London’s Own Romeo and Juliet Story

For Phoebe, an actress and Max, a TV Production Coordinator, it was love at first sight. Hailing from opposite sides of the river, they are London’s very own Romeo and Juliet, but with a happy ending!

A London wedding was always on the cards. But it wasn’t until they walked through Kimpton Fitzroy London’s doors that they knew they’d found a meaningful venue to celebrate their next chapter as a married couple. Elegant floral arrangements and romantic candles throughout the showstopping Ballroom and light-filled Palm Court made their day feel like something out of the movies.

After two years of planning and imagining their special day, the couple’s magical springtime wedding couldn’t have been more perfect. Surrounded by family and friends, their day was filled with endless laughter, pinch-me moments and delicious food.

Now, over to the bride, Phoebe, to talk about their dreamy wedding day.


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

How we met

I (Phoebe) was born south of the river, while Max lived north of the river. We met in the green room bar of the National Theatre in 2016. It was pretty fitting as the theatre and cocktails are two of our favourite things!

My best friend worked at the National Theatre and was Max’s boss at the time. They introduced us, and I instantly knew he was the one. We’re now both in North London (Max won).

We always knew London was where we wanted to tie the knot...

We’re both born and bred Londoners – and proud! So, we always knew we would get married in the city we love so much.

A wedding venue we couldn't resist

We looked at some beautiful hotels and venues around London. But it wasn’t until we walked into Kimpton Fitzroy London that we immediately knew we’d found our place.

The area means something special to me. My grandma, whom I was extremely close to, grew up around the corner on Judd Steet during the war. She would tell me stories about the area, like when she would shout down to the kitchen of Kimpton Fitzroy London (or the Russell Hotel as it was then) asking for some cake for her and her siblings – so cheeky!

Max also works around the corner and walks past it most days. It was the epitome of the London glamour theme we were looking for and a meaningful location! Truly, walking into the spectacular entrance sealed the deal for us.

All the magical moments

For us, the magic started the night before. I stayed with one of my bridesmaids in the Corner Suite (managing to resist a glass of bubbly and get an early night), while Max stayed in a suite just one floor below.

Early the next morning, my other seven bridesmaids and bridesmen came to get ready. It was a full house in the Corner Suite, and I was hyped up with adrenaline and excitement. It was pure joy to be with my best friends all morning. We had breakfast, Bucks Fizz, exchanged presents and did a lot of laughing.

Max’s three other best men joined him at the more civilised time of 10.30am to get ready! They also enjoyed a pre-wedding tipple, before heading down to the Ballroom to greet vendors and guests as they arrived.

We had the ceremony in Kimpton Fitzroy London’s spectacular Ballroom, which looked like something from a movie with all of our decor, flowers and candles. But even with the room bare, it would still look showstopping.

Max and I have both said the ceremony felt like a dream. After nearly two years of planning and imagining what it would be like, it was hugely surreal. We were in a very happy daze!

We had a quartet playing before and during the ceremony. I walked down the aisle to La Vie En Rose (Max proposed in the Regents Park Rose Garden, so it felt fitting). We then had heartfelt readings from a bridesmaid and a best man. Max and I also wrote our own vows, which felt like a personal and special thing to do. We’ve since said countless times how pleased we are we did it.

After being announced as Mr & Mrs Batteson-Davey (what an incredible and dreamy moment!) we came back down the aisle to a shower of rainbow confetti. It was then time for reception drinks and speeches in the Palm Court. It was so lovely to hear such kind and hilarious things about us from our friends.

The Ballroom was absolutely transformed by the wonderful team at Kimpton Fitzroy London for our wedding breakfast. The space is so adaptable and went from this bright and airy space to a candlelit, grand feast.

The food was absolute perfection. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. Especially those with dietary requirements, like vegans and with allergies (myself included). We often have a hard time getting good food at functions, or food you can trust you won’t react to. I have a severe nut allergy, and I felt in the safest hands. The team really went above and beyond to ensure I was reassured and catered for.

We then headed back into the Palm Court for our champagne tower before returning to the Ballroom, where we cut our cake and had our first dance to ‘Wonderful World’ by Sam Cooke played by the band. What a moment!

By evening, it was full-blown party mode! We had glowsticks, a queue for the photo booth and a busy dance floor. It was everything we hoped for, and we danced the night away. Everyone says your wedding day is the best day of your life, and it goes by in a flash. They are right.

The wedding of our dreams

Our wedding at Kimpton Fitzroy London was perfection. Utter perfection. We couldn’t recommend it more highly. From the expert wedding planners to the on-the-day coordination team, wait staff, and kitchen – everyone! Every detail was considered, and no ask was too big. Every single person involved in the wedding was professional, kind and warm. Also, have you seen the hotel?! You don’t get more glamorous or photogenic! It’s your ultimate London wedding venue.

Savouring the first night as Mr & Mrs

Max and I stayed in the Corner Suite the night after the wedding. We think it was the best decision. We weren’t heading off on our honeymoon for a few weeks, so it meant the next day we were able to really revel in what had just happened and not rush off home.

We took time to open our cards and presents, stuff our faces with our wedding cake (which the team had kindly brought up slices of the night before) and have family and friends who had also stayed at the hotel come and see us and share stories and moments. That evening, when everyone else had left, we had our first dinner together as husband and wife downstairs at Galvin Bar & Grill. Followed by a bottle of champagne in our suite. The best way to start the next chapter of our lives together.

 

Forever reminded of our perfect day

Kimpton Fitzroy London is now somewhere that pulls our heartstrings every time we see it. It signifies the happiest moments in our lives. We get to see it so regularly, too! For us, it’s not somewhere we spent just one day of our lives. We’ve been back for coffees, to work from the bar and enjoy evening drinks – we can’t keep away. It’s our special place now.

Phoebe and Max’s trusted suppliers: