It was a classic meet-cute for actor/writer, Phoebe Batteson-Brown and Maximillian Davey when their paths crossed at The Understudy bar at London’s National Theatre in 2016, where Maximillian was working. “I saw a friend of mine from drama school, who also worked there, and asked him to come and have a drink with my friends and I when he finished his shift. When he did, he brought a tall, gorgeous man with him – Max,” Phoebe shares, “I knew he was ‘the one’ immediately.” The couple began dating and after a six-month romance, moved in together.
Fast forward to the summer of 2021 and the bride recalls feeling as if something was off. “I knew something was coming because he’s terrible at keeping secrets,” she says, “Max instructed me to pack a bag and told me we were going to be getting up at the crack of dawn the next morning. I had no idea where we were going but we got off the tube at Regent’s Park, so I thought it might be London Zoo because he knows I love animals. Suddenly we were in Regent’s Park rose garden, which was in full bloom, and he got down on one knee holding a bespoke box engraved with a bee (I love bees!). Our song, Wonderful World by Sam Cooke began playing as I opened the box to my dream ring, a custom-made nine stone diamond engagement ring. Max’s friend then emerged from behind a bush with a bottle of Champagne. He’d been discreetly taking photographs of the proposal. We then had a beautiful engagement photoshoot.”
The TV production coordinator groom-to-be had meticulously orchestrated the remainder of the day. “We commenced the celebrations at our favourite brunch spot, Balans in Soho, followed by checking into The Vintry & Mercer hotel, where we had more Champagne. Dinner was then at J Sheekey, a renowned establishment often frequented by thespians – a fitting homage, given Max was also previously an actor. We then continued the celebrations back at the rooftop bar at The Vintry & Mercer. It was a day I’ll treasure forever.”
The first task on the wedding planning agenda was choosing a venue. After visiting several locations, the couple selected the Kimpton Fitzroy London. Being born and raised in London, Phoebe and Max were resolute in their desire to wed in their beloved city. “The moment we walked into the Kimpton and saw its spectacular marble entranceway and ornate ballroom, we knew it was perfect for us. The area also holds significant sentimental value for me. My grandma grew up nearby on Judd Street in Bloomsbury during the Second World War. When I was little, she would tell me stories about the area. During the blitz she would call down to the kitchen of what was then the Russell Hotel, now Kimpton Fitzroy London, asking for cake for herself and her siblings. Max now works close by and walks past the hotel most days. Having our wedding there just made sense!”
On April 15, 2024, Phoebe made her grand entrance accompanied by her father to a string quartet rendition of La Vie en Rose – a poignant nod to the rose garden in which the proposal took place. Wearing a stunning off-shoulder Sottero & Midgley by Maggie Sottero gown, the bride exchanged personalised vows with her beloved, surrounded by 85 esteemed guests.
The newlyweds exited the ceremony to the upbeat tune of, It Must Be Love, by Madness.
Following their heartfelt “I dos,” the couple hosted a delightful cocktail hour in the hotel’s elegant Palm Court, which segued into the evening reception and festivities in the dazzling ballroom. The theme was London glamour-meets-celestial magic. “The venue speaks for itself, it’s gorgeous. We just added our touch with stars, lanterns and lots of flowers.
Our wedding cake, created by the wonderful Vaani of Sugarplum Bakes, featured three delicious tiers: chocolate sponge with salted caramel and chocolate ganache; coconut sponge with raspberry compote and rose and vanilla buttercream; and vanilla sponge with strawberries, Prosecco syrup and buttercream. It featured a moon, tiny hand-cut stars and a black velvet bow. Helping to design the cake was one of my favourite parts of the planning.”
In reflecting upon her momentous occasion, Phoebe underscored the importance of remaining true to oneself in wedding planning. “I can’t stress this enough: drown out the noise and craft the wedding you and your partner desire. Others will inevitably have their opinions, and you can’t make everybody happy, so do what you want to do.”
DRESS: Sottero & Midgley by Maggie Sottero at The Dressing Rooms Bridal
SHOES: The Rainbow Club
ENGAGEMENT RING & WEDDING BANDS: Bespoke by Arlington & Co.
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Alice at Lucent Hair & Make-Up
GROOM’S SUIT & SHOES: Hugo Boss, Hawes & Curtis
EVENT PLANNER: Occasion Queens
VENUE & CATERING: Kimpton Fitzroy London
PHOTOGRAPHER: Henry Lowther
VIDEOGRAPHER: Down The Aisle
FLORIST: Flavia Studio
CAKE: Sugar Plum Bakes
STRING QUARTET: Estilo String Quartet
BAND: Uptown Showdown with Boujee Music
PHOTOBOOTH: Absolute Booth
CANDLES: The Stables Prop Hire
