American photographer Zackery Michael and British model Lola McDonnell met via work some years ago, when Lola moved to New York to pursue her career Stateside. When Zackery later posted a picture he had taken of her, the creatives realised they had friends in common. It took months to get a date in the diary, owing to their busy travel schedules. So much so that when they finally met, it felt like a blind date.
The connection was instantaneous when they both turned up to a fancy restaurant dressed the same in black leather jackets and denim. They both ordered whiskey. “When Lola suggested we get the hell out of there and go shoot some pool, I think that’s when love was in the air,” says Zackery. “We pretty much haven’t really been apart since.”
The proposal took place in Tulum. Lola, who was booked on a modelling job right before they swapped the NY chill for Mexico’s heat, had no idea. “It was beautiful: a villa on the beach, with waves crashing at our feet,” shares Zackery. “Nobody had clothes on; it was perfect.” Lola says he nailed the ring: a single diamond Tiffany & Co. design dating back to 1910. “I love how classic it is, and the fact that it’s vintage and sustainable is a huge bonus for me,” she adds.
When it came to planning the wedding, the pair knew it had to be in the Cotswolds where Lola grew up and they have summered since. They booked Hilles House, a Grade II* arts and crafts venue where the late Isabella Blow lived, for 29 August 2020. Three dates later, they finally got the wedding they wanted in June this year.
One hundred and twenty guests journeyed to the rolling hills of central England to watch Zackery and Lola get married. The couple had their wedding photos taken by dear friend Tom Mitchell prior to the ceremony, so they could get the tears out of the way early and spend more time with their loved ones.
Lola wore a nude Khaite dress from Catherine Holstein’s autumn/winter 2019 collection – “when I first saw it on the runway I was obsessed” – because she knew she didn’t want a classic white wedding look. “It felt soft and pretty, yet a little rock‘n’roll, with its structure and sheerness,” explains the bride. “I also loved the vintage feel it had to it; I’ve always been about those ‘forever’ staple pieces to keep in your wardrobe. My Khaite dress will be worn again and again.” Silk lingerie from Teya Silk, nude Stuart Weitzman heels, diamanté drop earrings from a local shop in Stroud called Strangeness and Charm, and a matching sparkly Loeffler Randall completed her bridal ensemble.
