Samuel and Chandler’s St Ermin’s Hotel Proposal
The Story
Samuel contacted me a few weeks before he was planning to propose to his girlfriend, Chandler, at the end of their Europe trip. He wanted to leave it until the end so that she wouldn’t suspect what was coming, and it worked.
The location was set - the Crystal Ballroom at St Ermin’s Hotel in London but Sam wanted to make the proposal a touch more special so he got a violinist (Teodora) to play the violin while he was proposing.
The staff at St Ermin’s Hotel were also brilliant. A few days before the proposal, I dropped by to check out the space and determine the angles and light. On the day they were really accommodating and make sure they did everything they could so that the proposal goes well, and it did!
Samuel got Chandler to put on a dress to wear to a fancy dinner, which he said he had booked for 8:30 pm, but little did she know what was actually coming. They walked into the Ballroom while Teodora was playing the violin, dropped on one knee, and she said…yes! I then spent an hour or so with them, taking photos while I got to chat to them and get to know them and their story.
Gallery
The Venue
St. Ermin's Hotel is a luxurious and historic hotel located in the heart of central London, Westminster. St. Ermin’s blends classic elegance with a contemporary twist. It has a distinctively grand Edwardian Baroque façade, but the interiors are warm, stylish, and inviting. Think sweeping staircases, chandeliers, and ornate plasterwork, all mixed with chic modern furnishings. Built in the late 19th century, the hotel has a rich and intriguing history. During WWII, it was used by British intelligence services, and legends say MI6 and SOE operatives used it as a meeting spot. There are even rumors that Winston Churchill held secret meetings there.
St. Ermin’s is licensed for civil ceremonies, and the ambiance is straight out of a storybook—romantic staircases, flower-filled balconies, and that signature Edwardian style. The Terrace or Courtyard Garden is ideal for drinks receptions or photos. They offer tailored wedding packages with dedicated planners who handle everything from catering to flowers.
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