We wanted our London day to feel completely us, intimate, chic, and romantic.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We’re Kayla and Spencer! I’m a destination wedding photographer, and Spencer is a real estate developer. We live in Seattle with our two dogs, Mars and Nova, who are truly the lights of our lives. We share a passion for travelling, beautiful architecture, and discovering new food. We’ll try just about anything, but coffee and pasta are non-negotiables no matter where we are. We love revisiting our favourite cities like London and Amsterdam, and we dream of living abroad one day.
At home, we’re happiest with slow mornings, making coffee, planning our next trip, or visiting one of our favourite foodie spots in Seattle. Spencer has a calm, steady energy that grounds my chaos, while I’m always chasing the next adventure and capturing moments along the way, even on the most ordinary days. We love going to concerts together, spending evenings at our must-visit restaurants, and taking long walks around our favourite lake in the city. Our life is a mix of adventure and comfort, whether we’re wandering hand in hand through a new city or curled up on the couch with the dogs, we try to soak in every little moment, appreciating the beauty in our travels, our home, and all the small things in between.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met almost seven years ago, and from the very first conversation, everything just felt easy for both of us. Ours was the classic millennial love story; we matched on Bumble. Spencer was new to Portland and suggested a coffee shop for our first date, but I wasn’t a fan of his pick, so I countered with one of my favourites instead. It was a rainy fall day, the kind that makes the city feel extra cozy. When we arrived, the café was completely packed, so we decided to just keep walking and talking. We wandered through the streets without umbrellas, eventually finding shelter at Pioneer Square in downtown Portland. Somehow, six hours passed without us even noticing, until we looked up and realised we’d been locked in. It was one of those moments that was equally ridiculous and unforgettable. We joked about which stores we’d sleep in for the night until we finally found a security guard who let us out through an emergency exit. I remember thinking Spencer had this warmth that drew people in, and the way he listened made me feel like I was the only person in the world. He says that by the end of that first date, it felt like we’d created our own little bubble, laughing, sharing stories, and forgetting about everything else. We both knew this was something rare, different, and worth holding onto.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).
We wanted our London day to feel completely us, intimate, chic, and romantic. Timeless, but still fashion-forward, like our own little love story unfolding in the city streets. I’d always pictured a bit of a Parent Trap vibe with a wedding hat, paired with white tailored looks, structured accessories, and moments framed by London’s architecture. We didn’t want anything elaborate or over-the-top details, just the city itself as the backdrop with some timeless pieces. We kept the palette classic, white, black, and neutrals, so nothing distracted from the scenery. More than anything, we wanted the day to capture what London has always been for us: a place that makes us feel inspired, connected, and totally present with each other.
What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).
The magic of London really was the biggest styling element. The city’s personality gave us the perfect backdrop without needing much else. It’s a place that means so much to us, so we went in with no expectations other than simply enjoying ourselves in the city. My white pantsuit and wedding hat felt like my Parent Trap moment, and pairing it with pearl heels and my Prada bag just tied everything together. I bought the bag the day before as a wedding gift to myself, so having it in the photos made it even more special. Spencer’s black tux was timeless, and he’ll tell you he was fully channelling James Bond. We didn’t overthink it with props or staged moments. Just walking through the city, stopping to laugh in the middle of busy streets, became our favourite moments without even trying. Later, I changed into an off-the-shoulder mini dress, which instantly made the night feel more playful and celebratory for Big Ben and more fun photos at our hotel! That morning, we wandered around Chelsea and made my bouquet together at the Chelsea Flower Market, a moment that felt so personal to us. Staying at one of our favourite hotels, The Kensington, made it even more special. The whole day was filled with things we’d genuinely do on any trip to London, which made it all feel effortless and so perfectly us.
What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
For us, the most exciting part was curating our outfits and choosing locations we genuinely love spending time together. Because it was just the two of us, we could focus on details purely for us, what felt good, what we’d remember wearing, and how it would represent this chapter of our lives. My biggest tip for couples is to let go of doing things “because that’s how it’s done” and instead focus on what feels right for you. Choose your vendors wisely, not just for their talent, but for who they are as people. These are the people who will be there for some of your most intimate, emotional moments, and their energy becomes part of your experience. Professionalism, kindness, and how they treat you from start to finish matter just as much. Good vendors will make you feel supported, understood, and valued, and those qualities will shine through in the memories they help capture. And finally, leave room for the unexpected. Plan the big things, yes, but the little in-between moments often become the most meaningful memories. like getting caught in the middle of a huge running club by Big Ben, or cutting our cake in the hotel lobby and sharing it with The Kensington staff. Those are the moments that stick with you.
Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?
Our photographer was everything. They captured London not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing part of the day, every photo feels like a frame from our own little film. We didn’t have a huge vendor list for London, but the ones we did work with were thoughtful, intentional, and truly understood us. When you’re working in such an iconic location, having vendors who value subtlety, restraint, and a genuine connection is key. We were also incredibly grateful for our hotel, The Kensington. It’s our go-to whenever we’re in London, but this time they made everything feel extra special, from celebrating our cake cutting in the lobby and sharing it with the staff, to getting photos together, to being so accommodating and fun every step of the way. A special shoutout to our favourite bellhop, George, who made us feel right at home, as always! We’re so thankful for everyone who helped make this day not just beautiful, but deeply personal, the kind of experience where every detail felt like it was meant just for us.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?
