HANNAH | STUDIO PORTER

In Conversation

Feb 9

Studio Porter is a London-based creative studio that offers planning, styling and coordination services for design-led weddings and intimate events across the UK.

I’m Hannah - Owner & Creative Director behind Studio Porter. It was important for me to build a business that represents romantic, contemporary-thinking couples searching for an intuitive planning yet equally thought-provoking design process when it comes to their big day. Studio Porter originated from a love of planning, creativity and bringing people together; I’m a creator, maker, storyteller and coordinator who specialises in stylish, purpose-filled occasions where considered planning and innovative design is always at the forefront.

FOR OUR RECENTLY ENGAGED BRIDES, WHERE DO THEY START?

My first piece of advice would be to take a breather, enjoy every moment of being engaged. Try not to get caught up in the crazy whirlwind of dealing with demands and questions from friends and relatives. This is your time and should be kept at your pace.

My second piece of advice is to ensure that you invest enough time to discuss exactly what it is you both want from this experience. What does your wedding mean to you? Where do you want it to be? How much is it going to cost? And who’s going to plan it? These are all questions you should be asking each other; Be honest, be truthful and be realistic. It’s important to decide and agree on your key priorities and know that unless you have a never-ending budget, compromises will have to be made.

Once you’ve spent time reading, researching, speaking to other couples, even with potential vendors and suppliers, it’s now time to start your wedding planning journey. Weddings are one of the most joyous occasions one can experience in a lifetime; A moment that reflects a couple’s devoted love for one another, their individual personalities and their most adored interests. But often the preparation process can be overwhelming, complicated and hugely time consuming. Investing in a Wedding Planner tends to be a decision that many couples seem to make once they’re halfway through the process. Having someone to hand who can provide invaluable knowledge, strategic thinking and inspired creativity ensures that you not only veer away from unwanted burdens, but that your journey is taken care of in the best possible way and your wedding day is an entirely bespoke, unique occasion that truly reflects you as a couple.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WEDDING STYLIST AND A WEDDING PLANNER?

Wedding planners have been around for some time, but a wedding stylist is someone who has only graced the industry for a handful of years. Social media has provided a huge visual impact to modern-day couples looking for a totally new take on weddings. Stylists are experts in creating visual identities through visual elements of your wedding. How a wedding looks and feels is a form of communication in which a couple can tell their story and show off what they’re all about to their guests. Where a stylist is proven to be most valuable, is by working with a couple to help define their individuals styles and can combine the tastes and loves of two different people, so that the end result feels truly personal to both. They’re there to ensure your day offers a cohesive design throughout and that your guest journey is a multi-sensory experience. They’re key to couples who feel the overall atmosphere and aesthetic of their wedding are just as important as the planning elements.

Due to the demand of more design-led weddings by modern couples, many planners now offer both planning and styling as part of their available services. Both a planner and a stylist bring a lot to the table and are ideal for couples wanting more of a comprehensive service, one that takes care of every aspect of the planning process and overall aesthetic. Planners are someone who can manage, plan and coordinate the logistics of an entire wedding, whereas a stylist acts as the creative visionary behind the overall look and feel of the day.

FOR COUPLES CONSIDERING A WEDDING PLANNER, WHAT IS THEIR ROLE?

First and foremost, we’re here to support couples in whatever way they need us to. We act as their ‘go-to’ for anything wedding related, take care of the not so fun logistical challenges that planning a wedding sometimes faces and can provide a shoulder to lean on for what can be a rollercoaster of a journey. But, it’s important to note that planner’s are in no way here to take over what is essentially, their day. We’re here to help, inspire and guide couples through this incredible adventure, ensuring that they only get to enjoy the very best bits of the process.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS FOR AMARE BRIDES?

1: Try not to rush into any decisions. It’s easy to get caught up in the process, especially when there’s added pressure from friends and relatives. Take your time and process everything with as much consideration as possible.

2: It’s also so important that you do you. There is no right or wrong, only what is best for you both as a couple. Weddings have come a long way in terms of creativity, uniqueness and entirely new experiences. Don’t be scared to throw out the rule book; Base your decisions on what truly reflects both your personalities, loves and interests.

3: Lastly, make sure to cherish and enjoy every second! You’ll be surprised as to how quick it can all pass by, especially on the big day itself. Keep it fun and keep it memorable!

WHY AMARE ADORES STUDIO PORTER

Hannah’s passionate approach to planning and styling is considered and bespoke. She cares deeply about getting to know her engaged couples and curating a unique experience, one that is personal, authentic and memorable. Her values resonate hugely with Amare, her couples love and happiness is truly at the heart of everything that she does. We are thrilled to introduce her as one of our trusted friends.