The Athena Bride: Couture Grace in the Heart of London

Between the feathers of The Athena Dress and the marble grandeur of Dartmouth House, a new era of bridal storytelling was born.

April 2023 was one of those months that linger in my mind like a film still — soft light, silk textures, and the hum of Mayfair’s quiet opulence. I had the absolute privilege of photographing at Dartmouth House, an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Mayfair. The venue itself feels like stepping into an old-world Parisian townhouse, only you’re still in London. Built in the late 19th century, it once belonged to a private family before becoming home to the English-Speaking Union. Its marble staircase, mirrored halls, and French rococo details tell stories of soirées and whispered conversations — the kind of setting that makes every frame feel timeless. As I photographed beneath its chandeliered ceilings, I couldn’t help but feel that subtle pulse of history, wrapping itself around the modern love story unfolding in front of my lens.

The vision came to life through Mara Marie Bridal, the Shoreditch-based designer whose artistry blurs the line between dream and couture. Her designs speak to women who crave individuality — pieces that don’t simply dress a bride, but rather narrate her story. For this shoot, Mara brought two exquisite creations: the first, a gown adorned with intricate lace and sculptural florals, its high neckline creating a regal silhouette that immediately draws the eye; the second, The Athena Dress, a feather-adorned masterpiece that moved with the lightest whisper of air, like poetry in motion. Every stitch felt intentional, every feather a symbol of modern femininity meeting timeless grace. It’s impossible to imagine this shoot without her designs — they were the heart and pulse of the narrative.

And then, of course, came the moment of cinematic elegance: the vintage 1960’s Mercedes. There’s something magnetic about classic cars — they hold a certain nostalgia, a symbol of enduring beauty and craftsmanship that transcends time. Against the backdrop of Dartmouth House, the car’s curves and chrome reflected the afternoon light, creating images that felt both editorial and intimate. Penelope and Sergio — our couple for the day — looked effortlessly iconic stepping in and out of it, as though plucked straight from an old Hollywood reel. That car wasn’t just a prop; it was an extension of the story, tying modern love to timeless romance.

The atmosphere was then elevated to pure dreamscape thanks to Fiona Fleur Studio Floristry. Fiona’s artistry is otherworldly — she doesn’t just create arrangements, she creates emotions through flowers. Her florals climbed the grand staircase like living sculpture, cascading in delicate shades that transformed the space into something out of a Tim Walker dream sequence. Walking into the room felt like entering another world, one where scent, colour, and texture danced together in quiet harmony.

Between tuxedos, long veils trailing behind marble steps, and laughter echoing through gilded halls, the day felt like a visual symphony — everything aligned in a way that reminded me why I do what I do. Standing there, camera in hand, in the heart of Mayfair, I felt the quiet realization that this was just the beginning.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamt of expanding my work deeper into the London scene — to photograph love stories that breathe the city’s energy and elegance. This shoot marked that first step. It was part of Charlotte Wise Education’s workshop — and I couldn’t be more grateful. Charlotte, who I now have the honour of calling a friend, has always been a creative force, and working as her assistant in the past has taught me the value of vision and community. Workshops like hers are truly the best investment you can make as an artist — they awaken creativity, connect you with others who share your passion, and remind you that even in a room of twenty photographers, every perspective is uniquely yours. We each see the world through a different lens — in tone, style, and emotion — and that is where the beauty lies.

Mayfair was only the beginning. And as I look back on those images — the florals, the feathers, the laughter, the light — I can feel the start of something unfolding. Something timeless, elegant, and just a little bit magical