Katherine McKenna and Georgia Palmer first met at the University of Warwick as lacrosse teammates. After seven-and-a-half years together, the two unknowingly planned to propose to each other at the same time. They each designed one another’s rings in secret with Boodles, who was incredibly discreet. Georgia’s ring was actually ready first, but Katherine’s proposal travel plans were cancelled due to the pandemic, so Georgia was the first to propose.
While on a surprise trip to Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany for Katherine’s 30th birthday, Georgia proposed in the courtyard of their suite. The two celebrated with a private Michelin-star dinner in the hotel’s gardens.
Upon returning to London, Katherine arranged an intimate dinner with friends that would be their bridal party. Before guests arrived for the private evening in the Dora Carrington Room at the Charlotte Street Hotel, decorated with florals by Bloomsbury Flowers, Katherine surprised Georgia with a proposal of her own.
Once both officially engaged, the couple knew they wanted to get married at their family homes in St. Tropez and enlisted the help of GSP Events. Maria Mekhael Design with Mount Street Printers set the tone for the wedding weekend in the South of France. Holly Clark photographed all of the stunning events, while Each and Every Moment captured it all on film.
On Thursday, the two said, “I do,” in a civil ceremony in the same town hall, where Mick and Bianca Jagger wed. Katherine wore an Emilia Wickstead minidress, while Georgia had on a design from Rime Arodaky. Afterward, the mayor of St. Tropez personally congratulated the newlyweds, and they drove a Mini Moke to Katherine’s parents’ villa for an intimate lunch and sunset cruise.
The next night, everyone returned to Katherine’s family’s villa for the welcome party with ALR Music. Katherine looked beautiful in a white asymmetrical Iro dress and a Boodles diamond necklace, and Georgia chose a sleek slip from Max Mara.
For the larger wedding ceremony on Saturday, the couple wanted to wear dresses that complemented each other and knew choosing the same designer would achieve the look they were aiming for. Ultimately, Suzanne Neville’s structure and design details won them over. Katherine had a made-to-measure gown that combined an existing top and skirt for a one-of-a-kind look.
For both Katherine and Georgia, their “something borrowed” was the jewelry they wore down the aisle. Katherine wore a pair of earrings that her mom was gifted on the day she was born, and Georgia sparkled in one of Katherine’s mother’s diamond necklaces.
On the morning-of, the brides-to-be got ready with makeup artists Saskia and Christine Valerie of Kelly Dawn Bridal and hair stylists Valentina Ingrosso and Luke Pluckrose, who made them look like the best versions of themselves.
Bridesmaids complemented Katherine and Georgia in a variety of blush Jenny Yoo dresses. “We wanted the bridal party to be able to choose their own styles and colors to suit their shapes/complexion, so that they felt good,” Katherine says.
On June 4, 2022, guests gathered at another villa, owned by Katherine’s family, for the ceremony. The setting overlooked the bay of St. Tropez, and the officiant, Louise of The Ceremony Company, led a personal and touching service under a floral arch by Roni Floral Design. The couple chose three readings for selected loved ones to recite. “It was surprisingly hard to find readings we liked which didn’t mention husband and wife!” Georgia exclaims. “The readings we chose were: ‘Home’ by Imelda May, ‘I Love You Because’ by Anon, and ‘Blessing for A Marriage’ by James Dillet Freeman.”
Once announced as a married couple, the newlyweds led their guests to an incredible glass structure, crafted by PBI Event Architecture, with luxe furniture from Velvet Living for the reception. Katherine and Georgia made their grand entrance to “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole, a nod to their favorite childhood movie, The Parent Trap.
Dinner, catered by Potel et Chabot, consisted of sea bass ceviche marinated in lime with strips of zucchini and citrus, followed by stuffed poultry with ravioli and a dark chocolate dessert in the shape of a half moon with almond biscuits, kalamansi sorbet, and passionfruit and mango coulis.
After the meal, the maids of honor gave speeches, followed by Katherine and Georgia. “Neither of us could imagine not saying something on our wedding day, particularly to thank everyone for the being there,” Katherine says. Then, the two cut their larger-than-life tarte tropezienne from La Tarte Tropezienné, and the doors opened to the nightclub space for the party.
The brides had their first dance to “Speechless” by Dan + Shay and later joined the band, Inspiration Music, on stage with their siblings for a true rockstar moment. “It was a night we will never forget, and we were both on cloud 9,” Georgia shares.
The next day, everyone continued the celebration at Le 1051 beach club. The dress code was “Riviera Casual.” Katherine hit the dance floor and loungers in a Stella McCartney yellow and blue number, and Georgia wore a minidress from Alice + Olivia. Katherine exclaims: “We weren’t in our dresses for long before we were in the sea in our swimwear!”
