Ben & Mathilde

An Elegant Summer Wedding in Chelsea Physic Garden, London

At Rocket, we cater only a select number of weddings each year, allowing us to dedicate our full creative and culinary focus to celebrations that are truly exceptional. Ben and Mathilde’s summer wedding in London was one such occasion - a beautifully considered day defined by atmosphere, seasonality, and generous hospitality.

A Ceremony in London Followed by a Botanical Oasis

The couple began their celebrations with a ceremony at the grandeur of The London Oratory, before travelling through the city in a classic white London cab to Chelsea Physic Garden, a historic botanical oasis tucked away in the heart of London. Guests were welcomed with champagne coupes, setting the tone for an elegant yet relaxed summer wedding surrounded by lush greenery and British flora.

With Mathilde being French and Ben British, the couple wanted a celebration that reflected both their heritages. Rather than a traditional seated wedding breakfast, they opted for a more informal, flowing format, allowing guests to move freely, eat as much as they wished, and sit wherever felt comfortable.

Styling and Floral Design by Rocket

Our in-house creative team at Rocket styled the day and created the lush floral arrangements, adding thoughtful, natural touches that enhanced the garden setting. Every detail, from table styling to floral displays, was designed to create a cohesive, luxurious atmosphere that guests could enjoy throughout the day.

The Menu: Canapés and French & British Food Stalls

The reception began with a flowing canapé service, where guests mingled among the gardens while enjoying seasonal, refined bites. Highlights included tuna tartare with sriracha and lime, Cornish king crab crumpets with dill, and Earl Stonham wagyu steak tartare with crisp rösti. Plant-forward options, such as courgette parcels with wild garlic pistou and aubergine char siu, ensured every guest felt thoughtfully catered for.

For dinner, Rocket created two generous food stalls celebrating French and British culinary traditions. Guests helped themselves from abundant buffet tables: charcuterie, salmon rillettes, gruyère pithiviers and grilled onglet on the French side, alongside bridge rolls, Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, chicken pot pie, and seasonal English vegetables on the British stall. The relaxed format encouraged movement, conversation, and a sense of abundance as the sun set.

A Show-Stopping Croquembouche Ending

As evening fell, guests made their way to the stretch tent by Sail & Peg, where celebrations continued late into the night. One of the most memorable moments was two croquembouche towers, hand-assembled onsite in the Chelsea Physic Garden behind the marquee. The bride’s sister created bespoke figurines of the couple for the tops, replacing a traditional wedding cake. Guests were served fresh cream and berries during a joyful “cake cutting,” followed by the couple’s first dance.

Inside the main tent, candlelit tables encouraged guests to sit, chat, or move over to the dance floor, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere that lasted late into the night.

Captured beautifully by Alexander Stevens Photography, the day was a perfect balance of elegance and ease. A huge congratulations to Mathilde & Ben - it was a privilege to be part of such a memorable celebration.

Suppliers
Venue: Chelsea Physic Garden
Caterer: Rocket Food
Flowers: Rocket Food
Photographer: Alexander Stevens Photography
Luxury Sailcloth & Stretch Tent: Sail & Peg