Balwinda and James celebrate tropical bonanza with botanic wedding

“A tropical botanic bonanza on the edge of London,” is how Balwinda describes her September 29, 2018 wedding with partner James, 33.

The couple fell in love with the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew for its elegant wedding venue hall (Nash Conservatory), space for drinks in the tropical greenhouse (Prince of Wales Conservatory) and dinner party offering in The Orangery. “We loved the mix of venues, all of which were surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers in Kew Gardens,” smiles Balwinda, 36.

Guests were treated to a train rise in the Kew Explorer after the ceremony to see the gardens. “Whilst the ceremony was beautiful and serene, we wanted a party atmosphere for afterwards so found an amazing saxophonist for the reception drinks to kick it off with tunes from among the palm trees and tropical plants,” explains Balwinda.

“Being driven away in the golf buggy at the end of the evening with my new husband and collapsing into the hotel with a real sense of achievement and happiness” was a highlight of the botanic wedding, says the bride.

Photos courtesy of Damion Mower Photography.

The bride was going to wear flats to save her feet, but found these medium heels at Rainbow Club which she says were comfortable to wear all day.

“I couldn’t decide between elegant or fitted and big and puffy – so this was somewhere in the middle,” explains the bride.

“I really wanted a flower arch. It was expensive but well worth it!” says Balwinda.

James’ proposal took place Wandsworth Common by the football pitches.