Real Wedding at Fulham Palace

University sweethearts Gabrielle and James got married in late Spring, at the stunning and historical Fulham Palace in London. As we look back at their special day, it’s not hard to see why they fell in love with this venue and wanted to share their day with loved ones in such a magical place…

This Real Wedding features two lovebirds met back in early 2007 at the bar in their Students’ Union, while they were both studying at Bath Spa University. A friend introduced Gabby to Jimmy, and they got chatting. They spent the entire evening in each others company and ended up swapping numbers at the end of the night! And the rest, as they say, is history!

They got engaged on New Year’s Day 2014, and began planning a spectacular event that would bring together their love of the West Country and their chic London life-style…but where were they going to have the celebrations?

The couple wanted to get married somewhere local to where they live and to where Gabby grew up. She explains that they were looking for a venue that “was unique and with quirks to it but that also provided a bit of elegance”. Well, what could could be more apt for a romantic pair like Gabby and Jimmy, who have such a rich history together, than a wedding in a fundamentally historical gem such as Fulham Palace?!

It was essential that their venue had some green space, which can sometimes be a bit tricky within London. But for friends and family travelling from all over the country (and the world!) being in an accessible place was key as well.

Jimmy wanted all his family and friends to share a party to celebrate their big day and Gabby really wanted to say “I do” in a traditional church; with celebrations consisting of a wedding breakfast and evening dance. Fulham Palace ticked all those boxes for them!

Gabby describes their inspiration for the wedding style as “Purple but with a retro DIY feel”. And she did a lot of research on Pinterest, where she drew together ideas of purple, their Cornish roots, peacock feathers, homemade chutney wedding favours, Easter and Spring; all tied together with the lace from her gorgeous dress. All set in the spectacular Fulham Palace.

Kernow featured heavily in the day. Each table at their wedding had chocolate Easter eggs with the couple’s favourite Cornish beaches written on them, which were made for the couple by Toby Griffiths from Sublime Cakes. Combined with stones from the beaches themselves with guests names written on, and gorgeous seasonal florals in vases on each table it looked beautiful. Relaxed, yet elegant, much like the couple themselves.

Their gorgeous cake was also created by the talented Toby Griffiths, and it really pulled the theme together. Adorned with exquisitely painted peacock feathers and carefully placed sumptuous purple flowers, and pretty ribbon on each layer.

Brian Galloway, a talented and award winning art photographer, just happens to be a family friend, and he loved documenting Jimmy and Gabby’s special day. “Photographing people to me is the best thing, and making them feel relaxed with getting their picture taken.” He shot all day; from the boys in the cafe, to Gabby getting ready, right through to the dancing.

Gabby’s bouquet was stunning and full of Spring flowers that complimented the day’s theme. The decor was tasteful and harked back to their Cornish roots, and a distinctly personal touch was the gorgeous bunting that was strung up, which was made by both their mums; and paintings by Gabby were hung up making it really special. They put a really special stamp on Fulham Palace.

Fulham Palace had their wedding planner, Chloe, who helped to tie these themes in around the venue. Chloe was really helpful and decisive. She led Jimmy and Gabby through food tasting and supported them with all their personal requests, including being there to greet Gabby as she arrived, and then staying all day to ensure it ran smoothly.

Their first dance was to Phil Collins “True Colours” and the classic rock ‘n’ roll tune – Chuck Berry “Johnny B. Goode” and they were joined by a brilliant band later on, and with all the guests enjoying the dancing and celebrations at Fulham Palace the party carried on until late!

Gabby and Jimmy describe the whole wedding as an amazing experience “because we felt relaxed and were so well looked after”. If they had to pick out one thing that was utterly perfect, it would be “the wedding breakfast because the food was fantastic, and the atmosphere in the marquee was really relaxed and fun which helped bring everything else together”.

An absolutely gorgeous wedding for two beautiful people who are clearly meant to be! Surrounded by all their loved ones in a superb venue that goes the extra mile for its couples, Gabby and Jimmy’s Fulham Palace wedding is definitely #goals. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Toseland!

If you’ve taken a shine to Fulham Palace and would like to find out more, order your free brochure here. Or get in touch and book a visit with the wonderful wedding team there to discuss your plans.

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