This week I was kindly invited to celebrate the launch of the new website for award winning London florists Hayford and Rhodes. If you’ve not come across them before do check out their work! The company was established way back when in 1924 by William Hayford and in 2007 the Rhodes sisters Amy, Joanna and Laura took the reigns of the company, and since has continued to lead at the forefront of British floristry with their timeless designs.
I’m lucky enough to attend quite a few events within the wedding industry [that sounds pretentious, I don't mean it to, but there is a lot of networking to be done!] and I have to say that this one I really really enjoyed. Not only did I get to walk into the infamous BAFTA building at 195 Piccadilly [and be greeted by a larger than me brass BAFTA mask!] but the air in the bright room [which can be hired for weddings!] was filled with the beautiful scent of flowers and the space was quite literally blooming with colourful florals. Bright spring flowers were showcased in stunning arrangements from huge eye catching domes as a focal point of the room to ranunculus sprouting from lovely vintage dressing tables [courtesy of the lovely Kate Fletcher from Vintage Style Hire] not to mention the PEONY WALL. Yes that’s right… there was a wall of peonies, coral charm ones at that. I literally just stood there for 5 minutes staring at it’s prettiness. If I could have one of these permanently in my bedroom believe me I would.
There was also a delicious array of beautifully designed sweet treats from Rosalind Miller and just as I left I sampled one of the mini cakes and I swear that was the best butter icing I’ve ever had. Like whipped heaven. Then there were the cocktails. Oh. My. Let’s just say that it was rather fortunate [or maybe not] that it was a Monday evening otherwise I fear I would have outstayed my welcome at that bar. The clever guys at Drinks Fusion put on a seriously impressive array of floral inspired cocktails – with flavours such as rose, lavender and my favourite – Creme de Violette. I sampled, for research purposes obviously, the gin based Aviation Cocktail which basically tasted like parma violets – remember those? Definitely a new found cocktail favourite for me.
The cocktail waitresses adorned fresh floral hair crowns whilst some delicious food from in-house caterer gave us something to balance out the booze. As that was weary work I jumped at the chance of being beautified by the cute as a button Powderpuff Girls who were offering quick pampering fixes to the guests. My talented stylist did the most fabulous halo plait around my head in less than 5 minutes. Seriously impressive stuff [we agreed she could get into the Guinness Book of Records she was that quick] and I’m pleased to report the style lasted two days, hurrah!
A busy hour and a half as you can tell but after cake, cocktails and pampering I left with my free Muscari plant in hand after having a great evening, and so lovely to meet the talented team behind such a well known and successful floristry business too.
I want to also thank my buddy Fanni Williams who was their official event photographer for letting me share the very pretty images from the evening!
Photography: Fanni Williams for Hayford and Rhodes
‘Never overlook the ladies toilets!’ – Above Photos by London Bride
London Bride is a modern blog all about stylish & unique city weddings. Author Charley Beard is a London based creative wedding planner and stylist who aims to inspire and assist couples tying the knot in London! Check out the Services page for more info!
