Once Their Eyes Met, The Rest Was History

Ellie, a Senior Marketing Manager from Kent and Dave, a Claims Executive from Essex first saw each other in a pub in Battersea, London, close to where they both lived at the time.

They say “saw each other” because they didn’t speak that evening. Instead, their friends took the lead in mingling and making introductions.

Both Dave and Ellie had noticed each other, exchanged glances, and told their respective friends that they liked what they saw. It didn’t take long for their friends to share this with the group. One of Dave’s friends eventually asked Ellie if she was single and if she would be happy to pass on her number to Dave. Ellie said yes, and from their very first date, they hit it off instantly. It felt as though they had known each other for years. Three and a half years later, Dave proposed to Ellie in Central Park after a wonderful few years filled with unforgettable trips, great friends, and sharing their families with one another.


Kimpton Fitroy Hotel
Kimpton Fitroy Hotel
Kimpton Fitroy Hotel
Kimpton Fitroy Hotel
Kimpton Fitroy Hotel
Kimpton Fitroy Hotel

Why London...

We absolutely adore living in London, and for us, it was the perfect place to celebrate such a monumental occasion. A large part of our hearts is tied to this city, and the majority of our closest friends and family are based here, so it felt only natural to bring everyone together in a place that we call home. London offers the perfect blend of convenience and glamour, making it the ideal backdrop for our wedding.

For us, the most important aspect of our day was sharing it with the people we love most. We wanted to make sure that our nearest and dearest could be there without any added stress or inconvenience—especially as we know many have busy lives and tight schedules.

Ultimately, having our wedding in London allowed us to celebrate not just the city we live in, but also the community of incredible people who surround us, making the day even more meaningful. We wanted to make it easy for everyone to come together and celebrate, and London was the perfect choice to make that happen.

Now over to Ellie to talk us through her perfect wedding day.

Talk us through your wedding day

Our wedding day began with the most peaceful, laid-back morning in our suite. The bridal party was together, surrounded by laughter, good music, and plenty of bubbles, soaking in every moment before the big event. We were in the most wonderful hands with Lucy, our brilliant coordinator, and our exceptional wedding planner, Claire, who were checking in on us throughout the morning, ensuring everything was running smoothly behind the scenes. Meanwhile, they were coordinating with the groomsmen, making sure they were ready and that everything in the ballroom was perfectly set for the day ahead.

Guests began arriving at the Friend at Hand pub just next door to the ballroom entrance, where they were greeted by the groomsmen. The ceremony itself was one of the highlights of the day. We were so fortunate to have the incredible Zena Birch as our humanist celebrant. Zena’s personal touch made the ceremony feel so intimate and meaningful. She took our guests through our love story, weaving together the journey that had led us to this moment and to Kimpton Fitzroy London. It was a beautiful, heartfelt experience that made us both so grateful for the people around us and the life we were about to begin together.

After the ceremony, we transitioned into cocktail hour in Palm Court, which was absolutely stunning. The room was bathed in natural light, with the trees creating a magical, almost whimsical setting. While our guests relaxed, sipped on champagne, and mingled, Dave and I sneaked off for photos around the hotel. We knew the space so well by this point that it felt extra special to capture those moments in such a meaningful location. Meanwhile, the ballroom was flipped into our reception venue, a seamless transition that the Kimpton Fitzroy London team managed effortlessly.

Our grand entrance into the reception was one to remember. As we walked in, the incredible Alleycatz showband played, adding a lively, fun energy that set the perfect tone for the evening. The energy in the room was amazing, and everyone was ready to celebrate.

The speeches that followed were truly unforgettable. The words of our loved ones were emotional, funny, and full of heart, making us laugh and cry in equal measure. The food was nothing short of spectacular—each course was as delicious as it was beautifully presented.
The evening continued with special moments that we’ll never forget.

Kimpton Fitzroy London was the first venue we visited—and it ended up being the last one, too

We started our venue search with a meticulously organized spreadsheet, filled with pros and cons for each option, and carefully scheduled viewings to make sure we explored every possibility. Kimpton Fitzroy London was the first venue we visited—and it ended up being the last one, too. From the moment we stepped inside, we knew it was special.

The venue itself was simply breathtaking—the elegant architecture, the stunning design, and the beautifully atmospheric ballroom all came together in a way that felt so right. Every detail, from the soft lighting to the sense of space, was a perfect match for the kind of wedding we envisioned.

But it was Palm Court that truly stole our hearts. The natural light streaming through the glass, combined with the lush greenery of the trees, created an almost magical atmosphere—it felt like we were in a beautiful conservatory, surrounded by nature, yet still very much in the heart of the city. There was something so special about that room; it felt timeless and intimate, yet grand.

For me, personally, the suite added an extra layer of magic. The space was so beautifully appointed, and the moment I saw it, I could instantly picture myself getting ready there on the big day. It felt like everything had fallen into place.

After the viewing, we went next door to the local pub, sat down for a drink, and without hesitation, made the decision to cancel all our other viewings. It was clear we had found the one. Kimpton Fitzroy London had everything we wanted, and it just felt like the perfect place for us.

All the magical moments

The father-daughter dance was one of the most emotional parts of the evening; it was such a tender moment with my dad, and I’ll always treasure that memory. Then came our first dance to Thinking of You by Sister Sledge. It was a perfect choice for us—a song that gave us the opportunity to have a light-hearted and fun first dance.

Fondest memory of Kimpton Fitzroy London

The staff, the service, the setting and the food – honestly we have had most of our guests highlight how great the food on the day was. The staff were fantastic and it just felt so special.

The suite was a special highlight including the corner bath and the beautiful set up the staff created for us.

“Our wedding day was everything we had hoped for and more—a perfect blend of love, laughter, and joy, and the kind of celebration that felt uniquely ours. Every moment, from the ceremony to the dance floor, was filled with magic.”



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