Talk about a hidden gem; from the outside, the West Reservoir Centre looks like an imposing but somewhat unassuming 1930’s red brick tower in a car park… but head inside it’s heavy wooden doors and the most incredible event space awaits, filled with natural light with gorgeous views over the reservoir and maintaining many of it’s original features from it’s days as a filter house for the reservoir. It also boasts a terrace for outdoor entertaining and is the perfect alternative wedding venue for couples seeking something a bit special, easily accessible from Stoke Newington. Sally and Bobby’s day was a brilliant example of how to plan a perfectly personal day; having done ‘the legal bit’ in the week with immediate family and close friends, their day included a brilliant heartfelt ceremony led by a mutual friend at Abney Public Hall and after their drinks reception everyone strolled across the park, led by a dhol drummer, to the West Reservoir Centre for dinner and dancing. It’s so lovely to see that more couples are choosing to plan unique wedding days and Sally and Bobby worked with Foil Events to help plan and execute their day… Anyhoooo enough chat, here’s Sally and Bobby’s West Reservoir Centre wedding in all it’s glory!

How did you meet?

At work – Bobby was obsessed immediately, Sally took a little longer to warm up.

Tell me your proposal story:

It’s a long one… so take what you want from it. We were in Australia with Sally‘s family, and Bobby had found a ring in Sydney that he wanted to buy. He quickly discovered he wasn’t going to have much time on his own on the holiday, so after much plotting with Sally‘s family he managed to get away on a relatively old fashioned “boys go to the pub and girls go shopping mission”, the boys had disappeared too quickly for Sally to protest that she would rather go to the pub. Unfortunately the shop had sold the ring the day before so he bought a prop one.

We then went to the Whitsundays Islands on a trip just the two of us. On our last day after a day trip where Sally had got pretty bad sunburn, we decided to walk up to a view point. Bobby decided we needed some champange for the walk, but Sally was grumpy because she needed a wee. Eventually we started the walk and Sally was walking far ahead in a mood, when we got to the top she took a picture and said right lets go back down. Bobby managed to persuade me to stay and as he got down on one knee I stopped him half way saying what the hell are you doing?! He managed to persuade me with the message that all my family knew so it would be awkward if I said no… and refused to show me the prop ring!

Why did you choose a West Reservoir Centre wedding for your day?

It was the first place we saw and we loved it. Central London but on water. Being half an hour from our home was a benefit too.

What was it you loved about your outfits and accessories that made you choose them?

Sally – I love a jumpsuit. I wear them to all dressy occasions, so why would my wedding be any different, and who doesn’t love sequins! I had a pretty bad day trying on dresses the first day I went, but when I tried on this on I squealed.

Bobby bought 3 suits and made best friends with Richard from Reiss!

Tell me about the vision you had for your wedding including your theme/colour scheme/styling/flowers:

We had very limited vision, I wanted bright coloured flowers and something relaxed so that everyone would have fun. Beyond that we were basically clueless. Kate from Foil Events and Alison our florist were very helpful!

What was your first dance and why did you choose it?

We didn’t do a first dance. We had planned Love me for a Reason by Boyzone, but then someone reminded us we didn’t have to do one and it was the best moment of the planning!

What were the most wonderful parts of the day for you?

It was all amazing, we loved having everyone there and seeing them all have a great time. The walk between venues with the Dhol drummer was so much fun.

Why did you choose Hannah Hall Photography as your photographer, and what was your experience of your photography on the day?

Hannah was recommended by another photographer we had enquired with and we are so grateful! Hannah was brilliant on the day, she was calming and fun during the prep and really great to have around through the day. Hannah caught so many amazing moments, we loved her!

What would be your best bit of advice to other couples planning their wedding?

 The same advice that was given to us, take in every second while you’re there as it goes quickly. Don’t stress too much about details, it’s just a great day.

If doing a dry hire get a co-ordinator, Kate from Foil events was amazing.

Sally + Bobby’s West Reservoir Centre wedding happened with the help of the following suppliers

Jumpsuit Rolling in Roses from Heart a Flutter / Planning and Coordination Foil Events / Florist Alison Roberts

Cake A friend / DJ The Good DJ / Caterer The Tiffin Tin / Venues Abney Public Hall + West Reservoir Centre

Suppliers please drop me a line for image use!

Hello, it is me you’re looking for?