I can indulge properly next time.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK040
Advice to brides and grooms currently planning their wedding

If you want people on the dance floor, make sure you (bride and groom) stay on the dance floor — your guests will feed off you.

Daniel and I didn’t want a fuss, and planned to go straight home after the wedding, but our parents kindly surprised us by sending us to The Sanderson for the night where a 3am feast awaited us in our bedroom. It was a lovely touch, and helped us enjoy being in our bubble that little bit longer.

Jewish-Wedding-Trinity-Buoy-Wharf-London-UK043
Nicole & Daniel’s little white book

Photographer – James Frost
2nd Photographer — Benjamin Wheeler
Videographer – Our Further Project
Venue – Trinity Buoy Wharf
Bride’ dress – fabric purchased from Joel & Son
Bride’s shoes – Alexandre Birman purchased from Net-a-Porter
Bride’s jewellery – Miu Miu
Groom’s attire – Reiss
Bridesmaids – ASOS, Tutu du Monde, Bloch, John Rocha and Converse
Flowers – RB Floral Design
Caterer – Tasting Plates
Band – Shine On
Invitation – Strawberry Sorbet
Love Kippah — Best Kippah if you are USA based (or Hebrewear if you are UK based)
Wedding website – Riley & Grey
Wedding night – The Sanderson

Share this post:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Real Jewish Weddings, Jewish City Chic Weddings, Jewish Warehouse Weddings Tagged With: Pink, Net-A-Porter, UK, Reiss groom, ASOS, black, Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding venue, James Frost photographer, Benjamin Wheeler photographer, Hebrewear, Best Kippah, Fashion Forward

You might also like...

  • An Essense of Australia Bride for an Interfaith Jewish Wedding at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, UKAn Essense of Australia Bride for an Interfaith Jewish Wedding at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, UK
  • An Enzoani Bride for a Fun-Filled Interfaith Jewish Wedding with DIY Touches at Wharfedale Grange, Yorkshire, UKAn Enzoani Bride for a Fun-Filled Interfaith Jewish Wedding with DIY Touches at Wharfedale Grange, Yorkshire, UK
  • An Epic Super Luxe Romantic and Regal Jewish Wedding With an Eight-Foot Train and a Ten-Tier Cake at Thornton Manor, UKAn Epic Super Luxe Romantic and Regal Jewish Wedding With an Eight-Foot Train and a Ten-Tier Cake at Thornton Manor, UK
  • A Sharon Cunningham Bride for a Jewish Interfaith Wedding with a Feather Chuppah at The Hyatt Churchill Hotel, London, UKA Sharon Cunningham Bride for a Jewish Interfaith Wedding with a Feather Chuppah at The Hyatt Churchill Hotel, London, UK
  • A Super Luxe Gold Jewish Wedding With a Hermione de Paula Bride at Bevis Marks and Devonshire Terrace, London, UKA Super Luxe Gold Jewish Wedding With a Hermione de Paula Bride at Bevis Marks and Devonshire Terrace, London, UK
  • A Mori Lee Bride for a City Chic Jewish Wedding at St. Pancras Renaissance, London, UKA Mori Lee Bride for a City Chic Jewish Wedding at St. Pancras Renaissance, London, UK

About Karen

Loves great design, cityscapes, berry cocktails, and the word “yes”. Founder and editor of Smashing The Glass. Follow me @SmashingTheGlass

Comments

  1. Ariel says

    15/05/2017 at 2:43 pm

    Simply stunning. And that dress is something else.

Jewish Weddings by Country

Vendors We Love

Weddings by Colour

Awesome Jewish Gifts

Vendors We Love

Get posts directly into your inbox

Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

Mr And Mrs Smith Honeymoons
Monica Vinader
Bobbi Brown UK
Shop BHLDN Weddings
Biscuiteers Baking Company
Liberty London
Kate Spade UK Limited

Today’s Top Posts

  • A Stella York Bride for a Jewish Shift Wedding at the Inn at the Forks, Winnipeg, Canada
    A Stella York Bride for a Jewish Shift Wedding at the Inn at the Forks, Winnipeg, Canada
  • Dates in 2021, 2022 and 2023 to avoid for a Jewish wedding plus a 12 Month Wedding Planning Monthly Checklist
    Dates in 2021, 2022 and 2023 to avoid for a Jewish wedding plus a 12 Month Wedding Planning Monthly Checklist
  • An Epic Super Luxe Romantic and Regal Jewish Wedding With an Eight-Foot Train and a Ten-Tier Cake at Thornton Manor, UK
    An Epic Super Luxe Romantic and Regal Jewish Wedding With an Eight-Foot Train and a Ten-Tier Cake at Thornton Manor, UK
  • A guide to the Jewish Wedding Ceremony and Order of Service under the chuppah
    A guide to the Jewish Wedding Ceremony and Order of Service under the chuppah
  • Chuppah ideas
    Chuppah ideas

Subscribe by Email

Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

Popular Posts

  • original-guestbook-ideas 18 Unusual and Creative Guest Book Ideas
  • Jewish-Wedding-Tribeca-Rooftop-NYC-New-York-USA_0060 Dates in 2021, 2022 and 2023 to avoid for a Jewish wedding plus a 12 Month Wedding Planning Monthly Checklist
  • birch-rose-chuppah Chuppah ideas
  • A guide to the Jewish Wedding Ceremony and Order of Service under the chuppah
  • SONGS-WALK-DOWN-THE-AISLE Top 50 Songs To Walk Down The Aisle To at a Jewish Wedding

Connect

Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Twitter
Advertise
Mailing List
Email Karen

Receive Smashing The Glass posts via Email

Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

closePlanning A Jewish Wedding During COVID? {Click to download our free guide for Jewish brides}

All content © Smashing The Glass 2021