I had been searching for the perfect white pantsuit for months, and just when I started to think I might have to compromise, I found it a couple of weeks before we left. It felt like fate. My amazing tailor in Seattle pulled the whole vision together, and when I paired it with my Parent Trap–inspired hat and veil, I knew it was exactly the look I’d imagined. My pearl ankle-strap heels were elegant but still comfortable enough for walking the city, and my Prada bag with YSL sunnies was the dream timeless accessory, things I’ll keep and use long after the day. Spencer’s classic black tux was classic and completely him. He knew it was the one from the second he tried it on and couldn’t imagine wearing anything else. Later, I changed into an off-the-shoulder mini dress for a more playful evening look, perfect for running around the city, feeling whimsical, and embracing those late-night vibes. Each outfit change felt like stepping into a new chapter of the day’s story, with its own mood, energy, and little moments we’ll remember forever.
Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.
My engagement ring is an oval diamond with a hidden halo. I wanted it to sit more flush because I’d known from the beginning exactly which band I wanted, and I knew they’d pair perfectly together. I told Spencer the general style of rings I liked, but he picked out the exact one on his own, and I loved being surprised by what he chose. He worked with Ascot Diamonds in Atlanta, and he still says it was the best experience ever. It’s paired with a thin gold Cartier love band. Spencer’s engagement ring was a simple blank band, knowing his wedding band would be a classic gold design, understated and perfectly suited to him. We both wanted rings we could wear for a lifetime without ever feeling like they’d go out of style. We decided to get matching Cartier Love bands and made a trip to Vancouver, B.C., to pick them out together. By chance, we were able to have them engraved on the spot, a little detail that made the day even more special. We each chose our own surprise inscriptions: mine reads “to Mars and back” (a nod to our dog), and his says “’til death.”
What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).
Photography was, without question, our top priority. We knew these moments were once-in-a-lifetime, and having them documented beautifully mattered more than anything. We also wanted accessories and investment pieces we could keep forever, things that would instantly bring us back to this day whenever we wore them again.
Beyond that, we were intentional about every choice we made: the locations we’d spend time in, where we’d stay, and how the day would flow. The Kensington has always been such a special place for us, and we knew we wanted that same level of service and experience again. They exceeded every expectation, making us feel cared for in a way that only added to the magic of the day.
Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?
Crossing Westminster Bridge felt like we were in our own little movie scene. Running through the streets in my mini dress and veil, laughing as cabs passed and strangers smiled, was pure joy. There was no rush, no pressure, just the two of us completely lost in the moment. Watching the sunset at Big Ben, we barely noticed what was happening around us (honestly, we couldn’t even tell you!) because we were so wrapped up in the day and in each other. It was a blur in the very best way, like nothing else in the world mattered.
Our private cake cutting was just as special, complete with hotel room photos and that carefree, late-night energy that felt entirely us. We ended the night wandering to our favourite London spots, only this time in full wedding attire, which somehow made the familiar feel brand new. It was exactly how we’d spend a perfect day in the city, just a little more dressed up and a whole lot more in love!
BRIDE Kayla, @kaylasprint GROOM Spencer, @mytwospence LOCATIONS Chelsea Town Hall Steps, @chelseaoldtownhall; Old Marylebone Town Hall; The Kensington Hotel, @hotelkensington VISUALS, PLANNER & STYLIST By the bride PHOTOGRAPHER Shannon Yen, @shannonyenphotography FLORIST The Flower Stand Chelsea, @theflowerstandchelsea HIRE The Kensington Hotel, @hotelkensington CAKE Em Cakes, @emcakes_london ENGAGEMENT RING Bride – Ascot Diamonds Atlanta, @ascotdiamondsatlanta; Groom – Mejuri, @mejuri WEDDING RINGS Love Rings with Custom Engravings – Cartier, @cartier BRIDE’S OUTFIT For Chelsea and Marylebone Town Hall: Blazer & Trousers – French Connection, @frenchconnection; For Mayfair, Big Ben, Kensington Hotel: Vida Dress – Elliatt, @elliatt BRIDE’S SHOES For Chelsea and Marylebone Town Hall: D’Orsay Ankle Strap Pearl Heels; For Mayfair, Big Ben, Kensington Hotel: D’Orsay Ankle Strap Pearl Heels; Kayli White Satin Bow Heels – Dolce Vita, @dolcevita BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES For Chelsea and Marylebone Town Hall: Bambi Veil – Twigs & Honey, @twigsandhoney; The Laura Harlow Hat – KYHA Studios, @kyhastudios; Sunglasses – YSL, @ysl; Saffiano Lux Bianco Purse – Prada, @prada; For Mayfair, Big Ben, Kensington Hotel: Bambi Veil – Twigs & Honey, @twigsandhoney; The Laura Harlow Hat – KYHA Studios, @kyhastudios; Sunglasses – YSL, @ysl; Saffiano Lux Bianco Purse – Prada, @prada; Lola Bridal Scarf – Park & Fifth Co., @parkandfifthco; Elloise Pearl Bag – Dolce Vita, @dolcevita HAIR & MAKEUP Kristina Gasperas Makeup Artist LTD, @kristinagasperasmua; Zivile Malinauskaite, @zivilehmua BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Donna Born in Roma – Valentino, @maisonvalentino TUXEDO Gregory Wool Barathea Tuxedo – Ralph Lauren, @ralphlauren GROOM’S SHOES Dante Patent Leather Derby – Magnanni, @magnanni GROOM’S ACCESSORIES Silk Bow Tie – Ralph Lauren, @ralphlauren; Sunglasses – Prada, @prada GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Y Eau Parfum – YSL, @ysl BRIDAL NEWSPAPER The Ceremony Club, @theceremonyclub TAILORING Lani’s Tailor & Atelier
