Tatiana + James by Lynn Shapiro

Our vision was to create a wedding that felt timeless, chic, and distinctly London.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re Tatiana and James, living in London, and both working in marketing. James is the CEO of a marketing group, while I, Tatiana, am a graphic designer. Despite our busy careers, we love travelling, exploring new restaurants, and enjoying the city. London has always been central to our story, and we love how intertwined it is with ur story. We also treasure spending time with family and friends; our weekends often involve laughter, shared meals, and making memories with the people we love most. Creativity is a big part of our lives, both personally and professionally, so we’re drawn to things that feel timeless, stylish, and meaningful. Our wedding reflected this balance: elegant and classic, yet relaxed and fun, celebrating love and connection in the city that has always been home to us.

How/where/when did you meet and what were your first impressions? 

We met at school when we were just 14. There weren’t any dramatic first impressions; we were two teenagers in the same school, growing up side by side. Having known each other for so long, it feels like our relationship has grown alongside us, evolving naturally through every stage of life. That foundation made our bond incredibly special. Eleven years later, James proposed during a once-in-a-lifetime safari in Kenya. With the African landscape as a backdrop, it was unforgettable, perfectly capturing the sense of adventure that has defined our story from the very beginning.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding.

Our vision was to create a wedding that felt timeless, chic, and distinctly London. We wanted elegance without stiffness, classic yet relaxed, where guests could enjoy themselves freely. Inspired by vintage romance, we kept a neutral palette of whites, creams, and soft greens, and chose florals that felt understated but romantic. Chelsea Old Church was perfect for our vows with its intimate, historic charm, while Pavilion Knightsbridge offered a modern, stylish backdrop for our reception, complete with a terrace overlooking Hyde Park. More than anything, we wanted the day to feel authentically us, sophisticated but never fussy, a celebration of love set against the beauty of the city we live in.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? 

The venues themselves were our biggest styling win. Chelsea Old Church provided intimacy and charm without needing much extra decoration, while Pavilion Knightsbridge wowed us with its modern interiors and terrace views over Hyde Park. The streets of London also became part of our story, adding character to our photos. We kept florals elegant and minimal, letting the spaces shine naturally. Lighting inside the Pavilion added warmth, creating a perfect atmosphere for celebration. Lynn, our photographer, captured every moment beautifully, blending candid emotion with editorial style. For us, it was the combination of London’s character and understated design elements that made everything feel effortless and completely aligned with our vision.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey? 

I loved seeing our vision come together piece by piece. From choosing venues to selecting entertainment and suppliers, it was thrilling to watch our ideas take shape. Planning the flow of the day was especially fun, like deciding to have live singing during the drinks reception and a DJ with a saxophonist for the evening. One of my favourite parts, though, was the day before the wedding. James and I took time just for ourselves, wandering through the Chelsea streets where we’d be getting married, picking our wedding scents, sipping champagne, and being pampered. Some might say we were crazy to leave it that late, but it was magical — the perfect way to pause, soak it in, and get excited. My biggest tip to other couples is to focus on what feels right for you, build in moments to enjoy each other, and remember, it’s your day.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of? 

We were incredibly lucky with our vendors. Pavilion Knightsbridge were phenomenal; they handled every detail, ensuring everything ran smoothly and that both we and our guests felt completely looked after. Lynn, our photographer, was another standout. She captured candid moments with an editorial eye, producing timeless, emotional photos while remaining a calming presence throughout the day. Entertainment was key for us, and Comex Entertainment delivered spectacularly. Their live singer, DJ, and saxophonist brought energy and joy to the celebration, keeping the dance floor full all night. One of the most meaningful collaborations for me personally was with Waltonemma, the jeweller who created my wedding band. I found her on Instagram, instantly fell in love with her style, and together we brought my vision for the perfect ring to life. The process was as special as the finished piece.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story? 

I wore the Ophelia gown by Saint Bridal for the ceremony. Its sculptural yet romantic design felt timeless and modern at the same time, perfect for me. Later in the evening, I changed into a sleek, slinky Rat & Boa evening dress ideal for dancing and celebrating, creating a completely different, chic look. James wore a tailored tuxedo, classic and confident, matching the elegance of the day. I loved how our outfits reflected us individually; mine leaned toward unique, thoughtful design, while James’s was understated and sophisticated. Together, our looks felt cohesive without being overly matched.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings. 

Our rings are simple, timeless, and full of meaning. James proposed during a safari in Kenya with a ring that reflected my style: elegant, classic, and unique. For our wedding bands, I worked with Waltonemma, a jeweller I found on Instagram. I instantly connected with her style, and together we collaborated on every detail to create my perfect ring. The process was incredibly special, making the finished piece even more meaningful. James’s band is clean and minimal, a design he can wear every day.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? 

We prioritised entertainment, photography, and the venue. Creating the right atmosphere for our guests was essential, so investing in live singing during the drinks reception, along with a DJ and saxophonist later, felt worth every penny. Seeing our friends and family fully enjoying themselves made it all worthwhile. Photography was another top priority. Lynn captured everything in a way that was both timeless and candid, creating memories we’ll cherish forever. And the venue was central to our vision. Pavilion Knightsbridge offered stunning spaces and impeccable service, making the day seamless. For us, spending more in these areas ensured the atmosphere, memories, and setting were exactly what we hoped for.

Was there a favourite moment or two that you will treasure always? 

The ceremony at Chelsea Old Church will always be unforgettable. Exchanging vows in such a historic, intimate space, surrounded by our closest loved ones, felt emotional and completely magical. The speeches were another highlight. Hearing heartfelt words from our family and friends had us laughing and tearing up, perfectly capturing our journey together. One of my favourite moments, though, was the day before the wedding. James and I spent it just with each other, roaming Chelsea and London streets where we’d be married, picking our wedding scents, sipping champagne, and being pampered. Some might say we were crazy to leave it that late! It gave us a quiet pause to soak everything in and feel the excitement of what was to come.